English

Language Explorations 7 - This course will teach and reinforce language skills for students in transition to Upper School. Through an assortment of readings, students will explore the use of written and oral language in recording the histories, discoveries, ruminations, and artistic expressions of peoples across the globe. Exercises, interviews, games, and formal presentations will emphasize critical thinking, creative and effective writing, and confident and competent speech practices. (LE 7)

English 7 - This course stresses grammar, literature, vocabulary, and composition. Students are introduced to various genres of literature in the study of novels, plays, short stories, and poetry. Grammatical skills are emphasized in theory and application. The focus for composition is structure, development, and variety in paragraph writing. Basic research skills and MLA citation are introduced. (EN 7)

English 8 - This course focuses on grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition. Students continue their practice in basic research skills and begin to develop structured essays emphasizing critical thinking. A major emphasis is mastery of grammatical skills and their application in composition. Literature includes continued study in various genres. (EN 8)

English 9 CP - This course focuses on grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition. Students study literature of various genres. The development of the extended essay is stressed in composition. (EN 9CP)

English 9 Honors - This honors level course offers an accelerated study of grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition. Students pursue an in-depth study of literature. Writing skills are emphasized in the development of the extended essay. (EN 9H)

English 10 CP - This course takes a comprehensive look at grammar with emphasis placed on applying the students' study of grammar in writing. Emphasis in composition is on the personal narrative essay, the formal essay of literary analysis, and creative writing in other genres. An individual writing portfolio is begun and vocabulary development is continued. Various genres in American literature provide material for critical reading and writing. (EN 10CP)

English 10 Honors - This accelerated course takes a comprehensive view of grammar and stresses the application of grammar in writing. Emphasis in composition is on the personal narrative essay, the formal essay of literary analysis, and creative writing in other genres. An individual writing portfolio is begun and vocabulary development is continued. The honors level offers a more in-depth and expansive look at the various genres in American literature. (EN 10H)

English 11 CP - This course presents a chronological study of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon Age through the Elizabethan Age. Students read major selections from each period. This course also includes a review of basic grammar and writing skills. Development of the individual portfolio includes expository essays and a required formal research paper during the third quarter. (EN 11CP)

English 11 Honors - This advanced course presents a chronological study of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon Age through the 17th Century Age. Students read major sections from each genre. Vocabulary study and student essays are based on the selected reading. The development of the individual portfolio includes several expository essays and a required formal research paper during the third quarter. (EN 11H)

AP English Language & Composition - This advanced course presents a chronological study of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon Age through the Modern Age. Students read and analyze major selections from each genre. Essays will be assigned on selected reading with emphasis on nonfiction. The development of the individual portfolio includes several expository essays and a required formal research paper on a literary topic. Emphasis is placed on preparation for the required English Language and Composition AP test given in May. (EN 11AP)

English 12 CP - This course consists of surveys of British, American, and World literature, and composition. Students complete a survey of major works in each unit with an emphasis on reading comprehension and vocabulary. The composition unit is an introduction to college essay writing, including personal narrative, comparison/contrast, and persuasive papers. A research paper on a literary topic is required in the third quarter. (EN 12CP)

English 12 Honors - Senior honors students complete courses in British, American, and World literature and composition. Students read works in each genre; vocabulary and essay assignments are based on works read. The composition unit is an introduction to college essay writing, including personal narrative, comparison/contrast, and persuasive papers. A research paper on a literary topic is required in the second semester. (EN 12H)

English 12 AP - Advanced Placement English for seniors consists of surveys of British, American, and World literature. Students read major works in each genre and respond with analytical essays. In addition, composition introduces college essay writing, including personal narrative, comparison/contrast, and persuasive papers. A research paper on a literary topic is required in the second semester. AP students also read and write extensively in preparation for the AP Literature and Composition Exam in May. (EN 12AP)

Teacher selected novels are assigned for summer reading in all English courses.

