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SHAMROCKSTUDIES
ACADEMICYEAR
2016–2017
January2016
DearStudentsandParents:
You are about to embark upon an important period of the academic year -- the course selection,
registration,andlevelplacementprocess.ShamrockStudies,ourcoursecatalog,isdesignedtoprovide
you with specific course descriptions and academic information necessary to complete your course
registrationforthe2016-2017academicyear.
BishopFeehanHighSchoolchallengesandencouragesitsstudentstoacquiretheskillsandknowledge
necessary to continue on to higher education, to prepare to become responsible members of the
globalcommunity,andtoparticipateinsports,schoolactivities,andcommunityservice--allthewhile
growing in faith. The curriculum has been carefully designed to inspire, challenge, direct, and
encouragewithinthecontextofacaringChristiancommunity.Theacademicprogramconsistsofcore
coursesrequiredbyallandavarietyofelectivesfromwhichstudentsmaychoose,basedupontheir
individualtalents,interests,andgoals.
Thisyearwehavemadeseveraladjustmentstothecourseselectiontimelineandproceduresthatwill
allowmoretimeforstudentstomeetwiththeirguidancecounselorsabouttheirfutureplansbefore
makingtheirfinalchoices.Wehopethatthisadditionaltimewillallowforamorereflectiveprocess
that will result in fewer course conflicts and changes. Please be sure to review the procedures
carefullyandallowtimeforthecompletionoftheonlineprocess.Manystepstakeplacebehindthe
scenesandcannotoccuruntilotherstepsarecomplete.Inordertobereadyforthe2016-2017school
yearitisimportantthatalldeadlinesarestrictlyobserved.
Duringthenextfewweeks,itistheresponsibilityofeachstudenttoreadtheShamrockStudiescatalog
carefullyandseektheadviceofteachers,administrators,parents,andguidancecounselors.Thiswill
ensurethatallstudentscanmakeappropriateandrealisticcourserequests;accuratelycompletethe
CourseSelectionRequestForm;andsubmitittotheirguidancecounselorbeforethedeadline.
May God bless each of you with wisdom and grace as you make these important choices in your
academicexperienceatBishopFeehanHighSchool.
Sincerely,
Ann Perry
VicePrincipalofAcademics
ADMINISTRATION
President
Principal
Mr.ChristopherServant'66
[email protected]
Mr.SeanKane
[email protected]
VicePrincipalofAcademics
VicePrincipalofStudentLife
Mrs.AnnPerry'83
[email protected]
Mr.AlSvendsen
[email protected]
DirectorofGuidance
DirectorofAthletics
Ms.RhondaLaliberte
[email protected]
Mr.PaulO'Boy
[email protected]
DepartmentChairpersons
Mr.TimothyReid
Theology
[email protected]
Ms.MeredithBickford
Mrs.TheresaEndler
English–Co-Chairs
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mrs.JacquelineBriant
Mathematics
[email protected]
Mrs.BrendaLoiselle
FineArts
[email protected]
SHAMROCKSTUDIES2016-17
Mrs.EileenCorreia
Science
[email protected]
Mrs.RosemaryAnderson
Mrs.CharlotteLourenco
SocialStudies–Co-chairs
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mrs.LindaAusiello
WorldLanguages
[email protected]
Mrs.NancyMowry
HealthandFitness
[email protected]
BishopFeehanHighSchool
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TableofContents
TimetableforScheduling................................................................................................................5
GraduationRequirementsandCourseLoad..................................................................................6
SuggestedFour-yearEducationalPlan...........................................................................................7
TheSchedulingProcess..................................................................................................................8
CourseLevelDescriptions..............................................................................................................9
CourseLevelPlacement...............................................................................................................10
FreshmenElectives.......................................................................................................................10
AdvancedPlacementCourses......................................................................................................10
PossibilityofSchedulingConflicts................................................................................................11
PersonnelandStudentSchedules................................................................................................11
CourseCancellations....................................................................................................................11
ChristianServiceLearningRequirements.....................................................................................12
AcademicPrograms
Theology.......................................................................................................................................13
English..........................................................................................................................................16
Science..........................................................................................................................................20
MathematicsandComputerProgramming..................................................................................27
WorldLanguages..........................................................................................................................32
SocialStudies................................................................................................................................37
FineArts.......................................................................................................................................42
• VisualArts...............................................................................................................................42
• PerformingArts......................................................................................................................45
HealthandFitness........................................................................................................................50
IntegratedSkills............................................................................................................................51
HonorSocietyEligibilityCriteria...................................................................................................52
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TimetableforScheduling–2016-2017
January5,2016
January5–Feb11
January11
WeekofFebruary1
February11
Feb22–March17
March11
March18
WeekofApril4
WeekofMay2
May23
May23toJune6
June12(tentative)
FirstMondayinJuly
(tentative)
(datesarebasedonnoweatherdelays)
Student/ParentTimetabledistributedinhomeroomande-mailedtoparents.
StudentsmeetwithGuidanceCounselorstoreviewcourseoptionsand
completeSchedulePlanningWorksheet(distributedafterexams.)
Signed2016-2017Student/ParentTimetabledueinhomeroom.
ShamrockStudiescoursecatalogavailableonlineunderAcademics>Scheduling
2016-2017
SchedulePlanningWorksheetsdistributedinhomeroombeforeeachgrade
levelassembly.
CourseSelectionAssembliesatXPeriodforrisinggrades10through12.
• 2/2:RisingGrade12studentassembly
• 2/3:RisingGrade11studentassembly
• 2/4:RisingGrade10studentassembly
SignedSchedulePlanningWorksheetduetoGuidanceCounselors.
Meetingsforteachersanddepartmentchairstakeplacetomakecourse/level
recommendationsforstudents.Courseandlevelrecommendationsare
recordedinanOnlineCourseRegistrationFormforlaterreviewbystudents.
InstructionsforOnlineCourseRegistrationFormpostedonlineandemailedto
parentsandstudents.Onlinecourseregistrationformisopentostudent
registration.Studentsmakefinalcourse/levelrequestsafterreviewing
teacher/departmentrecommendations.
Onlinecourseregistrationformisclosedtostudentregistration.
CourseAssignmentFormsmailedtoGrade10-12parents.Decisionsarefinal.
Students/parentsnotifiedofschedulingconflicts.
Deadlinetoresolveallscheduleconflicts.
Finalrevisionsto2016-2017MasterSchedule.
RisingGrade10-12schedulesdistributedinhomeroom.
K12SDonlinebookstoreopensfor2016-17bookpurchases.
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GraduationRequirementsandCourseLoad
Inordertograduate,aminimumof26creditsmustbeearnedasfollows:
Theology
English
Mathematics
*Science
*WorldLanguages
*SocialStudies
HealthandFitness
TestPreparation
Electives
TOTAL
4
4
4
3
3
3
0.5
0.5
4
26
Biology,Chemistry,Physics
Consecutiveinsamelanguage
1.5eachofWorldHistoryandUnitedStatesHistory
IncludesonequartereachofVerbalandMath
*Four credits in these disciplines are strongly recommended in order to satisfy the entrance
requirements/recommendationsofavarietyofcolleges.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 7 credits in core academic areas or graduation
requirements during their freshman year, and 6.5 credits in core academic areas during their
sophomore and junior year. To receive a diploma, students must pass six core academic courses
duringtheirsenioryearregardlessofthenumberofpreviouslyearnedcredits.
Students may not carry a course load of 8.0 credits in any given year without approval of the Vice
PrincipalofAcademics.StudentsmaynotenrollinmorethanthreeAdvancedPlacementcoursesin
anygivenyear.
ServiceGraduationRequirements:
•Allstudentsarerequiredtocomplete20hoursofservicelearningeachyearduringtheirfreshman,
sophomore,andjunioryears.
•All freshman and sophomores are strongly encouraged to complete their hours either through
BishopFeehanHighSchoolorthroughtheirplaceofworship.
•JuniorsmaycompletetheirhoursthroughBishopFeehan,theirplaceofworship,oranyapproved
non-profiteventororganization.
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SuggestedFour-YearEducationalPlan
For a majority of the students at Bishop Feehan High School, these courses represent a suggested
standard design for a four-year educational plan. This plan allows students some flexibility with
electives but also meets the graduation requirements. Students may choose to take more than the
requiredcredits.
GRADE9
GRADE10
TheRevelationofJesusChristinScripture
TheMissionofJesusChrist
WhoisJesusChrist?
TheChurch
EnglishI
EnglishII
Biology
ChemistryorConceptualPhysics
AlgebraIorAlgebraII
Geometry
Spanish,French,orMandarinChinese
Spanish,French,orMandarinChinese
WorldHistoryI
WorldHistoryIIandU.SHistoryI
ElectiveOpportunities
HealthandFitness
ElectiveOpportunitiesorTestPrep
ClassRetreatRequirement
20hoursofServiceLearning
ClassRetreatRequirement
20hoursofServiceLearning
Minimumnumberofcredits:7.0
Minimumnumberofcredits:6.5
GRADE11
GRADE12
TheSacraments
SocialJusticeandTheologyElective
CatholicChristianMorality
CompositionandLiterature
EnglishIII
MathematicsPlacement
PhysicsorChemistryorScienceElective
PhysicsorScienceElective
MathematicsPlacement
LanguageContinuationorElective
Spanish,French,orMandarinChinese
U.S.HistoryII
ElectiveOpportunities
ElectiveOpportunitiesorTestPrep
ClassRetreatRequirement
Minimumnumberofcredits:6.0
20hoursofServiceLearning
Minimumnumberofcredits:6.5
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TheSchedulingProcess
Theschedulingprocessisdesignedtogiveeachstudenttheopportunitytoparticipateinthedecision
making process with regard to their four-year academic program. During the process, students are
encouragedtoengageinconversationwithparents,GuidanceCounselors,teachers,andDepartment
Chairs with the goal of designing a challenging, college-preparatory program of study that fits their
interests and abilities. Parents are also strongly encouraged to discuss course selections with their
student’sGuidanceCounselorinordertogaingreaterperspectiveonhowthoseselectionsfitinto,and
impact, the four-year course of study. Bishop Feehan’s philosophy is to place all students on the
highestlevelatwhichtheywillbesufficientlychallengedyetcanachieveacademicsuccess.Weare
confident that the scheduling process will ensure that the best possible schedule is created for each
student.
The process of scheduling is broken down into five areas: course selection, course/level
recommendation, online registration, approval/review, and building. Students and parents must
clearlyunderstandtheirresponsibilitiesandassociateddeadlineswithinthisprocess.
CourseSelection:Studentsareinformedofprogramofferingsduringcourseselectionassembliesand
meet with their Guidance Counselors to discuss their program of study. Detailed information about
academicofferingsislistedwithintheShamrockStudiescoursecatalog,whichispostedontheschool
website.Studentsandparentscompleteandsignthe“SchedulePlanningWorksheet”andreturnitto
theirGuidanceCounselorbythedeadline.
CourseandLevelRecommendations:TeachersandDepartmentChairsattendaseriesofmeetingsto
review students’ course requests and make their own recommendations for course and level
placement in PlusPortal. Discussions include the review of all materials and data pertaining to
students’ past and current academic performance, graduation requirements, and the ability of the
studenttohandletherequestedcourseload.
Online Course Registration: Students log on to PlusPortal to review the courses and levels
recommendedforthem.Studentscompletetheregistrationprocessbymakingtheirfinalcourse/level
requestsinPlusPortal.DetailedinstructionsforusingthePlusPortalcourserequestmodulearealso
postedontheschoolwebsite.
Schedule Approval/Review: Department Chairs, Guidance Counselors, and administrators attend a
seriesofmeetingstoreviewandcomparestudents’registrationanddepartmentalrecommendations.
Final decisions are made and course/level assignments are forwarded to the scheduling database.
Studentsandparentsareinformedofthesefinalsdecisionsviathe“CourseAssignmentForm”,whichis
mailedhome.Studentsandparentssignthe“CourseAssignmentForm”andreturnittoschool.
Schedule Building: Once all course assignments are finalized, Department Chairs and administrators
divide courses into sections based on enrollment numbers. Students are assigned to sections, and
sectionsareassignedtoperiods.Thisprocessisrepeateduntiltheleastamountofschedulingconflicts
occur.Studentsandparentsareinformedofanyschedulingconflictsandareaskedtomakealternate
coursechoices.Schedulesarefinalizedanddistributedtostudentspriortofinalexams.Pleasenote:
Teachercourseassignmentsarefinalizedduringthesummermonths,afterschedulesaredistributed
tostudents.Giventhatteachingassignmentsareaffectedbyenrollmentineachsection,requestsfor
changesaftertheJunedistributioncannotbeentertained.
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CourseLevelDescriptions
The academic program at Bishop Feehan High School is designed to prepare all students for postsecondaryeducation.Coursesareofferedatseverallevelsofdepthanddifficultytoaddresstheneeds
ofstudentswithvaryingaptitudesandlearningstyles.
Mostrequiredorcorecoursesareofferedatfourlevels:Honors1,Honors,CollegePrep1,andCollege
Prep. Some required courses are also offered at the Advanced Placement level and require
departmental approval. Elective courses are usually offered at a limited number of levels, mostly
Honors 1 and College Prep 1. Teachers and department chairs discuss student progress and make
recommendations during the level placement process if a student chooses an elective with limited
levels.Studentsareadvisedthatstudypracticesandworkhabitsmayneedadjustmentinordertobe
successfuliftheyarerecommendedtoahighercourselevelthancoursestheyhavetakeninthepast.
AdvancedPlacement:Advancedstudentsareofferedtheopportunitytoengageincollegelevelstudy
in several disciplines as part of the College Entrance Examination Board’s Advanced Placement
Program.Inordertoparticipate,studentsmustdemonstratesuperioraptitudeandachievementanda
willingness to commit to considerable independent study. Admission to these courses is selective;
criteriaarelistedinthedepartmentalcoursedescriptionsfoundinShamrockStudies.Allstudentsin
these courses are required to take and pay the fee for the College Board Advanced Placement
ExaminationinMay.Manycollegesawardcredittothosestudentswhoreceiveasatisfactoryscoreon
theexamination.
Honors1:CoursesattheHonors1levelaredesignedtochallengestudentswhohavedemonstrateda
high level of academic aptitude and achievement as demonstrated in the placement exam and past
academicperformance.Thepaceofinstructionisrapid,andtopicsareexploredingreaterdepththan
intheHonorslevel.Studentsareexpectedtocompleteindependentresearch,groupwork,andlong
termassignments.Assessmentsemphasizethedevelopmentofcriticalthinkingskills,originalityand
creativity,andtheabilitytomakeconnectionswithinthesubjectareaaswellaswithotheracademic
disciplines.
Honors: In courses at the Honors level, academically talented students are challenged to make the
transition from thorough recall of information to higher levels of thinking and application of course
material. Students at this level usually have well-developed skills. Although course content is often
very similar to the Honors 1 level, more time is devoted to guiding students in the development of
criticalthinkingskillsandthecapacityformoreindependentwork.Studentsareexpectedtodoboth
independent and group projects and long term assignments. Assessments reflect the transitional
natureofthislevel.
