NEISD High School Course Catalog Elective Course Descriptions 2009-2010 Science and Math Electives Neurobiology -- is a fun elective that looks at many aspects of the brain. We will look at different types of memory and how they work, stress, sleep, the senses, disorders of the nervous system, brain development and even drugs and addiction. We will use you as a test subject to find out more information about your brain and nervous system. The class is meant to be fun and hopefully eye opening with applications students can use in school and at home. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12 grades] AP Environmental Science -- science class interweaves and reinforces concepts learned in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There is a basic science concept review, i.e. atoms, molecules and Biology basics, energy flow within a system. In addition we look at endangered species, viral and bacterial infections, human population control and analyze our usage of water, energy and other resources. The goal is to better understand how the world works together, in unison, and how to correct human impact on the earth. [Available to 10, 11, 12] AP Biology -- is an Advanced Placement Biology course. We will cover molecular processes, i.e. cellular organelles, replication, transcription, photosynthesis and cellular respiration. There is also a large portion of time spent looking at the bodies of plants and animals and how the work. So be prepared to go through all the body systems!! There is a large amount of material to cover, but we make it fun as possible. We will transform bacteria to glow green, dissect fetal pigs and dogfish sharks. We conduct genetic experiments with plants and perhaps flies. Be prepared to work! [Available to 11 and 12] AP Physics C -- is a second course in physics for students who have completed Pre-AP Physics. The course emphasizes problem-solving methods for real-world and sometimes ill-defined problems, introduces students to new topics in mechanics, and incorporates Calculus-based methods for solving physical problems. [Available to 11 and 12] AP Statistics -- is a non-calculus based course that introduces the student to the management, interpretation, and analysis of data within today's society. Topics include exploratory data analysis; observing patterns and departures from patterns; planning a study and deciding what data to measure and how to measure it; producing models using probability and simulation; and applying techniques for statistical inference and confirming models. This concept-based course emphasizes reasoning and creating written arguments that are supported by data analysis. Projects and collaborative work are a key part of instruction. Application fields include psychology, engineering, sociology, business, medicine, economics, and more. Students will prepare to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam in Statistics. Students must have complete Algebra II in order to take this course. [Available to 11 and 12] TAKS Math/Science -- focuses on preparing students for success on the TAKS Science and TAKS Mathematics tests. Students in this course will review key concepts from past science and math classes, and they will have additional in-school time to study concepts from their current science and mathematics courses. NOTE: this course is taken in addition to, not instead of, regular sequence math and science courses. [Available to 9, 10, 11] Earth and Space Science (ESS) -- is a capstone science course that combines earth science, ocean science, atmospheric science, and space science in a single course. In one year, students learn the basics and special topics of geology, oceanography, marine biology, meteorology, and planetary astronomy in a course that builds upon the knowledge they learned in their earlier high school science courses of biology, chemistry, and physics. The course will be conceptually, quantitatively, and analytically rigorous. Students will analyze rocks and minerals, maintain water quality in several marine tanks, use rock formations to drill for oil, examine the history of life on this planet, and explore the formational and operational forces of the universe. [Available to 12] Fine Arts Electives ART 1: Global Art – Global Art, an Art I studio class, through projects, lecture, discussion, and research, examines the cultural and historical aspects of art. Students will study the elements of art and the principles of design; experience and develop basic skills with a variety of media including electronic; and explore personal expression and creativity. Both a studio workspace and a digital portfolio will be created and maintained throughout the year. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] English Language Arts and Social Studies Electives Rhetoric -- In this class, juniors and seniors will develop their craftsmanship with language. Rather than merely accepting that a piece of writing is a great one because its author is famous or because it evokes an emotional reaction, students will gain an understanding of exactly how the purposeful manipulation and arrangement of language can evoke certain responses. Students will enrich their understanding of the techniques of written English and practice them in their own writing. Offered fall semester only. [Available to 11 and 12] Creative Writing -- focuses on personal expression through the written word. Students investigate the poem, the short story, and the drama (play), using these genres as a vehicle for articulating their thoughts and opinions. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] Literary Magazine -- works toward publishing student and teacher writing and visual art. The Cruthaím, the ISA campus literary magazine, has become a tradition. The class has recently focused on both hard copy magazines and online publishing. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] Humanities -- has traditionally focused on a study of the arts of various cultures. We have added an exploration of personal identity and media as a vehicle for understanding how the culture we live in becomes part of who we are. