Energy, Power & Transportation

1 credit 1 Semester

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

This is a study of the classification of and the forms of energy, sources of energy and past, present and future uses of energy. It studies the careers and educational requirements for a career in this field. Units will include the study of solar, wind and geothermal energy (inexhaustible sources) and fossil fuels and nuclear energy (exhaustible sources). Water, bio-conversion, wood, chemical and others would be included here. The students will study and use types of power systems; hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, and mechanical. Transportation systems will also be studied in this program. The major categories of highway, air, rail and water will be discussed.
308 Graphic Communications

1 credit 1 Semester

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: None

This program involves both graphic and electronic communication. Graphic communication is broken into short units in photography, offset press, and screen printing. The course work involves the history of various graphic communication systems, a study of career opportunities, the development of printing and printing procedures and the use of all printing equipment. Electronic communication will study just about everything from the Morse code through the telephone, radio, television, computers, lasers, and computer graphics to desk top publishing. A study of the careers available in this area is an important part of the unit.
321 Hot Metals

1 credit 1 Semester

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Hot Metals is a one term course that will include the study of industrial metals, their composition, their workability, and their ability to be heat treated. This course will concentrate on metals which require heat and/or fire to shape, mold, form, pour or attach them. Students will use oxy-acetylene torches to heat, bend, cut and weld steel. They will also use plasma cutters to cut steel and do fine decorative cutting. The students will learn to weld steel and aluminum using stick, wire and spool welders.

The students will also mold a sand casting and pour molten aluminum into the casting in our foundry and learn the basics of forging steel in our blacksmith area.

1 credit 1 Semester

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: None

The safe and proper use of woodworking power tools and machines is the emphasis of this course. Design and layout techniques will be learned. A series of small projects will be completed by course’s end including one wood lathe project. Course work will include: biology and life span of a tree, wood species, hard and soft woods, wood materials, U.S. forest lands, U.S. national forests, joinery, assembly, and finishing.

316/317 Principles of Technology

2 credits Year Long

Grades 10-12 Science Credit

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

This is an “Applied” Physics course. Any student who wishes to pursue any form of postsecondary education will benefit from this course. It blends an understanding of basic principles of physics and illustrations of practical applications. It will give you a firm foundation for understanding today’s and tomorrow’s technology. Students can take the course as either an elective or as a science credit. This course may be taken in sequence with Physics for a 2nd year of science credit. The topics covered are: force, work, rate, resistance, energy, power, and force transformers. In each of these seven units, the topic will be covered as related to mechanical, electrical, fluid and thermal systems. Because technology is changing the way we live, work, and play, we need to keep current and understand it, if we are to control it and use it to our advantage.
310 AutoCAD

1 credit 1 Semester

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Course content will include: Pre-design sketching skills, AutoCAD fundamentals, and design skills. Drafting topics covered will include: orthographic projection, isometric drawing, perspectives, section views and auxiliary views. Engineering principles addressed will include: Space geometry, Vector geometry, and Graphical mathematics. .
305 Finish Carpentry 2

1 credit 1 Semester

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Finish Carpentry 1

The manufacture of furniture projects is the emphasis of this course. Students will take the knowledge learned in Woodworking 1 and apply it to the completion of a term-long project. Course work will include: step-by-step design and plan of procedure, advanced joinery, mechanical fastening, and fine furniture finishes.


325 Building Trades

8 credits 2 Blocks daily-Year

Long

Grades 11-12 with Instructor

Prerequisite: 4 terms Industrial Technology (must have 1 Term Construction or Ag. Dept.’s Construction Engineering, and 2 years math at “C-” proficiency. Must be in good academic standing and on track to graduate, including Portfolio.) This course will cover all aspects of home construction: framing, plumbing, electrical, concrete work, finish work, etc. It will meet for 2 blocks of the school day throughout the entire year. Students should have a strong interest in building construction, be willing and able to work outside in all weather conditions, lift and carry construction materials, have basic knowledge of tools used in construction, and have strong safety practices. You will learn from on the Job Experiences and situations; develop and apply problem solving skills.

Student must supply their own appropriate clothing, eye protection, hard hat, and basic hand tools. Attendance is very important in this class. Students missing the class will be required to make-up time outside the school day. This program is shared with other schools in the Anamosa area. Total number of students is limited to twelve.
Project Lead The Way Introduction to Engineering Design

2 credits Year Long

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Algebra I, currently enrolled in Algebra II or Geometry

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high school level course that is appropriate for the 9^th or 10 grade students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to design process, research and analysis, team work, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project- and problem based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB-learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education.
Principles of Engineering

2 credits Year Long

Grades 10-12

Prerequisites: IED

A course that helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science, and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people. The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change.




Language Arts Courses – 8 English credits required

Do you . . .

• 
  enjoy reading and writing?
  
• 
  enjoy expressing your opinion?
  
• 
  have clear verbal and written communication skills?
  
• 
  enjoy persuading others?
  
• 
  have a creative and imaginative personality?
  
• 
  have good organizational skills?
  
• 
  enjoy the fine arts?
  
