Port Townsend High School

Description of Elective Courses

Grades 9-12   2004/2005

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* * FOREIGN LANGUAGE * *

SPANISH 1  (9-12) - This is an introduction to the Spanish language and the geography and culture of the Spanish speaking world.  The emphasis is on listening comprehension and speaking, but reading and writing are also practiced.  Students will learn to engage in common courtesy exchanges, ask and answer simple questions, and communicate about a variety of common school, family and community topics.   Through the study of a second language and culture, students will also come to know and understand their own culture and language better.

SPANISH 2  (10-12) -  Students continue to work on all aspects of communication in Spanish (listening, reading, speaking and writing).  The primary grammar focus is narration in the past.  Students also learn more about the geography, history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.  Spanish 1 is a prerequisite.

SPANISH 3, SPANISH 4 (10-12) – These courses review previously learned tenses and students continue to work on proficiency in all aspects of communication.  New grammar topics include the future, the conditional and the subjunctive.  These courses include more in-depth issues relating to Hispanic culture such as current events, immigration, environmental issues, history, etc.  These are often presented through literature, film, and newspapers, and include discussion and writing in Spanish.  This class is taught completely in Spanish.  Prerequisite is Spanish 2.  Five University of Washington credits for Spanish 103 are possible upon completion of this class and payment of applicable fees.  (Minimum enrollment for UW credit option is 16 students)

FRENCH 1 (9-12) - This is an introduction to the French language and the geography and culture of the French speaking world.  The emphasis is on listening comprehension and speaking, but reading and writing are also practiced.  Students will learn to engage in common courtesy exchanges, ask and answer simple questions, and communicate about a variety of common school, family and community topics.   Through the study of a second language and culture, students will also come to know and understand their own culture and language better. 

FRENCH 2 (10-12) -  Students continue to work on all aspects of communication in French (listening, reading, speaking and writing).  The primary grammar focus is narration in the past.  Students also learn more about the geography, history and culture of the French-speaking world. French 1 is a prerequisite. 

FRENCH 3 and 4 (11-12) These courses review previously learned tenses and students continue to work on proficiency in all aspects of communication.  New grammar topics include the future, the conditional and the subjunctive.   These courses include more in-depth issues relating to French culture such as current events, history, etc. These are often presented through literature, film, and newspapers, and include discussion and writing in French.   This class is taught completely in French.

French 2 is a prerequisite.

* * SCIENCE * *

SCIENCE 1- Science 1 is a full year course designed to cover basic topics in the metric system, scientific method, inorganic chemistry, electronics, magnetism, organic chemistry, respiration, photosynthesis, and ecology.

SCIENCE 2  **PREREQUISITE-SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SCIENCE 1- Science 2 is a full year course designed to build on topics previously studied in Science 1 through new topics which include geology, genetics, anatomy, Newtonian physics, environmental science and biochemistry.  This class will prepare students for further studies in living systems.

LIVING SYSTEMS **PREREQUISITE: COMPLETION OF SCIENCE 1 & 2 AT A C LEVEL OR BETTER- 

First semester:  Environmental Systems and Society.  This portion of the course will focus on the interrelationship between man and the environment.  Topics will include population, pollution, water, energy and food resources as well as endangered species and other current environmental issues.

Second semester:  Marine Biology Systems and Society.  This portion of the course will focus on marine animals and plants, oceanographic topics such as currents, tides, bathymetry and geologic processes which shape our oceans as well as the interrelationship between man and the sea.

This course is offered to mature students at a senior or junior level who have successfully completed the Science 1 and Science 2 course work (or their equivalent) or by special instructor permission.

PHYSICS (11/12) – Prerequisite: Successful completion of Science 1 and Science 2 and successful completion of two years of algebra based mathematics.  Physics is algebra based, laboratory oriented course-covering topics, which include mechanics, heat, light, electricity, and magnetism.  Algebraic solutions to problems in mechanics and electricity will be presented.  Applications to everyday pyhy6sics, materials science, theoretical physics, and how things work will be emphasized through the use of projects.

AP PHYSICS (11-12) Prerequisite: Must also be taking Pre Calculus.  Advanced Placement Physics is a class designed to introduce students to mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.  The use of pre calculus and calculus concepts will be developed as we solve kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy, and rotational motion problems.

