KS AP Art History
This course is designed to broaden students' knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within various historical and cultural contexts. In AP Art History, students identify and classify artworks from prehistory through the 20th century, formally analyze artworks by placing them in the historical context within which they were created, consider the visual traditions of the cultures that created artworks, and understand interdisciplinary and cultural influences on works of art. In addition to visual analysis, the course considers issues such as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of artworks. This course uses a textbook. Prior art training is not necessary for enrollment.
KS AP Statistics
Statistics concerns the collection, organization, and interpretation of data. In AP Statistics, students interpret the output generated by statistical software programs. This two-semester course presents the following topics, among others: organizing data, examining relationships, producing data, probability, random variables, binomial and geometric distributions, sampling distributions, and inference. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Statistics exam. Students who enroll in AP Statistics must have access to a computer equipped with software capable of doing data analysis. In addition, one of the following Texas Instruments calculators is required: TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84, TI-84+, or TI-89. Prerequisites for AP Statistics include Algebra I and Algebra II.
KS AP European History
This course surveys the social, economic, cultural, intellectual, political, and diplomatic history of modern Europe and its place in the history of the world—from the fall of Constantinople to the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Soviet Union. The course is equivalent to a college freshman or sophomore modern European history course. Students develop an understanding of the major periods, ideas, movements, trends, and themes that characterize European history from approximately 1450 to the present. They also develop the ability to analyze historical evidence and express their understanding and analysis in writing. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement European History exam.
KS AP Macroeconomics (½)
Macroeconomics is the study of how economic systems work as a whole. In this one-semester course, students learn how the economy is measured by indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), among others. They examine concepts such as inflation, unemployment, world trade patterns, and the role of the Federal Reserve Bank. Students engage in decision making to create an environment in which high employment rates and higher living standards can be achieved by using fiscal and monetary policy. Topics presented in the course include measuring economic performance; aggregate demand and aggregate supply; money, monetary policy and economic stability; monetary and fiscal policy; and international economics. This course prepares students for the AP Macroeconomics exam.
KS AP Microeconomics
Microeconomics is the study of economics on the level of individual areas of activity and how individuals make choices with limited resources. In AP Microeconomics, students examine concepts such as supply and demand, factors of production, roles of labor and management, the relationship between the environment and the economy, and the effect of government on individual decision making. Students study the stock market as an investment option and trace various stocks throughout the semester, using the Wall Street Journal and the Internet as resources. Topics presented include the nature and functions of product markets, theory of the firm, factor markets, and role of government. This course prepares students for the AP Microeconomics exam.
KS AP Psychology (½)
This one-semester course surveys the major topics in the field of psychology as well as terminology, methodology, and the historical and current understanding of human behavior and thought processes. Concepts, terminology, and research findings are presented at the level of an introductory college psychology course. Students learn how psychologists analyze human experiences and apply what they have learned. Organized in seven units, the course presents the following topics: introduction to psychology, the biological basis of behavior, human development and awareness, human cognition, human motivation and emotion, human interaction, and course review. The course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam. Prior coursework in Biology is suggested. This course uses a textbook.
KS AP Environmental Science
Students examine the natural world's interrelationships in AP Environmental Science. During this two-semester course, they identify and analyze environmental problems and their effects and evaluate the effectiveness of proposed solutions. They learn to think like environmental scientists as they make predictions based on observation, write hypotheses, design and complete field studies and experiments, and reach conclusions based on the analysis of resulting data. Students apply the concepts of environmental science to their everyday experiences, current events, and issues in science, politics, and society. The course provides opportunities for guided inquiry and student-centered learning that build critical thinking skills. Prerequisites for enrollment include two years of prior coursework in laboratory sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics).