• 
  enjoy performing in plays and related performances?
  

If you have answered “yes” to more than half of these questions, this path may have a career for you!

guidance counselor to do an interest inventory.

Career

Cluster Description:

Oral and written communication skills are a necessity for future success in post-secondary education and the work place. Students of

Language Arts investigate the way in which the written and spoken language takes form, and the techniques for using it effectively. Career areas include entry-level writing, editing, research or production in the communications media.

Additional education will provide opportunities in public relations, advertising, TV and/or movie entertainment,

and publishing jobs. The ability to think clearly, interpret data, and communicate results, especially in writing will help in pursuing jobs in business, industry, and finance. People that go on to advanced studies become lawyers, professors, administrative officers, and business executives.

Full Year Course

Grade 9

Students may enroll based on standardized test results, reading level, or counselor/teacher recommendation and is taken at the same time as English I. Reading Lab is designed to serve the needs of students who struggle with reading. The goal of the course is to raise each student’s reading level and the focus will be on the reading process rather than specific content or texts. Instruction will accommodate the individual students and personal growth will be tracked; students may utilize electronic reading software. Enrollment will be limited to those who meet the criteria for the course. Students will be expected to read outside of class time. This course may not meet college admission requirements.

Full Year Course, required

Grade 9

English I is a required course. Students are introduced to high school level study of language arts—reading, writing, listening, speaking, library skills, and test taking strategies and practices. Units of study include grammar and convention skills, basic composition, drama (Romeo and Juliet), short stories, novels (13 Reasons Why and 19 Minutes). Particular attention will be given to understanding the parts of speech and vocabulary. Vocabulary will be literature-driven, as well as those found on standardized tests.

Full Year Course

Grades 9

Students may enroll based on standardized test results, reading level, or counselor/teacher recommendation. English I Honors is an accelerated English class which emphasizes analytical reading and writing. Students will have the opportunity to read poetry, novels, shorts stories, and drama. Students will write numerous literary analysis papers over class reading selections. They will also write a full-length research paper and several in-class essays.

Semester Course, required

Grade 10

Prerequisite: English 1

This course focuses upon the essentials of good communication. It stresses a mastery of writing clear, grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs. Emphasis is also given to the steps required for successful development of a five-paragraph essay. Students will be able to construct meaning from the non-fiction they read, applying skills presented in their own writing. Student writing will focus on application of the Six+1 Traits of Writing.
0352 Composition II

Semester Course, required

Grade 11

Prerequisite: Composition I

This course is designed to further develop a student’s skills in composition. It stresses correct use of conventions. The ability to utilize variety in sentence construction is a key. Emphasis is also given to the steps required for successful development of an extended five-paragraph essay. Students will be able to construct meaning from the essays, nonfiction, and research materials they read, applying skills presented in their own writing. Student writing will focus on application and extension of the Six+1 Traits of Writing.
0374 Contemporary Literature

Semester Course, required (unless on Honors path)

Grades 10

Prerequisite: English 1

Contemporary Literature offers students the opportunity to read literature generally set after World War II—To Kill A Mockingbird and Ordinary People, as well as various short stories and poetry will dominate the curriculum. The focus of the course will be how these examples of contemporary literature are reflective of our society. Students will demonstrate content knowledge through the production of writing assignments and various projects.
0367 Advanced Composition

Semester Course, replaces Comp I on Honors Path

Grade 10

Prerequisite: English 1 Honors, Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed to further develop a student’s skills in composition. It stresses correct use of conventions and analysis. The ability to utilize variety in sentence construction is a key. Emphasis is also given to the steps required for successful development of an extended five-paragraph essay. Students will be able to construct meaning from the essays, nonfiction, and research materials they read, applying skills presented in their own writing. Student writing will focus on application and extension of the Six+1 Traits of Writing.
0372 American Literature 18^th and 19^th Century:

Semester Course, literature credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

This course is an introductory survey course of American literature from the Puritans to realism. Students in this course will study how American authors have shaped our nation. The focus of the course will be literary studies, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven,” other stories and poems. Students will connect to the reading through active class discussions, writing assignments, and project creations.
0373 American Literature 20^th and 21^st Century:

Semester Course, literature credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English I Contemporary Lit, Comp I

This course is an introductory survey course of American literature from the realism movement to the present. Students in this course will study how American authors have reacted to social injustice through their writing. The focus of the course will be literary studies, such as F. Scott Fitzerald’s The Great Gatsby, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, other stories and poems. Students will connect to the reading through active class discussions, writing assignments, and project creations.
0388 Short Stories

Semester Course, Literature Credit

Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

Students in this class will read a variety of short stories. The focus of study will be on the four main elements of the short story: setting, character, plot, and theme. In addition, discussion of the stories will focus on how the story’s theme is relevant to the student’s lives. Students will also write their own short story. This course is designed for those planning on attending a junior college or vocational school, or those not planning on attending college.
6043 Dramatic Literature

Semester course, literature credit, second semester, even years (spring of 2014, 2016, etc.)

Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

Students will read various examples of dramatic literature (plays) and respond to the plays through writing, projects, and performance. The focus of the course will be understanding how literature directly relates to the reader’s life, as well as the historical period or thematic elements presented in the play.
0389 British Literature

Semester course, literature credit, second semester, even years spring of 2014, 2016, etc.)

Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

British Literature is a survey course of British Literature designed for highly motivated, college-bound students. Students read “Beowulf” (Anglo-Saxon period); Chaucer (Medieval); Shakespeare (Renaissance); and a classic novel. The chronological approach permits study of the complex history of the development of the English language. Students write analytical papers, and present oral reports.
0394 Modern Novels

Semester course, literature credit, second semester off years (spring of 2015, 2017, etc.)

Grade 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

Modern Novels is a course designed for highly motivated, college bound students. This course is designed to develop the communication skills of critical thinking through a series of reading discussions and writing assignments. Using higher level thinking skills, students will interpret modern novels (Ethan Frome, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, and others), giving the student greater understanding of the American Dream and the pursuit of it.
0369 Creative Writing

Semester course

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

This course offers students the opportunity to identify, practice, and refine their writing skills. The focus of the course is the development of the high school’s literary magazine that will consist of various writing projects completed throughout the course by Creative Writing students and submissions from students outside the course. Other class projects will include a children’s book, poetry, drama, short stories, letters, essays, and others.
0435 Media Literacy

Semester course

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English 1,

Contemporary Lit, Comp I

Students will learn about the

culture, politics, and economics of

media (music, television,

newspapers, magazines, arts,

entertainment) by examining

current events and popular culture.

The course includes units on the

culture of media in an

image-based society; the

relationship between media, law,

and ethics; media and the political

process; and a research project

studying a current media issue in

depth. Students discover how the

media contributes to the making of

the presidency and shapes public

policy surrounding controversial

issues such as war, terrorism, and

religion. Students will understand

how media can be used to promote

social justice and social

responsibility through public

engagement and empowerment.

Semester course – Will be offered opposite years as Film.

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Composition 1 & Advanced Composition

This course studies the importance and variety of the literature of African American, Native American, Asian American, and Hispanic American authors. Emphasis on themes, literary styles, and the historical and social experience of marginality on the literature.
0377 Nature and Wildlife Lit.

Semester course, literature credit,

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English 1, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

Readings in this course will focus on our natural surroundings and animals, including Into Thin Air, Never Cry Wolf, and To Build A Fire. A variety of short stories, novels, essays, poems, and novels of both fiction and nonfiction will be studied. Students will also do a combination of creative and expository writing.
0363 Speech

Semester course

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

This course is designed to provide the student with experience in the various aspects of the communications process and will include work in speech writing, listening and speaking techniques. Speech is designed to make students more effective communicators by emphasizing a variety of real-life speaking situations and building self-confidence in all of these settings.
0368 Film as Literature

Semester course – Will be offered opposite years as Minority Literature

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: English 1

Film has become literature for Americans. This class will view, discuss, and write about films and literature. Students will read short stories which inspired the films. The course will include reading, writing, and speaking while increasing the awareness of film techniques and the history and cultures that film create.
0371 Sports Literature

Semester course, literature credit

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English 1, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

This course focuses on the diverse literature of sports. The class will go from early writers in the newspapers to today’s modern prose on sports. Some works that will be incorporated will be The Natural by Bernard Malmud, “Casey Strikes Out,” and other myths of the sports field (I Am Third, Shoeless Joe, and Fear Strikes Out). Students will write three papers dealing with comparing and contrasting various works, personal histories relating to a student’s relationship with a sport, and a creative piece on the sport of the student’s choice.
0396 Introduction to Theatre:

Semester Course

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

Introduction to Theatre students will study the elements of theatre, its literature and production techniques. The craft of acting will be explored and an emphasis will be placed on scene and character analysis. Improvisation and scene work will play a major part in the course. Students are required to perform with the class as part of the semester project.


0362 Journalism

Semester Course, recommended before Yearbook or Newspaper

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: None

This course offers insight and training in actual newspaper and yearbook production prior to taking a production course. The development of basic writing skills includes, but is not limited to, stylebook proficiency, paragraph transitions, interview techniques, news writing, editorial persuasion, entertainment, and feature writing, as well as sports coverage and caption writing. Students will also learn basic photography techniques, as well as layout and design and legal issues.
0436 The Graphic Novel

Semester course, second semester odd years (spring of 2015, 2017, etc.)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I

The Graphic Novel course will explore the comics medium as a mode of communicating story using the various texts as a way to acquire, practice, and master traditional and new literacies, including visual and critical literacy. Students will consider graphic novels as literature, analyze formal structure as it relates to content, trace the development of theme, and research the history and growth of the popular culture phenomenon called comics. Students will look closely at the special effects created in sequential art narrative and further appreciate the medium by constructing a variety of graphic narratives both independently and collaboratively. Students will develop composition skills through reader-response based journal writing, critical research projects, essays of analysis, and creative writing practice with a focus on honing basic grammar skills and development of style.