College Preparatory 1: This level provides students who have demonstrated above average aptitude
and achievement with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the subject area and the
applicationofconcepts.Emphasisisplacedonfinetuningskillsaswellasdevelopingthecapacityfor
more critical thinking. Students are expected to complete daily homework assignments as well as
somelongtermassignmentsandprojects.Frequentandvariedassessmentscharacterizethislevel.
College Preparatory: Students at this level receive more personal attention in their academic
preparation for college. Teachers use a variety of instructional practices to engage students with
different learning styles. Emphasis is placed on developing a strong understanding of the course
fundamentals,thecapacityforindependentandcriticalthinking,masteryofgradelevelstandards,and
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thelearningskillsnecessaryformoreadvancedstudy.Dailyhomeworkisassignedtoprovidestudents
with practice in working with new concepts, review of previously learned material, and structure in
theirlearningprocess.Long-termassignmentsarefrequentlybrokendownintoseveralcomponents.
Studentprogressisassessedfrequentlyusingavarietyoftools.
CourseLevelPlacement
The placement of students in appropriate levels is a comprehensive and collaborative process that
evolvedfromastrongdesiretocreatethebestpossibleacademicexperienceforeachstudent.The
goaloflevelplacementistohaveeachstudentsufficientlychallengedbyarigorousacademicprogram
while ensuring that he or she has the aptitude and skills to be successful in the classroom. After
meetingwithguidancecounselors,studentsselectcoursesaccordingtorequirementsforeachgrade
and personal preferences. Members of the faculty meet within their departments to determine the
appropriate level placement in each academic discipline for every student in the school. This
opportunity for discussion allows present and former teachers to have input into a student’s level
placement. Once the departments have agreed upon a student’s level placement, administrators,
department chairs, and guidance counselors meet to discuss each student’s schedule and level
placement.Allinformationaboutastudent’sacademicrecordisconsideredinordertorecommenda
level placement congruent with the totality of a student’s academic aptitude and achievement,
includingresultsofstandardizedtesting,reportcards,progressreports,andpreviousschoolrecords.
TheVicePrincipalofAcademicsmakesthefinaldecisioninallscheduling/levelingmatters.
FreshmanElectives
Freshmanstudentsarerequiredtocomplete7.0creditsofstudy.Asidefromthesixcorecoursesof
Theology, English, Science, Mathematics, World Languages, and Social Studies, freshmen students
must choose the equivalent of 1.0 credits from a list of approved elective courses. A list of these
electivesisprovidedtoincomingstudentswhentheyregisterandincludescoursesintheVisualand
PerformingArts,StudySkills,WorldLanguages,andComputerProgramming.
AdvancedPlacementCourses
AnystudentwishingtoenrollinanAdvancedPlacementcourseforthe2016-2017schoolyearmust
meetwiththeirGuidanceCounselortodiscusstheirselections.Studentsshouldclearlyunderstandthe
prerequisitesforeachcourseinordertodeterminetheireligibilityforenrollment.Thiswillensurethat
studentsareabletomakewell-informeddecisionsabouttheircourseselectionsforthecomingyear.
In general, no student will be allowed to enroll or register in more than three AP courses. Rising
seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic success may appeal to the Vice Principal of
AcademicstoenrollinafourthAPcourse.
All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are required to take the Advanced Placement
Examinationassociatedwiththatcourse.TheseexamsarescheduledbytheCollegeBoardandtake
place in the first few weeks of May, before the senior final exam week. Students must pay the fee
associatedwiththeAPexam,whichiscurrently$92.00.
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PossibilityofSchedulingConflicts
Bishop Feehan utilizes a computerized scheduling system, which allows for the creation of a master
schedule that maximizes the number of successful course requests. However, even with this
sophisticated system it is inevitable that some students will submit course requests that cannot be
fulfilledduetoschedulingconflicts.Studentsandparentswillbeinformedofanyschedulingconflict
andwillbeofferedalternativecoursechoices.
PersonnelandStudentSchedules
It is important to note that personnel and physical plant decisions are predicated upon the courses
selectedbythestudentsthroughthiscourseselectionprocess.Theschoolengagesteachers,allocates
funds,andmakesteachingassignmentsbaseduponthesestudentschedules.Forthisreason,requests
tochangecoursesandlevelscannotbesubmittedorconsideredaftertherespectivedeadlineshave
passed.
CourseCancellations
Bishop Feehan High School reserves the right to withdraw a course offering due to insufficient
enrollmentorlackofteacheravailability.
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CHRISTIANSERVICELEARNING
SERVICELEARNING
175 Required
AllYear
Grade9
176 Required
AllYear
Grade10
177 Required
AllYear
Grade11
ChristianServiceLearningisanintegralpartofstudentlifeatBishopFeehanHighSchool.Studentsare
encouraged to search for service opportunities that challenge them to grow in that love and
knowledgeofthepersonofJesusChrist,andtolivelivesofintegrityandservice,asdescribedinour
Mission.
Sixty(60)hoursofdocumentedChristianservicearerequiredpriortograduation.Usingtheformthat
canbefoundontheSanctitytaboftheschool’swebsite,studentsmustdocumenttwenty(20)hoursof
serviceineachoftheirfreshman,sophomore,andjunioryearsinordertoreceiveapassinggradeon
their transcript for each year. These hours can be completed after school, on weekends, during
vacationperiods,andduringthesummermonths.
Incomingfreshmenmaybegintoaccumulateservicehoursoncetheyhavegraduatedfrom8thgrade.
AllfreshmenandsophomoresarestronglyencouragedtocompletetheirservicehoursthroughBishop
Feehan(suchasparticipatingasatourguideforOpenHouse,etc.),orthroughtheirplaceofworship.
Juniors may also complete service hours through non-profit events and organizations. Many
extracurriculargroupsandathleticteamsalsooffervariousserviceopportunities.
Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoreportservicehourstotheOfficeofCampusMinistry.Thenumber
of service hours accumulated will be reported on each student’s quarterly report card, up to the
required60hours.Theschoolcannotrecordhoursoverandabovethe60-hourrequirement.
Ifastudentdoesnotcomplete20hoursofservicebytheendofeachschoolyear,afinalgradeof“I”
will be designated on the student’s year-end report card. A notification of an incomplete service
requirementwillalsoappearonthestudent’sofficialtranscript.
Theschoolreservestherighttorequirethatmake-uphoursforservicebeearnedoncampus.
ServicelearninghoursforBishopFeehanarenotinadditiontothoserequiredbytheNationalHonor
Societies,extracurricularactivities,orparishConfirmationclasses.Forexample,theOfficeofCampus
Ministrywillaccept20hoursofservicecompletedfortheNationalHonorSociety.Onesetof20hours
fulfillsbothrequirements.
The Office of Campus Ministry is currently reviewing the Christian Service Learning Requirement.
Somealterationsmaybemade,andwillbecommunicateduponcompletionofthereview.
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THEOLOGY
Afour-yearprograminTheologyisrequiredofallstudents.Studentsmustreceiveapassinggradefor
eachsemestercourseinordertofulfillthegraduationrequirement.
THEREVELATIONOFJESUSCHRISTINSCRIPTURE
108/110
Required
Semester1 Grade9
This first semester course is designed to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the
Sacred Scriptures. Through their study of the Bible they will come to encounter the living Word of
God, Jesus Christ. In this course students will learn about the Bible, authored by God through
Inspiration,anditsvaluetopeoplethroughouttheworld.StudentswilllearnhowtoreadtheBible
andwillbecomefamiliarwiththemajorsectionsoftheBibleandthebooksincludedineachsection.
ThestudentwillpayparticularattentiontotheGospels,wheretheymaygrowtoknowandloveJesus
Christmorepersonally.
WHOISJESUSCHRIST?
112/114
Required
Semester2 Grade9
This second semester course introduces students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of
God,theSecondPersonoftheBlessedTrinity.ItcontinuesthestudyofJesusChristbeguninthefirst
semester course to help students understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from
God.InlearningaboutwhoJesusis,thestudentswillalsolearnwhohecallsthemtobe.
THEMISSIONOFJESUSCHRIST
121/122
Required
Semester1 Grade10
ThiscourseprovidescorematerialsaroundthecentralmysteryofoursalvationbytheTriuneGod.The
semester will concentrate on the three persons of the Trinity and their role in our salvation,
participationinthecommunityoftheChurch,prayer,andsacraments.Asaresultofparticipationin
thisclass,studentswillbetterunderstandthepractices,teachings,andbeliefsoftheRomanCatholic
Church.
THECHURCH
139/140
Required
Semester2 Grade10
This course focuses on the Church as a community of faith and is the beginning of a historical
examinationofthemysteryoftheChurchthatwillcontinueinGrade12.Studentsexplorethelifeand
missionofJesusandhowtheChurchaspilgrimcontinuesChrist’spresenceintheworldwithbotha
humananddivinedimension.ThecoursesurveystwothousandyearsoftheChurch’sstory.
THESACRAMENTS
129/130
Required
Semester1 Grade11
ThepurposeofthiscourseistohelpstudentsunderstandthattheycanencounterChristtodayinafull
and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will
examineeachofthesacramentsindetailincludingtheiroriginsandpracticethroughoutthecenturies
soastolearnhowtheymayencounterChristthroughoutlife.
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CATHOLICCHRISTIANMORALITY
127/128
Required
Semester2 Grade11
ThiscoursefocusesonthesearchforanauthenticCatholicChristianMoralitybasedonanencounter
withthepersonandvaluesofJesus,andguidedinitsdevelopmentbytheteachingauthorityofthe
CatholicChurch.Emphasisisplacedondevelopingaprocessformakingmoraldecisionsaccompanied
by discussion of the following: personhood, stages in moral development, Christian principles and
values,freedom,responsibility,authority,law,sin,andconscienceformation.Thecoursetreatsissues
ofpersonalandsocialmoralitythroughanexaminationofselectedcasestudies.
SOCIALJUSTICE
141/142
Required
Semester1 Grade12
This first semester course continues the examination of the nature and mission of the Church that
began during the sophomore year. Social Justice focuses on the Church, the world, and issues of
justice.ItexploresthedevelopmentsthatledtotheemergenceofthemodernChurchanditssocial
teachings.Furthermore,thecoursechallengesthediscipletoacceptownershipofthatmissionofthe
Churchandtoconfronttherealityofsocialandinstitutionalsin.Studentsexploreavarietyofcurrent
issuesintheChurchandsociety,especiallythosethatdealwithmattersofsocialjustice.
Allseniorsenrollincourse141/142–SocialJusticeduringthefirstsemesterunlesstheyareselectedto
participateinthefullyearcourse159–SocialJustice/ChristianServiceInternship.
Studentsenrollingin141/142–SocialJusticemustalsochooseanelectivecoursetofulfilltheirsecond
semester requirement. The number of sections for each election is fixed, therefore, students must
indicateafirst,second,andthirdchoiceelectiveontheirCourseSelectionRequestForm.
THEOLOGYELECTIVES–SENIORSONLY
INTRODUCTIONTOBIOETHICS
151 FulfillsRequirement Semester2 Grade12
Thissecondsemesterseniorelectivecoursefocusesonthesignificantethicalissuesthatemergefrom
science and medicine. After an initial examination of key values and principles of bioethics, the
student will undertake an in-depth exploration of the following moral issues: abortion, medical
treatment of newborns, genetic engineering, cloning, reproductive technology, euthanasia, suicide,
andcareofthecriticallyill.Eachissueaddressedwillinvolveanalysisoftheproblemandpresentation
ofCatholicethicalwisdominapproachingthesedilemmas.Studentswillparticipateinseminarsonthe
mostpressingbioethicalissuesofourtime.
INTRODUCTIONTOWORLDRELIGIONS
152 FulfillsRequirement Semester2 Grade12
Thissecondsemesterseniorelectivecourseintroducesthestudenttothemajorreligioustraditionsof
the world, both East and West. The student will explore the diverse interpretations of the sacred.
Additionally, the study of each religion will be pursued in terms of three key dimensions: (a) Creed:
What the community believes about the sacred; (b) Code: The community’s values and norms for
behavior;and(c)Cult:Howthecommunitycelebratesitsbeliefsinritual.
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DEATH,DYING,LIFE,ANDLIVING
154 FulfillsRequirement Semester2 Grade12
Thissecondsemesterseniorelectivecourseispracticalinnaturewithitsgoalofassistingstudentsin
developing an approach to life which enables them to cope in healthy ways with the losses and
transitionsexperiencedinlife:death,divorce,break-upofrelationships,lossofhealth,etc.Centralto
thiscourseareChristianattitudestowardthemysteryofsufferinganddeath,thebeliefinresurrection,
andgrieftherapy.
DISCOVERINGTHESACREDTHROUGHSCRIPTUREANDTHEARTS
155 FulfillsRequirement Semester2 Grade12
ThissecondsemesterseniorelectivecourseappliesthearticlesoffaithasoutlinedintheCatechismof
theCatholicChurchtosomegreatliteraryandartisticworks.Thecourseseekstoexplorethemany
anddiversewaythathumanshaveusedtheartstorevealthemysteryofGod’spresenceamongus,His
relationshiptous,andourresponsetohisDivineRevelation.Theworksofartthatwillbeutilizedare
organizedaroundthefourpillarsoftheCatechism,withthegoalofdeepeningstudents’appreciation
ofGodinareflective,imaginative,andproperlydevotionalway.Throughdiscussionofandreflection
onthepowerthattheseworkshavebeyondentertainment,thecoursewillbothenrichandchallenge
theheadandheartofthestudents.
SOCIALJUSTICE/CHRISTIANSERVICEINTERNSHIP
159 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade12
Thisfullyearseniorelectivecourse,integratestherequiredSocialJusticecoursewithapracticumin
supervised service. The goal of this course is to educate and inspire students to grow in an
understanding of Christian attitudes with respect to earthly goods and socio-economic relationships.
ChristiansstrivetocreateafutureinwhichtheseChristianattitudesarelivedoutindailylife.Students
will come to a fuller understanding of what is meant to live the "Kingdom of God" in the context of
Catholic social teaching and scriptural reflections. Through direct service internships, students will
cometoseeserviceasatoolthatcanactasacatalystforsocialchangeleadingtogreatersocialjustice.
Students will understand that service, coupled with dependence upon God, is a powerful vehicle
throughwhichtheHolySpiritimpactsone’spersonallifeandcommunallife.
Requirements:Studentswillchooseaninternshipthatishands-onandlinkedtothecurriculum.They
willparticipateinthisinternshipexperiencetwiceduringeachseven-daycycle.Duringthistimethey
maybeinvolvedinservicethatdirectlyimpactsBishopFeehanHighSchool,ortheymaytravelashort
distance into the community to work in a service agency. During the cycle, students will have the
opportunitytoreflectuponandprocesshisorherserviceexperienceandmakelinkstothecurriculum.
Theserviceportionofthiscoursewilltakeplaceduringtwodaysofthecyclewhentheclassperiod
coincideswiththeXperiod.StudentsmaynottakethisclassiftheyarescheduledforanXperiod
class.ItispossiblethatacourseconflictcouldoccurafterthemasterscheduleisbuiltintheSpring.If
anotherchosencourseisscheduledduringtheXperiod,thestudentandparentswillbenotifiedofthe
courseconflictandaskedtodecidewhichcoursetakesprecedenceforenrollmentintheFall.Inthe
unlikelyeventthattheXperiodcourseisrequiredforgraduationtherewillnotbeachoice–theone
requiredforgraduationwilltakeprecedence.
