Courses

Art

Art I .5 Credit

This course is designed to introduce the student to a variety of art concepts, media and techniques through 2D design. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design are referenced to create an understanding of composition and design. Students work in selected media, including: pencil, pen, pastel, charcoal, and paint. Units are developed to focus on art making, art history, aesthetics, and art criticism. This course is a prerequisite for Graphic Arts I.

Graphic Arts I 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite: Art 1

This course is designed to teach students a variety of art techniques as they apply to a wide range of current technology. Students will use computer programs, digital camera, scanner and graphic tablets as an extension of their own creativity. Students will implement the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in the creation of artwork in both a traditional and contemporary way. Each student will develop analytical skills through the study of artists and their artwork and demonstrate the process of critique through written work and oral discussion of their own and others’ artwork. This course is a prerequisite for Graphic Arts II.

Junior & Senior Advanced Art 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Instructor approval This course is designed for the student who has a strong interest in continuing their artistic development. Each student will develop an individualized program that can include: Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, Animation Photography or Fine Art. Students will develop a college ready portfolio, and exhibit their artwork in the annual student art show.

English

 

Reading 1 .5/1 Credit

This freshman-level class is designed for students to participate in a skills-based reading course to help improve reading, mechanics, and grammar skills in preparation for the rigors of the Pathways English program. Students will participate in on-grade-level vocabulary, spelling and grammar instruction as well as skills-based direct reading instruction. An emphasis will be placed on self-selected reading and developing habits of highly effective readers.

English 1 1 Credit

Freshman students will read and respond to at least four book-length texts (novels, plays, non-fiction) and a variety of other literature, including poetry, short stories, and film. Students will engage in a dynamic classroom environment, with an emphasis on interpretation, connection, and criticism, as well as the mechanics and function of the English language. Students will produce several writing assignments, including persuasive essays, book reviews, and creative works. Students will utilize technology for writing, reading, responding, and researching. Sample texts: Unit of classic science fiction, The Old Man and the Sea, Romeo & Juliet, Fahrenheit 451, A Day No Pigs Would Die, The Friends, The Pearl

English 2 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 1

Sophomore students will continue their work from English 1 by continuing to read and respond to at least four book-length texts (novels, plays, non-fiction) and a variety of other literature, including poetry, short stories, and film. Students will engage in a dynamic classroom environment, with an emphasis on interpretation, connection, and criticism, as well as the mechanics and function of the English language. Students will participate in several writing assignments, including persuasive essays, book reviews, and creative works. Students will utilize technology for writing, reading, responding, and researching. In addition, one major focus will be preparation for the CAPT test.
Sample texts: To Kill a Mockingbird, Lord of the Flies, A Raisin in the Sun, Macbeth.

Literature & Composition I 1 Credit
Prerequisite: English 2

Junior students will engage in a college-preparatory survey of American Literature, from the colonization of America to the present day. Students will be exposed to a variety of literature from the wide patchwork of our nations cultures in genres of all types, from essays, poems and short stories to novels and films. Students will learn the major themes and developments throughout the literature of America and will learn to view the works in their social and historical contexts. Writing proficiency will be maintained and improved through regular formal and informal writing assignments. Students will utilize technology for writing, reading, responding and researching.
Sample texts/authors: Emerson, Whitman, Wheatley, Walden, Little Women, The Catcher in the Rye, Native Son, Their Eyes Were Watching God, House on Mango Street, Always Running, Down These Mean Streets, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Literature & Composition II 1 Credit
Prerequisite: American Literature

Senior students will be exposed to a wide variety of literature from several cultures and time periods throughout the world, from Ancient Greece to post-colonial Africa. Students will study and analyze a variety of literature and discuss the texts in the historical and social contexts in which they were created. Students will utilize technology for writing, reading, responding and researching. Included in this course are periodic classes where students will become actively involved in the college application process and the completion of their college essay. Sample texts: Antigone (Greece), Hamlet, Pride & Prejudice, Return of the Native, 1984 (England), Cracking India (India/Pakistan), Things Fall Apart, Cry the Beloved Country, Nervous Conditions (Africa), Don Quixote (Spain), short stories and poetry from South America and Asia

Public Speaking Elective
Pre-Requisite English 2 1 Credit

This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of communication and the skills necessary to communicate in various contexts. Emphasis is placed on communication theories and techniques used in interpersonal group, public, intercultural, and mass communication situations. Students will; practice delivery skills that aid in audience understanding, elicit and maintain audience interest, create and apply criteria of good public speaking, improve critical listening skills. In addition students will create, prepare, and deliver a speech to inform, a speech to persuade, and a speech of tribute, among others.

