Description
(Aug 22-Dec 12) (no classes Nov 21)
United States History ~ The Civil War
½ credit course with option to be a full credit if taking the Industrial Revolution-Great Depression Course in Spring 2019
The primary content for this course pertains to the study of United States history from Slavery through the assassination of Lincoln and culminating with Reconstruction. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic and sociological events, which influenced the causes and effects of this War Between the States. Students will learn from real stories of real people who lives were affected by the events studied and will be challenged with discussing the viewpoints of both sides through these stories, real documents and photographs. This course will broaden student’s perspectives not only on this conflict but on the United States as a whole.
Creative & Critical Thinking
½ credit course with option to be a full credit if taking the additional Logic component in Spring 2019
Creative thinking involves searching for meaningful new connections by generating many unusual, original, and varied possibilities, as well as details that expand or enrich possibilities. Critical thinking, on the other hand, involves examining possibilities carefully, fairly, and constructively—focusing your thoughts and actions by organizing and analyzing possibilities. Effective problem solvers must think both creatively and critically, generating options and focusing their thinking. In this course, students will generate new ideas using both types of thinking and discuss a variety of topics intelligently by constructing well-reasoned arguments on a variety of topics. The course will focus on group discussion and written analysis.
Intro to Photography:
½ credit course
We will focus on fundamental photography tools that will capture life’s little magical moments with a camera! There are certain rules that when learned and followed can actually make anyone, no matter how young or old, a better photographer! Students will learn these photography tools & rules best by doing. Hands-on learning will be part of every class as well as homework that involves fun photography projects and research!
We will explore fundamental tools that include balancing elements, depth of field, leading lines, symmetry, patterns, point of view, filling the frame, and the rule of thirds!
Materials: any digital camera that takes an SD card, SD card
Leadership in Action
½ credit course
Learning Goals: Using a variety of hands on activities, project based instruction, and self-discovery; students will explore, define, and practice Leadership skills in areas such as:
- Goal Setting
- Communication
- Initiative
- Responsibility
- Self Discipline
- Diversity
- Dedication
- Integrity
- Team Building
- Being a Role Model
In class instruction will focus on identifying, defining and finding real life applications for a specific skill through activity-based learning. Homework will revolve around finding and improving personal strengths / weaknesses and ways to use that skill in multiple aspects of their personal life and goals. Learning to self-evaluate and presentation skills will be stressed.
Early American Literature
½ credit course with option to be a full credit if taking the additional Contemporary Literature Course in Spring 2019
Course Description The purpose of this course is to provide students, using texts of high complexity, integrated language arts American literature study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language, in preparation for college and career readiness. (CPALMS)
Students will read selections from the following authors as a foundation for analysis and personal reflection. Activities completed while studying these texts will include:
- Exploring the social, and political contexts in which these pieces were written
- Students will conduct research regarding these contexts, strengthening academic writing skills
- Identifying and understanding rhetorical devices employed to create an impact, appeal to readers, and effectively deliver a message
- Students will write their own creative pieces learning to use different writing methods and styles in their own work
Student choice, project-based learning, and structured peer collaboration (often through the use of Kagan strategies) will be frequently implemented to increase engagement, deepen learning, and strengthen communication and leadership skills.
Fall Semester – Early American Literature
- America’s Beginnings: A Study of Native American Origin Myths
- Puritan Literature:
- Poetry: Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor
- The Crucible by Arthur Miller
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Civil War Writers:
- Frederick Douglass
- Poetry: William Cullen Bryant, Emily Dickinson
- Transcendentalists: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau
Pay once for the entire session. To utilize a monthly payment plan to pay each month, go to the monthly payment course option.