Writing Lab - Practice is to writing what location is to real estate. In this workshop-style class, students study and imitate writers in a variety of genre: journalism, copywriting, poetry, short story narrative, and essay. Supplementing the compositions of required English courses, in-class assignments will encourage adventurous thought and use of language while helping students recognize and avoid their own writing traps. Each student will complete a writing portfolio of original works, and the class will assemble a booklet of creative writing. (WL CP)

Communications - Communications will explore our world both locally and globally, focusing on real-time issues and events. Additionally, the course will examine how these events are covered and interpreted by various media outlets. Specific topics will be developed in conjunction with the students according to their interests and concerns.

This semester course will develop a variety of skills. Students will be expected to express themselves in various ways: the argumentative essay, formal and informal debate, and public speaking. Multimedia tools will be utilized by students to enhance their means of expression. Students will be required to use efficient time management skills and to exhibit the ability to work independently. Research plays an important role in the course; traditional and electronic sources, as well as interviewing and solicitation of materials from international, national, and non-governmental sources are all used to gather information. (CM CP)

History

Geography - In this class the focus will be world geography,specifically the location of countries, governmental systems, and regional and global issues affecting each region. The cultural geography of world regions will be studied specifically through the impact of religion and environment on the way of life of the people. Units on comparative governments and world religions will receive special attention. Also, the development and implementation of the American government will be studied closely. Since the world is now so connected, students will learn about the relationship of the United States to other countries and what global issues affect everyone. (GY)

World History I - This course is a study of the continuity of human experience from the beginning of time through the rise of Western cultures. It covers the change, growth, and development of different world cultures to the Renaissance. Current events will be emphasized. (WH I)

World History II - This course completes the study of world history beginning with the European Renaissance through the present. The study of current events is an integral part of the course. (WHII CP)

U.S. History CP - This course surveys America's colonial period to contemporary times. Students are expected to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the major political, social, cultural, economic, and diplomatic themes of American history. Through the study of current events students gain an understanding of the relevance of the past to their daily lives. Research skills are emphasized. (US CP)

U.S. History AP - This college-level survey course is geared specifically toward the Advanced Placement United States History Test. It covers American history from the earliest known records to the present, with special attention to social and political trends, themes, and movements. Extensive reading, including assigned summer reading, and weekly written assignments are required. Class discussion and debate are essential; analytical skills, therefore, are stressed. Tests modeled after the AP test are administered regularly, and review sessions are scheduled as needed, particularly during the second semester. (US II AP)

20th Century - Learning history is much more than simply memorizing facts. It is also discovering relationships, interpreting evidence, and connecting past to present. This course puts students on the battlefield, in the unemployment line, and at the shuttle launch. Students become participants in, not just spectators of, our history. (20C CP)

American Government - This semester course examines in depth the current American political system on the local and national level. Attention is directed to study of the Constitution and the respective branches of government. Essay writing and critical thinking skills are broadened. (GV CP)

Economics - Usually paired with Government, this course introduces the various economic systems and theories with an in-depth analysis of America's free enterprise system. It provides the students a broad introduction to the study of macroeconomics with an emphasis on contemporary problems and consumer economics. (EC CP)

Psychology - This elective introduces students to such areas as biophysical, cognitive, and abnormal. Students are challenged to relate psychological concepts to their own lives and to evaluate various methods of research. (PY CP)

European History AP - This advanced college level survey course for juniors and seniors is a survey of European history from the Renaissance to the present with emphasis upon major political, economic, social, and cultural trends. Students have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and essay writing skills while preparing for the College Board Advanced Placement exam in the spring. (EH AP)

Mathematics

Math 7 - Prerequisite: MA 6 - This course requires students to review and polish computational skills, with emphasis on fractions, decimals, and percents. Beginning concepts in geometry, algebra, graphing, and integers are introduced. (MA 7)

Pre-Algebra - Prerequisite: Upper level MA 6 or MA 7 - This course is designed to bridge the gap between computational mathematics and abstract thought. Content focuses on a comprehensive study of the number system and introduces beginning algebraic concepts and techniques. (PA 7/PA 8)

Algebra I CP - Prerequisite: PA - This is a course in fundamental algebraic concepts. Primary emphasis is placed on working with real numbers, solving and graphing linear open sentences, simplifying rational expressions, and solving quadratic equations. Applications should be integrated into all topics. (ALI CP)

