Graduation requirements are: 8 English Language Arts credits, 7 Social Studies credits, 6 Science credits, 6 Mathematics credits, 6 Foreign Language, 2 Physical Education, 1 Health credits, 2 Fine/Performing Arts credits, 1 Technology credits, 9 Elective credits = 48 credits
| General English 9 (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | General English 9 builds upon the students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing and usually include the four aspects of language use : reading, writing, speaking and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections. |
| Prerequisites | Graduation from the ESL program |
| Grade Level | 9 |
| General English 10 (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | General English 10 offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors’ intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal. |
| Prerequisites | Graduation from the ESL program |
| Grade Level | 10 |
| Speech (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | The primary purpose of Speech is to improve public speaking skills in a variety of settings. For each speech, topic selection, audience analysis, research, outlining, speech writing, and speech delivery will be emphasized. By the end of the course students will have improved verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and will be able to successfully and confidently present speeches in a variety of real-world situations. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 12 |
| World Literature (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | World Literature is a year-long study of canonical literature spanning the globe. In the course, students will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction within a historical and cultural context. Students take part in group discussions and class seminars, write essays, and deliver speeches to demonstrate their growing understanding of the relationship between local concerns and universal questions, the manner in which geography and culture can influence form, and world views of literature itself. Class discussions also encourage students to express opinions and support individual ideas from their readings. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| American Literature (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | American Literature covers the literature of the United States from the early beginnings of the country until the present. Historical forces impacting the literature, as well as the regional influences, are also examined. The development of critical thinking and vocabulary building, along with writing skills, are emphasized. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| Geography (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to physical and human geography. Students will examine the role which geography plays in the world and how the interactions of humans with the environment affect the others. Students will explore the major world regions and examine the physical systems and human interactions within the regions. Students will use maps, globes, in-depth case studies, and geographic systems and databases to help them answer geographic questions. This course serves as an excellent starting point for student swishing to expand their knowledge of the world. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9 |
| American Government(Formerly Civics) (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Students in American Government will examine the democratic foundations, structures, and institutions of American government at local, states, and national levels. Students will study the political processes to gain an understanding of the role of the individual in the decision-making process of American government. Students will also learn about the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of the United States. Students will investigate American government though a variety of methods. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9 |
| World History (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | The one-year survey course will examine world history through the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the arts, philosophy, literature, history, political institutions and religion. It explores the great ideas and actions of humankind which have shaped life. The emphasis is on European, Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern civilizations. |
| Prerequisites | Civics, American Government or World Government |
| Grade Level | 10 |
| AP World History (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | The one-year course is an in-depth study of world history. The AP World History course is structured around the investigation of five course themes and 19 key concepts in six different chronological periods, from appropriately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. The course these are: Interaction between Humans and the Environment, Development and Interaction of Cultures, States Building, Expansion and Conflict, Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems and Development and Transformation of Social Structures. |
| Prerequisites | Successful honors application |
| Grade Level | 10-12 |
| U.S History (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | U.S History will give students the opportunity to learn how the Unites States evolved to become what it is today. Students will study the origins of the country, the mistakes and successes in its developments, and Americans penitential role in the future. The goal is for students to learn from America’s trials and tribulations and use their newly acquired knowledge to make educated decisions in the future. |
| Prerequisites | Government Course |
| Grade Level | 11 |
| Economics (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This class is an introduction to economics. In this class, students will study the characteristics of macroeconomics and microeconomics. Economics class will be split into two sections. Section one will cover economic systems and the roles of government, consumers, and producers in these systems. Section 2 will cover money and banking, financial markets and international trade. Upon completing these two sections, students will be empowered to help correct societal problems. |
| Prerequisites | Nope |
| Grade Level | 10-12 |
| AP Psychology (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students will discover the biological, social, and learned reasons for behavior. |
