Academic Requirements

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

ENGLISH

 

GENRE STUDY 9*

Code: JMW102

In this course students examine all literary genres and the use of literary devices. Students apply balanced literacy strategies to core reading/writing assignments. The course includes extended text-based projects.

 

Summer reading is mandatory.

 

AMERICAN LITERATURE 10*

Code: JMW112

Students examine American Literature and are exposed to the works that have shaped American culture. A balanced approach to literacy is used for core reading/writing assignments that include response to literature, narrative account, report of information, and persuasion. Group work and oral presentations are components of this course.

 

Summer reading is mandatory.

 

BRITISH LITERATURE 11*

Code: JMW122

This course is a survey of British Literature and exposes students to the many works that demonstrate the influence of the British tradition on the world. A balanced approach to literacy is used for core reading/writing assignments that include response to literature, narrative account, report of information, and persuasion. Group work and oral presentations are components of this course.

 

Summer reading is mandatory.

 

ENGLISH 12*

 

Code: JMW132

WORLD LITERATURE 12

This course is a survey of World Literature with an emphasis on analysis and interpretation and an appreciation of Western and non-western literature. A balanced approach to literacy is used for core reading/writing assignments that include response to literature/critical analysis, persuasion, oral presentations, and the college application essay and two major research projects with reflection. The six units, six weeks each in length, and encompassing literature from all continents, will be thematic in structure: Unit 1 Government and Power, Unit 2 Justice, Unit 3 Ethics and Morality, Unit 4 The Mind, Unit 5 Colonialism and Magic Realism, Unit 6 Feminism.


Summer reading is mandatory.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD LITERATURE 12

CODE:    JWM125                 1 Unit

 

This course is offered to students who have already demonstrated grade level proficiency in English Language Arts and are interested in pursuing a rigorous course of study that is both accelerated and enriched. It is an intensive study of World Literature with an emphasis on literary criticism and an appreciation for Western and non-western literature. A balanced approach to literacy is used for core reading/writing assignments that include response to literature/critical analysis, persuasion, oral presentations, the college application essay and two major research papers with reflection. This course is geared to preparing students for the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language Arts. The six units, six weeks each in length, and encompassing literature from all continents, will be thematic in structure: Unit 1 Government and Power, Unit 2 Justice, Unit 3 Ethics and Morality, Unit 4 The Mind, Unit 5 Colonialism and Magic Realism, Unit 6 Feminism. In addition, students will study and respond to works written by great writers and thinkers through history from Plato to Nietzsche.

Summer reading is mandatory.


SOCIAL STUDIES

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY I*

Code: JMW312

 

This course is a survey of the American story starting with the 1750’s and concluding with the closing of the frontier. Students will study and analyze the important issues and events of our history during this period of time.

UNITED STATES HISTORY II*

Code: JMW322

 

This course continues the survey of the American story begun in United States History I. This course deals with those important developments that influenced the history of the United States from the Gilded Age to the present.

Standards: All Historical Thinking Standards and United States History Standards Eras 6 though 10

Prerequisite: US History I

*Students who successfully complete the more challenging criteria will receive “Advanced Standing” designations on their transcript.

 

WORLD HISTORY I


Code: JMW334  1 Unit

 

This college preparatory course requires the student to understand our past

history to 1600. Students will explain events and elements of world culture

during this period. How European influences expand to become global in nature

by 1600 is stressed, while Eastern influences will be introduced to complete the

discussion. This course is suggested for all ninth grade students before

beginning the US History program.

Standards: All Historical Thinking Standards, World History Standards for Eras 1

through 5, and 10, E1, E2, E6, G1, G2 Wt. 3

Suggested elective for students in the Public Administration Academy

 

MATHEMATICS

 

ALGEBRA I +  MATH I

Code: JMW210

Algebra I + covers all of the standards addressed in a traditional Algebra I course, plus additional material. It focuses on the conceptual aspects of mathematics with an

emphasis on mathematical ideas that are drawn from real world situations.

Hands-on activities, group work, and individual learning styles are encouraged.

Communication, reasoning and higher-order thinking are emphasized. Topics

include functions, multiple representations of linear relationships, a data study, polynomials, solving linear and non-linear equations, and solving systems of linear equations.

Standards: MNO2, MNO6, MNO7, MNO8, MFA1, MFA2, MFA3, MFA4, MDSP1, MDSP2, MDSP3, MDSP6

 

GEOMETRY + * MATH II

Code: JMW223

Geometry + covers all of the standards addressed in a traditional Geometry course, plus additional units on probability and statistics. Topics include the relationships of points, lines, planes, and space, properties of the common geometric figures (angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, polygons and spheres), congruence and similarities of geometric figures, right triangle trigonometry, area, perimeter, volume, probability, measures of central tendency, representations of data, and a data study.

Standards: MNO4, MNO6, MGM2, MGM4, MGM5, MGM6, MGM7, MGM9, MGM10, MDSP1, MDSP2, MDSP3, MDSP4, MDSP5, MDSP6

* Advanced Standing designation is available for any student enrolled in the course.  Those students will receive enhanced homework assignments and assessments reflecting an extended and deeper knowledge of the concepts.

ALGEBRA II + MATH III

Code: JMW212

Algebra II + covers all of the standards addressed in a traditional Algebra II course, plus additional material.  Topics include solving systems of linear inequalities, linear programming, polynomials, rational exponents and roots, quadratics, rational expressions, exponential equations, and logs.