Algebra I Honors - Prerequisite: PA - This is a more intense study of Algebra I. Irrational numbers are introduced and more challenging problems are assigned. (ALI H)

Geometry CP - Prerequisite: AL I - The basis of this course is traditional Euclidean geometry with emphasis on logical thinking, proof writing, and algebraic applications. Right triangle trigonometry is also introduced. (GE CP)

Geometry Honors - Prerequisite: AL I - This honors class offers a more intense study of the traditional Euclidean geometry. Emphasis is given to more difficult problems involving several concepts. Plane coordinate geometry is also included. (GE H)

Algebra II CP - Prerequisite: Algebra I - This course is a continuation of subject matter introduced in Algebra I. It covers standard Algebra II topics such as the quadratic formula, sequences and series, irrational and complex numbers, and determinants. Emphasis is on the application of algebraic concepts and deductive reasoning to problems of increasing difficulty. (AL II CP)

Algebra II Honors - Prerequisite: Algebra I - As a more in-depth and intense study of Algebra II, this course includes polynomial functions, quadratic relations and systems, exponents, and logarithms. Problem solving is emphasized. (AL II H)

Advanced Algebra/Trig - Prerequisite: Algebra II - This course is designed to prepare students for successful work in college mathematics. The first semester includes advanced algebra topics including functions, conics, permutations and combinations, logarithms, rational exponents, the binomial theorem, and matrices. The second semester consists of a thorough study of circular and trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, and vectors. (AA/TR CP)

Trigonometry/Analysis Honors - Prerequisite: Algebra II -This honors trigonometry class is a continuation of Honors Algebra II. It includes statistics and an intense study of the topics introduced in Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry. The course concludes with introductory work in analysis and differential calculus. (TR/AN H)

Pre-Calculus - Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra/Trig or Honors Trig - This course provides a thorough preparation for the study of calculus, discrete mathematics, and other related courses. Traditional topics from college algebra, trigonometry and analysis are included. Theory is emphasized. (PC CP)

CP Calculus - Prerequisite: Honors Trig or Pre-Calculus - Topics include the limit of a function; the derivative of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and the definite integral. Applications of the derivative are covered in detail, including approximations of error using differentials, maxima and minima problems, and curve sketching using calculus. There is also a brief review of selected pre-calculus topics at the beginning of the course. (CA CP)

AP Calculus AB - Prerequisite: Honors Trigonometry/Analysis - This course covers the topics listed in the Calculus AB syllabus by the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Topics include limits along with calculation and applications of derivatives and integrals. The Advanced Placement exam is required in the spring. (CAAB AP)

Science

Life Science - This course is designed to provide students with an introductory background in the most basic areas of biology and to promote interest for future study on the upper school level. Students are exposed to the equipment and procedures involved in lab investigation. (LS 7)

Earth Science - Students are introduced to the vocabulary and concepts involved in astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and paleontology. Participation in demonstrations and activities promotes understanding of these concepts. Students gain a better understanding of current events and an appreciation of the complexity of the earth's environment. (ES 8)

Biology - The biology program is designed to provide students with a solid background in preparation for freshman level college biology. With the major emphasis on molecular biology, the students gain experience in lab procedures and the use of lab equipment as they participate in units covering cytology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, botany, and zoology. (BI CP)

Anatomy & Physiology - This advanced course provides students with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. All organ systems are covered. Speakers from the medical field, animal dissections, and discussions of current health issues make up a large part of class time. (A/P CP)

Chemistry I - The curriculum for this course, which roughly parallels that of freshman level college chemistry, introduces the students to the fundamental principles of chemistry. The major emphasis is on problem solving techniques using moles. Significant time is spent in the laboratory learning basic qualitative and quantitative techniques. (CHI CP)

Organic Chemistry II Honors - This is an organic chemistry course taught from a college textbook. Major emphasis is placed on nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and laboratory skills. Approximately 40% of class time is allotted to lab work. (CHII H)

