HSADV Course Selection 201617

Physics
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry Credit: 1.0
Physics as the most basic of all sciences, introduces the nature of basic things around us such as matter, energy, heat, motion,
forces, light and sound. This course has been designed to teach the laws of nature in their simplicity, and problem solving skills
corresponding to both in ideal and real world situations. The course of physics is integrated with very basic mathematical rules
includes mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. A set
of experiments will allow students to implement the theory in the real world and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Pre-AP Physics
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: Algebra I-90 Credit: 1.0
Pre-AP Physics is a comprehensive introductory physics course covering the major topics of classical physics including mechanics,
thermodynamics, waves, optics, electromagnetism, and atomic theory. Pre-AP Physics is a first year course in Physics designed to
prepare the student for entry into AP level Physics in a subsequent year. Mathematics is very important for physics, and will be used
extensively in this class, therefore a solid background in algebra and trigonometry is essential for student success. Laboratory
investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection, analysis, and presentation of data, and safe manipulation of laboratory
apparatus and materials. In this Pre-AP class, students will be challenged to design their own laboratory investigations following
scientific principles of research and proper lab practices.
Environmental Systems
Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Credit: 1.0
Environmental Science is designed to provide students the environmental aspects, explore Earth’s natural systems, and impacts
of human activity on the environment. The topics covered in this course are introduction to ecology, the atmosphere of the Earth,
food on Earth, water, and energy. The theory is supported by lab and field investigations, and discussions in cooperative learning
groups on environmental issues enable students to improve their critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Students are expected
to become more sensitive to environmentalissues.
AP Physics I
Grade: 9 - 1 2 Prerequisite: PreAP Physics-90 or PSAT Math-600, Algebra II – min. average 90 Credit: 1.0
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics
(including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through
inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. 25 percent of the instructional time
will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with
opportunities to apply the scientific practices.

AP Physics II
Grade: 11 a nd 12 P r e r e q u i s i t e : AP Physics I – min. average 85 Credit: 1.
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and
dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors;
magnetic fields; electromagnetic; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry- based
learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in
hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the
scientific practices.
AP Physics C
Grade: 12 Prerequisite: AP Physics I/AP Physics II or PreAP Physics-90, Pre-Calculus –min. average 90 Credit: 1.5

There are two AP Physics C courses — Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, each correspond to one
semester of an introductory, calculus-based college course.

Physics C: Mechanics are taught prior to Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Both courses are taught over the course of a
year, approximately equal time is given to each. Both courses utilize guided inquiry and student centered learning to foster the
development of critical thinking skills and use introductory differential and integral calculus throughout the course. Physics C:
Mechanics provides instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and
power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.

Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism provide instruction in each of the following five content areas: electrostatics; conductors,
capacitors and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism.

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AP Chemistry
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: PreAP Chemistry – min. average 85 Credit: 1.5
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college
year. Students in this course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing
with chemical problems. The curriculum prepares students to take the AP chemistry exam for AP credit. Five general areas are
intensively studied: the Structure of Matter, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Reactions.
Advanced laboratory work is done in each topic area. Students are expected to take the AP Examination given by the Educational
Testing Service inMay. Students are expected to participate in Lab Hours besides the regular scheduled class time.
AP Biology
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Biology - 90, Chemistry-90, Algebra I-80 Credit: 1.5
AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry- based
investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes — energy and communication, genetics,
information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in
hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the
science practices. Students are expected to participate in Lab Hours besides the regular scheduled class time.
AP Environmental Science
Grade: 11 - 12 Prerequisite: Biology-90, Chemistry -80 Credit: 1.5
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies
required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural
and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving
or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study.
Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental
science. Students are expected to participate in Lab Hours besides the regular scheduled class time.
Principles of BioMedical Sciences (PLTW)
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: strong interest in health science Credit: 1.0
In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to
determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine
autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The
activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing
them to design their own experiments to solve problems.
Human Body Systems (PLTW)
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Principles of BioMedical Sciences Credit: 1.0
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and
homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to
monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical
professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

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World Geography
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
World Geography Studies, students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales
from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and
present. Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of
technology and human modifications on the physical environment.