KS Accounting
Through this course, students gain a foundation in the skills needed for college accounting courses, office work, and managing their own small businesses. This introduction to accounting gives students who have never had prior accounting training an overview of the three forms of accounting: financial, cost, and management accounting. The course helps build an appreciation for the role of accounting in managing a profitable business. Instructional material covers the basic concepts conventions, and rules of the double entry system and includes techniques for analyzing ratios from a balance sheet. The concept of ethics, integrity, confidentiality, and rigor are woven through all the units.
ES Introduction to Entrepreneurship I
In this one-semester introductory business course, students will learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur while mastering the basics of planning and launching a successful business. Whether students are interested in starting a money-making business or creating a nonprofit to help others, this course will help them develop core skills needed to be successful. Some of these core skills include learning how to come up with new business ideas, how to attract investors, how to market a business, and how to manage expenses. Students will be inspired by stories from teen entrepreneurs who have turned their ideas into reality, and will have the opportunity to plan and execute their own business ideas. Part 1 of this course covers the role of entrepreneurship in society and how to pursue entrepreneurship as a career; an introduction to economic principles related to business and industry; and an exploration of the process of starting, organizing, and promoting a new business.
ES Introduction to Entrepreneurship II
Part 2 of this course covers microeconomic concepts on how businesses strategize on sales and pricing; topics in personal finance, including how to manage personal credit; accounting, taxes, and laws that affect small businesses; the ways in which culture, globalization, and technology affect the success of an entrepreneurial venture; and positive workplace skills that students can apply on the job.
KS Creative Writing
Students create original essays, poems, and short stories in this course, which uses two textbooks and focuses on the four-step process writing model. They read professionally written forms of creative writing as models and then integrate their impressions of these works with their personal life experiences as they compose their own writing projects. Students are encouraged to write about topics they find engaging as they practice writing on the following themes: narration, definition, process analysis, cause and effect, and comparison/contrast. After students turn in each assignment, the teacher supplies detailed suggestions for revision. This feedback helps students learn how to improve their self-expression and self-editing skills.
KS Journalism (½)
In this course, students produce news stories, editorials, features, and sports articles as they learn the basics of journalism. The course uses a textbook and covers laws and ethics, freedom of the press, and the principles of journalistic writing. Students learn how to generate ideas and conduct interviews. They improve their writing skills by concentrating on properly organizing their ideas and using correct grammar and vocabulary as they compose their articles and assignments. In the process, they learn how to think critically about the main ideas, points of view and bias, validity of sources, and the relevance of the various topics they write about.
Gothic Literature: Monster Stories (1/2)
From vampires to ghosts, these frightening stories have influenced fiction writers since the 18th century. This course will focus on the major themes found in Gothic literature and demonstrate how the core writing drivers produce, for the reader, a thrilling environment. Terror versus horror, the influence of the supernatural, and descriptions of the difference between good and evil are just a few of the themes presented. By the time the students have completed this course, they will have gained an understanding of and an appreciation for the complex nature of dark fiction.
KS Music Appreciation (½)
Students receive an introduction to the elements, instrumentation, and history of music in this one-semester course. Instructional materials emphasize the significance of surroundings and time periods and how they influenced the music of the day. Students listen to and evaluate several types of music and are assessed on their comprehension through projects, presentations, and exams. After completing the course, students have the skills to identify basic musical elements, compare and contrast elements in difference musical genres, identify key musical time periods and their characteristics, identify significant composers and musicians from different time periods, describe different instrumentation in music, and develop critiques of musical pieces based on information in the course.
KS 3D Art I: Modeling (½)
This course introduces students to 3D modeling tools and concepts. Using Blender, the popular open-source 3D modeling package, students learn the basics of creating shapes, adding textures and lighting, and rendering. By the end of the course, students produce a series of increasingly sophisticated projects for their 3D portfolio. This course is suitable for students with no prior experience in 3D game design or digital media authoring tools.
3D Art II: Animation (½)
In this advanced course, students build on the skills they developed in 3D Art I to learn 3D animation techniques. Using Blender, a powerful open-source modeling tool, students master the basics of animation—rigging, bones, and movement—while learning how to apply traditional animation techniques to their 3D models.