Enrollmentinthiscourseisbyinvitationonly.Itisaprivilegetobeabletoserveoffcampustwicea
cycle. The number of supervised, off-campus service sites available in any given year is limited;
therefore, the number of students accepted in this course is also limited. Students wishing to be a
part of this course must complete an application, which can be found on the school website, and
handdeliverittotheChairoftheTheologyDepartmentbyMonday,February8,2016.
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ENGLISH
Afour-yearprograminEnglishisrequiredofallstudents.StudentsinGrades9,10,11,and12takea
fullyearcourseeachyear;studentsinGrades11and12maychoosetotakeadditionalelectivecourses
inEnglish.ElectivecoursescannotbeusedtofulfillthegraduationrequirementforEnglish.
ENGLISHI
212Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade9
213Honors Required
AllYear
Grade9
214CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade9
215CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade9
This first course in the English program provides a foundation in English language skills including
writing, grammar, vocabulary, and oral communication. The course introduces students to the four
basictypesofliteraturethroughastudyoffiction,non-fiction,drama,andpoetry.
ENGLISHII
222Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade10
223Honors Required
AllYear
Grade10
224CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade10
225CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade10
ThiscourseintroducesthestudenttothemajorthemesandideasofAmericanLiteratureinselected
poems, novels, short stories, and essays from the Puritans to the Modern Period. It is designed to
expand the basics of English language skills and to increase competency in vocabulary, paragraph
development, and oral communication. The course introduces basic skills in literary analysis and
provides instruction in the development of the research paper and other multi-paragraph
compositions.
ENGLISHIII
232Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade11
233Honors Required
AllYear
Grade11
234CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade11
235CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade11
ThiscourseinBritishliteratureexaminesauthorsfromtheAnglo-Saxonperiodtothepresentthrough
thelensofBritishliteraryandhistoricalheritage.Inadditiontoreviewingandrefiningbasicskillsin
literaryanalysis,thiscoursecontinuesinstructioninthedevelopmentoftheresearchpaperandother
multi-paragraphcompositions.
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ADVANCEDPLACEMENTLITERATUREANDCOMPOSITION
241AdvancedPlacement FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofeitherEnglishIII-Honors1(232)withaminimumaverageof93
orEnglishIII-Honors(233)withaminimumaverageof95,recommendationofEnglishteachers,and
approval of the department chairperson. A composite PSAT Critical Reading and Writing score of a
minimumof115,withatleasta50ineachcategory,isstronglyrecommended.Studentswhodonot
meetthisPSATrequirementwillbeaskedtoprovideawritingsampleand/ortakeanexaminationin
Englishgrammarandmechanicsadministeredbythedepartmentchairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin
#241 are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Literature and Composition.
Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththisexam.
This college level course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of fictional and
dramaticliterature.Throughtheclosereadingofselectedtexts,studentsdeepentheirunderstanding
of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they
read,studentsconsiderawork’sstructure,style,andthemesaswellastheuseoffigurativelanguage,
imagery,symbolism,andtone.Thefollowinggenreswillbeexplored:shortstory,novel,drama,and
poetry.APEnglishLiteraturestudentsmusthavestrongwritingskills,includingcommandoftherules
of English grammar, a strong and varied writing style, and mastery of the mechanics of English.
Becausetheywillbeenrolledinacollegecourseinhighschool,thesestudentsmustalsobewillingto
acceptresponsibilityfortheirownlearning.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTLANGUAGEANDCOMPOSITION
242AdvancedPlacement FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofeitherEnglishIII-Honors1(232)withaminimumaverageof93
orEnglishIII-Honors(233)withaminimumaverageof95,recommendationofEnglishteachers,and
approval of the department chairperson. A composite PSAT Critical Reading and Writing score of a
minimumof115,withatleasta50ineachcategory,isstronglyrecommended.Studentswhodonot
meetthisPSATrequirementwillbeaskedtoprovideawritingsampleand/ortakeanexaminationin
Englishgrammarandmechanicsadministeredbythedepartmentchairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin
#242 are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Language and Composition.
Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththisexam.
Thiscourseprovidesintensivepracticeinorganizingandwritingavarietyofessaysnecessarytomake
thestudentaflexiblewriterwhocancomposeinavarietyofmodesandforavarietyofpurposes.The
courseemphasizesexpository,analytical,andpersuasiveessaysonnon-literarytopicsandprovidesthe
studentwiththebackgroundnecessarytoeffectivelycritiquetherhetoricalstructure,purpose,tone,
andeffectofgoodwriting.Toreflecttheincreasingimportanceofgraphicsandvisualimagesintexts
publishedinprintandelectronicmedia,studentswillanalyzehowsuchimagesbothrelatetowritten
textsandserveasalternativeformsof“text”themselves.Inaddition,theinformeduseofresearch
materialsandtheabilitytosynthesizevariedsources(toevaluate,use,andcitesources)areintegral
partsoftheAPEnglishLanguageandCompositioncourse.PracticeinpreparingfortheAPLanguage
andCompositionexamiscentraltothecourse.APEnglishLanguagestudentsmusthavestrongwriting
skills,includingcommandoftherulesofEnglishgrammar,astrongandvariedwritingstyle,and
masteryofthemechanicsofEnglish.Becausetheywillbeenrolledinacollegecourseinhighschool,
thesestudentsmustalsobewillingtoacceptresponsibilityfortheirownlearning.
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COMPOSITIONANDLITERATURE
251Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade12
261Honors Required
AllYear
Grade12
In this course, students learn to become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods,
disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. The course provides practice in composition, making students
flexible writers who can compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. The course
emphasizesexpository,analytical,andpersuasiveessaysonnon-literarytopics.Inaddition,avariety
ofliterarytopicswillbeexploredprovidingthestudentanopportunitytorefineskillsrelatedtoliterary
analysis.
COMPOSITIONANDLITERATURE
271CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade12
281CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade12
Thiscoursebringsthestudenttothethresholdofreadinessforcollege-levelstudyinthedisciplineof
English.ItsaimistorefinewritingskillsusingtheconventionsofstandardwrittenEnglish.Thecourse
provides practice in composition, making students flexible writers who can compose in a variety of
modesandforavarietyofpurposes.Emphasisisplacedontheinterrelationshipoflanguageskills.In
addition,avarietyofliterarytopicswillbeexploredprovidingthestudentopportunitiestorefineskills
relatedtoliteraryanalysis.
ENGLISHELECTIVES
ORALCOMMUNICATIONS
291 Honors Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofEnglishII.
This course is an activity-based speech communication program designed to help students become
more competent speakers and more efficient listeners. Through a variety of activities, this course
develops the key concepts of communication as a process, reinforcing the skills and techniques
necessary for effective speaking and interactive listening in both formal and informal situations.
Participationinpublicspeakingeventswillbeanintegralpartofthecourse.
INTRODUCTIONTOFILMSTUDIES
293 Honors1
Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
294 Honors Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofEnglishII.
This course is an introduction to the twentieth century’s most important visual medium: movies.
Studentswillstudythelanguageandaestheticsofcinemaandlearnaboutthebasicbuildingblocksof
film. The course will also introduce students to significant developments in film history, from the
invention of motion pictures and the establishment of the film industry to the digital and CGI
innovations of today’s cinema. For the purposes of this course, we will consider the film as text.
Studentswillreadfilmsinordertoimprovetheirunderstandingofthewaymeaningiscreatedwhile
also deepening their appreciation and understanding of the medium. Students will learn to think
criticallyaboutmovies,withemphasisonimprovingbothwrittenandspokenexpression.
**Dependingonenrollment,theHonors1andHonorscoursesmayberunconcurrently,withadditional
requirementsandassignmentsfortheHonors1level.
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CREATIVEWRITING
297 Honors Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofEnglishII.
Thiscourseisdesignedforthestudentwhowantstodeveloptheabilitytowritewitharefreshingly
new perspective. Classroom dialog, group dynamics, and frequent writing assignments, both casual
andformal,arerequiredofstudentsinthisclass.Thestudentmusthaveasinceredesiretoimprove
hisorherwritingability.
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SCIENCE
A three-year program in science is required, and includes one year each of biology, chemistry, and
physics.TheScienceDepartmentFacultyrecommendsthatallstudentstakeanelectivecourseinthe
fourthyear.TheserequirementsareinaccordancewithNationalScienceEducationStandardsandthe
2006ScienceandTechnology/EngineeringCurriculumFrameworksfortheStateofMassachusetts.The
three required courses provide the skills and concepts necessary for a graduate of a college
preparatory high school. Since mathematics is the language of science, the science faculty closely
monitors students’ progress in mathematics courses. Student performance in mathematics is an
integralpartofthedecisionmakingprocessthatdeterminescourseandlevelplacementinthescience
curriculum.Duetothedifferingnatureoflifescienceandphysicalsciencecourses,itisnotuncommon
forstudentstochangelevelplacementeachyearintheirsciencecourses,dependingonthecontent
deliveredinpriormathcourses,aswellastheirmasteryofthatcontent.
The recommended course of study in science is determined by a student’s analytical (mathematical
anddatainterpretation)skills.
Studentswhohavestronganalyticalabilitiespursuethefollowingcourseofstudy:
FreshmanYear:
Biology
SophomoreYear:
Chemistry(322,323,324)
JuniororSeniorYear:
Physics(331,332,333,334)
* In this sequence of courses, the student may take a science elective in his/her junior or senior
year.
Students who need additional support with their analytical (mathematical and data interpretation)
skillsareadvisedtopursuethefollowingcourseofstudy:
FreshmanYear:
Biology
SophomoreYear:
ConceptualPhysics(335)
JuniorYear:
Chemistry(325)
*Inthissequenceofcourses,thestudentmaytakeascienceelectiveinhis/hersenioryear.
The second sequence of courses also allows students who need additional time and support in
mathematics to take the more math-intensive Chemistry course concurrently with Algebra II, thus
offeringmorecongruencebetweenrequiredanalyticalskills.
SCIENCE FAIR: Participation in the BFHS Science Fair is mandatory for students enrolled in
designated courses. Participation in the fair is part of the grade for these courses. The individual
teacher determines the weighting of this grade in their course. Students who are interested in the
sciencefair,butarenotenrolledinthesecourses,areencouragedtospeakwiththeirscienceteacher
about participation so that the appropriate forms can be completed. Winners at the local fair are
expectedtoparticipateinsubsequentregionalandstatefairs.
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REQUIREDCOURSES
BIOLOGYI
312Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade9
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental
concepts, processes, and systems of living organisms. Topics include the nature of life, ecology, cell
structureandfunction,genetics,andevolution.Attheendofthecoursestudentsareexpectedtohave
anin-depthknowledgeofthetopicscoveredandbeabletosynthesizethedetailsofeachtopicinto
the larger conceptual framework of the biological world. Laboratory experiments are designed to
illustratetheconceptslearnedintheclassroomwithanemphasisoncriticalthinkingskillsandproblem
solving.Sciencefairparticipationisrequiredforallstudentsenrolledinthiscourse.
BIOLOGYI
313Honors Required
AllYear
Grade9
This course is designed to teach the fundamental concepts, processes and systems of living things.
Topics include the nature of life, ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, and evolution.
Assignments and laboratory activities will help students integrate the details of each topic into the
largerconceptualframeworkofthebiologicalworld.
BIOLOGYI
314CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade9
Thiscourseisdesignedtoteachthefundamentalconcepts,processesandsystemsoflivingthings.Life
willbestudiedfrombasiccellularstructureandfunctiontothecomplexinteractionsoforganismsinan
ecosystem. Topics include the nature of life, ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, and
evolution. In the laboratory, emphasis is on investigation and inquiry as a means of developing a
deeperunderstandingofbiologicalconcepts.
BIOLOGYI
315CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade9
This activity and lab-centered course presents the fundamental concepts, processes and systems of
livingthingsfrombasiccellularstructureandfunctiontothecomplexinteractionsoforganismsinan
ecosystem. Topics include the nature of life, ecology, cell structure and function, genetics, and
evolution. Emphasis is on a practical, concrete approach integrating investigation and inquiry as a
meansofunderstandingbiologicalconcepts.
CHEMISTRYI
322Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade10
Prerequisites:Successfulcompletion(80orbetter)ofanHonorslevelmathematicsclassandapproval
ofDepartmentChair.
This course will introduce basic chemical concepts and principles from experimental observations.
Electronic structure and bonding, organization of matter, states of matter and solutions, kinetics,
equilibria, and thermodynamics with descriptive topics will be the focus of this course. Extensive
problemsolvingwillbeintegratedintothesetopics,thereforestudentsinthiscoursemusthavevery
strong analytical skills and excellent mastery of algebraic concepts. Laboratory experiences will
reinforce the concepts discussed. This course has a lab period once each cycle. Science Fair
participationisrequiredforallstudentsenrolledinthiscourse.
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CHEMISTRYI
323Honors Required
AllYear
Grade10
Prerequisites:Successfulcompletion(80orbetter)ofanHonorslevelmathematicsclassandapproval
ofDepartmentChair.
This course includes the study of matter and its changes. Topics covered are: the mole concept,
stoichiometry, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, and periodic law as well as other general
concepts. Students in this course must have good analytical skills and mastery of Algebra concepts.
Emphasiswillalsobeplacedonlaboratorytechniquesandexperimentation.Thiscourseincludesalab
periodonceeachcycle.
CHEMISTRYI
324CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade10
Prerequisites:Successfulcompletion(80orbetter)ofAlgebraICP1andapprovalofDepartmentChair.
This course studies matter and its changes. Students learn the language of chemistry and the
mathematics of chemical equations, therefore students should have mastery of basic Algebra skills.
Thecourseislab-orientedandprovidesmanyopportunitiesforstudentstodrawconclusionsbasedon
lab data. All aspects of chemistry are explored giving students an overview of the entire field. This
courseincludesalabperiodonceeachcycle.
CHEMISTRYI
325CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade11
Thiscourseemphasizesfundamentalconceptsinchemistryandhowtheyareappliedineverydaylife
and society. A goal of this course is to combine the theory and applications of chemical concepts.
BasicAlgebraskillsarereinforcedbyconnectingconceptualmodelstomathematicalprocesses.Topics
tobecoveredinclude:thestructureofmatter,interactionsofmatter,stoichiometry,statesofmatter,
andacidsandbases.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTPHYSICS1
353AdvancedPlacement Required
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion (90 or better) of Algebra 2 and Trigonometry Honors 1 (course
432),andsuccessfulcompletion(90orbetter)orconcurrentenrollmentinPrecalculusHonors1(course
442). Recommendation of Department Chairperson required. All students enrolled in #353 are
required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics. Students must pay the fee
associatedwiththisexam.
ThisfirstyearPhysicscourseisdesignedforhighlymotivatedstudentswithsuperioranalyticalability
aswellasexceptionalmathematicalskills.APPhysics1isanalgebra-based,introductorycollege-level
physicscoursethatexplorestopicssuchasNewtonianmechanics(includingrotationalmotion);work,
energy,andpower;mechanicalwavesandsound;andintroductory,simplecircuits.Throughinquirybased learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. A significant
portion of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on
inquiry-basedinvestigationsthatprovidestudentswithopportunitiestoapplythesciencepractices.