Physics Honors - This course includes the traditional physics curriculum with heavy emphasis on equation derivations and problem solving techniques. Approximately 15% of the class time is spent in the laboratory. The study of physics has proven especially helpful to students who are science/engineering oriented. (PH H)

Physical Science - This course will be 3/4 physics and 1/4 chemistry and will cover measurement, mechanics, matter, chemical bonding, heat, wave energy, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear energy. Approximately 15% of the time will be spent in the laboratory. This course is designed for seniors who did not enroll in physics. (PS CP)

Foreign Language

Language Foundations - This one semester course is designed to formally introduce 8th grade students to foreign language study. After a brief discussion of the benefits of studying a foreign language and an overview of the releationship of English with other languages, especially those studied at Houston Academy, students spend most fo the first quarter studying Latin. In the second quarter, students study Spanish and French, thereby allowing them to make an informed decision concerning their choice of a foreign language program in grades 9-12. (LF 8)

French I - Students are introduced to the French language and culture worldwide as they develop basic listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classroom activities, audio-visual programs, and textbook/workbook exercises provide basic vocabulary and grammar acquisition and allow expression in simple sentence strucctures using present, near future, and past tenses. The students will be invited to participate in extra-curricular cultural opportunities as they arise. (FRI CP)

French II - Students continue to study French culture as they review and expand on vocabulary and grammatical structures studied in French I. This course places increased emphasis on developing speaking and writing skills as proficiency in listening and reading comprehension improves. Through classroom activities, audio-visual programs, and textbook/workbook exercises, students learn more complex sentence strucctures using past, present, and future tenses. They begin the study of the conditional and subjunctive moods. The students will be invited to participate in extra-curricular cultural opportunities as they arise. (FRII CP)

French III CP - Students continue to study Francophone culture as they refine the speaking, writing, listening, and reading comprehension skills previously acquired. Students learn complex sentence structures using all tenses and moods, including the subjunctive and the simple past. Videos develop listening and speaking skills while short stories enhance vocabulary and reinforce grammar while offering insight into Francophone culture. A significant emphasis is placed on writing paragraphs and essays. The students will be invited to participate in extra-curricular cultural opportunities as they arise. (FRIII CP)

French III H - This honors level course moves at an accelerated pace and a more in depth study of grammar, vocabulary, literature, and culture. Conversation and composition skills are empahasized through oral presentations and essays. The art of translation is introduced. Supplementary videos, audio cassettes, and Francophone websites are used extensively. The students will be invited to participate in extra-curricular cultural opportunities as they arise. (FRIII H)

Advanced French Conversation H - This Honors level course focuses on the speaking and listening comprehension skills necessary for conversing in French. Following Yale University's French in Action program, students will practice the grammatical structures, vocabulary, and verbal expressions introduced as well as discuss the story presented. Classroom participation in both paired practice and group conversations is essential. Advanced French Conversation students will be invited to participatre in extra-curricular cultural opportunities as they arise. (AFC)

AP French Language - Students prepare for the Advanced Placement examination in French Language. They study vocabulary topics in breadth as well as depth and master French grammar. Concentrated is focused on perfecting the four language skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing through extensive practice, both in class and at home. A college-level grammar test, the AP text, cultural readings, videos, and cassettes with dialogues are used as instructional materials. The students will be invited to participate in extra-curricular cultural opportunities as they arise. (FRIV AP)

Latin I - This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of Latin, including most noun and adjective declensions, verb conjugations (except subjunctives and participles), and basic syntax. The class focuses on analysis and identification of Latin word forms and their translation into English. (LAI CP)

Latin II - This course completes the study of Latin fundamentals including the rest of the noun, pronoun, adjective declensions, and the subjunctive verb mood and its uses. It also focuses on difficult grammatical construction, irregular forms, and complex sentences. Emphasis is placed on analysis of forms and understanding of syntax. (LAII CP)

Latin III CP - The course focuses on translation of Roman authors with a review of forms and an emphasis on forms, understanding of syntax, and technically proficient translation. Authors include Livy and others. (LAIII CP)