KS Digital Photography (½)
In this one-semester course, students will learn the basics of photographic composition and lighting, develop an understanding of using a digital camera and the basics of preparing a digital darkroom. Students will also learn basic color theory and the fundamentals of image processing. Software skills are taught through practical, hands-on activities that get students involved in the learning process and help them retain the content. By the conclusion of this course, students are capable of producing their own unique and highly personalized images. This course is designed for the student who has no background in photography.
KS Image Design and Editing (½)
This course is for anyone who wants to create compelling, professional-looking graphic designs and photos. Students will learn the basics of composition, color, and layout before moving on to technical topics such as working with layers and masks, adding special effects, and effectively using typefaces to create visual impact. At the end of this course, students will have created a variety of original projects for their graphic design portfolios.
ES Digital Art I
In this one-semester introductory digital arts course, instruction will be split into two parts.
In Part 1 of this course, students will learn the seven elements of visual art: line, shape, form, color, value, space, and texture.
Part 1 highlights historical artwork, focusing on the ways in which artists have used specific elements of visual art in a variety of ways. After surveying a variety of media and art, students will use digital drawing to apply the elements of visual art in their own work. They will discover career opportunities in the design, production, display, and presentation of digital artwork. Students will respond to the artwork of others and learn how to combine artistic elements to create finished pieces that effectively communicate ideas. The course assignments in Part 1 build toward a finished still?life drawing that incorporates all seven elements of visual art.
ES Digital Art II
In Part 2 of this course, students will build on the skills and concepts learned in Part 1 to further develop a vocabulary of digital design elements. Part 2 includes a review of the skills and concepts learned in Part 1 to support the more advanced techniques described in Part 2. Students will learn about the principles of design and use them to create their own unique artwork. The principles of design include repetition, pattern, contrast, variety, movement, rhythm, proportion, balance, emphasis, dominance, unity, and harmony. By the end of Part 2, students will have created a collection of art projects for a digital design portfolio. The course assignments in Part 2 teach students how to analyze the use of principles of design in specific artwork, and then apply those principles in student work.
Visual Communications
This course will cover basic concepts of visual design and how to apply these concepts in context. Students will explore visual theories and key elements and principles of design, with en emphasis on color, typography, and layout. They will also learn how to analyze a visual design and understand visual design's role in todays society. Upon course completion, students will be able to examine basic, visual design concepts, distinguish the principles and elements of design, analyze the role of visual design in communication, and communicate effectively through visual design.
Theater, Cinema, and Film Production
Lights! Camera! Action! This course will introduce students to the basics of film and theater productions. Students will learn about the basics of lighting, sound, wardrobe, and camerawork for both film and theater settings. This course also explores the history of film and theater and their influence that they have had on society. Students will analyze and critique three influential American films, Casablanca, Singing in the Rain, and The Wizard of Oz.
KS German I
German I provides an introduction to the basics of the German language and the German-speaking world. This two-semester course has been constructed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards dictate a pedagogical method that focuses on successful communication through speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Unit topics consist of the alphabet and numbers; greetings; introductions; the calendar (days, months, and seasons); weather; time; colors; familiar objects and places; family; food; pastimes; and school objects and routine. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multimedia presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams.
KS Japanese I
Students become familiar with the fundamental concepts and constructions of the Japanese language as well as the rich and ancient world of Japanese culture in this two-semester course. Japanese I has been designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Unit topics consist of the alphabet and numbers; greetings; introductions; the calendar (days, months, and seasons); weather; time; colors; familiar objects and places; family; food; pastimes; and school objects and routine. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multimedia presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams.