| Prerequisites | Successful honors application |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| Physical Science (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Physical Science is an introduction to physics and chemistry with earth and space ideas embedded throughout the course. This course is lab-based, which means that students learn primarily by doing activities. This class is also used to provide students with a filter they can use to view the world around them. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9 |
| Biology (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This one-year course is designed as a survey of the biological sciences. The emphasis is on developing critical-thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques. Independent study projects and inquiry-based learning experiences are integral parts of the course requirements. |
| Prerequisites | Physical Science |
| Grade Level | 10 |
| AP Biology (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | The AP Biology course is designed to enable you to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses. |
| Prerequisites | Biology or Honors Biology and successful honors application. |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| Chemistry (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Chemistry is the study of the principles of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. In the fall semester, students will develop scientific skills as they explore atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and compounds, and chemical reactions. In the second semester, students will study psychometric, gases and phase changes, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and organic chemistry. |
| Prerequisites | Physical Science and Algebra I |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| Chemistry (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Physics is the application of mathematics to real world situations in order to understand how the universe around us works. This is a college preparatory physics course that includes probability, statistics, the scientific method, motion, force, gravity, linear motion, circular motion, momentum, optics, electricity, energy, waves, and modern physics. |
| Prerequisites | Algebra II and successful honors application |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| Algebra I (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This first-year course is the study of patterns and structure within the real number system. Topics include working with equations, graphing, and problem-solving strategies. Students become adept at solving problems that require the integration of a variety of mathematical concepts. |
| Prerequisites | Pre-Algebra (or have equivalent math skills) |
| Grade Level | 7-9 |
| Geometry (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This one-year course is a logical development of the inductive and deductive systems of reasoning. Emphasis is on developing visualization abilities, analytical skills, and logical reasoning through activity-oriented methods of instruction. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Algebra I. |
| Prerequisites | Algebra I (or have equivalent math). |
| Grade Level | 8-11 |
| Algebra II (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This second-year course in algebra represents a mathematical progression from the concept of numbers as experienced in arithmetic to the notion of properties of numbers without regard to their value, a necessary tool for science applications. Formal abstraction will enable students to understand and analyze data in many occupational and academic fields. |
| Prerequisites | Geometry (or have equivalent math skills). |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Pre-Calculus (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | The purpose of this course is to prepare students for a Calculus class. Students gain extended knowledge and experience working with functions, and also broaden their Trigonometry skills. The year starts with some review of Algebra II and ends with an introduction to Calculus. |
| Prerequisites | Algebra II with a C- or higher (or have equivalent math skills). |
| Grade Level | 10-12 |
| AP Calculus (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | AP Calculus AB is a year-long course that is comparable to calculus courses offered during the first semester at US colleges and universities. It is expected that students who take an AP course in calculus will seek college credit, college placement, or both, from institutions of higher learning. Students will master concepts of differentiation and integration, graphical analysis including limits, asymptotic, and continuity.This rigorous study ultimately seeks to prepare students for success on the May AP examination. |
| Prerequisites | Pre-calculus with a B- or higher and successful honors |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| AP Statistics (2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course is designed to cover the four main topics on the AP Statistics exam: exploratory data analysis, planning and conducting a study, probability, and statistical inference. Topics will include: categorical and quantitative data, proportions, one sample means, matched pairs means, regression analysis, z-test, t-test, chi square test, z-intervals and paired t-tests, among others. This course requires the use of a graphing calculator. This class is not as calculation rich as our other math offerings since the calculator or computer does most of the tedious calculations. Your job will be to understand which statistical procedure to apply and how to interpret the results. |
| Prerequisites | Algebra II with a B- or higher and successful honors application |
| Grade Level | 11-12 |