Latin III H - This course offers more translation, Cicero, and other authors as offered in the textbook. It covers the same basic material as Latin III CP, but at a faster rate. It includes more supplemental material and more advanced grammatical structures like conditionals. (LAIII H)

Latin IV H - Prerequisite: at least a B in Latin III - The students survey Latin literature by reading texts in Latin as well as in translation. Possible authors include Vergil, Cicero, Caesar, Sallust, Cattulus, and Ovid. Translations of works of these and other authors, historical background, literary and rhetorical devices are also studied. This course should give the students a general feel for Latin literature and its influence on later literature. (LAIV H)

AP Latin Vergil - The AP Latin class prepares the student for the AP Latin exam given at the end of the year. The class is intensive, focusing exclusively on materials covered in the exam. (LAIV AP)

Latin V - The prerequisite for this independent study is at least Latin IV with a B- overall average and permission of the administration and instructor. This class will focus on an in-depth study of a particular author or authors of interest to the student. (LAV IS)

Spanish I - Students are introduced to the Spanish language and culture and the development of basic listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classroom activities, audio-visual programs, and textbook exercises provide basic vocabulary acquisition and allow expression in the present tense indicative mood, the immediate future tense, and the preterite tense. (SPI CP)

Spanish II - Students continue to study Hispanic culture, and they review and expand on vocabulary and grammatical structures studied in Spanish I. This course places increased emphasis on developing speaking and writing skills as proficiency in listening and reading comprehension improves. Students learn more complex sentence structures using past, present, conditional, and future tenses, and they begin the study of the subjunctive mood. (SPII CP)

Spanish III CP - Students continue to study Hispanic culture as they refine the speaking, writing, listening, and reading comprehension skills previously acquired. Students learn complex sentence structures using all tenses and moods, including the subjunctive. Short literary and cultural readings provide insight into understanding other people. Two condensed novels are read and discussed during the fourth quarter. (SPIII CP)

Spanish III H - This honors level course offers an accelerated study of grammar, vocabulary, literature, and culture. Conversation and composition skills are emphasized through oral presentations and bi-weekly essays. (SPIII H)

AP Spanish Language - Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language. Students study vocabulary topics in breadth as well as depth and master advanced Spanish grammar. Concentration is focused on perfecting the four language skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing through extensive practice, both in class and at home. A college level grammar text, the AP text, cultural readings, videos, and cassettes with dialogues are used as instructional materials. Students are required to read a novel the summer prior to taking the course. (SPIV AP)

Computer

Microcomputer - This semester course includes instruction in Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft PowerPoint. The basics of both Windows and Word are reviewed and more advanced features of each are covered including the use of system tools, the creation of tables, multiple page term papers with headers, outlines, and work cited pages, and the use of macros, mail merging, and automatic page numbering. Students will review the basics of PowerPoint before covering the more advanced features of the program: inserting movies and sounds, adding web page links, and inserting charts. Additionally, students will create and manipulate images using a scanner and digital camera and optimize digital images on the computer using Adobe Photoshop. (MI)

Web Page - Prerequisite: Microcomputer - Students learn to create and maintain web pages using web page development software and HTML scripting. They will review Photoshop basics and cover advanced topics. They will also learn to create "Photo Movies" using Adobe Flash. Students will create personal web pages as well as maintain the school's web page. Students will master the use of multimedia equipment such as scanners and digital cameras. (WP)

Computer Programming - Prerequisite: Microcomputer - This course teaches basic programming skills using the Java language. Other topics covered are computer history, flow charting, binary, and hexadecimal number systems. (CP CP)

AP Computer Science - Prerequisite: Microcomputer/Computer Programming CP - This programming course, a continuation of the Computer Programming course, teaches both basic and advanced programming skills using the Java Language. The AP Exam is required.(CP AP)

Fine Arts

Cultural Art 7 - This course is a studio study of the cultural arts of the world. Students are introduced to primitive arts, ancient art, contemporary art, and the fine art of Europe through the use of corresponding methods and materials and recreating the techniques in original works. (AR 7)

Art 8 - This semester elective is a studio class that offers lessons in drawing techniques in three media, painting techniques in two media, two lessons in 3-D design, and two lessons in printmaking. (AR 8)