KS Latin I
This two-semester course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Latin grammar. Students develop the skills necessary to translate basic sentences from Latin into English and from English into Latin, and to read simple connected passages of Latin prose and poetry. In the process, students learn how verb conjugations and noun declensions work in a highly inflected language and how to analyze the structure of Latin sentences. The course includes a cross-cultural component, introducing students to the world of ancient Rome by allowing them to acquire knowledge—through word study—of Roman institutions, practices, religious beliefs, and ideological ways of thought.
KS Mandarin Chinese I
Mandarin (Chinese) I introduces students to the study of the Chinese language. Students learn listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of world language instruction. Instructional material introduces simple grammatical concepts in innovative ways and provides practice activities with a variety of learning styles in mind. This two-semester course sprinkles culture throughout the units to help students focus on the Chinese-speaking world, its culture, people, geographical locations, and history. Unit themes include greetings, numbers, family members, school life, clothing, daily routine, shopping, and restaurant menus. The course is aligned with national ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards.
KS Nutrition and Wellness (½)
This one-semester elective course provides students with an overview of good nutrition principles that are necessary for physical and mental wellness and a long, healthy life. Instructional materials include discussions of digestion, basic nutrients, weight management, sports and fitness, and life-span nutrition. The Nutrition and Wellness course emphasizes an understanding of today's food and eating trends and gives students the capacity to intelligently evaluate all available sources of nutrition information and make informed decisions. Unit topics include a course introduction, wellness and food choices in today's world, digestion and major nutrients, and body size and weight management.
KS Forensic Science (½)
This course surveys key topics in forensic science, including the application of the scientific process to forensic analysis, procedures and principles of crime scene investigation, physical and trace evidence, and the law and courtroom procedures from the perspective of the forensic scientist. Through online lessons, virtual and hands-on labs, and analysis of fictional crime scenarios, students learn about forensic tools, technical resources, forming and testing hypotheses, proper data collection, and responsible conclusions. Prerequisites for Forensic Science are least two years of high school science including Biology (or equivalent); Chemistry is highly recommended.
ES Engineering Design I
Designers and manufacturers in virtually every industry use computer?aided design systems to create engineering design solutions. In Part 1 of this one?semester course, students will master the basics of CAD software: creating points, lines, geometric forms, isometric drawings, and 3D models. Students will learn how to translate initial concepts into functional designs and 3D walkthroughs. Students will explore career options for engineers and CAD designers.
ES Engineering Design II
In Part 2 of this course, students will continue to develop the engineering and computer?aided design skills gained in Part 1. Students will continue to explore the principles of 2D and 3D modeling and design using Creo™ Elements/Direct™ Modeling Personal Edition, and build on the math and reasoning skills essential to engineering. The hands?on experience students will gain through completing design challenges, product analyses, and more will equip them with the tools engineers need to succeed. This course includes instructions on how to create standardized drawings using basic CAD tools; interpret 3D and 2D views of objects; produce orthographic, auxiliary, and section drawings; create a set of working drawings meant to be viewed by clients; manipulate both 2D and 3D objects in a 3D environment; perform in?depth product analysis; and dimension objects. This course also covers an overview of the design process and the mathematical skills used in 2D and 3D geometry.
ES Green Design and Technology
This course will examine the impact of human activities on sustainability while exploring the basic principles and technologies that support sustainable design. Students will learn about the potential for emerging energy technologies, such as water, wind, and solar power. Students will find out how today’s businesses are adapting to the increased demand for sustainable products and services. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of this fast?growing field. This course includes lessons on green design and sustainability; systems thinking; how to calculate carbon, water, and ecological footprints; life?cycle analysis and cradle?to?cradle design; deforestation, habitat loss, and species extinction; landfills and waste management; sustainable and unsustainable agriculture practices; and economics and the environment.
ES Medical Terminology
This semester-long course introduces students to the structure of medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, and singular and plural forms, plus medical abbreviations and acronyms. The course allows students to achieve comprehension of medical vocabulary appropriate to healthcare settings, medical procedures, pharmacology, human anatomy and physiology, and pathology. The knowledge and skills gained in this course will provide students entering the healthcare field with a deeper understanding of the application of the language of health and medicine. Students are introduced to these skills through direct instruction, interactive tasks, and practice assignments.