| Chinese I (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course will introduce Pinyin, basic Chinese vocabulary, and useful terms and phrases in typical everyday conversations. We will help students experience and adapt to the atmosphere of speaking with native Chinese speakers. Students will grasp Chinese phonetics, tones and rhythms, and about 320 common Chinese words. Students can say simple and more typically well-known Chinese phrases, such as those used in self-introductions, and will also be able to conduct most routine communicative tasks for personal needs in Chinese, such as making an appointment, making an acquaintance, paying a visit, dating, shopping, etc. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Chinese II (1 semester ) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Students will continue to explore the communicative functions of the previous semester from Chinese I. This is particularly evident in the first five units. In Unit 6, a new topic is introduced about environmental protection. This parallel type content gives the students a more in-depth training in the communication skills targeted. The tasks focus on the communication skill required for daily life. As these tasks are extended both in depth and width, the students' vocabulary will be enlarged, and so will the ability to conduct daily communication. This will act as a bridge to their further Chinese study. |
| Prerequisites | Chinese I or instructor approval |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Chinese III (1 semester ) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course will concentrate on practicing of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to improve students’ Chinese fluency. Students will learn to scan for information, expand vocabulary, and strengthen their knowledge of grammatical structures. Students will take part in everyday conversations in Chinese about familiar topics. Students will use more complex sentence structures, grammar patterns, and will express their opinions using basic yet appropriate expressions and language norms in Chinese. |
| Prerequisites | Chinese II or instructor approval |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Chinese IV (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Students in Chinese IV will learn more Chinese vocabulary, useful terms, grammar points and Chinese culture. Students should grasp about 500 new Chinese words. To cope with the general needs of conducting daily communication, the sentence's patterns and grammar concepts presented to students will be in an order that emphasizes functional usage. The language materials are arranged within institutional topics. |
| Prerequisites | Chinese III or instructor approval |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| HSK V (1 semester ) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | HSK V is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 5 exam. Students will learn new words, as well as grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their listening skills. Classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class. |
| Prerequisites | HSK IV or instructor approval |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| HSK VI (1 semester ) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | HSK VI is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 6 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements, and phrases, and will also refine their listening skills. |
| Prerequisites | HSK V or instructor approval |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| General Physical Education (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Physical education is a mandatory course at St. Paul American School, focusing on a broad range of physical activities. Thematic units will focus on a variety of sports, and students will have the opportunity to compete athletically with their peers. Participation is a key element of this course, and students will also be evaluated on improvement, effort, and skill acquisition. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Health (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course focuses on gaining current knowledge about selected health topics. It also gives students opportunities to demonstrate the following skills: goal setting, coping with stress, communicating, and decision-making. Disease prevention, media awareness, and accessing community resources will be integrated throughout the course. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Music (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Music class is an introductory course that focuses on basic music theory. Students will study a wide range of classical and contemporary pieces, learning how to read, discuss, and evaluate individual music composition. Students will also learn the appropriate vocabulary necessary to discuss various pieces of music. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Band ( 2 semesters) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Band is an introductory musical organization that will allow band members to participate in various performances throughout the year. The class will be comprised of students from grades 7-12 who have had little music instruction, or wish to play a new instrument. Students will focus on learning the fundamentals of their instrument, technique, and playing as a unified group. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Drama (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Drama I is an introductory study of the different aspects of drama in theater and film. Students will be studying drama appreciation with topics to include: structure of dramatic performances, evaluations of dramatic performances, playwrights, films and filmmakers, play production, improvisation, pantomime, and acting. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Information Technology ( 1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | Information Technology focuses on developing students’ computer literacy skills so as to adapt to emerging technologies used in the global marketplace. The focus will revolve around basic word processing skills, including all Microsoft Professional Office Suite programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher. Students will experiment with these programs, complete a wide variety of project-based assessments. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |
| Multimedia Journalism (1 semester) | |
|---|---|
| Course Description | This course is designed to provide opportunities for students to engage in an in-depth examination of modern journalism. Students are responsible for the planning, design, writing/recording and publication of the school weekly newscast, newsletter publication and online digital content. This production process will involve feature writing, graphic design, video graph, video editing, and distribution. Students will utilize outside media sources, and will also serve as campus reporters. |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Grade Level | 9-12 |