* * MATHEMATICS * *

PRE-ALGEBRA(9th Grade) - This transition course connects middle school mathematics and high school Algebra 1.  Students will explore and practice concepts involving expressions, equations, lineal graphing, integers, and rational expressions.  Students will also continue to practice and master basic operations involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, and problem solving strategies.  No prerequisite.

ALGEBRA 1   (9-12) - This course is an integrated course including a study of algebra, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics and functions with an emphasis on algebra skills.  Students will explore and solve mathematical problems and learn to think critically, work cooperatively, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly.  Fulfills the first year university math admissions requirement.

CONCEPTUAL MATH 1(9-12) - This year-long course includes some of the same topics included in Algebra 1.  The course is designed to include review of basic math skills so that the student may progress into the discovery and learning of new math skills.  Upon successful completion of Conceptual Math 1, the student will be ready for Conceptual Math 2.

CONCEPTUAL MATH 2 (10-12) This course is the second part of the course studying topics included in Algebra 1.  Prerequisite: Conceptual Math 1.  Completion of this course fulfills the first year university math admissions requirement.

PRE-CALCULUS(11-12) Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II Trig with a C grade or better.  Pre-calculus is designed to prepare students for the study of Calculus.  Elementary functions including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric are studied.  Homework, problem solving, quizzes and tests are part of the class.  Students wishing to take this class must demonstrate excellent self-motivation and an effective ability to work independently.  Graphing calculators will be used extensively as tools and it is recommended that students purchase an approved calculator.  At times, students are expected to learn selected material without the aid if a calculator.

AP CALCULUS  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Pre-calculus with a C grade or better; or permission of instructor, counseling department, and parents.  Advanced Placement Calculus is a class designed to introduce students to differential and integral calculus.  Topics include trigonometric and exponential functions, limits, the derivative and its applications, antiderivatives, and the integral and its applications.  Homework, problem solving, quizzes, and tests are part of the class.  Students wishing to take this class must demonstrate excellent self-motivation and an effective ability to work independently.  Graphing calculators will be used extensively as tools, and it is recommended that students purchase an approved calculator.  At times, students are expected to learn selected material without the aid of a calculator.  This class will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus test in May. 

Note:  Physics and AP Physics will not be offered for 2003 and 2004.

GEOMETRY(9-12) - This course has a major emphasis on concepts of geometry including an exploration of angles line segments, parallel lines, polygons, triangles, polyhedrons, Pythagorean Theorem, area and volume.  The course also includes basic concepts in logical thinking and an introduction to the concept of proof including proving congruent and similar triangles.   Prerequisite: Successful completion (C or better) of Algebra 1 or Conceptual Math 2.  Completion of this course fulfills the second year university math admissions requirement.

ALGEBRA 2 / TRIGONOMETRY (10-12) This course reviews and advances student’s knowledge in the areas of algebra and trigonometry.  Topics include: solving systems of equations, solving second degree equations, quadratic formula, solving rational equations, simplifying complex fractions, imaginary and complex numbers, fractals, graphing conic sections, functions, probability, statistics, matrices and trigonometry.  Prerequisite: Successful completion (C or better) Geometry.  Completion of this course fulfills the third year university math admissions requirement

ACCOUNTING 1  (11-12) - 1 Year Accounting provides the process for keeping orderly records of personal and business financial activities.  Using double entry accounting, student’s plan, keeps, and analyzes financial transactions and records.  Some concepts covered include payroll, taxes, preparing financial statements, journalizing transactions, and posting to general and subsidiary ledgers.  Microsoft Excel will be used to complete some projects on the computer.  Two manual simulations will also be completed.  Student may earn EITHER an occupational credit OR a math credit for successful completion of this class.  Students may also earn 5 credits for BA101 at Peninsula College through the tech-prep program.

** ACCOUNTING 1 (11-12)  MAY ALSO BE TAKEN FOR MATH CREDIT.

* * ENGLISH * *

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS(12)  Year This class is designed as a challenging alternative to the literature-based English 12 curriculum.  Employers are demanding that their employees possess strong thinking, listening, composing, revising, editing, and speaking skills.  Students will explore workplace writing using a real-world approach.  Computers will be used to create visually pleasing documents that incorporate the fundamentals of effective communication.  Students will write for a variety of audiences, generating documents such as professional letters and memos, employment communication, instructions, and proposals.  This course is designed for students planning to attend a community college, vocational, or technical school, or students who are planning to enter the world of work after graduation.