KS Anthropology (½)
Anthropologists research the characteristics and origins of the cultural, social, and physical development of humans and consider why some cultures change and others come to an end. In this course, students are introduced to the five main branches of anthropology: physical, cultural, linguistic, social, and archeological. Through instruction and their own investigation and analysis, students explore these topics, considering their relationship to other social sciences such as history, geography, sociology, economics, political science, and psychology. Emulating professional anthropologists, students apply their knowledge and observational skills to the real-life study of cultures in the United States and around the world. The content in this course meets or exceeds the standards of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).
KS Contemporary World Issues
Students analyze governments, economies, peoples, and cultures from around the world in this course. Instruction emphasizes the structures and policies of the United States and how they compare to other systems in the international community. Students apply critical thinking and research skills to examine current events and contemporary issues, including human rights, the strengths and weaknesses of globalization, America's role in the international economy, the severe environmental threats facing many regions around the world today, how religion is often used to facilitate and justify violence, and America's "War on Terror" and its impact on the Middle East and Islamic culture
African-American History
Tracing the accomplishments and obstacles of African Americans from the slave trade, through emancipation, to the modern African diaspora, students will learn about the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural factors that have influenced African American life.
National Security
In this course, you will learn the critical elements of this very important career, such as evaluating satellite information, analyzing training procedures, assessing military engagement, and preparing intelligence reports. In addition, you will gain a better understanding of appropriate responses to security threats and how best to coordinate information with other agencies.
KS AP Computer Science
AP Computer Science A is the equivalent of a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. Students enrolling in AP Computer Science A should have knowledge of mathematics at the Algebra II level as well as some previous programming experience, a basic understanding of networks, and knowledge of the responsible use of computer systems (including system reliability, privacy, legal issues, intellectual property, and the social and ethical ramifications of computer use). To take this course, students need regular access to a computer system with recent technology.
KS Game Design (½)
Game Design introduces students to the basic skills necessary for game design. Instructional materials highlight the various games in the industry and analyze their approach in terms of design and development. Students explore both the artistic and technical processes of developing game elements such as story, levels, sound, and user interfaces. They merge all these elements into a functional prototype to demonstrate their understanding of the game design process. Unit topics in this one-semester course include history, player elements, genres, elements of game play, setting platform, game generations, and player modes. The following software is required for this course: Blender (freeware), TrackMania Nations (freeware), and Multimedia Fusion Developer (demo).
KS Web Design (½)
This one-semester course introduces students to the mechanics and elements of web design and HTML, the concepts of planning and organizing websites, and the documentation and copyright issues associated with website design. Students engage in a variety of project-based assessments to evaluate their understanding and progress. After completing the course, students are able to understand the planning and organization of a website, the elements of design and HTML, and the copyright and fair use doctrines that apply to website creation. Students also learn how to use a WYSIWIG editor and other online tools to create a website. The NVu software package is required for this course.
ES Audio Engineering
This semester long course introduces students to audio engineering. Students learn about the physics of sound, as well as techniques for protecting hearing while working with audio. Students will learn about the history of recording technologies, as well as techniques for evaluating audio hardware, such as microphones and speakers. Students will also learn about the four stages of professional music recording projects: recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. Using Audacity, an open?source recording and mixing program, students will practice the techniques used by sound engineers to produce multitrack recordings. Students learn about the difference between proprietary, open source, and free software licenses, as well as the most popular Digital Audio Workspace software used in the profession. Students will also learn about intellectual property issues involving audio, particularly when using other people’s music. Through a series of engaging hands?on projects, students will learn the fundamental concepts of audio engineering. A series of interviews with professional audio engineers will give students a sense of the opportunities and requirements for pursuing careers in the field.