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PHYSICS
332Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II-Honors 1(432) and concurrent enrollment in Precalculus-Honors1(442)orCalculusHonors1(482).
Thisdemandingalgebra/trigonometry-basedcourseisintendedtoprovidestudentswithanin-depth
andanalyticalstudyofthemajortopicsofphysics.Priorinstructionandastronggraspoftrigonometry
are required to enroll in this course. The principal focus is on mechanics, electricity and magnetism,
withampleconsiderationgiventowaves,sound,andheat.Laboratoryexperimentsaredesignedto
illustrateconceptslearnedintheclassroomwithemphasisoncriticalthinking.
PHYSICS
333Honors Required
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II/Trig-Honors (433) or Pre-Calculus CPI (448) or
concurrentenrollmentinPre-Calculus-Honors(443).
Thisdemandingalgebra/trigonometry-basedcoursepresentsananalyticalapproachtotheprinciples
ofgeneralphysics.Priorinstructionoftrigonometryisrequiredtoenrollinthiscourse.Topicsinclude
mechanics, waves, sound, heat, electricity and magnetism. Laboratory experiments are designed to
illustrateconceptslearnedintheclassroomwithemphasisoncriticalthinking.
PHYSICS
334CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraII-CP1(434).
Thisalgebra-basedcourseintroducesthestudenttothecentralideas,principles,andrelationshipsof
general physics. This course is for students who have not received prior instruction in trigonometry.
Thegoalofthiscourseistofosteranappreciationforthepresenceofphysicsinallaspectsofourlives,
impart knowledge of the principles or concepts on which physics is based, abolish the common
misconceptionsaboutphysics,anddeveloptheabilitytosolveaproblem.Topicsincludemechanics,
waves,sound,light,electricity,andmagnetism.Theseconceptsaredevelopedandsupportedthrough
laboratoryinvestigations.
CONCEPTUALPHYSICS
335CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grades10
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraI-CP(415).
This is a descriptive course in general physics that examines the underlying principles of how things
workandinteractintheworldaroundus.Thegoalofthiscourseistoexploreexamplesofphysicsin
oureverydaylives,developanunderstandingoftheprinciplesandconceptsonwhichphysicsisbased,
and apply these concepts through laboratory work, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Topics
include mechanics, heat, waves, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Mathematics is kept to a
minimumbutbasicalgebraskillsarerequired.
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SCIENCEELECTIVES
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTBIOLOGY
351AdvancedPlacement Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:Successfulcompletion(90orbetter)inBiologyI-Honors1(312),successfulcompletion
(90orbetter)ofChemistryI-Honors1(322)orHonors(323),andapprovalofDepartmentChairperson.
Allstudentsenrolledin#351arerequiredtotaketheAdvancedPlacementExaminationinBiology.
Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththisexam.
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentswithsuperioranalyticalabilityandastronginterestinbiology.It
demandshighmotivationandanabilitytowritecogently,coherently,andanalytically.Thecoursewill
require extensive reading assignments and substantial laboratory work. The course will develop the
conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills related to molecules, cells, heredity,
evolution,diversityoforganisms,ecology,structureandfunctionofplants,animals,andhumans.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTCHEMISTRY
352AdvancedPlacement Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofChemistry1–Honors1(322)withagradeof91orhigher,or
Chemistry 1 – Honors (323) with a grade of 95 or higher, successful completion of Algebra II and
Trigonometry–HonorsorHonors1(432,433,or436)withagradeof91orhigher,andapprovalof
DepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#352arerequiredtotaketheAdvancedPlacement
ExaminationinChemistry.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththisexam.
In keeping with the College Board’s standards, that AP Chemistry curriculum will include: kinetics,
thermochemistry, periodicity, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and intermolecular forces.
Thiscourseisdesignedforhighlymotivatedstudentswhohavedemonstratedanextraordinarydegree
ofcompetenceinafirst-yearchemistryclass.Studentsmustexhibitmasteryofstoichiometry,atomic
theory,gaslaws,andchemicalbondingsincethesetopicswillbeconsideredpriorknowledge.Success
inthiscourserequiresahighlevelofmathematicalproficiencyandproblem-solvingskills.Testswillbe
administeredbeforeschooltoaccommodatearigorousscheduleofclassesandlabs.
MARINEBIOLOGY
363Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
364CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofBiologyI.
Thisisanintroductorycoursethatexploreslifeintheoceansandalongitsshores.Topicswillinclude
physicalandchemicaloceanography,characteristicsofdifferentformsofmarinelife,andconservation
issues which will be studied in an analytical approach. Independent research and laboratory
investigationswillprovideadeeperunderstandingofspecificmarineorganisms.
EARTHSCIENCE
366Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
367CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofBiologyandChemistry.
This course is intended to provide students with an introduction to earth science, with a focus on
hazardsandnaturaldisastersandhowtheyaffectandinfluencetheinterfacebetweenhumanityand
its needs for space and resources. Students will be introduced to the mechanisms and processes of
volcanoes,earthquakes,tsunamis,hurricanes,andtornadoes.Theinteractionsbetweenthesenatural
processesandagrowingpopulationwillbeexplored.
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MICROBIOLOGYANDHUMANDISEASE
369Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
370CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofBiologyandChemistry.
Thiscourseacquaintsstudentswithmicroorganismsandtheiractivities.Thecoursewillgivestudents
an overview of the microbial world including the structure, functioning, and diversity of
microorganisms through the exploration of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and the interaction of these
organismswiththehumanworld.
MEDICALTERMINOLOGY–ONLINECOURSE
371Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofBiologyandChemistry.
THISCOURSECANNOTBEUSEDTOSATISFYASTUDENT’SYEARLYCREDITREQUIREMENT.ITMUSTBE
TAKENINADDITIONTOASENIOR’SREQUIRED6CREDITS,ORAJUNIOR’SREQUIRED6.5CREDITS.
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentsseekingtopursueacollegeeducationinascienceormedicalfield.
Thecoursefocusesunderstandingthepartsofwords(roots,suffixes,andprefixes)asawaytomore
easilyaccessthemeaningofcomplicatedterminology.Thecoursewillfocusonlearningthemeanings
ofcommonwordpartsandhowtheyarecombinedintoavarietyofmedicalterms.Thecoursewillbe
taught as an online course using a combination of PlusPortals and Google Apps for Education, and
otherelectronicresources.Studentswillbeexpectedtoworkattheirownpaceandontheirowntime
to complete activities and assignments without frequent deadlines or supervision. Students will be
asked to periodically check in with faculty to ensure they are making adequate progress toward
completingeachquarter’swork.
INTRODUCTIONTOEMERGENCYMEDICINE
372Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
373CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Thiscoursewillintroducestudentstothefieldofemergencymedicineandtheassociatedknowledge
and skills, which are practiced on a daily basis by medical doctors, nurses, paramedics, EMT’s, and
other medical professionals and first responders. The two objectives of this course will be provide
studentswithamorerealisticviewofwhatthemedicalfieldentails,aswellasprovidestudentswith
knowledgeandskillsthatcanbeusedinarealemergencymedicalsituation.
SpecialNoteforStudents:Duetothenatureofemergencymedicineandthemedicalandtraumatic
injuriesitentails,itwillbenecessaryforstudentstodiscussandviewblood,organs,andotherbodily
fluids. It is highly encouraged that all students are comfortable with this material before enrolling in
thiscourse.
ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGY
376Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofHonorslevelBiologyI(312or313)andChemistryI(322or323).
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentswhowishtogainanin-depthunderstandingofthehumanbody.It
is an intensive course that demands high motivation and strong attention to detail. This course
examines the relationship between structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular,
nervous,digestive,circulatory,respiratory,excretory,lymphatic,endocrine,andreproductivesystems.
Thethemeofhomeostasisisalsoemphasizedthroughoutthecourse,aseachsystemplaysavitalrole
intheoverallhealthofthebody.Catdissectionisarequirementforthiscourse.
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ANATOMYANDPHYSIOLOGY
378CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofCollegePreplevelBiologyI(314or315)andChemistryI(324or
325).
Thiscourseisofferedtostudentswhoareinterestedinpossiblecareersinthemedicalfieldandinthe
humanservicesarea.Itincludesintroductoryanatomy,physiology,andpathologyasrepresentedby
thelatestadvancesinthesefields.Thecourseincludesresearch,dissection,andanalysis.
GENETICS
381Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
379CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofBiologyandChemistry.
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the major principles of heredity
with a focus on human inheritance. Topics for the course include: Mendelian genetics, quantitative
genetics, extra nuclear inheritance, gene expression, mutations, human genetics, and population
genetics.Thecourseincludeslabactivities.
INTRODUCTIONTOENGINEERING
385Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisite:Successfulcompletion(80orabove)ofAlgebraIIattheCP1levelorabove.
Theprimarypurposeofthiscourseistointroducestudentstotheworldoftechnologyandengineering
as a first step in becoming technologically literate citizens. Students will develop a deep and rich
understanding of the term technology and the engineering design process. Through this course’s
practical real-world connections and hands-on activities, all students will have an opportunity to see
howscience,math,andengineeringarepartofoureverydayworld,andwhyitisimportantforevery
citizentobetechnologicallyandscientificallyliterate.Studentsareassessedthroughdesignportfolios,
oralpresentations,traditionaltests,andgroupwork.Asignificantamountofgroupworkoutsideof
theclassroomisrequiredinthiscourseinordertocompletethedesignprojectforeachquarter.Itisa
rigorous course that requires students to be highly organized self-starters with strong skills in
teamwork. A considerable portion of each student’s grade is based on group presentations, and
reportspreparedoutsideofclass.Studentsmusthavetheabilitytomeetoutsideofclassandschool
timetodothiswork.
ENVIRONMENTALSCIENCE
388Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
389CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofBiologyandChemistry.
EnvironmentalScienceenablesstudentstodevelopanunderstandingofthenaturalenvironmentand
the environmental problems the world faces. Students will investigate the following topics:
fundamentalecologicalprinciples,humanpopulationdynamics,naturalresources,energysourcesand
theiruse,humaninteractionwiththeenvironment,andpersonalandcivicresponsibility.Thisscience
course will utilize group lab experiences. Particular emphasis will be placed on local environments.
Studentswilldevelopabasicunderstandingofecologyasthefoundationformakingethicaldecisions
asresponsibleChristianmembersofmodernsociety.
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MATHEMATICSANDCOMPUTERPROGRAMMING
Bishop Feehan has a four-year mathematics requirement for graduation. Courses that require a
calculatorarenotedasfollows:
**TI84+calculatorisrequired.
GRADE9coursesaredeterminedbasedonperformanceontheAlgebraPlacementExam.AllGrade9
level placements are reviewed at the middle of the first marking period by individual teachers, in
consultationwiththeDepartmentChairperson.
GRADE 10 students who want to take Calculus in their senior year, but who have entered Bishop
FeehanattheAlgebraIlevel,mustenrollinbothGeometryandAlgebraIIingrade10.Studentswho
choseto“double-up”inmathduringGrade10mustachievean86averageincourse412,a91average
incourse413,ora95averageincourse414.Thisaveragemustbemaintainedthroughouttheyear.
StudentswhochoosethisoptionmustdelaytheirSocialStudiesprogramofstudybyoneyear.
Information for Students taking Advanced Mathematics Classes in Middle School: All students
admittedtoBishopFeehantakeaplacementexaminMarchtodetermineifthestudentshouldtake
Algebra I during their freshman year. Certain students are eligible to take additional mathematics
placement exams depending on their middle school mathematics curriculum. In order to take the
GeometryorAlgebraIIplacementexam,thestudentmustahavefullyearofGeometryorAlgebraIIon
their middle school transcript and must have passed Bishop Feehan’s Algebra I placement exam.
Students must achieve a minimum score of 80% on the Geometry or Algebra II placement exam to
place out of the respective course. Students who are successful on these exams will be placed in
advanced mathematics classes according to Bishop Feehan’s mathematics curriculum, but will not
receivecreditforthesecoursesontheirBishopFeehantranscript.Regardlessofcourseplacement,all
students are required to complete four years of mathematics courses to meet Bishop Feehan’s
graduation requirement. The Geometry and Algebra II placement exams are given on an individual
basis. Interested students should contact the chair of the Mathematics Department to make an
appointment to take these exams. The Geometry and Algebra II placement exams must be taken
within six weeks of completing the course in middle school. Documentation of completion of the
respectivecoursemustbeprovidedtouswhenmakingtheappointmentfortheexamadministration.
TheGeometryandAlgebraIIplacementexamsmaybetakenonceonly.
ALGEBRAI
412Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade9**
413Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade9**
414CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade9**
415CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade9**
Thisfirst-yearcourseusesmathematicalconceptstodevelopbasicprinciplesofalgebrainasystematic
andmeaningfulway.Topicsincludesolvingequationsandinequalities,graphingandwritingfunctions,
systems of equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, quadratics, and data analysis. Word
problems are an integral part of the curriculum in order to develop critical thinking skills. The
differencebetweenthelevelsisthespeedofinstructionandthedifficultyoftheproblems.
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ALGEBRAI–PARTA
419CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade9**
ThiscoursecoversthefirsthalfofaregularAlgebraIcourse.Thesecondhalfiscoveredingrade10by
takingAlgebraIPartBCourse429.Thetopicsinthisfirst-yearcourseincludesolvingequationsand
inequalities,graphingandwritingfunctions,andsolvingsystemsofequationsandinequalities.Word
problemsareanintegralpartofthecurriculuminordertodevelopcriticalthinkingskills.
ALGEBRAI–PARTB
429CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grade10**
This course covers the second half of a regular Algebra I course. Topics include exponents and
polynomials,quadraticequationsandfunctions,anddataanalysisandprobability.Wordproblemsare
anintegralpartofthecurriculuminordertodevelopcriticalthinkingskills.
GEOMETRY
422Honors1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10
423Honors
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10
424CollegePrep1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10
425CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10
426CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10
Prerequisites:(422,423)SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraIorAlgebraIIandTrigonometryatthesame
level.(424,425,426).SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraIorAlgebraIIatthesamelevel.
Topicsincludedinthiscoursearethebasicelementsofgeometryanddeductivereasoningthroughthe
two-column proof. Students are introduced to angle measurement and perpendicular and parallel
lines.Congruenttrianglesandsimilarpolygonsarecoveredindetailwiththeirappropriatedefinitions,
postulates, theorems, and applications. A special section is reserved for right triangles where the
PythagoreanTheoremisintroducedalongwithsomefundamentalconceptsoftrigonometry.Circles,
area and volumes are also discussed. Honors sections treat subject matter with greater acceleration
andintensity.
ALGEBRAIIANDTRIGONOMETRY
432Honors1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade9**
430Honors1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10or11**
436Honors
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade9**
433Honors
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade10or11**
Prerequisites: (432,436) Approval of Department Chairperson after successful performance on the
Algebra I placement exam. (430,433) Successful completion of Algebra I at the same level with an
averageof82.
This course focuses on the study of various functions – Quadratic, Polynomial, Exponential,
Logarithmic, Rational, Radical, and Trigonometric. There is an emphasis on analyzing graphs of
functionsbytransformationsoftheirparentfunctions.AunitaboutStatisticalAnalysisisalsoincluded.