AP Human Geography
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: 8th grade Social Studies – 90 Credit: 1.0
The AP Human Geography course emphasizes the importance of geography as a field of inquiry. The course introduces students
to the importance of spatial organization — the location of places, people, and events; environmental relationships; and
interconnections between places and across landscapes — in the understanding of human life on Earth.
World History
Grade: 10 Prerequisite: World Geography Credit: 1.0
World History Studies is the only course offering students an overview of the entire history of humankind. The major
emphasis is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present. Students evaluate
the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. Students
analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies,
and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence.
World History
Grade: 10 Prerequisite: World Geography Credit: 1.0

The AP World History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal
critically with the problems and materials in world history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced
college courses. Students learn to access historical materials and scholarship and evaluate their reliability and importance. This
course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and
evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.
United States History since Reconstruction
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: World History Credit: 1.0
In this course, which is the second part of a two-year study of U.S. history that begins in Grade 8, students study the history of the
United States since Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and
issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post-Cold
War eras, and reform movements including civil rights.
AP US History
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: AP World History-80 /W. History-90 ,English II -90 Credit: 1.0
AP United States History is the equivalent of a college level introductory survey course. The AP U.S. History Exam presumes at
least one year of college-level preparation as offered in this course. The course is designed to provide students with the analytic
skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares
students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year
introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretations
presented in historical scholarship. An AP U.S. History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on
the basis of an informed judgment and to present evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.

AP European History
Grade: 11 - 12 Prerequisite: AP World History-80 /W. History-90 ,English II -90 Credit: 1.0
The AP European History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to
deal critically with the problems and materials in European history. The program prepares students for intermediate and
advanced college courses. Students learn to access historical materials and scholarship and evaluate their reliability and
importance. This course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present
reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.

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AP U.S. Government Political Sciences
Grade: 12 Prerequisite: US History-85 and English III-85 Credit: 0.5
The AP US Government course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course
involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires
familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. While there is no single
approach that an AP Government & Politics: United States course must follow, certain topics are generally covered in college
courses.
AP Comparative Government and Politics
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: World History-90 or AP W. History-80 Credit: 0.5
This course introduces students to the rich diversity of political life outside the United States. The course uses a comparative
approach to examine the political structures, policies, and political, economic, and social challenges among six selected countries:
Great Britain, Mexico, Russia, Iran, China, and Nigeria. Additionally, students examine how different governments solve similar
problems by comparing the effectiveness of approaches to many global issues.

Psychology /AP Psychology
Grade: 10- 12 Prerequisite: English I-85 Credit: 1.0
This course extends the study of psychology to include an in-depth approach to both human and animal behavior through
experimental, correlational, and clinical research. Students have opportunities to apply statistical methods for the interpretation
of data, while preparing students to perform successfully on the AP Examination. This course may be used to meet only elective
course requirements for state graduation.
Principles of Education and Training
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: NA Credit:1.0
Principles of Education and Training is designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the education and
training career cluster. Students use self-knowledge and educational and career information to analyze various careers within the
education and training career cluster. Students will also gain an understanding of the basic knowledge and skills essential to
careers within the education and training career cluster. Students will develop a graduation plan that leads to a specific career
choice in the student's interest area.

AP Art History
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Art I and World History - 80 Credit: 1.0
The AP Art History course prepares students for the AP Art History Exam. The course covers art from the Paleolithic period through
postmodernism and is designed to provide students with the same material covered in an introductory college course in art
history. Students gain knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural
contexts. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety
of European and non-European cultures. In this course students engage in both visual and historical studies about art and its
contexts. Students develop an understanding of artworks in their context, considering issues of patronage, gender, politics,
religion, and ethnicity. Attention is given to the interpretation of a work of art based upon its intended use, audience, and the
role of both the artist and work of art in a particular society. Throughout the study of AP Art History, students examine how and
why the work looks the way it does, what it means within its particular context, and how and why it has this meaning.