Mathematics

Algebra I  1 Credit

Course topics include properties of real numbers, operations with real numbers, solving equations and inequalities, proportions and percents, including percent increase and decrease, probability and statistics, algebraic concepts including multiple representations of linear functions, systems of equations, and exponents.  The treatment of these topics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of Algebra and to improve skills essential for success on the CAPT.  

Algebra I Honors 1 Credit

This is an accelerated algebra course designed for students who have previously taken an 8th grade algebra course.  Course topics include probability and statistics, solving equations, algebraic concepts including multiple representations of linear functions, systems of equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring and radical expressions.  The treatment of these topics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of Algebra and to improve skills essential for success on the CAPT.  

Geometry 1 Credit

Topics in this course include inductive reasoning to identify patterns, make conjectures about real world situations and apply deductive reasoning to confirm their conjectures.  Parallel and perpendicular lines will be explored and perimeter, area of planes and solids and volume of solids will be presented and compared to real world problems.  Additional topics include congruent and similar triangles, mid-segments of triangles, midpoint and distance formulas, properties of special right triangles, trigonometry and circles, tangents and chords.  The treatment of these topics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of Geometry and to improve skills essential for success on the CAPT. 

Geometry Honors 1 Credit

This is an accelerated geometry course designed for students who have taken an accelerated algebra course.  Topics include inductive reasoning to identify patterns, make conjectures about real world situations and apply deductive reasoning to confirm their conjectures.  Parallel and perpendicular lines will be explored and perimeter, area of planes and solids and volume of solids will be presented and compared to real world problems.  Additional topics in this course include congruent and similar triangles, mid-segments of triangles, midpoint and distance formulas, properties of special right triangles, trigonometry and circles, tangents and chords.  The treatment of these topics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of Geometry and to improve skills essential for success on the CAPT. 

Algebra II 1 Credit

Students will build on the sequential and spiraling approaches to content and skills from their preceding courses.  Topics addressed include modeling linear and quadratic functions, factoring, polynomials, exponential functions, and systems of equations.  The use of graphing calculators continues to be an integral part of the curriculum.  The course focuses on the mathematics placement criteria used at local universities and on the mathematics sections of the SAT.

Algebra II  Honors 1 Credit

Students will build on the sequential and spiraling approaches to content and skills from their preceding honors courses.  Topics addressed include modeling and predicting functions, polynomials, systems of equations, exponential functions, rational and radical functions, and matrix algebra.  The use of graphing calculators continues to be an integral part of the curriculum.  The course focuses on the mathematics placement criteria used at local universities and on the mathematics sections of the SAT.

Pre-Calculus 1 Credit

Pre-Calculus topics include functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions, vectors, parametric equations, and matrices. The use of graphing calculators is incorporate throughout the course to prepare students for calculus and other advanced mathematics.  A balance of algebraic, graphical, numerical, and verbal methods is used to reinforce comprehension, problem solving and critical thinking skills.  The course focuses on the mathematics placement criteria used at local universities and on the mathematics section of the SAT. 

Trigonometry 1 Credit

Topics include analytic geometry, trigonometric functions and their graphs, as well as other trigonometric concepts. The use of graphing calculators is incorporate throughout the course to prepare students for calculus and other advanced mathematics.  A balance of algebraic, graphical, numerical, and verbal methods is used to reinforce comprehension, problem solving and critical thinking skills.  The course focuses on the mathematics placement criteria used at local universities and on the mathematics section of the SAT.

Calculus 2 Credits

This course includes topics such as functions and models, limits and rates of change, derivatives and applications of differentiation, integrals and applications of integration, differential equations, and vector calculus.  Real world data and problems enhance application thinking and the meaningful use of technology.  Students will be prepared to take the AP Calculus exam.

Probability and Statistics 1 Credit

This course is an introductory course in probability theory and statistics.  It is a course especially useful to college bound students who plan to further their studies in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics. For students who must take a semester of mathematics in college, but not calculus, this course is extremely useful. Probability deals with the laws of chance. Basic concepts of mathematical probability are studied, and investigations showing how probability is applied to every day life are made. Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, and interpreting numerical data. Elementary statistical concepts are studied and applied to real life situations. Computers and graphing calculators are used to investigate concepts developed in the course and to aid in lengthy calculations.

 

 

Physical Education

Physical Education I .5 Credit

The students will understand and apply the principles of human movement, physical activity, fitness, responsible behavior, respect for differences, and the benefits of physical activity in units of study.  These units include personal training, lifetime leisure sports and cooperative learning.  The students will analyze the principles of training, evaluate the role of exercise and other factors in maintaining fitness, and apply practice in ways that are appropriate for learning new skills or sports on their own.