In the fourth quarter of the school year, students are introduced to trigonometry, including right
triangle trigonometry, trigonometric functions and graphs, and inverse trigonometric functions. This
course enables students to make connections between math and other curriculum areas, improve
logicalthinking,andapplyalgebraicskillstosolveandinterpretreallifeproblems.
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ALGEBRAII
434CollegePrep1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade11**
435CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11**
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraIatthesamelevel.
This course focuses on the study of various functions – Quadratic, Polynomial, Exponential,
Logarithmic, Rational, and Radical. There is an emphasis on analyzing graphs of functions by
transformationsoftheirparentfunctions.AunitaboutStatisticalAnalysisisalsoincluded.Thiscourse
enables students to make connections between math and other curriculum areas, improve logical
thinking,andapplyalgebraicskillstosolveandinterpretreallifeproblems.
PRE-CALCULUS
442Honors1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade11**
443Honors
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraII&Trig(82orbetter)atthesamelevelwithdepartment
approval.
The major emphasis in this course is the examination of the number systems and the study of the
functions.Thecontent,therefore,comprisesthealgebraofrealnumbers,vectors,complexnumbers,
polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions, the circular functions and trigonometry,
mathematicalinduction,sequences,seriesandlimitsaswellasanintroductiontoCalculus.
PRE-CALCULUS/TRIGONOMETRY
448CollegePrep1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
Prerequisites:CompletionofAlgebraII&TrigHonors(433,436),orsuccessfulcompletion(82orbetter)
ofAlgebraIICollegePrep1(434).
The first semester covers all the topics in trigonometry including ratios, identities, graphs and
problems. The second semester is a study of real number functions including direct and indirect
variation,conicsections,exponentialandlogarithmicfunctionsandmatrices.
INTROTOPRE-CALCULUS/TRIG
454CollegePrep1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
455CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade12**
Prerequisite:(454)SuccessfulcompletionofAlgebraIICollegePrep1witha75average.
(455)SuccessfulcompletionAlgebraIICollegePrep(435).
This course consists of one semester of trigonometry including trig functions, identities, circular
functions,inversetrigfunctionsandthesolutionoftriangles.ThiscoursealsooffersasemesterofPrecalculustopicsincludingexponentialandlogarithmicfunctions,probabilityandstatistics.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTCALCULUSAB
481AdvancedPlacement FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
Prerequisites:CompletionofPre-CalculusHonors1(85orbetter)orcompletionofPre-CalculusHonors
(92orbetter)andapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#481arerequired
totaketheAdvancedPlacementExaminationinCalculus.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwith
thisexam.
This course covers all the material in a traditional introductory Calculus course. With graphing
technology, the students are able to approach the material through analytical, numerical, and
graphicalmethods.Topicsincludethestudyoflimitsandcontinuity,findingderivativesoffunctions,
and applications of derivatives. Integration and its applications are studied in the second semester.
Alsocoveredaretranscendentalfunctions,growthanddecayapplications,andoptimizationproblems.
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Emphasis is on theory as well as on applications. The course is directed toward the serious math
student.
CALCULUS
482Honors1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofPre-CalculusHonors1orsuccessfulcompletionofPre-Calculus
Honorswithanaverageof85orbetterandapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.
StudentsinthiscoursearenotrequiredtotaketheCollegeBoardAdvancedPlacementexamination
inMay,butmaychoosetotakeitiftheysodesire.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththis
exam.
As in Advanced Placement Calculus, this course covers all the material in a traditional introductory
Calculus course. With graphing technology, the students are able to approach the material through
analytical,numerical,andgraphicalmethods.Topicsincludethestudyoflimitsandcontinuity,finding
derivativesoffunctions,andapplicationsofderivatives.Integrationanditsapplicationsarestudiedin
thesecondsemester.Alsocoveredaretranscendentalfunctions,growthanddecayapplications,and
optimizationproblems.
CALCULUS
483Honors
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofPre-CalculusHonors,orcompletionofPre-CalculusCollegePrep1
withanaverageof80orbetter,andtheapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.
ThiscoursecoversthematerialofatraditionalCalculuscoursewithlessemphasisonthetheorythatis
coveredintheCalculusHonors1course.Thegraphingcalculatorisincorporatedintotheteachingand
applicationofalltopicsthusmakinguseofvisualsupportforthemethodsused.
INTRODUCTIONTOCOMPUTERPROGRAMMING
478Honors
Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
Students will develop the logical thinking and skills needed to program using Visual Basic and other
introductorylanguages.Thiscoursemaybetakenconcurrentlywithcourse485.
TECHNIQUESOFCOMPUTERPROGRAMMINGC++
485Honors1
Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I Honors 1 or Honors or successful completion of
IntroductiontoComputerProgramming(478.)
ThiscourseintroducesthestudenttothedisciplineandstructureofbasicprogrammingusingC++.The
course provides an introduction to computer programming, the opportunity to develop the logical
thinking processes and problem solving experiences required of computer programmers. Topics
include: procedural and object oriented programming, flow of control, functions, pointers, string
analysis,andclasses.
ADVANCEDTECHNIQUESINCOMPUTERPROGRAMMING
492Honors1
Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofIntroductiontoComputerProgramming(478)orTechniquesof
ComputerProgrammingC++(485).
This course introduces the student to multiple programming languages, which will include Java and
Objective C. The course provides an opportunity for students to continue to develop the logical
thinking processes and problem solving experiences required of computer programmers and app
developers.
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APSTATISTICS
489AdvancedPlacement FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grades11-12**
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus Honors 1 or Pre-Calculus Honors with an 85
averageandapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#489arerequiredto
taketheAdvancedPlacementExaminationinMay.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththis
exam.
ThiscoursewillcoveralltopicsintheAPStatisticscurriculum.Emphasisisplacedontheapplicationof
statisticstoproblemsinscience,biology,economics,andthesocialsciences.Studentsareexpectedto
do statistics projects that involve gathering data on a subject of interest and performing a statistical
analysis. Topics covered include analyzing and graphing data, correlations and linear regression, the
normal distribution, designing statistical experiments, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis
testing, sampling distributions, and comparing sets of data. Graphing calculators will be used
extensively.
STATISTICS
491CP1
FulfillsRequirement
AllYear
Grade12**
Prerequisites: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus H or CP1 or
IntroductiontoPre-CalculusCP1.
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentswhodonotmeettheprerequisitesfor,ordonotchoosetotake
Calculus. The course includes data collection and analysis, probability theory, estimation and
hypothesis testing. This course will focus on the statistical thinking behind data graphing and
interpretationthatreflectsthewayworkingstatisticianscontributetoourunderstandingoftheworld.
Thisthinkingwillenablestudentstolearnwhatthenumbersfromsurveys,polls,andstudiesarereally
saying.
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WORLDLANGUAGES
Afourorfive-yearprogramintheWorldLanguagesisrecommendedforcollegeboundstudents.All
studentsmustfulfillaminimumgraduationrequirementofthreeconsecutiveyearsofonelanguageat
thehighschoollevel.Departmentapprovalisrequiredforstudentstoelectthefourthandfifthyears
ofaworldlanguageorAdvancedPlacementlanguage.TheelectivecoursesinLatinIandLatinIIcanbe
countedasoneofthe6requiredcoursesforseniors.
LatinisrecommendedasanelectiveandmaybetakeninGrades11and12;however,itdoesnotfulfill
theminimumthree-yearworldlanguagerequirement.TheonlineAmericanSignLanguagecoursemay
alsobetakenasanelectivebutdoesnotfulfillthelanguagerequirementforgraduation.
An additional course fee is required for online courses. Please be advised that fees are subject to
change.
FRENCHI
511Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
591Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
512CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
513CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
Thisintroductorycourseemphasizesthedevelopmentoflistening,speaking,reading,andwritingskills
inFrench.Frequentlisteningcomprehensionandspeakingactivitiesenablethestudentstobeginto
understand spoken French and to communicate basic information and needs. Students start to
develop their reading skills by obtaining information from authentic materials and cultural readings.
Writingactivitiesincludeconversations,emails,shortessays,andwritingletters.Animportantpartof
thecourseinvolvesintroducingstudentstoFranceandtheFrench-speakingworld.
FRENCHII
521Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
592Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
522CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
523CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
Ongoingdevelopmentofthefourlanguageskillsoflistening,speaking,readingandwritingisthegoal
of second year French. Learning to narrate events in the past in spoken and written French is an
important objective of this course. Students will continue to explore the Francophone world,
especiallymodernlifeinFrenchspeakingCanadaandEurope.
FRENCHIII
531Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
590Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
532CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
533CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
Proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing is the goal of French III. Students learn to
express themselves by using a variety of tenses. In addition, they learn to incorporate idiomatic
expressions in their speaking and writing. Students study the contemporary cultures of the Frenchspeakingworld.
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FRENCHIV
541Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
540Honors Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
542CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Communication skills, both oral and written, are emphasized in French IV. Grammatical topics are
presentedwithstressonconventionalandfamiliarlanguage.Literaryandauthenticreadingsfromthe
FrancophoneworldarepresentedincludingselectionsfromLePetitPrinceandPetitNicolas.Thestudy
ofFrenchculturewillincludeexposuretoFrenchartists,films,andfamousFrenchmuseums.
FRENCHV
551Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grade12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofFrenchIVHonors1orFrenchIVHonorsandrecommendationof
Frenchteachers.
Spontaneousconversationandoriginaloralandwrittenproductionarefurtherdeveloped.Vocabulary
andgrammararereviewedandpracticedincontext.Culturaltopicsareexploredasstudentscontinue
toreadavarietyoftextsfromtheFrench-speakingworld,listentovideosandpodcastsandwatch
films.Studentswillcreateandparticipateinperformanceandonlineassessmentsaswellasayearlong
autobiographyproject.
SPANISHI
514Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
570Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
515CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
516CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
Thisintroductorycourseemphasizesthedevelopmentofthelistening,speaking,writingandreading
skillsinSpanish.Listeningcomprehensionandspeakingactivitiesenablethestudentstocommunicate
basicinformationandneeds.Studentsdevelopreadingskillsbyobtaininginformationfromauthentic
materials and learn to write in a well-organized manner in Spanish on a familiar topic. Hispanic
culturesbothintheUnitedStatesandthroughouttheworldareintroduced.
SPANISHII
524Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
571Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
525CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
526CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades9-12
Continueddevelopmentofthefourbasicskillsoflistening,speaking,reading,andwritingisthegoalof
second year Spanish. Learning to narrate past and future events is an important objective of this
course.StudentscontinuetostudytheHispanicworldandHispanicfigures.
SPANISHIII
534Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
572Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
535CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
536CollegePrep
FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades10-12
TheobjectiveofSpanishIIIistobuildontheskillsdevelopedinthefirsttwoyearswhileencouraging
originality in the student’s written and oral expression. Thematic vocabulary provides the basis for
developing practical communication skills. Various aspects of Spanish life and culture are explored.
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Emphasis is on continued development of past and future narration and expression in hypothetical
situations.Dailyconversationandcompositionareintegralcomponentsofthecourse.
INTERMEDIATESPANISHCONVERSATION
594Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades12
595CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grades12
Prerequisite: Student must have successfully completed three years of Spanish, and receive a
recommendationfrompreviousSpanishteachers.
ThisIntermediateConversationalSpanishclassprovidesapracticalapproachtotheacquisitionofthe
language skills needed to communicate in a variety of situations. The instructor will speak almost
exclusively in Spanish. Students must be actively engaged and communicate in Spanish every class.
Studentswillencounterpracticalandauthenticcontextsinordertoperfectoralskillsinlargeandsmall
group activities. The primary objective of the course is to develop the student’s competency in
communicating in speaking and writing. Students enrolled will actively participate in local Hispanic
organizationsoronlineopportunitiesinordertopracticeandrefinespeakingskills.
SPANISHIV
543Honors1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades11-12
593Honors FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades11-12
545CollegePrep1 FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades11-12
Theemphasisofthiscourseisplacedupondevelopingaccuracyandoriginalityinspeakingandwriting.
StudentsareintroducedtoSpanishliteraturethroughavarietyofshortstoriesandpoetry.Acquired
proficiency in hypothetical situations is expanded and there is continued emphasis on vocabulary
thematic expansion. Daily conversations, oral presentations, and compositions are integral
componentsofthiscourse.
SPANISHV
554Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grade12
557Honors Elective
AllYear
Grade12
StudentscontinuetheirstudyofSpanishliteraturewhilelearningtocommunicateideasandopinions
orallyandinwriting.Studentsfocusonproblematicgrammaticaltopicsandcontinuedexpansionof
complexvocabulary.ThiscoursereflectssomeaspectsoftheAdvancedPlacementPrograminSpanish
Language.
APSPANISHLANGUAGE
555AdvancedPlacement Elective
AllYear
Grade12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofSpanishIVH1orSpanishVH1andapprovaloftheDepartment
Chairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#555arerequiredtotaketheAdvancedPlacementExamination
inSpanish.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththisexam.
Thiscourseisarigorousfifthyearcoursewhoseprimarygoalistohelpstudentsinupper-levelSpanish
succeedinthelanguageclassroomand,more,importantly,theworldaroundthem.Asdefinedbythe
College Board, successful students in the advanced language course should “demonstrate an
understandingoftheculture(s),incorporateinterdisciplinarytopics(Connections),makecomparisons
betweenthenativelanguageandthetargetlanguageandbetweencultures(Comparisons)andusethe
targetlanguageinreal-lifesettings(Communities).”Thecourseisdesignedtopreparethestudentfor
successfulcompletionoftheAdvancedPlacementSpanishLanguageandCultureexaminationgivenat
theendoftheyearforcollegecredit.AsecondarygoalistoincreaseculturalawarenessofSpanish-
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speakingcommunitiesbothintheUSandbymeansofthestudyofcurrenteventsandglobalissuesby
meansofthesixGlobalthemesoftheAPSpanishcurriculum.
LATINI
518Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
519CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
ThiscoursepresentsareadingapproachtothestudyofLatin.Studentstranslatestoriesthatreflect
Romanculture,history,andmythology.Grammarisstudiedinthecontextofthestories.Consistent
emphasisisgiventoEnglishwordsthatarederivedfromLatin.Seniorsmayusethiscoursetofulfill
their6-creditrequirementforsenioryear.
LATINII
527Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grade12
528CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grade12
Prerequisite:StudentmusthavesuccessfullycompletedLatinI.
LatinIIstressesareadingapproachtothestudyofLatin.ThereadingsreflectRomanhistory,culture,
and mythology. Students will read selected poems and portions of major classical works and learn
aboutthemajorclassicalauthors.ConsistentattentionisgiventoEnglishwordsthatarederivedfrom
Latinwords.Seniorsmayusethiscoursetofulfillthe6-creditrequirementforsenioryear.
MANDARINCHINESEI
507Honors Elective
AllYear
Grade9-12
This first-year course introduces students to the Mandarin Chinese language and Chinese culture.
Listening,speaking,reading,andwritingtechniquesandactivitiesarepresented.Thiscoursemaybe
usedtofulfillthefreshmanelective.Seniorsmaychoosethiscoursetofulfillthe6-creditrequirement
forsenioryear.