US Government
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: US History Credit: 0.5
In Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions,
and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental
content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students learn major political ideas and forms
of government in history.

Economics
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra I Credit: 0.5
The general objective of a high school economics course is for students to master fundamental economic concepts, appreciate
how the principal concepts of economics relate to each other and understand the structure of economic systems. Students will use
economic concepts in a reasoned, careful manner in dealing with personal, community, national and global economic issues.
Personal Financial Literacy
Grade:10-12 Prerequisite: None Credit:0.5
According to the TEA's TAC Chapter 113.49, Personal Financial Literacy will develop citizens who have the knowledge and skills to
make sound, informed financial decisions that will allow them to lead financially secure lifestyles and understand personal financial
responsibility. The knowledge gained in this course has far-reaching effects for students personally as well as the economy as a
whole.

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Spanish I
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
This class serves as an introduction to the basics of the Spanish language. The basics of speaking, reading, listening, writing and
comprehension are taught, as are aspects of the culture in countries where Spanish is spoken. An emphasis is placed on speaking
and comprehension of Spanish. Class participation is required, as is daily study and practice time (outside of the classroom) to
ensure the student’s success in the course.
Spanish II
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Spanish I Credit: 1.0

This class serves to further develop the student’s ability to use the Spanish language. Speaking, reading, listening, writing and
comprehension of Spanish are taught, as is the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. An emphasis is placed on
speaking and comprehension of Spanish. Class participation is required as is daily study and practice time (outside of the
classroom) to ensure the student’s success in the course.
Spanish III
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Spanish II Credit: 1.0
This class serves to further develop the student’s ability to use the Spanish language. More emphasis is placed on the culture
of Spanish—speaking countries than in previous levels, as well as a higher emphasis on the utilization of Spanish in conversation,
presentations, etc. Texts, films and other cultural resources are studied in the target language. Class participation is required as is
daily study and practice time (outside of the classroom) to ensure the student’s success in the course.
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Spanish II-85 or Placement Test Credit: 1.0
The AP course in Spanish Language covers the equivalent of a third-year college course in advanced Spanish composition and
conversation. It stresses oral skills, composition, and grammar. Course content might best reflect intellectual interests shared by
the students and the teacher (the arts, history, current events, literature, culture, etc.). Materials include recordings, films,
newspapers and magazines. The course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and those students can apply
to various activities and disciplines rather than to the mastery of any specific subject matter.
AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language-85 Credit: 1.0
The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories,
novels, poetry, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and United States Hispanic literature. Students develop
proficiencies across the full range of communication modes (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive), thereby honing their
critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is examined within the context of its time and place, as students reflect on
the many voices and cultures present in the required readings. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural connections and
comparisons, including exploration of various media (e.g., art, film, articles, literary criticism).
Turkish I
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
Introduction to Turkish Language is an introductory course which aims to have its attendants to grasp the logic of Turkish
Language, that is, the logic of its pronunciation, and the logic of its grammar, including word and sentence structure. Our objective
is to get familiar with the Turkish sounding and obtain the necessary vocabulary for higher levels.
Turkish II
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Turkish I Credit: 1.0
Turkish -II is an introductory class which aims to have its attendants grasp the logic of Turkish Language, that is, the logic of its
pronunciation, and the logic of its grammar, including word and sentence structure. Our objective is to be able to make three-word
sentences and to be able to understand pre- intermediate level of conversations by the end of the term.