Health  .5 Credit

All students are required to take and pass one half credit of health education.    Health education provides students with an opportunity to understand and develop attitudes and skills for decision making that will benefit them and improve their wellness.  The course covers topics in mental health, substance abuse, human immune-deficiency (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases; violence prevention, personal safety and conflict resolution; family life including sex education with an emphasis on postponing sexual involvement. 

Physical Education II 1 Credit

The course focuses upon advanced knowledge of fitness and application to personal fitness performance.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the fitness components and apply them to construction of healthy lifestyles through goal setting activities.  The students will produce a personal fitness portfolio, which includes participation requirements to meet personal fitness goals, and the activities that can be pursued in the local community for health/fitness.

 

Science

Physical Science 1 Credit

Physical Science is an amalgamation of traditional Earth Science and Physics intended for students who do not intend to pursue careers in the natural sciences.  Students are prepared for our scientific and technological society through a conceptual approach.  The major topics include: Scientific Inquiry, Numeracy, and Literacy; Forces and Motion; Energy Transfer; Structure of Matter; Atoms and the Periodic Table; and Electricity.

Environmental Science 1 Credit

A comprehensive course covering the basic principles of ecology.  Emphasis is placed on the impact of human activities on our environment.  Topics include Biomes, Matter and Energy Interactions in the Ecosystems, Resources in the Biosphere, and Managing Human Impact on our Environment. 

Biology and Honors Biology with Lab 1.5 Credit

An introductory Biology course designed to acquaint the student with the biological principles which govern living things, and become better equipped to make logical decisions when presented with the biological problems of every life.  An in depth treatment of the following topics is presented:  The Scientific Method and use of Technology, The Chemical Basis of Life, The Organization of Living Things, The Diversity of Life, Genetics, body Systems, Ecology Evolution.

Chemistry and Honors Chemistry 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I

An introductory chemistry course that integrates experimentation with extensive class discussion.  The language of mathematics is employed often when investigating the concepts presented in this course.  An in depth treatment of the following topics is presented:  The Scientific Method, Measurement, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Formulas, Stoichiometry, Bonding, Molecular Geometry, Phases of Matter, Gas Laws, Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation-Reduction, Chemical Kinetics, and Thermodynamics. 

Biotechnology 1 Credit
Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry and instructor approval
Biotechnology is a science about using living organisms and organic molecules to solve problems and create products that benefit society and the earth.   Together with the science of genomics, biotechnology has revolutionized the field of medicine.  This course explores the history of biotechnology and genomics along with the necessary content background in molecular biology.  Embedded in the curriculum is the examination of ethical issues and bioethical questions that are often raised about the products, techniques, and research surrounding Biotechnology.   Students will also learn the laboratory techniques used in biotechnology.
This course is offered to Senior students only. 
.
Forensic Science 1 Credit
Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Biotechnology and instructor approval.
Forensic science presents itself as a natural vehicle for students to practice science as inquiry.  For every piece of physical evidence brought in for analysis, the student must apply the scientific method for positive identification. 

DNA profiling and other forensic techniques have changed the way we solve crimes and prosecute criminals.  The science behind DNA identification will be studied along with its advantages and ethical concerns.  Other trace evidence such as, latent fingerprints, hair, fibers and blood spatter will be examined and applied to crime solving.  Several historic crime cases will be discussed.  Students will also become familiar with legal protocols involved in evidence collection and admissibility in court.

This course is offered to Senior students only. 

 

Social Studies

American History 1 Credit

This course is required by the State of Connecticut for graduation. Must be taken successfully to graduate.

This course investigates the forces that shape the political, social, and economic institutions of the modern American.  An in-depth exploration of the United States in the 20th century and today, including contemporary issues and the place of the United States in the global world, will provide the framework for study.  The continued development of historical themes, including the meaning of freedom and of historical thinking skills will be a focus of this course.

World Geography 1 Credit

World Geography integrates the study of geographical knowledge, skills and perspectives to take students on a journey around the globe.  Geography examines the complex relationships between people and their environments.  The study of geographical themes and global issues will be highlighted as students study the world’s regions. The development of reading and writing, as well as social studies skills and technology integration, will be the focus of this course.

Civics .5 Credit

Civics provides the foundation for students’ active and informed participation in our society, and for understanding the interaction between the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship.  This course examines the structure of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, with a focus on the role and structure of the three branches of government, types of political systems, the electoral process and the role of government in our society.