MANDARINCHINESEII
509Honors Elective
AllYear
Grade10-12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofMandarinChineseI.
This course continues the study of the Mandarin Chinese language and Chinese culture. Listening,
speaking,reading,andwritingtechniquesandactivitiesarefurtherdeveloped.Studentswillexplore
moreoftheChineselanguageandculture.Everyeffortwillbemadetoaccommodatethemaximum
numberofstudents.
MANDARINCHINESEIII
520Honors Elective
AllYear
Grade11-12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofMandarinChineseII.
Continued development of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing is the goal of
MandarinChineseIIIaswellasproficiencyincharacterwritingandpinyin.Studentslearntoexpress
themselves by using a variety of tenses. In addition, they continue to incorporate idiomatic
expressions in their speaking and writing. Students will explore more of the Chinese language and
culture.
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MANDARINCHINESEIV
530Honors Elective
AllYear
Grade11-12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofMandarinChineseIII.
Continueddevelopmentofthefourskillsoflistening,speaking,readingandwritingisthecontinuing
goalofMandarinChineseIIIaswellasproficiencyincharacterwritingandpinyin.Studentscontinueto
expressthemselvesbyusingavarietyoftenses.Theywillcontinuetointegrateidiomaticexpressions
into their speaking and writing and begin to recognize them in readings. Students will continue to
exploreChineselanguage,historyandculture.
AMERICANSIGNLANGUAGE<www.signingonline.com>
503 Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
Prerequisite:Allrequirementsforenrollinginanonlinecourse(listedbelow)mustbemet.Approvalof
theDepartmentChairpersonisalsorequired.ThisisaPass/Failcourse.Thereisafeeassociatedwith
takingthiscourse.
Thiscourseisaninteractive,independentstudy,web-basedcourse,designedtoeffectivelyteachthe
student basic American Sign Language at his/her own pace. The course will focus on conversational
ASLandmakeextensiveuseofdigitalvideotodemonstratethevisualnatureofsigning.Eachterm,
thestudentwillbeexpectedtocompleteapproximatelytenonlinelessonsonhis/herhomecomputer,
andthentakeanexamattheendofthequarter.Inaddition,duringthefirstsemester,studentswill
be required to demonstrate knowledge of 10 words and/or phrases selected from the first two
quarters. During the second semester, students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of 10
wordsand/orphrasesselectedfromthethirdandfourthquarters.Alistofpossiblewordsorphrases
willbeprovided.
ThestudyofAmericanSignLanguageonlineoffersstudentstheuniqueopportunitytolearnASLina
non-traditional format. ASL is an elective course, which is in addition to other yearly course
requirements.AnystudentwishingtoparticipateinAmericanSignLanguagemustmeetthefollowing
requirements:
• Allstudentsmusthavemaintainedan85averageintheircurrentworldlanguagecourse.
• A candidate must submit a completed recommendation form for an online class from their
presentworldlanguageteacherandtheirguidancecounselor.Thisformisavailablefromthe
World Language Department Chairperson and must be submitted to the Department
Chairpersonatthetimeofgeneralcourseselection
• The student must be able to attend a class at least once per cycle in the language lab to be
arrangedwiththeonlinefacilitator.
• Studentsandparentsmustalsosignanonlinestudiescontractthatoutlinestherequirements
andtheexpectationsoftheAmericanSignLanguageCourse.
• AcoursefeewillberequiredfortheASLcourse.Allfeesarenon-refundableandmustbepaid
byJune15,2016.
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SOCIALSTUDIES
A three-year program in Social Studies (1.5 years of World History and 1.5 years of United States
History)isrequired.Grade9studentstakeafullyearofWorldHistory.Grade10studentscomplete
WorldHistoryinthefirstsemesterandbeginU.S.Historyinthesecondsemester.Grade11students
completetheSocialStudiesrequirementwithafullyearofU.S.History.Qualifiedstudentsmayelect
AP U.S. History to fulfill the grade 11 U.S. History requirement. GRADE 10 students who chose to
“double-up”inGeometryandAlgebraIImustdelaytheirSocialStudiesprogramofstudybyoneyear,
completingtherequirementintheirsenioryear.
InordertobeconsideredforaCOREclasslevelchange,thestudentmustattaina93averageforthe
semester through midterm grades and have recommendations from BOTH present and former
teachers. If a student requests to be considered for a semester elective that is leveled above their
currentsocialstudiescourseapprovalrequiresBOTHpresentandformerteacherrecommendation.
WORLDHISTORY–PART1
612Honors1 Required
AllYear
Grade9
613Honors Required
AllYear
Grade9
614CollegePrep1 Required
AllYear
Grade9
615CollegePrep
Required
AllYear
Grade9
Thiscourseisdesignedtoprovidestudentswithaglobal,historical,andcontemporaryunderstanding
of the formation of civilizations from the early centuries up to the western Age of Absolutism. The
courseisageographicalsurveythatbeginswithaninvestigationoftheearlycivilizationsofIndiaand
China, moves westward with a look at the first civilizations and trading states of Africa, discusses
ancientGreeceandRome,andconcludeswithanexplorationoftheRenaissanceandReformationas
wellasEuropeancolonizationoftheAmericas.Thecourseaimstoprovideanunderstandingofhow
thepastaffectsthepresent,whileconsideringsociety’sresponsetothesuccessesandfailuresofthe
past.
WORLDHISTORY–PART2
616Honors1 Required
Semester1 Grade10
617Honors Required
Semester1 Grade10
618CollegePrep1 Required
Semester1 Grade10
619CollegePrep
Required
Semester1 Grade10
Thiscourseisdesignedtoprovidestudentswithaglobal,historical,andcontemporaryunderstanding
ofthetimeperiodfromtheFrenchRevolutiontotheRussianRevolution.Themajoreventsofmodern
historyarepresentedthroughachronologicalapproachemphasizingtheeffectsofpasteventsupon
thepresent.
U.S.HISTORY–PART1
600Honors1 Required
Semester2 Grade10
601Honors Required
Semester2 Grade10
602CollegePrep1 Required
Semester2 Grade10
603CollegePrep
Required
Semester2 Grade10
ThiscoursesurveysthebeginningsandgrowthoftheUnitedStatesasreflectedinkeypolitical,social,
economic,andculturaleventsoftheperiodfrom1607to1850.Themajorconcentrationofthiscourse
istheformationandstructureoftheUnitedStatesgovernment,theConstitution,andtheindividuals
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whoplayedmajorrolesinestablishingandmaintainingtheprinciplesonwhichournationwasbuilt.
Topicsincludethegrowthofthenationandtheprogressionfromnationalism,tosectionalism,tothe
CivilWar.
U.S.HISTORY–PART2
604Honors1 605Honors 606CollegePrep1
607CollegePrep
Required
Required
Required
Required
AllYear
AllYear
AllYear
AllYear
Grade11
Grade11
Grade11
Grade11
Thiscoursepresentsacomprehensivehistoryoftheperiod1850tothelate20thcenturyandtakesa
chronological approach to events and ideas of the past and their influence on the present. The
strugglesandaccomplishmentsofallAmericans,includingdiverseethnicandminoritygroups,willbe
examined in depth. The ultimate objective of the course is to provide students with a broad
appreciationoftheirheritagesoastobeinformedandeffectivecitizens.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTU.S.HISTORY
621AdvancedPlacement FulfillsRequirement AllYear
Grades11-12*
*ForseniorswhohavenotyetfulfilledtheirU.S.Historyrequirement.
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofUSHistoryIattheHonors-1levelwithaminimumgradeof90
andtheapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.StudentswhohavecompletedtheHonorslevelUS
HistoryIcoursewithaminimumgradeof95requiretheapprovaloftheSocialStudiesteacherandthe
DepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#621arerequiredtotaketheAdvancedPlacement
ExaminationinU.S.History.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththisexam.
Thiscourseisforstudentswithsuperiorverbalabilityandastronginterestinhistory.Itrequireshigh
motivationandanabilitytowritecogently,coherently,andanalytically.Studentsmustalsobeableto
acquire knowledge from varied sources as necessary. The course requires extensive reading
assignmentsandnumerouspapersandessays.Thecoursesurveysthekeypolitical,social,economic,
and cultural events from the Age of Exploration to the present. The areas of concentration include
ColonialAmerica,theAmericanRevolution,thedevelopmentoftheConstitution,theJacksonianEra,
Civil War, Reconstruction, the Populist and Progressive Movements, WWI, the Twenties, the Great
Depression,theNewDeal,WWII,andtheColdWaranditsaftermath.
SOCIALSTUDIESELECTIVES
U.S.CONTEMPORARYHISTORY
632Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades12
634CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofU.S.History.
ThiscourseisdesignedtoprovideabetterunderstandingoftheUnitedStates’roleintheworldfrom
1945 to the present. Topics researched and discussed in depth include: the historic civil rights
movements,eventsoftheColdWar,popculture,andterrorismintoday’sworld.
NATIVEAMERICANHISTORY
635Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grade12
Prerequisites:CompletionofUSHistory1.CollegePrep1andCollegePrepstudentsmustobtainthe
permissionoftheDepartmentChairtoenrollinthiscourse.
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This course will look into the history of the “American Indian” from its pre-Columbian roots to the
presentday.ThiscoursewillbrieflystudytheoriginalnativetribesoftheAmericas(Aztecs,Mayans,
andIncas)aswellasthenativetribesoftheUnitedStates,butwillfocusonanindepthanalysisofthe
tribesoftheGreatPlainsandtoday’sReservationsystem.
CONTEMPORARYWORLDSTUDIES
636Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grade11-12
637CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grade11-12
Prerequisites:CompletionofWorldHistoryII.
This course will examine major historical themes that have occurred around the world since the
conclusion of World War I. While this course is intended to provide a strong European base of
knowledgetothestudent,anexaminationofeventsinAfrica,theMiddleEast,AsiaandLatinAmerica
willbeconsidered.Issuesrelatedtoformsofgovernment,ethnicgenocide,nationalism,decolonization
andterrorismwillbeconsidered(amongstmanyothers)inthisclass.Furthermore,thesignificanceof
the environment, science, disease, technology and religion will be considered in contemplating 21st
centuryandfuturisticproblems.
WORLDGEOGRAPHY
650Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:CollegePrep1andCollegePrepstudentsmustobtainthepermissionoftheDepartment
Chairtoenrollinthiscourse.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to understand the geography of our world.
Utilizing the five themes of geography, students will analyze and evaluate the location and
characteristics of places, cultures, and settlements. This analysis will help students become more
competitiveintheglobalmarketplace.
EASTASIANSTUDIES
652Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:CollegePrep1andCollegePrepstudentsmustobtainthepermissionoftheDepartment
Chairtoenrollinthiscourse.
ThiscourseaimstopresentafullhistoricalperspectiveoffourimportantsocietiesinEastAsia—China,
Mongolia,Korea,andJapan.Afterestablishingancientsocial,political,andreligiousfoundationsof
eachsociety,thecoursewillturnitsattentiontotheinvestigationofmorerecentinternational
relations.Thiscourseoffersstudentstheuniqueopportunitytobetterunderstandandexpandtheir
knowledgeofthesocietiesandculturesofEastAsia.
LEGALPROCEDURES
654CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Thiscourseconsidersthejudicialprocessthroughastudyoftextcasesintortandcontractlaw.
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ADVANCEDPLACEMENTPSYCHOLOGY
661AdvancedPlacement Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofpriorSocialStudiesHonors1coursewithaminimumgradeof
90,oranHonorscoursewithaminimumgradeof95withtheapprovaloftheSocialStudiesteacher,
andtheapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#661arerequiredtotake
theAdvancedPlacementExaminationinPsychology.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththis
exam.
Defined as the “scientific study of behavior and mental processes”, psychology seeks to answer the
“how”and“why”ofboththoughtandactionfromaresearch-basedperspective.Thiscourseprovides
an introduction to psychology at a college level, and holds students to rigorous academic standards.
Some topics covered include: Biology of Behavior, Development, Abnormal Psychology, Social
Psychology,Memory,Motivation&Emotion,Sensation&Perception,Learning,andTherapy.Attimes,
studentswillberequiredtoindependentlystudycomplexmaterialandattendadditionalclasssessions
beforeschoolinordertoadequatelypreparefortheAPExamDeadline.
PSYCHOLOGY
663Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
664CollegePrep1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
Thiscourseisanin-depth,challenging,andfascinatingstudyofhumanbehavior.Itspurposeistohelp
studentsdevelopagreaterself-awarenessandunderstandingthatwillaidinsettingrealisticgoalsin
developingabetterunderstandingofself.Studentswillalsobeabletodevelopabetterunderstanding
ofotherpeoplesoastofunctionmoreeffectivelyinparticularsocialenvironments.Throughoutthe
coursevariouspsychologicalconceptsandtheorieswillbestudied.Someoftheseinclude:learning,
intelligence, child development, personality, abnormal behavior, treatment, and therapies. Career
opportunitiesinthefieldsofpsychologywillalsobeexplored.
SOCIOLOGY
674CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Thiscoursestudiestheorganizationandstructureofsocialgroups.Itseekstodeterminethekindsand
causesofvariationsinsocialstructureandprocessesbywhichsociallifeismaintainedorchanged.
ECONOMICS
687Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
693Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
688CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
ThispracticalEconomicscourseintroducesbasiceconomicprinciplesandcurrenteconomicissueswith
afocusontheAmericaneconomy.StudentswillexaminecomponentsoftheAmericaneconomysuch
as price, competition, business and banking institutions. We will also examine issues related to
macroeconomics – as they relate to national and international issues and microeconomics – issues
relatedtoindividualsandbusinesses.Thiscoursewillintroducethefollowingtopicsandquestionsto
frameeachtopic:Supply&Demand;Money,InvestmentandBanking;InternationalTrade&Exchange
andGovernmentintervention.
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ECONOMICSII:MACROECONOMICS
680Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grades12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionoftheHonors-1level(allyearorsemester)Economicscourse(#687
or693).
This course is a follow-up course to the Economics-H1 course. It introduces students to the field of
economics via macroeconomics. Topics include basic concepts such as: efficiency; trade; supply,
demand, and how markets function; taxes and price controls; inflation, and unemployment. It also
exploreshowmarket/capitalistsystemsworkandhowcountriescanfostereconomicgrowth.
U.S.GOVERNMENTANDPOLITICS
689CollegePrep1 Elective
Semester
Grades12
This course introduces students to the study of politics focusing on basic concepts, processes, and
institutions. Emphasis is placed on government and politics of the U.S., examined in comparative
perspective. Topics include the nature of constitutional democracy, ideology, parties and elections,
andformationofpublicpolicy.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTU.S.GOVERNMENTANDPOLITICS
690AdvancedPlacement Elective
AllYear
Grades12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP US History or US History II at the Honors-1 level with a
minimumgradeof90andtheapprovaloftheDepartmentChairperson.Studentswhohavecompleted
the Honors level US History II course with a minimum grade of 95 require the approval of the Social
StudiesteacherandtheDepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#690arerequiredtotake
the Advanced Placement Exam in AP U.S. Government and Politics. Students must pay the fee
associatedwiththisexam.