Standards: MNO1, MNO4, MFA2, MFA3, MFA4

Prerequisites: Algebra I

ADVANCED STANDING PRE-CALCULUS MATH IV

Code:  JMW232

This course is offered to students who are interested in pursuing a rigorous course of study that is both accelerated and enriched. It is designed to prepare students for Calculus or as a preparation for college level mathematics. Topics include linear relations and functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, the nature of graphs, polynomial  and rational functions, trigonometric functions, graphs, identities and equations, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, and polar

coordinate topics. All topics will routinely require the use of the graphing calculator.

Standards: MFA1, MFA2, MFA3, MFA4, MGM6, MGM9, MGM10

Prerequisites: Algebra II and Geometry

Graphing Calculator Required (TI-83+ Recommended)

 

 

INTEGRATED MATHEMATICS IV

Code: JMW209

This standards-based course develops and strengthens the skills, concepts and problem solving explored in Integrated Mathematics I, II, and III. Hands-on activities, group work, and individual learning styles are encouraged. Communication, reasoning and higher-order thinking are emphasized. Topics include constant, average and variable rates of change, leading to the development of derivatives, trigonometric functions, polar coordinates and Pythagorean identities, graphical analysis of functions on the coordinate plane, normal distributions, standard deviation and margins of error.

Standards: MFA1, MFA2, MFA3, MGM6, MGM9, MGM10

Prerequisite: Integrated Mathematics III

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS

Code:  JMW233

This course is offered to students who are interested in pursuing a rigorous course of study that is both accelerated and enriched. It is a prerequisite for any extended work in mathematics, science or social sciences at the college level. Topics include lines, functions and graphs, limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, integrals and their applications, differential equations and mathematical models. Solutions will be determined and verified using the graphing calculator. This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement Exam to obtain possible college credit for Calculus.

Standards: MFA1, MFA2, MFA3, MFA4, MGM6, MGM9, MGM10

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus

Graphing Calculator Required (TI-83+ Recommended)

 

SCIENCE

 

BIOLOGY I*

 

Code: JMW403

This course is offered for the student interested in developing an appreciation of biological principles. This course examines the principles and concepts of the living world. Topics include: The Scientific Method, Ecology, Evolution/Fossil Record, Classification, the Cell, Mitosis/Meiosis, Genetics, DNA/Protein Synthesis, and Homeostasis.

 

CHEMISTRY I*

Code: JMW421

This course is designed to introduce students to principles of chemistry. Quantitative skills are promoted and lab work is an essential part of the course. Topics include: Scientific Method, Matter, Energy in Chemical Systems, Modern Atomic Theory, the Periodic Table, Chemical Formulas, Balancing Chemical Equations, the Mole, Stoichiometry, and Gas Laws.

Prerequisite: Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Code:  JMW410

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

The purpose of Physical Science is to introduce students to the concepts of

matter and energy. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual learning, with

mathematical concepts being taught based on student preparation. Topics

include:

Part a: Matter, Structure of an Atom, Periodicity, and Nuclear Reactions

Part b: Forces and Motion, Waves, Light, Sound, and Electricity and Magnetism

Standards: PS1, PS2, PS3, ESS1 Wt. 3

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY II

CODE:  JMW402

 

This course is intended for students who are seeking to further their foundation

in Biology or who want in-depth preparation for the Biology AP exam. It is

designed to be the equivalent of the General Biology Course usually taken

during the first year of college. Students should be prepared and motivated to

work at a fast pace, and devote considerable time to reading and writing

assignments. Laboratory activities are included in the course. Topics include:

Part a: Chemistry of Life, Cells, Cellular Energetics, Heredity, Molecular

Genetics, and Ecology

Part b: Evolutionary Biology, Diversity of Organisms, and Structure and Function

of Plants and Animals Wt. 4

Standards: LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS9, PS2

Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, Physics I (may be taken concurrently)

 

 

 

WORLD LANGUAGE

 

SPANISH I

Code: JMW511

In the first level of Spanish there is an introduction to the sound system, with listening and oral practice receiving major emphasis. Basic reading and writing skills are established, and a systematic approach to the structure of the language is used. Oral presentations are a course requirement.

Prerequisite: Spanish I or equivalent

 

SPANISH II

Code: JMW512

In the second level of Spanish there is a refining of skills covered in the first level of Spanish. Listening, oral practice, and basic writing are continued in order to increase the student’s command of the language. Increased emphasis is placed on cultural reading and proficiency in self-expression. Oral presentations are a course requirement.

Prerequisite: Spanish I or equivalent

 

SPANISH III

Code: JMW513

In the third level of Spanish emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of sentence structure to increase oral proficiency and writing skills as a means of self-expression. Spanish literature is introduced in order to develop skills in reading for basic understanding, analysis and interpretation. Oral presentations are a course requirement.

Prerequisite: Spanish II or equivalent

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

 

CODE:  JMW880

 

The Physical Education curriculum includes physical fitness activities, individual, dual and team sports, along with recreational and seasonal activities. Healthy competition, team work, healthy living, and physical conditioning are strongly emphasized. An Adapted Physical Education program is available for those students whose Individual Education Plans specify the need for such a class as well as for those students whose participation in the regular program is limited due to medical or physical conditions.

Health Education is incorporated into the Physical Education program for all students in grades 9 through 11. The curriculum covers environmental health, nutrition, mental health, substance abuse, human sexuality, and communicable diseases. The Health program strives to motivate students to develop good health habits and to develop positive decision making regarding their health. This program also aims to help students understand the importance of health promotion as a foundation for a healthy life.

Code: JMW880 Freshmen/Sophomore

Code: JMW881 Junior /Senior