Global Studies 1 Credit

Global Studies is an introduction to the major concepts, issues and patterns in our world.  This project-based course will allow students to explore the global issues that not only affect them, but the various people and cultures around the “small” world in which they live.  They will make the important connections needed to live and work in a global society.

Psychology-Elective .5 Credit

This introductory course in Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings.  Students study the knowledge and theory associated with the study of human behavior, learning, and the human mind, as well as the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

Sociology-Elective .5 Credit

This introductory course in Sociology introduces students to the scientific study of our complex society.  Concepts include:  culture, socialization, social interaction, social groups and institutions, and social change.  The focus of the study will be the application of these sociological concepts and social research methods to the exploration of social issues.

Current Events/Issues-Elective  .5 Credit

This course is an issue-based exploration of today’s interdependent world.  Students will study current history-making events and issues throughput the world and the impact of these events upon our world, nation, community, and our own lives.  Current periodicals are the major learning resources for this course.

 

Technology

Principles of Information Technology
Grade: 9 – 1 semester  1 credit

Principles of Information Technology provides students with an introduction to hardware, looking at both peripherals and inside the case.  Utilizing a hands-on approach, students explore the most common types of operating systems, software applications, and programming languages. Students learn about the different types of networks and network topology, and set up an email client/server connection. During the course, students consider contemporary IT issues such as security and privacy, the effects of IT on society and on the individual, and technological inequality. Finally, students get a chance to discover the types of careers that exist in IT today. Upon completion of the course, students will be well versed in the basics of all aspects of IT, and will understand how computers are designed and assembled to help users achieve their desired goals.

Computer Applications (MOS Certification)
Grade: 9 – 1 semester 1 credit

This course is a globally recognized standard for demonstrating technical proficiency and expertise in the Microsoft Office suite of productivity applications.  Students can prepare for the MOS Master certification or simply garner fundamental and advanced skills with any of these Microsoft productivity applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook. MOS certification is based on successfully passing exams in Microsoft Office.

Digital Video and Media
Grade: 10 – 1 semester 1 credit

Digital Video and Media guides students through all phases of digital video production, including pre-production and planning, executing and managing a video shoot, and techniques of editing and post-production. Students explore methods of sharing and broadcasting digital videos, including multiple platform versions, CDs and DVDs, and web delivery. They also learn about the latest methods of spreading the word about a digital video, including methods of using online search engines to lead viewers to the production. Finally, students have a chance to discover the types of careers that exist in digital media and design today.

Web Design
Grade: 10 - 1 semester 1 credit

The course begins with a study of how the web works and its evolution. Students learn about web development including HTML coding, usability, design, and web-based publishing tools. Next, students gather and prepare web content. Students assess and use various development and design tools and techniques. After conducting usability testing, students launch their websites, troubleshoot, and plan how to attract traffic. Finally, students get a chance to discover what types of web design careers exist today.

Advanced Web Design
Grade: 11, 12   1 semester 1 credit

Advanced Web Design is an accelerated course utilizing the Adobe Creative Suite CS4 for creating Web content, primarily Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Flash.  Students will practice the design of visual interfaces at a range of interactive levels, culminating in a portfolio project.  Students will demonstrate project management of small groups, presentation and documentation skills, user-centered design methodology, and usability assessment.   This course will prepare students to demonstrate their eligibility for a career in Web development. 

Introduction to Networks
Grade: 11, 12 – 1 semester 1 credit

Computer Networking guides students through all phases of implementing and troubleshooting common TCP/IP Ethernet networks using readily available commodity network hardware connected with CAT5/6 cable. It covers network components, cables, and connectors. The course walks students through network standards, protocols, and topologies. It guides students through implementing and troubleshooting a LAN, as well as discussing access issues for WANs. The course also includes a brief history of networks. Finally, students get a chance to discover what types of network-related careers exist today.

Personal Finance
Grade: 11, 12 – 1 semester 1 credit

This course is designed to teach basic Personal Finance skills.  Topics covered in this course are Insurance, Banking, Communication and Ethics, writing skills and critical thinking.  The goal of this course is to give students the basic skills necessary to be successful in their personal life and in the world of work.  Students participating in this course will be expected to meet the Communication and Ethic standards of the real world of work.

 

 

IT Leadership
Grade: 11, 12 – 1 semester 1 credit

This course is designed to develop student academic, engineering and problem solving skills through the completion of a comprehensive IT Research and Design (R&D) project.  Students will act as a member of a design team and utilize a variety of communication technologies and multimedia software to research, design, develop and present a viable solution to a comprehensive challenge.  Students form a “mock” technology company and assume roles in a company to complete activities needed to develop a solution.  Patent research and intellectual property management are integral components on the R&D project.