The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics will give students an
analyticalperspectiveongovernmentandpoliticsintheUnitedStates.Thiscoursewillincludeboth
thestudyofgeneralconceptsusedtointerpretU.S.politics,andtheanalysisofspecificexamples.It
requiresfamiliaritywiththevariousinstitutions,groups,beliefs,andideasthatconstituteU.S.politics.
Studentswillbecomeacquaintedwiththevarietyoftheoreticalperspectivesandexplanationsforthe
various behaviors and outcomes within U.S. politics. The following topics will be explored:
Constitutional underpinnings of U.S. government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties,
interestgroups,andmassmedia;institutionsofnationalgovernment;publicpolicy;civilrightsandcivil
liberties.
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FINEARTS
The Fine Arts Department, which is comprised of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, offers elective
courses that seek to inspire each student to develop his or her artistic talents in Visual Arts and
Graphics,VocalandInstrumentalMusic,TheatreArts,andDance.Thisprogramofstudiesisavailable
to all students including the advanced student who plans to pursue his or her talent as a Visual or
PerformingArtsprofessional.
VISUALARTS
The Visual Arts Program is planned to strengthen the student’s powers of observation, memory,
imagination, judgment, and construction. The program also helps to prepare portfolios for collegeboundstudentsastheyprepareforcareersinartrelatedfields.Studentswhoplantomajorinartor
art-relatedfieldsincollegeareencouragedtoenrollinartcoursesasearlyaspossible.Aminimumof
three years of art is required in order to prepare a college portfolio at the beginning of senior year.
The Visual Arts program consists of the study of design theory, studio art or art production, and art
history.Thecurriculumisdesignedtopresentspecificlessonsintheoryalongwiththepresentationof
avarietyofmedia.Asastudentprogresses,newandmorechallengingtheoryproblemsandmediaare
introduced. This study incorporates the use of technology, printed material, virtual art, and often
actual works during museum visits. This rigorous program strives to give each student a broad
backgroundinthefieldofart.Itoffersamixtureoftraditionalacademicstudywithexperimentation
and creativity. Student work is exhibited in the Doran Gallery and online and submitted to local,
regional,andnationalcontests.
Grade 11 students who are seriously considering majoring in the Visual Arts in college, and whose
academicschedulesarefull,mayopttotakeafullyearofArtingrade11anddelaytheGrade11Social
Studies requirement until Grade 12. It is recommended that students who plan on majoring in the
VisualArtsincollegetakefouryearsofhighschoolart.
FOUNDATIONS–STUDIOART
711 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
712 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thisisanintroductorycourseforfirsttimevisualartsstudents.Thiscourserevolvesaroundthebasic
integrating forces that underlie all techniques of art: the Elements and Principles of Design. Design
theoryisintegratedwithbasiccolortheoryandproperdrawingtechniquestoexploretwoandthreedimensionalmedia.Visualizationandabstractionareintroducedalongwitharthistoryandavarietyof
mediaincludingdigitalphotography.
FOUNDATIONS–COMPUTERGRAPHICS
759 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thisisanintroductorycourseforfirsttimevisualartsstudents.Thecourseintroducesthestudentto
thebasictechniquesandaestheticsofproducingartwiththecomputerandrelatedequipment.Basic
design, composition, and color theory will be explored. Students will produce black & white and
coloredworks.Someprojectswillbepresentedinthecontextofarthistory.Thecurriculumwillbuild
towardsmoreconceptualandsophisticatedprojectsthatencouragepersonalstyle.
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STUDIOART–PARTA
731Honors Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
732Honors Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofaFoundationscourse(eitherStudioorGraphics),orapprovalof
DepartmentChairperson.
Colortheory,printingmethods,drawing,painting,andsculptingaresomeofthetopicsexploredusing
thesubjectoftheportraitandself-portraiture.Compositionaldrawingisstrengthenedwhilelearning
theproportionsoftheface.Drawingfromobservationisstressed;however,abstractionisalso
studied.Arthistorycontinuestobeintegratedintoourstudioprojects.Particularemphasisisplaced
onthedevelopmentofarchitectureandmedievaldesign.Designtheoryisdevelopedfurtherwiththe
introductionof3dworks.Thisstudyisexpandedwithfieldtripstoexperiencerelatedworksofart.
STUDIOART–PARTB
741Honors Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
742Honors Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofaFoundationscourse(eitherStudioorGraphics),orapprovalof
DepartmentChairperson.
In this course there is a continuation of design theory; and further work on techniques necessary to
exploreproblemsofgreatercomplexity,bothintermsoftechnicalskillandcompositionalelements.
Figure drawing classes introduce the basics: the skeleton and muscular system. All previously taught
media and techniques are now approached from the idea of self-expression and creativity. Project
basedarthistorycontinues.Lessonsareaugmentedwithfieldtrips.
SENIORPORTFOLIO
752Honors1 Elective
AllYear
Grade12
753Honors1 Elective
Semester
Grade12
Seniorswillberequiredtodesignandcompleteatleastfivehighqualityoriginalworksinthefirstthree
quartersand3inthelastquarter.Studentswillhavetheopportunitytoexplorepersonalinterestsand
style. Specific projects will be assigned and students will also work on school-related projects.
Studentsmayalsobepreparingresumesandportfoliosforcollegeapplications.
ADVANCEDPLACEMENTART
751AdvancedPlacement Elective
AllYear
Grade12
Prerequisite:ApprovalofDepartmentChairperson.Allstudentsenrolledin#751arerequiredtotake
the Advanced Placement Examination in Studio Art. This examination consists of submitting a
portfoliooftwenty-nineworkstotheCollegeBoard.Studentsmustpaythefeeassociatedwiththis
exam.
This course follows the curriculum prescribed by the College Board for Advanced Placement and is
designedtohelpstudentsdevelopandbegintorefinetheirownstyleanddirectioninthefieldofart.
Muchtimeisspentonrefiningportfoliosforcollegeintermsof:morechallengingtechniques,breadth
ofworks,andmorein-depth,concentratedworkofaspecificsubject.Advancedstudyrequiresthata
significantamountofworkbedoneoutsideofregularclasses.
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COMPUTERGRAPHICS–PARTA:3DDESIGN
760 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofaFoundationscourse(eitherStudioorGraphics),orapprovalof
DepartmentChairperson.
ThiscourseisanIntroductionto3DDigitalHardSurfaceDesign.Inthecourse,studentswilllearnthe
fundamentalsofworkingwithinadigital3Dspacetocreateobjectsfrombothpicturereferenceand
fromtheirownconcepts.Studentswilllearnthepracticalapplicationsof3Dmodelingthroughvideo,
handsondemonstration,andprojects.ProgramsusedformodelingwillbeTrimble/GoogleSketchup
withthe3rdpartyrenderpluginTwilight.Photoshopwillbeusedtocreatemodelsheetsandtodo
touchuponthemodels.
COMPUTERGRAPHICS–PARTB:ANIMATION
769 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofaFoundationscourse(eitherStudioorGraphics),orapprovalof
DepartmentChairperson.
ThiscoursebuildsonthetechniquesandtheoriesmasteredintheFoundationscourses.Studentswill
learntheprinciplesoftraditional2Danimationandwillbeintroducedtobasicthroughintermediate
animation techniques. Adobe Flash Professional CS5.5 is the primary program used throughout this
course.
COMPUTERGRAPHICS–PARTC:VIDEOPRODUCTION
770 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofaFoundationscourse(eitherStudioorGraphics),orapprovalof
DepartmentChairperson.(Ownershipofadigitalvideocameraisrecommended.)
This course explores the basics of both the cutting and visual aspects of film editing. Students will
learnaboutvariousfilmingtechniques,howtoshootfilminasuccessfulcompositionalway,andhow
tosuccessfullyeditfilminameaningfulway.Videocapture,editing,andproductionwillbetaughtand
skills will build upon concepts learned in the Foundations courses. This course further explores the
possibilitiesandintricaciesofvideoproductionusingAdobePremierElements,WindowsMovieMaker,
andiMovie.Videofootagewillbeoutofclassashomeworkassignments.
COMPUTERGRAPHICS–PARTE:PRODUCTIONSTUDIO
773Honors Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
774Honors Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofGraphicsA,BandCorapprovalofDepartmentChairperson.
Thiscoursewillallowtheseriousgraphicsstudenttodevelopadvancedknowledgeinthegraphics
mediumoftheirchoosing.Studentswilllearnthestepsandskillsneededtocompletealong-term
projectoftheirpersonaldesign.StudentswillcreateandfollowaproductionplanusingMicrosoft
Excel,whichwillbeusedforthedurationoftheirproject.Thiscourseisdesignedtopreparethe
studentforproductionworkincollege.Creationofassets,maintainingastricttimelineandworkethic
willallplayapartincritiqueandevaluation.
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YEARBOOK-PARTA–PUBLISHING,LAYOUT,&DESIGN
745 Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
746 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
This course provides an introduction to desktop publishing software capabilities. Emphasis is on the
efficientuseofpagelayoutsoftwaretocreate,design,andprintpublications.Uponcompletionofthis
course, students will have created the school yearbook, FLASHBACK. Students will use Walsworth
Publishing’s Online Design, and Adobe Photo Shop Elements software. Students will understand the
process of creating a book as well as how the elements and principles of design factor into page
layouts.Thiscourseprovidestheopportunityforlearningtheprocessesofcreating,editing,revising,
andtypography.
YEARBOOK-PARTB–ADVANCEDPUBLISHING,LAYOUT,&DESIGN
747 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
748 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisites:SuccessfulcompletionofoneoftheelectiveYearbookPartAcourses(orGraphicsD).
ThiscourseprovidesacontinuationofthedesktoppublishingconceptsintroducedinYearbookPartA.
Emphasis is placed on more in depth use of the page layout software to create, design, and print
publications. Upon completion of this course, students will have had a more prominent part in the
creationoftheschoolyearbook,FLASHBACK.StudentswilluseWalsworthPublishing’sOnlineDesign,
andAdobePhotoShopElementssoftware.Studentswillunderstandtheprocessofcreatingabookas
wellashowtheelementsandprinciplesofdesignfactorintopagelayouts.Thismoreadvancedcourse
preparesstudentstousetheprocessesofcreating,editing,revising,andtypographyintheirfuture.
PERFORMINGARTS
ThePerformingArtsprogramisdesignedtoinstillandpromoteinstudentsaloveofperforming.From
ensembleperforminggroupstosoloopportunities,ourstudentsaretrained,nurtured,andpromoted
toliveperformance.Collegeboundstudentswhoplantomajorinmusic,theater,anddancereceive
advanced training. The Music component of the Performing Arts program consists of the study of
vocal and instrumental music including theory, voice class, percussion class, music technology, and
history. The musical performing groups are required to partake in a Christmas, Spring, and Pops
Concerteachyear.Ourstudentsgraduatewell-trainedtoparticipateinmusicatthecollegelevel.The
Theatrecomponentoftheprogramconsistsofthestudyofallfacetsoftechnicaltheatrework:acting,
directing, set design, choreography, blocking, and limited lighting. Two performances are required
each year. The Dance component consists of the study of Ballet, Modern Dance, Tap, and Social
Dancing/PartnerDancing.
Coursemarkedwitha(♫)symbolrequireparticipationinoneormoregradedperformancesoutside
oftheschoolday.
VOCALMUSIC
CHORUS♫
761 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
762 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thiscourseisaconcertchoirthatisofferedtobothmaleandfemalesingerswhowishtodeveloptheir
choral singing skills. It includes voice training, basic music theory, and choral music reading. Both
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sacred and secular music will be performed. It will include a range of traditional and contemporary
vocal music. This course will focus on the development of vocal technique, as well as a basic
understanding of musicianship and music theory. Requirements include attendance at all scheduled
rehearsals and performances, including but not limited to Open House, Christmas Concert, Spring
Concert, Cabaret, at least two concerts during the school day, and some Monday Night Chorus
rehearsals.StudentswhoareenrolledinthiscoursewillbecomeeligibletoauditionforSelectChoir,
SeniorDistricts,orJuniorDistricts.
GIRLS’GLEECLUB♫
763 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
764 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Girls’ Glee Club, Ragazze, is offered to provide an opportunity for interested girls to perform in a
women’s vocal ensemble. Both sacred and secular music will be performed with an emphasis on
learningvariedandchallengingrepertoire.StudentsenrolledinthiscoursewilllearnmusicforChorus
in addition to learning pieces for this ensemble and will participate in all concerts. Students will
demonstrate their musical skills as well as develop vocal techniques and knowledge of basic music
theory. Students who are enrolled in this course will become eligible to audition for Select Choir,
SeniorDistricts,orJuniorDistricts.
ACAPPELLACHOIR
799 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
765 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Studentsenrolledinthiscoursewillparticipateinthecreationofanacappellagroupinthe
contemporarystyle.Studentswillperformawide-rangeofsongswithanemphasisonsongsfromthe
late20thand21stcenturies.Thisensemblewill,undertheguidanceoftheinstructor,selectanameand
identity,costume,choreography,andrepertoire.Studentswillalsobeintroducedtothehistoryofa
cappellamusicandthebasicsofarrangingmusicforanacappellaensemble.Aftercompletingthis
course,studentswillbewell-preparedtoauditionforoneofBishopFeehan’sextra-curriculara
cappellaensemblesand/orcollegiateensembles.
LITURGICALENSEMBLE♫
789 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
790 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thiscourseisofferedtoprovideinterestedvocalistsandotherinstrumentalists(includingstring
playersandpianists)theopportunitytodeveloptheskillsandknowledgenecessarytoleadtheBishop
Feehancommunityinsongwithinliturgies.Studentsenrolledinthiscoursewillserveasthemusical
leadersforBishopFeehan’sMassesandotherliturgiesunderthedirectionoftheinstructor.Students
willbeintroducedtothehistoryofliturgicalmusicaswellasthestructureandmeaningofthepartsof
theCatholicliturgy,withanemphasisonlearninghowtoselectappropriatemusictoencourage
worship.Someadditionalmorningrehearsalswillberequired.
INSTRUMENTALMUSIC
HISTORYOFROCKANDROLL
767 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thiscourseisanindepthstudyoftheoriginsofpopularmusicinthe20thcenturyandthesocialand
historical context that gave birth to it and related genres and musical off shoots. From blues and
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country to punk and heavy metal, students will familiarize themselves with landmark groups, music,
and movements of different periods, exploring connections between modern music and the artists
fromthepastthathavepavedthewayforthepopularmusicoftoday.
MUSICTECHNOLOGY
768 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thiscoursewillexploretheelementsofmusicwithsoftware(Sibelius6.0,GarageBand,theMaciLife
Suite and other internet applications), listening to music, reading articles about music and creating
compositions.Youdonotneedtoknowhowtoplayaninstrumenttosucceedinthiscourse.Abasic
knowledgeofwrittennotationandmusicalterminologyisrecommendedbutnotrequired.Essential
concepts will be briefly reviewed as they pertain to each unit. Instruction will be a combination of
lecture, hands-on exploration and creating, guided individual and group projects, and supplemental
readingassignments.Thecoursewillexploresoundproduction,recordingandtransmission,electronic
music composition and arranging, live audio reinforcement, multi-track studio recording, editing,
mixingandmastering.Copyrights,intellectualpropertyrightsandethicalissuesregardingdigitalmusic
andtherecordingindustrywillalsobediscussed.