* * SOCIAL STUDIES * *

WORLD HISTORY- ANCIENT  (10-12) Goals: In this one semester course, we will study the story of the human community from its beginnings into the 1500's.  Our purpose is three-fold:

* To track the broad outlines of the human story as it developed across the globe over the millennia.

* To examine in depth key civilizations and /or turning points, asking the questions, Who are these people? What's going on here? What difference did it make to those who came after -- and to me?

* To build good learning habits, and develop critical thinking & communications skills: reading, listening, learning, analyzing, researching, writing, and presenting.

WORLD HISTORY-MODERN  (10-12) Goals:  Same goals as first semester with an emphasis on history since the 1500's.

* * PERFORMING ARTS * *

ORCHESTRA (9-12) - Students will study orchestral music and improve their playing technique.  Music will be selected by the director.  Opportunities will exist for solo and ensemble collaboration.  School concert and community performances are required.  Previous orchestra experience is necessary.

BAND  (9-12) - Students will participate in band performances and improve their playing technique.  Music will be selected by the director.  Opportunities will exist for solo and ensemble collaboration as well as for performing in symphony orchestra. Students are required to perform at all school concerts, school activities and other events.  Previous band experience is necessary.

JAZZ BAND(9-12) - Jazz Band will study the history of jazz, rehearse and perform standard big band and contemporary fusion literature, and focus on the fundamentals of music theory and improvisation.  Registration in band or orchestra is a prerequisite and acceptance into the Jazz Band will be based on an audition during the fall.  This class meets during the zero period before school.

DRAMA  (9-12) - The objective of Drama is to develop student-actors who are comfortable onstage, can improvise on demand, get into character in a convincing manner, and can interact with other actors during a scene or a play.  Activities will involve physical movement and pantomime games, voice expression, projection, clarity, and will move into building scenes and characters.  Also, students will help with the technical aspects (lighting, sound, set) of the fall and spring productions.  Students will be required to complete out of class projects for school or community theater.

* * FINE ARTS * *

DRAWING & PAINTING(9-12) - A year-long STUDIO course designed to offer strong foundation and familiarity with the “language of art” while students explore different media and develop personal style in a safe and supportive environment.  First Semester:  Emphasis on drawing techniques, value studies, observational skills, life-drawing, still life and studio maintenance.  Graphite, pen/ink and charcoal are explored as well as collage and mixed medium.  Students are required to have a large sketchbook for out-of-class drawings, which are turned in every six weeks.  Students design a personal portfolio.  Second Semester:  Emphasis on painting, exploring color and theory in a variety of mediums:  acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, colored pencil and chalk.  Also includes guest artists, walking field trips, a trip to S. A. M., videos and slides.  Artwork will be displayed at school and in the community through The Leader Project, publications, Arts Nite and Art Wave, murals, and in conjunction with PT Film Fest.  Advanced student contracts available; mentoring and Centrum workshops encouraged.  Developing presentational skills, contest submissions and portfolio.  Six-week sketchbook entries required.  (Art fee: $50 yearly.)

FORM & FUNCTION  (9-12) - A year-long course.  The objective of this course is to learn the basics of clay construction and to make useful, decorative objects (i.e. sculpture) and also to learn the practice of studio maintenance.  First Semester:  Introduction to ceramics.  Wedging, recycling, tools, slab roller use; building techniques include coil, slab, pinch and for some, working on the potter’s wheel.  Basic glazing, underglazing, high and low firing.  All students are required to keep a small sketchbook to record size and shape of pieces, glazes and cone.  Field trips, guest speakers and independent projects are offered.  Second Semester:  Continued development of skills and experimentation with different clay, such as porcelain.  Students are encouraged to explore textural and relief effects as well as scale.  Advanced students will develop an area of concentration, unload and load the kiln, assist in mixing glazes, demonstrate technique and display their body of work.  (Art fee: $50 yearly.)