Art History - A fast-paced, one semester survey class that begins with the art of Ancient Egypt and continues through Art of the 20th Century. This class will include a few small hands-on experiences, field trips, videos, and use of the computer lab for virtual tours of museum works. (AH CP)

Art (Level I) - A basic studio class that provides an introduction to a variety of media for lessons in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking. A brief study of master works and architecture will be incorporated into the class. (AR CP)

Advanced Art (Levels II, III, & IV) - The advanced level studio classes are designed to strengthen the students' ability to work independently; to generate original art with an understanding of artistic integrity; to develop mastery in skills of drawing fundamentals; and to apply design principles. Students may be required to prepare for some assignments outside of class. Writing assignments will parallel the art production and at least one major museum visit will be offered. Students must be recommended by the instructor for Art III and IV level classes. (AdA CP)

AP Studio Art - Studio Art will be offered to juniors who have completed two years of Upper School art classes. Students will have to complete assignments that meet the criteria set in the AP Studio guideline which includes preparing a portfolio comprised of 12 slides that reflect a fundamental competence in visual concerns and creativity; 12 slides that attest the student's grounding in visual principles and material technique; 5 works that demonstrate a synthesis of form, technique, and content. The portfolio will be due May 1 and must be mailed to an AP Art Panel for judging. A fee is required. AP Studio Art is the only AP course that allows a student to work toward development of a portfolio for more than one academic year. As stated in the AP Studio Guideline students are expected to research art history, art styles, and a wide variety of art mediums. Outside reading and assignment preparation will be required.

Speech - This semester elective teaches the tools of effective communication through spoken language. Students learn and practice skills in posture, vocal control, articulation, and dramatic expression through many classroom and occasional audience presentations. Moving from simple introductions to formal debate, the course is designed to help students realize the power of effective speech. (SH CP)

Drama Explorations - This semester class, based on the Drama CP structure, is designed for 8th graders. (DEX)

Introduction to Drama - There's more to theatre than acting, and there's more to this class than emoting on stage. For a semester students will explore the various facets of theatrical production, from selecting a play to critiquing a production. Various experts will teach and demonstrate the principles of blocking action, applying stage makeup, building and dressing sets, and running sound equipment. The class will take several field trips, occasionaly during the evening, to observe auditions, rehearsals, and productions. A culminating performance will showcase students' achievements in all areas. (DR CP)

Chorus - The Chorus is a performance based group. Classes are designed to give the students knowledge in vocal technique and mechanics, music reading, music history, and performance practice. Students perform at various choral programs as well as District Festival, All State Solo and Ensemble Festival, and Peanut Festival Choral Competition. (CS)

Band - The Band is a performance based group. Students will receive group instruction on the standard band instruments. Students must obtain their own instrument and method book upon approval of the director. Larger instruments and sheet music will be provided by the school. During the first semester the band will play at all football games and will end the semester with a Christmas concert. During the second semester the band will perform at District Festival, All State Festival, Solo and Ensemble Festival and will end the semester with a spring concert. Other performances may be scheduled throughout the school year. (BD)

Music Exploration - In this semester course, music appreciation, theory, and history will be explored in many different means. Students will begin to understand music and its role and importance in our lives. They will learn to identify and discuss the instruments of the typical orchestra and band, and obtain knowledge of the timeline and events of music history through discussion and identification of listening examples. Students will be evaluated by written examination, identification and discussion throughout the semester, ending with a cumulative final examination. (ME)

Television Broadcast - Television Broadcast provides insight into the basics of television production including writing, scripting, and reporting. The student will learn production skills including camera operation, directing, audio, and on-camera talent. (TB)

Physical Education

Physical Education - Classes are designed to teach students the basic skills in both team and individual sports. Learning teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as the rules of each sport, is an integral part of the program. Weight training is included as a vital part of the class. (PE)

Varsity Athletics - The varsity athletic class is designed to help our athletes reach their full athletic potential. Coaches incorporate activities to help improve agility, speed, and strength to enable our athletes to become the best that they can be. (VA)