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] Literary Genres -- explores the term “genre” in the literary world. Since many English professors use the term genre to define forms of writing, such as poetry, prose, and drama, students will develop an understanding of the genres having evolved within those forms – mystery, “whodunnits,” and coming-of-age to name just a few. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] Introduction to the Teaching Profession -- A course for students considering teaching as a career. This course will allow students to explore education as a discipline – its history and foundations, to learn about the process of teacher certification in the state of Texas, and to explore current issues in education, including high school reform. Students will also have a chance to reflect on their own experiences as students as well as to act as observers in classrooms. Assignments will include written responses to articles, reflective journals, observation notes, and an action research paper (either a classroom or teacher study). The Bible as and in Literature -- is designed to study selections from the Bible as well as secular literature that employs allusions to the people and incidents of the Bible. This course is not a course in religion, but it is an opportunity for students to learn more about a large part of a literary heritage. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] SAT Prep -- is designed to help prepare students for college entrance examinations such as the ACT, PSAT, and the SAT. This course focuses on developing cognitive skills and familiarity with testing formats. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] 21st Century Global Leadership -- What does it mean to be a global leader in the 21st century and what does that have to do with me? We will explore this question both personally and collectively in a seminar atmosphere. Students will have choice and ownership about what they learn and how they share their learning with others. [Available to 12] Philosophy – Designed as an introduction to Philosophy, the arguments of both ancient and modern philosophers are studied. Students develop their own responses to philosophical questions in reference to life, the universe, morality, and the nature of man. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] AP Psychology – Explore the far reaches of the human mind and potentially earn college credit. We will examine the history of psychology and the psychologists who created the field, we'll study the structure of the brain and the way it relates to human functioning, we'll learn about research methods and statistics, and we'll explore psychopathology. If you've ever wondered what psychological disorder is associated with phantom smells of citrus, if you've ever wondered why Henry James made literature sound like psychology and Willie James made psychology sound like literature, or if you've ever wondered what really is going on inside your little brother's mind, AP Psych is the place to find out. [Available to 10, 11, 12] AP European History – This is a first year college level course in European History. It is designed to help students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials of European History. Students will learn to assess historical materials – their reliability and the importance – and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Students are encouraged to take the AP Examination in European History given in May of each year. [Available to 11 and 12] Sociology – This course includes the nature of sociology, culture, socialization, groups and institutions, communications, and cultural development and change. Students will have an opportunity to explore the major tools of the science of Sociology, such as analyzing types of groups and interaction among groups, understanding the impact of media on groups, and analyzing the impact of science and technology upon people and cultures. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] Anthropology – Anthropology is the scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans. The class will examine both the social science as it has developed over time and the important people in the field of anthropology who brought the science to prominence. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] Contemporary Issues – a.k.a. Global Issues focuses on the controversies and conflicts around the world. This course is designed for students who are involved in the Model UN club and are researching countries and topics. Current Events is generally oriented on the most modern issues with a research base to determine historical patterns. Cross curricular discussions range from AP World, AP Euro, AP Comparative Politics, and AP Government. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] AP Comparative Government – This class provides students with the conceptual tools necessary to develop an understanding of some of the world’s diverse political structures and practices. This course will encompass the study of selected countries and their governments and general concepts used to interpret the political relationships and institutions found in virtually all national politics. [Available to 11 and 12] Area Studies: Africa – This course is designed to immerse students in the study of Africa including its history, culture, language, and political structures. [Available to 10, 11, 12] Area Studies: Mid East – This course is designed to immerse students in the study of the Mid East region including its history, culture, language, and political structures. [Available to 10, 11, 12] Ambassadors – Students investigate the role of an “ambassador” in our current world culture. As a vehicle for inquiry, we explore what it means to be a student at ISA. Students share the ISA message with other communities and host events such as Shadow Day. [Available to 9, 10, 11, 12] AP Human Geography -- This class is designed to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. [Available to 11and 12] |