* * GRAPHIC ARTS * *

PHOTOGRAPHY (10-12 or permission of instructor) Students should have access to an adjustable 35 mm camera, or an adjustable digital camera.    There are a limited number of school cameras available for short-term check out.  This course includes basics of 35 mm and digital photography including history of photography, camera operation, photographic processing, print finishing, digital print manipulation, Photoshop technique and print analysis.   Fulfills Art or Occupational Education Requirements.  (Yearly Fee: $40)

VIDEO PRODUCTION  (10-12) Basic course in video production techniques and skills including: script writing,  pre-production planning,  lighting,  camera operation, editing, and audio for video.   Students will produce a daily news program for the high school, as well as broadcast school & community events and programming through PTTV facilities.  Students are required to participate in several after school broadcasts each semester.  (Yearly Fee: 420)

ADVANCED MEDIA 1 Year.  Requirements: Successful completion of Video Production, Photography, or by permission of instructor.  Designed for the student who is considering a media-related career post high school. Emphasis is on developing a professional portfolio in the student’s chosen field: video, photography, electronic imaging or computer animation.   Additionally the course will cover elements of media history and critical analysis of contemporary forms, business applications and media law and ethics.  (Semester Fee:  $40)

 * * BUSINESS * *

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS  (9 - 12) - Semester or Year Using IBM computers, Microsoft Office 97, and Windows 95, students will study in depth (9 weeks each) word processing (WORD), spreadsheet (EXCEL), database (ACCESS) and presentation (POWER POINT) software application programs.  This is a great course for college-bound students to help prepare presentations, reports and scholarships.  It is also good for students planning to enter the world of work or a 2-year technical program or community college after graduation to provide a solid foundation for further studies in computer software applications.  Prior experience with any of the four software programs is helpful but not required.  College credit through Peninsula College may be earned (4 credits each quarter, for a maximum of 16 credits) for the following courses: CAT130 (Word), CAT140 (Excel), CAT145 (Access), and CAT160 (Power point.)

ACCOUNTING 1(11-12) - 1 Year Accounting provides the process for keeping orderly records of personal and business financial activities.  Using double entry accounting, student’s plan, keeps, and analyzes financial transactions and records.  Some concepts covered include payroll, taxes, preparing financial statements, journalizing transactions, and posting to general and subsidiary ledgers.  Microsoft Excel will be used to complete some projects on the computer.  Two manual simulations will also be completed.  Student may earn EITHER an occupational credit OR a math credit for successful completion of this class.  Students may also earn 5 credits for BA101 at Peninsula College through the tech-prep program

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS (12)  Year This class is designed as a challenging alternative to the literature-based English 12 curriculum.  Employers are demanding that their employees possess strong thinking, listening, composing, revising, editing, and speaking skills.  Students will explore workplace writing using a real-world approach.  Computers will be used to create visually pleasing documents that incorporate the fundamentals of effective communication.  Students will write for a variety of audiences, generating documents such as professional letters and memos, employment communication, instructions, and proposals.  This course is designed for students planning to attend a community college, vocational, or technical school, or students who are planning to enter the world of work after graduation.

* * INDUSTRIAL ARTS * *

AUTOMOTIVE AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY(9-12) - A hands-on, year-long course designed to speed up logical thinking processes.  In this course, students will work through a series of problem solving activities by designing and building a number of small projects.  Students will also learn simple car care and repair, including basic dissections of an automotive engine and larger projects utilizing machining, welding  and various industry related equipment and tools.  (Fee:  $20 yearly)

CARPENTRY(9-12) - PTHS carpentry teaches woodworking and building techniques to students entering the program with a variety of skills and ability.  Students will learn and practice the safe and proper use of a variety of tools and equipment.  This class appeals to people who are motivated and love to build things.  Students have opportunities to build projects for themselves and to work on projects benefiting a wide range of community groups.  Projects can be done alone or in groups.  Carpentry is a popular and productive program at PTHS.  (Fee:  $20 yearly)

* * PHYSICAL EDUCATION * *

WEIGHT TRAINING/CONDITIONING (10-12) an active class for students who want to improve their physical fitness.  This class includes weight lifting and running.  This class will be structured and all students will be expected to follow a lifting and running schedule determined by the instructor.  Course space is limited due to weight room safety.

ADVANCED WEIGHT TRAINING(10-12) ** Permission of instructor only ** An advanced class for students who want to improve their physical fitness.  Students must have successfully completed a Port Townsend High School weight training class to be eligible for this advanced class.  In this advanced weight training class students will be allowed to work on their own individual weight-training program.