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Turkish III
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Turkish II Credit: 1.0
The goal of this course is to have its students to gain a command of the Turkish language by which they are going to be able
to communicate with native speakers of this language on simple daily settings. For this purpose, this year’s curriculum
includes all basic tenses and sentence structures in grammar- like the present, future and past tenses, must, need to, etc.;
basic conversation examples in speaking and listening- like “at the bus station”, “in the restaurant”, etc.; related words
in vocabulary; basic information about Turkish Culture; and improving writing skills in dictation. Last year in Turkish-II, we
underscored grammar and we tried to grasp the logic of the language. This year we continue with the application of the skills
we got, namely, we are going to build conversation skills.
French I
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
This course is designed for students who wish to take French for the first time, as well as for students who have taken French
at other schools and wish to strengthen their oral-comprehension skills. Students will develop competencies in speaking,
listening to, reading and writingFrench.
French II
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: French I Credit: 1.0
This course begins, after a brief review of French I, with an in-depth study of the passé compose verb tense. Then the course
continues its study of the French verb with the reflexive verbs, in both present and passé compose followed by the
conditional, the future and the subjunctive tenses. The course includes a study of French pronouns, the uses and positions of
adverbs and adjectives, and numerous complex sentences with only one dependent clause, usually introduced by well-known
simple conjunctions. Teachers direct conversation to ensure correct grammatical habits.
French III
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: French II Credit: 1.0
This course helps each student achieve proficiency in more complex listening, reading, speaking, and writing of French.
Combined with daily practice at home, this course will give each student a well-rounded understanding of French and the cultures
of its speakers throughout the world. We will learn how to communicate in more detail about families, food, health, school,
sports, travel, work, among other subjects.
Special Topics in Language and Culture
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0
The course is designed for students who are interested in learning about other cultures. The ultimate goal of the course is
that students will gain awareness and appreciation of and insight into the other world cultures. By the end of this course,
the students will be familiar with the general, social, psychological and political underpinnings of different cultures existed.

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Art I
Grade: 9-10 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
This course will help students use observational skills to express their perception of the world. Students will experience basic drawing
and painting techniques through a variety of media. They will receive a basic understanding of sculpture, calligraphy, and composition.
They will learn the vocabulary and basic elements and principles of art (line, shape/form, space, texture, and value etc..) in illustrations
as they study concepts of proportion, scale, and perspective. Students will participate in self‐evaluation and critique, keep a
sketchbook of their ideas, and add to a portfolio of their work. They will learn art history at the end of the year going through Egyptian
art, Greek and Roman art, pre-Columbian art and the Renaissance. The students will come away from the class as better artists and
with knowledge of basic art history.
Music Orchestra I-IV
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: NA Credit: 1.0
This course gives students who have successfully completed one year or more of string study experience in performing music of
various styles and periods as they continue to develop skills in fingering and bowing. Musical interpretation and ensemble playing
are stressed, and opportunities for public performance are provided. Students continue to d e v e l o p good tone, intonation,
articulation, and style of playing by studying solo, ensemble, and orchestra literature. Orchestra members participate in school concerts
and local performance opportunities. In addition to the regular class period, Chamber Orchestra students will have Orchestra Club one
day per week after school.
Music Theory
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit: 1.0
In this course, students will gain basic knowledge of music theory and practice—note identification, note and rest durations, time
signatures, intervals, key signatures, and the circle of fifths—through composition, analysis, musicianship, and other applications.
Daily class activities will include practical music theory exercises from the textbooks, score analysis, and sight-singing and dictation
examples. Sight-singing examples will cover both rhythmic and melodic exercises.
Choir I-IV
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: NA Credit:

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic knowledge of choral music. This course will include foundational studies in
vocal techniques, sight singing, music theory concepts, and music history. The rehearsing and performing of choral music with
an emphasis in classical works and folk music will achieve the application of these principles. Students in t h e choir are required
to perform in a concert each semester and may be required to perform at other times throughout the year. The choir is open by
audition to all students with an interest in singing choralmusic.
Art II: Drawing
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Art I Credit: 1.0
This course will help students use observational skills to express their perception of the world. The focus will be on individual
development of style and painting skills as students communicate effectively to an audience. Students will experience drawing
techniques through a variety of media. They will also use elements of art (line, shape/form, space, texture, and value) in illustrations
as they study concepts of proportion, scale, and perspective. Students will participate in self-evaluation and critique, keep a
sketchbook of their ideas, and add to a portfolio of their work. Students will produce many drawings based on the following art
movements and techniques: Realistic, nonobjective, Abstract, Baroque, Impressionism, Surrealism and Pop Art.

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