Electives

Academic Intervention/Support Program Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: Scores of Below Basic or Far Below Basic on California Standards Test Credits: 10 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: This course is designed to help students develop skills and habits needed for success in school. The course covers study skills topics such as learning styles; time management; reading techniques, note-taking; and test taking strategies.

Applied Fine Arts Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: Advisory Credits: 5 elective or fine arts credits (may be repeated for an additional 5 credits) Setting: Classroom Based Description: Applied Fine Arts may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement in Fine Arts. With the approval of the Advisory Teacher, the student designs an Applied Fine Arts proposal, based on student participation in academic quality organized fine arts on a regular basis. (This can include but is not limited to: theatrical production, performing choir, concert band, etc.). To receive credit, a student must turn in monthly documentation, including times, dates, and locations of participation. (Minimum of 60 hours earns five credits)

Art 1 Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective or fine arts credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: Art 1 may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement in Fine Arts. This beginning course provides students with the basic elements of art which include space, line, shape, value, texture, and color. The academic projects include perspective, color, composition, figure, media, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital technology. A variety of mediums are used, and art history is included to parallel the course.

Beginning Theory/Piano Keyboarding Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 5 elective or fine arts credits (may be repeated for an additional 5 credits) Setting: Classroom Based Description: Beginning Theory/Piano Keyboarding may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement in Fine Arts. This class is designed to give students the basic knowledge of music theory, and an introduction to basic piano skills. Student objectives include demonstrating knowledge of terms and concepts of music. Student will need to keep a music log and demonstrate knowledge of music. Student may be asked to do a public performance. To receive credit student must turn in monthly documentation, including times, dates, and locations of participation. (Minimum of 60 hours earns five credits)

Bible and Its Influence Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: English 9 Credits: 10 English elective credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: Students learn the importance of Bible literacy in understanding music, art, literature and history of the western world through the study of the Jewish Holy Scriptures and the Christian New Testament. The award winning textbook explains the myriad of ways the Bible has influenced great thinkers and artists through the centuries. The Bible is taught in its literary context and not promoted religiously.

Careers Class Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 5 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: This introductory course will provide students with the knowledge to learn about a variety of careers while helping them plan for the future. Students will have the opportunity to research career paths they may be interested in. They will create resumes, cover letters, and gain interview skills. This class will equip students with the fundamental tips in searching for jobs. Group projects will include ethics cases as well as mock interviews. A variety of guest speakers may attend, including but not limited to: lawyers, police, sales representatives, and more!

Child Development Grades: 9 –12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based/Independent Study This course provides an overview of the development of children from birth to adolescence. Students will explore the typical physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of children at different stages. Students will learn about the variety of career opportunities relating to children.

Clothing and Fashion Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective credits Setting: Independent Study Only This is a comprehensive course that prepares students to make informed decisions when buying and caring for clothes. They will study different aspects of the fashion industry and develop an awareness and understanding of social issues related to the fashion industry. Students will learn about career options in the fashion industry.

Computer Literacy Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 5 elective credits per semester Setting: Classroom Based Description: This is an introduction to computer application software that encompasses document processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Students will learn how to use Microsoft Office by completing projects. This course is required to fulfill the Information Technology credit requirement.

Driver Education Grades: 10 – 12 Prerequisite: 15 years of age and/or parental permission. Student must also have online access. Credits: 5 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based or Distance Learning Description: This semester course will present the rules of the road as well as the driving laws for the state of California. Students will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and attitudes essential to safe driving. A DMV “Certificate of Completion” will be issued to students earning a “C” or better for the semester.

Entrepreneurship Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 5 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: True entrepreneurship education provides opportunities for youth to master competencies related to core business operations. Students will touch on key business skills such as: marketing/advertising, accounting, finance, customer service and more. Students will have the opportunity to develop a business plan, and gain an understanding from a variety of industries. There will be hands-on projects geared toward student learning in the real world!

Food and Nutrition Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective credits Setting: Independent Study In this course students will learn how to make healthy and nutritious food decisions reflecting the most current nutrition reflecting the most current nutritional guidelines. Students will also learn how to create meals safely, prepare food, appreciate food diversity, and learn how science and technology impact food and nutrition.

Health Grade: 9 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: This course examines the three components of health: mental, physical, and social, and how they interrelate and affect one’s overall health. Topics of study include but are not limited to: self-esteem, handling emotions, managing stress, human development, nutrition, diseases, AIDS, substance abuse, first aid, and CPR.

Music Appreciation Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective or fine arts credits Setting: Classroom Based Description: Music Appreciation may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement in Fine Arts. This course is designed to develop the listener’s perception of the basic elements of music. Students will be provided with illustrations that will help them communicate how music affects their culture and others around the globe. Students will be required to do a research paper on a composer of choice.

Psychology Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 10 elective credits Setting: Classroom Based (College Prep)/Independent Study Description: This course introduces students to the main concepts, terminology, theorists, and issues in the field of psychology. Students will prepare projects, papers and posters, and will make presentations to the class. Motivated students may use the class as preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology exam or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam to earn college credit.

Typing/Keyboarding Grades: 9 – 12 Prerequisite: None Credits: 5 elective credits per semester Setting: Classroom Based Description: Students in this semester long course will gain efficient typing skills, while gaining knowledge in setting up memos, resumes, cover letters, and business letters. An emphasis will be in gaining typing speed.

Note that foreign language may be taken on Rosetta Stone but it should say ONLINE in the title. This is because the University of California only accepts online foreign language as ELECTIVES, not as a-g classes.