MUSICIANSHIP
775 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Thisclassisforanyonewholovesmusicandwouldliketolearnmoreaboutit.Studywillincludean
introductiontothe“ingredients”ofmusicsuchasmelody,harmony,notation,texture,style,rhythm
andformthroughlisteningtodifferentstylesofmusic.Thecoursewillalsofocusontheevolutionof
musicthroughouthistory.Thereisnoperformancerequirement.Thefinalwrittenexaminationwill
includelisteninganalysis.
CONCERTBAND♫
776 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
777 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
This instrumental performance course is offered to student musicians who are players of brass,
woodwind, and percussion instruments who wish to continue their band experience from middle
school. Students who are enrolled in this course will represent Bishop Feehan High School through
band performances and at other activities in and outside of the school day. Students will learn
intermediatetoadvancedmusicskillsincludinglanguage,theory,andappropriatebandliteratureasit
pertains to ensembleperformance. This course will require students to attend some rehearsals and
performances outside of the school day as a performance nears. Performances will include two to
three concerts per school year and other related school events. Students who are enrolled in this
coursewillbeeligibletoauditionforotherselectensemblessuchastheJazzEnsemble,JazzCombo,
Percussion Ensemble, and others. Although Marching Band is extra-curricular, students who
participateinmarchingbandarerequiredtobeenrolledintheconcertbandclass.
PERCUSSIONI
778 Elective
Semester1only
Grades9-12
This course is offered to any student who has the desire to learn and develop their understanding,
skills, and techniques on percussion instruments. There is no prior drumming experience required.
Beginners as well as intermediate players are welcome. Course material will begin with the basic
techniquesofstickcontrolandmayprogresstostudentshavingsomehands-oninstructionwiththe
many instruments of the percussion family. These instruments will include: snare drum, bass drum,
timpani,marimba,drumset,andmostLatin-typeinstrumentssuchascongas,bongos,andaccessory
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instruments.Studentswillalsolearnbasicmusicskills,language,andtheoryasitrelatestopercussion
performances.
MUSICTHEORYANDCOMPOSITION
780 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
This course is offered to any student who wishes to develop an understanding of the concepts of
music: melody, harmony, and rhythm. All major and minor scales, key signatures, chord structures,
formsandstyleswillbeincludedthroughoutthecourseofstudy.Theaimofthiscourseistoprovide
students with a solid foundation from which they may begin to compose their own original
compositions, songs, and other music media. This course includes acoustics, music notation, scales,
harmony, and basic musical structures with which composers write music. Contemporary musical
style, jazz, and rock idioms will be studied. Student compositions incorporate all musical elements.
Introductiontomusictechnology/computerbasedMIDImusicproductionisincluded.
GUITAR&BASSLAB
783 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
This unique course offering will focus on developing music reading skills for those guitar and bass
playerswhodonotreadmusicandhavelittleornomusictheorybackground.Thiswillbedoneusing
rhythmexercisesandbasicmusictheoryasitappliestomusicnotation.Studentswillalsolearnmore
basic theory at it pertains to scales and chords. Students who take this course must be a functional
playerontheirinstrument.Thiscoursewillnotteachstudentshowtoplayguitarorbass.Theintentof
thiscourseistoguidestudentstowardbecomingamorecompletemusician.Studentsmustprovide
theirownacousticguitarsincethecoursedoesnotprovideamplification.
THEATREANDDANCE
INTRODUCTIONTOTHEATRE
781 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
782 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
This course introduces the art of theatre. Lectures help students examine all facets of technical
theatrework.Studentswillalsoparticipateinvariousexercises,theatregames,discussions,andother
training processes in order to develop their acting skills. Grades are based on performances, tests
covering the technical theatre lectures, and the student’s level of enthusiasm and performance with
regardtotheiractingortrainingskill.Thefinalexaminationconsistsofanextensivesetofquestions
coveringalllectures,andanevaluationoftheworkandperformanceofeachstudentinagroupplay,a
scenefromaplay,oramonologue.
THEATREWORKSHOPI
784 Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
785 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisite:Successfulcompletion(80orbetter)inIntroductiontoTheatre(781or782).
ThiscourseisacontinuationofIntroductiontoTheatre.Amoreadvancedandprofessionalapproachis
given to theories and techniques through practice in acting, mime, makeup, stagecraft, scene and
productionanalysis,andsoforth.Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentswhohaveastronginterestin
theatre.
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THEATREWORKSHOPII
787 Elective
AllYear
Grades11-12
788 Elective
Semester
Grades11-12
Prerequisite:Successfulcompletion(80orbetter)inIntroductiontoTheatre(781or782)andTheatre
WorkshopI(784-785).
Thisclasswillcontinuethedevelopmentoftheatreskillsthatwillincludeacting,directing,setdesign,
choreography, blocking, and limited lighting. The class will participate in a complete theatre
production,completelyindependentofaprofessionaldirector;however,theteacherwillsuperviseit.
Thegoalofthecourseistodevelopamoreconcentratedawarenessandappreciationoftheatre,build
astrongself-esteem,andtodeveloppeopleskillsbyworkingtowardacommongoal.
CREATIVEDANCEI♫
791 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
792 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
AllDancestudentsarerequiredtoparticipateinatleastoneMusicalTheatreproductionduringthe
year.
ThiscourseincludesBalletI,ModernDance,andTap.Itcoverstheterminologyofdancenotes,ballet
movements,freestyle,andstudentchoreography.Inaddition,classesinvolvebarrework,costuming,
make-up, hairstyle, and an annual performance. All classes incorporate beginner and intermediate
students.
CREATIVEDANCEII♫
794 Elective
AllYear
Grades9-12
795 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Prerequisite:SuccessfulcompletionofCreativeDanceI(791or792)orplacementbytheinstructorafter
audition.AllDancestudentsarerequiredtoparticipateinatleastoneMusicalTheatreproduction
duringtheyear.
This course is a continuation of the curriculum of Creative Dance I designed specifically for the
intermediateoradvanceddancestudent.Classesinvolvebarrework,costuming,make-up,hairstyle,
andpreparationforanannualperformance.
SOCIALDANCE
796 Elective
AllYear
Grades10-12
797 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Thisclasswillintroducesocialdancing/partnerdancing.Thisclassisopentoboysandgirlswhowishto
learnstructureddance,specificallyfoxtrot,waltz,cha-cha,tango,mambo,introtosalsa,swing,and
introtohip-hop.
HEALTHANDFITNESS
HEALTH&FITNESS
860–Boys Required
Semester
Grade10
861–Girls Required
Semester
Grade10
Health and Fitness is required for graduation and is offered to students in Grade 10. This program
focuses on teaching students to assume responsibility for their own personal health and lifestyle by
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developingtheknowledgeandskillsnecessarytoachieveahigherlevelofwell-beingthroughouttheir
lifetime.ThisisaPass/Failcourse.
TheHealthcomponentofthecourseencompassesadolescenthealthissuessuchas:addiction,body
dysmorphia, eating disorders, conflict resolution, drug use, infectious disease, nutrition, stress, and
wellness.StudentswillalsolearnadultCPR.
TheFitnesscomponentofthecourseencompassesbasicskills,strategies,andrulesoflifetimesports
and activities such as: badminton, flag football, frisbee, golf, tennis, volleyball, and weight training.
Students will be able to identify and assess components of physical fitness, and develop a personal
fitnessprogramforvariousstagesoftheirlives.
INTEGRATEDSKILLS
APPLIEDPRACTICALTECHNOLOGIESI
804 Elective
Semester
Grades9-12
Theprimarypurposeofthiscourseistoprovidestudentswithrealworldtechnologyexperienceand
thestudyoftechnologyintegrationinaneducationalcontext.Studentswillberequiredtoevaluate
technicalissuesanddevisethebestapproachinresolvingissuesbothindividuallyandasateam.In
addition, students will research and share their knowledge of emerging technologies relative to
educationalintegration.20%timeisaffordedtostudentsforinnovation.Studentsareassessedbased
upon support provided at the student help desk, individual and collaborative in-class work, and web
communicationviatheschool’sstudenthelpdeskwebsite.
APPLIEDPRACTICALTECHNOLOGIESII
808 Elective
Semester
Grades10-12
Prerequisite:AppliedPracticalTechnologiesI.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with life skills in mentorship, digital footprint and
professionalpresencebothinpersonandvirtually.StudentswillbeLeadMembersofthestudenttech
support team for the school. Mentoring APT I students in running the school’s Help Desk, they will
provideguidanceinissueresolution/prevention.Studentswillalsobeaffordedclasstimeforinquirybasedlearningbasedontheirinterests.Digital&professionalpresencewillbeenhancedthroughHelp
Desk Live Episodes, student-produced TedTalks, development of a Career Portfolio and optional
technologycertificationpathways.
STUDYSKILLS
812 Elective
Semester
Grade9
Thiscourseisdesignedtofacilitatethelearningskillsnecessarytobesuccessfulinourcorecurriculum.
The focus will be on identifying individual learning styles and developing lifelong study habits.
Studentswillbuildproficiencyin:timemanagement,notetaking,outliningandorganizationskillsusing
written materials, enhancing memory, goal setting and application strategies. Critical thinking, test
taking techniques, and sound habits of home study will be addressed using strategic organizational
methods. Students will be introduced to guidelines for Academic Integrity and Internet Safety and
learn how they apply to everyday life. This course also includes instruction on current methods for
writing a term paper and conducting a book review, and offers basic instruction on best use of
technology. Students will develop efficient and effective techniques for using library and Internet
references and resource materials including: search engines and directories, electronic databases,
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other library resources, and website evaluation. Assessment for the course includes in-class and
homeworkassignments,classparticipation,andthesuccessfulcompletionofaresearchpaper.Thisis
aPass/Failcourse.
SATTESTPREP
919 Required
Semester
Grade10or11
This course familiarizes the student with the format of the SAT examinations and emphasizes the
developmentofstandardizedtesttakingstrategies.Writingskillsandcriticalreadingcomprehension
arestressed,andareviewofarithmetic,algebra,andgeometryispresented.Studentspracticeusing
sample exams several times over the course of the semester. Students will be assigned an English
teacher for one quarter and a mathematics teacher during the other quarter. This is a Pass/Fail
course.
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HONORSOCIETYELIGIBILITYCRITERIA
Bishop Feehan High School holds charters for membership in several academic honor societies. The
minimumcriteriaforinductionintothesesocietiesaregenerallyestablishedbythesponsoringnational
organization. Students found to be in violation of the school’s academic honor code may not be
eligible for membership in any honor society. Candidates for all honor societies are subject to the
approvalofthePrincipal,VicePrincipalofAcademics,andVicePrincipalofStudentLife.
NationalHonorSociety–MercyChapter
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Scholarship: Students must have attained a cumulative weighted grade point average of 3.5 or higher at the
conclusion of the sophomore year. These students become eligible for further consideration in the areas of
service,leadership,andcharacter.
Service: Students must document their significant voluntary contributions to the school, community, or parish.
Thisdirectserviceisperformedwithoutcompensationandinapositive,courteous,andenthusiasticmanner.
Leadership:Studentleadersdemonstratethattheyareresourceful,dependable,andgoodproblemsolvers.They
promote school activities, and contribute ideas. Leadership can be demonstrated through involvement with
schoolorcommunityactivitiesandwhileworkingwithorforothers.
Character: Students who exemplify good character uphold principles of morality and ethics, demonstrate high
standardsofhonestyandreliabilityandshowcourtesy,concern,andrespectforothers.Theygenerallymaintaina
goodandcleanlifestyle.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
ArtHonorSociety
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ChineseHonorSociety
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Candidatesmustbeenrolledin11 or12 grade.
CandidatesmusthaveanoverallunweightedGPAof88orhigher.
CandidatesmusthaveanoverallEnglishgradeaverageof92orhigher.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
FrenchHonorSociety
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Candidatesmustbeenrolledin11 or12 grade.
CandidatesmusthavecompletedfoursemestersofstudyinMandarinChinese.
Candidatesmusthaveanoverallaverageof88orhigherinMandarinChinese.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
EnglishHonorSociety
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Candidatesmustbeenrolledin10 ,11 ,or12 grade.
Candidatesmusthaveathreeconsecutivesemesteraveragegradeof92inArtwithnosemestergradebelow85.
Candidatesmaynothavefailedacourseinanyothersubject.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
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Candidatesmustbeinthe10 ,11 ,or12 grade.
CandidatesmustbeenrolledinatleasttheirfourthsemesterofFrench.
Candidatesmusthavemaintaineda90averageinFrenchforthreeconsecutivesemesterswithnoquarterbelow
an80.
Candidatesmusthavemaintainedanoverallcumulativeaverageof80inallothersubjectsexcludingFrench.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
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LatinHonorSociety
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CandidatesmaybeenrolledinanygradeorlevelofLatin.
Candidatesmusthaveattainedaminimumaverageof90oraboveforthefirstsemesterinLatin.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
MathHonorSociety:MuAlphaTheta
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Candidatesmustbeinthe11 or12 grade.
CandidatesmusthavecompletedAlgebra2.
CandidatesmustbecurrentlyenrolledinHonorsorHonors1mathcourses.
CandidatesmusthaveattainedanoverallGPAof85andacumulativemathaverageof91.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
MusicHonorSociety--Tri-M
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ScienceHonorSociety
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Candidatesmustbeenrolledin10 ,11 ,or12 grade.
Student must have enrolled in a school sponsored performance music ensemble and/or music class for at least
threesemesters.
Student must be of excellent character, exhibit a good attitude toward teachers and fellow students, and be
cooperativeandhelpfulintheirclassesandschool.
Studentmusthavemaintainedfortheprevioussemesteratleastagradeof92,orequivalentinmusicclasses,and
havenofailuresinanyotheracademicsubjects.
Studentmustexhibitaboveaveragemusicalproficiencyonhis/herprimaryinstrument.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
Candidatesmustbeenrolledin10 ,11 ,or12 grade.
OverallunweightedGPAof90orhigher.
OverallSciencegradeaverageof90orhigher.
EnrolledinHonors1orHonorscoursesintheirfreshman,sophomore,andjunioryears.
InordertograduatewithSNHSrecognitionstudentsmustearnatleastonecreditinscienceduringeachoftheir
fouryears.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
SocialStudiesHonorSociety–OpusBonoHistoriae
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Candidatesmustbeineither11 or12 grade.
CandidatesmusthaveonoverallSocialStudiesgradeaverageof92orhigher.
ThereisathreepointdifferentialfromH1toAP(i.e.:89becomesa92).
Candidatesmusthavefinished2½completeyearsofSocialStudiestobeeligible.
JuniorswhoareinductedanddonottakeaSocialStudiescourseinthesenioryearmaynotbecomeofficers.
Candidatesmaynothavereceivedfailinggradesinanyothersubject.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
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Candidatesmustbeinthe10 ,11 ,or12 grade.
CandidatesmustbeenrolledinSpanishIIorhigheratanylevel.
Candidates must have attained a minimum average of 92 for three consecutive semesters at Bishop Feehan in
Spanish,withnoquarterbelowan85.
OfficersmustbeenrolledinaSpanishclassduringtheyeartheyserveinthatcapacity.
Allcandidatesmustbeingooddisciplinarystanding.
SpanishHonorSociety
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