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
Grade: 11, 12 - 1 semester 1 credit

This course covers essential business and entrepreneurship concepts about how to start and run a small business enterprise.  In collaboration with the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), students are given $50 to start a business.  Students in this class learn by doing.  Activities include: writing and presenting a complete business plan, purchasing and selling goods, producing a small business computer simulation and undertaking an actual small business ownership.  In addition, students study economics, social studies and entrepreneurship.

Introduction to Programming
Grade: 11 - 1 semester 1 credit

In this course students will learn the elementary principles of computer programming while creating three-dimensional animated worlds in the Alice programming environment. Some of the topics we will cover include simple data types, control structures; an introduction to array and string data structures and algorithms; recursion; event driven-programming; multimedia and simple animation; basic software development and modularity.

Advanced Programming
Grade: 11 – 1 semester 1 credit

Advanced Programming is a rigorous computer programming course. It will cover the material of a typical college-level Computer Science 1 course. Six major aspects of computing are covered: Programming Basics, Object-Oriented Programming, Data and Information Processing, Software Development Life Cycle, Graphical User Interfaces and Event-Driven Programming, and Web Basics.

Sound Production
Grade: 12 – 1 semester 1 credit

Students in this course study all things audio: podcasts, soundtracks, jingles, voice-overs, narratives and music composition.  Working in the Garage Band and Pro Tools environment, major areas of focus will include mixing vocals with instrumentation, creating sound effects, utilizing proper microphone techniques and preparing appropriate content for a listening-only audience. 
 

Introduction to eCommerce
Grade: 12 – 1 semester 1 credit

Through this course, students develop an online presence for new businesses.  Students learn the skill-sets required to start a small business and are taught the technology to support its growth. 

Advanced Film Production
Grade: 11, 12 - 1 semester 1 credit

This course will take students from the beginning phases of formulating a potential storyline to the public screening of a professional film.  Participants in this class will have the opportunity to develop their own unique cinematic style through the study of composition, lighting, casting, location coordination, camera work, audio production, guest relations, media packaging, screening coordination and many other pre and post production responsibilities.  A mainly project-based course, students will create and showcase a publicly-viewed film as a part of their final grade

World Languages

Spanish I 1 Credit

This is an introductory course in which students will learn the sounds and symbols of the new language and begin developing all four basic skills:  listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The course stresses vocabulary acquisition and usage, sentence structure, and basic grammatical principles.  Since the objective of the course is to develop the student’s ability to communicate in the new language, class time is developed largely to the development of listening and speaking skills.  All students will be required to listen, imitate, and to actively participate in all kinds of aural and oral drills.  As the course progresses, they will also be required to do simple reading and writing exercises in the target language.  In addition, the students in this course will have the opportunity to learn about the customs, idiosyncrasy, the cultural practices and expressions of the people whose language they are studying.  Although the use of some English may be necessary in some occasions, teachers will strive to conduct classes, in the target language as much as possible.  Participation in all class activities and exercises is absolutely essential and expected of all students.  Homework will be assigned on a daily basis to reinforce all concepts studied in class and to provide additional opportunities for students to practice. 

Spanish II 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Spanish I

This course is a continuation of level I.  In this course, students will review all basic concepts studied in level l and continue to further the development of the four basic skills, listening peaking, reading, and writing.  After the review, youngsters will go on studying the basic grammatical principles of the target language, the formation and use of different tenses, and enhancing their vocabulary base.  The approach used is similar to that of the first year level.  The emphasis continues to be on developing the ability to listen and communicate in the new language, but reading comprehension and writing skills are also stressed.  The students will gain knowledge and understanding of the psychology and all cultural aspects of the people who language they are studying.  Classes are conducted in the target language except for those situations in which the teacher considers the use of English absolutely necessary.  Participation in all class activities and exercises is absolutely essential and expected of all students.  Homework will be assigned on a daily basis to reinforce all concepts studied in class and to provide additional opportunities for students to practice. 

Spanish III 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Spanish II

This course is a continuation of Level II, and it is designed for those individuals who are seriously interested in language studies.  It provides students with the opportunity to continue expanding their knowledge of the language and their ability to communicate in it both orally and in writing.  In this course, pupils will review and practice concepts studies in the second year level and move on to more complex grammatical principles and verb tenses.  The students will work on the acquisition and use of vocabulary, and will be constantly challenged to express themselves in the target language through oral discussions, readings and writing exercises.  Classes are conducted entirely in the target language.  Participation in all class activities and exercises is absolutely essential and expected of all students.  Homework will be assigned on a daily basis to reinforce all concepts studied in class and to provide additional opportunities for students to practice.