AEROBICS  (9-12) Students will improve their physical fitness by using light weight training, aerobic exercise, nutrition, and diet. The class will use a variety of activities, including plyometrics, bounding, circuit training, strength training, and regular jogging to increase fitness level.  Students can utilize class as pre-conditioning for extra-curricular activity, maintaining general fitness, or beginning conditioning.  Each student may create his or her own routine with the approval of the instructor.

* * ADDITIONAL  ELECTIVES * *

SPORTS MEDICINE(10-12) This course is designed for those students interested in entering a medical field.  It will explore the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.  Students will become proficient in first aid, human anatomy and physiology, and terms applied in the medical field.  Students should expect to spend time outside of the normal class time for practical lab experiences.  Additional credit may be earned with additional practicum hours.

SPORTS MEDICINE II  Prerequisite:  Sports Medicine I and Instructors permission.  Additional emphasis will be placed upon competent knowledge of first aid, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and treatment and rehab of injuries and conditions that occur on the athletic field.  Students will be assigned to an athletic team and will need to find job shadow in the medical field.

BOOK PUBLICATION(9-12) (Yearbook) - Offers the student a hands-on experience in book and glossy magazine design and production.  Students enrolled in Book Publications comprise the production staff of the high school yearbook.  Students learn basic techniques of page layout, copy writing, editing, proofreading, photo selection, and computer word processing and desktop publishing programs with additional experience in sales and print advertising.  Students with special interest and experience may concentrate in the areas of photography, business management of computer graphics. Advanced students are expected to assume leadership and supervision roles in editing and design.  ** PREREQUISITE: “B” OR ABOVE IN 8TH GRADE ENGLISH. **

DIVERSIFIED OCCUPATION  (10-12) Diversified Occupations is designed to help each student be gainfully employed and learn specific job related skills while attending school.  The classroom portion of the program includes the development of basic employment skills as well as development of the specific skills that relate directly to the student's place of employment.  The teacher, under the direction of the work supervisor coordinates employment.  The employment is beyond the school day, or the senior student can get a one-period early release to go to work.  The work is designed to provide a variety of on-the-job experiences.  Also, three college credits for HR120 are available through the tech-prep program at Peninsula College for students with a specified level of achievement.

JEWELRY MANUFACTURING (9-12) - (Up to two consecutive periods) - Provides students the opportunity to learn the safe use of tools and equipment in the manufacture of jewelry and a working knowledge of various jewelry materials with the emphasis on selling finished projects for profit.  Fall semester emphasizes fabrication using sheet and wire stock for silver and gold soldering, cutting gemstones on lapidary equipment and finishing techniques.  Spring semester emphasizes creation of wax patterns, which are used to make a mold into which silver, brass, or gold is melted and cast.  The product is then polished and a student made or purchased stone is set into the jewelry mounting.  Second and third year students have more freedom to explore creative design options in a separate work area, which may lead to a mentorship or apprenticeship in an operating jewelry store.  Also good background is established leading to careers in dental technology, musical instrument design, and/or creation of prosthetic devices for the handicapped. (Fee:  $20 yearly)

MENTORSHIP(11-12) *** APPLICATION REQUIRED *** The goal of the mentorship is to explore a career of interest in depth before committing to further study/training.  Students spend 75 hours with a host in the local business community for each .5 credits.  Students may identify a specific host or will work with the Mentorship Coordinator for placement.  Mentorships are done after school hours.  (.5 credits may be applied to Occupational Education.  Additional credits are Electives. )

JUNIORS & SENIORS ** MENTORSHIP APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN SEPTEMBER.  MENTORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PREREGISTRATION.

ASB LEADERSHIP CLASS  (9-12)  Students elected to either an ASB or class officer position will be assigned to the zero period, Tuesday morning Leadership class.   Class will begin at 7:00 a.m. and end prior to the start of the regular school day.  In addition to studying leadership concepts and principles, students will conduct formal ASB Student Council meetings, discuss club fundraiser requests, plan for upcoming ASB/class sponsored activities, and, upon occasion, attend workshops/meetings to facilitate interaction between other ASB Student Councils.  Failure to attend the class will constitute grounds for dismissal from office. LEADERSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PREREGISTRATION.

4/28/04