Course Directory 2007-08

Click here for full catalog

Adobe Acrobat Reader required

-- or read as html text below

 

Academic Policies

Class attendance is absolutely requisite. If, for any reason, there are more than eight absences in any class in any one semester, credit for the course will be subject to review by the Director. A loss of academic credit can occur if a student's total absences from class approach a level which is felt by the school to compromise her or his learning and the integrity of the course.
Students who fail a course required for graduation must repeat and pass the course in order to graduate.

Students in upper grades will be offered specific instruction in preparation for the ACT and SAT. Students should plan to take one or both of these tests by the conclusion of their junior year. The PSAT will be administered to 10th and 11th graders in the fall. In addition to a preparatory class for college entrance exams, students may use the computer programs available in the library for individual practice. Our College Guidance faculty will assist students with scholarship and college admission forms.

The Oakbrook GPA is derived from courses taken at Oakbrook while enrolled as a full-time student. Any course taken outside of Oakbrook will not be factored into the Oakbrook GPA. This includes courses re-taken at another institution for the purpose of replacing a failing grade obtained at Oakbrook. If a student takes a course at another institution the following requirements must be met in order for that course to be considered as part of a student's graduation requirements:

Graduation Requirement Guidelines (SC Diploma Requirements)

Courses Units
English/Language Arts 4
Mathematics 4
Science 3 *
US History & Constitution 1
Economics ½
US Government ½
Other Social Studies 1
Physical Education 1
Foreign Language 2**
Computer Science 1***

Total Core Units 17
Electives 7 ****
TOTAL 24

*The 3 science units must be in a laboratory science class. At least 2 of the units must be in different fields and selected from biology, chemistry, or physics.
** College entrance will require at least 2 units of the same foreign language (Clemson University and other competitive schools require 3.)
***It is suggested that 1 unit be in Computer Science, which includes programming
****Most colleges want to see at least 1 unit in Fine Arts (appreciation, history, or performance). OPS will also require 1 unit in Religious Studies.

Academic Probation

A student who fails two or more courses for a term will be placed on Academic Probation for the subsequent term. The student's record and performance will undergo faculty review at the end of the term to determine whether the student is making sufficient progress to remain at Oakbrook. Note: No student on probation is allowed to run for any school office and driving privileges for upper school students may be suspended.

Grade Point Averages

All Unit courses offered by Oakbrook will be designated and weighted as College Preparatory, Honors, or Advanced Placement. Students will be encouraged to pursue Honors level work based on standardized test scores, academic performance (minimum B average), and a teacher recommendation. The rigor of the honors curriculum will prepare students for the opportunity to select Advanced Placement courses in their Junior and Senior years. Students will need to maintain a B average in order to remain in honors classes.

Grade Point Averages are weighted according to South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale.
For example:
A grade of 100 will carry a CP weighting of a 4.87, an Honors weighting of 5.37, and an AP weighting of 5.87. A grade of 90 has a CP weighting of 3.62, an Honors weighting of 4.12, and an AP weighting of 4.62. See SC Uniform Grading Scale on following page.

Some scholarships, however, may be based on unweighted values. For these calibrations, every A is weighted as a 4.0, every B as a 3.0, every C as a 2.0, and every D as a 1.0.

Courses carrying Carnegie Units

The uniform grading scale and the system for calculating GPAs and class rank will apply to all courses carrying Carnegie units, including units earned at the middle high school level (i.e. German I, Spanish I, Algebra I, and Geometry )

Levels of Courses

CP: These courses are designed to fulfill the requirements to earn a high school diploma. They earn weighted grade points as designated on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale.

HONORS: These courses are designed to be academically challenging and preparation for advanced placement courses.

AP (Advanced Placement): These courses are designed to be academically challenging and are taught on the college level. AP courses follow the curriculum provided by the College Board. College Board National AP Exams are in May of each year. Students should contact specific colleges to learn of their specific policy concerning awarding advanced placement credit.

Grading

Grading Scale- Oakbrook incorporates the Uniform Grading Scale of South Carolina:
A 93 - 100
B 85 - 92
C 77 - 84
D 70 - 76
F 63-69 (Partial GPR credit)
F 62 or below (No GPR credit)

Grade Reporting- A midterm report will be sent home at the half-way point of each term. At the conclusion of each 9-week term, grades will be reported on the progress report. The grade on the progress report will reflect an average of the grades received that previous term. Students will receive graded assignments and correspondence via student mailboxes.

Requirements for Promotion- At the end of the year all term grades will be averaged to determine the year's average in each subject area. Grade point averages will be calculated from these yearly averages. Students who make a grade of F in a course required for their college transcript must repeat the course the following year or at an approved summer school.

Overview of Course Offerings

English Department - 4 units required for graduation
required for graduation

English I OR English I Honors
English II OR English II Honors
English III OR English III Honors
English IV OR English AP

Students who elect Honors courses must understand that extensive reading and writing assignments beyond class time will be expected. Failure to meet deadlines will not be tolerated. Students must maintain a "B" average to remain in the Honors curriculum. It is recommended that students score above the 50th percentile on the Critical Reading component of the PSAT to sign up for AP English.

Math Department - 4 units required for graduation
Required for graduation
Algebra I OR Algebra I Honors
Algebra II OR Algebra II Honors
Geometry OR Geometry II Honors
* Choose at least one
Algebra III OR Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB
Statistics

Students may move from CP to Honors courses with an "A" average and disciplined study skills. To take AP courses, it is recommended that students maintain a "B" average in Honors courses and score above the 50th percentile on the Math component of the PSAT.

Science Department - 3 units required for graduation
Required for graduation
Biology OR Biology Honors
Chemistry OR Chemistry Honors
* Choose at least one
Physics
Marine Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology AP

Students must maintain a "B" average in Honors science courses to continue in the Honors
curriculum. It is recommended that AP students score above the 50th percentile in math to take AP science courses. Students may move from CP to Honors levels with an "A" average in science courses and with evidence of excellent study habits.

Social Studies Department - 3 units required for graduation
Required for graduation
American History
Government (1/2 unit) OR Government AP (1 unit)
Economics (1/2 unit)
* Choose at least one
Psychology
Street Law (1/2 unit)
World History (recommended for Freshmen)

In order to take Government AP, students need to have maintained a "B" average in Honors US History, and it is recommended that they also maintained a "B" average in Honors English and scored above the 50th percentile on the PSAT Critical Reading component.

World Language Department - 2 units required for graduation
Required for graduation (NOTE: Some colleges require 3 units for admission)
Spanish I OR Spanish I Honors OR German I OR German I Honors
Spanish II OR Spanish II Honors OR German II OR German II Honors
Recommended
Spanish III OR Spanish III Honors OR German III OR German III Honors
Optional
Spanish IV/AP OR German IV/AP

For these World Language courses, students may elect CP or Honor levels, but only Honors level courses will lead to opportunities for the AP courses. Two units in the same language are required for graduation, but some universities require at least 3 units (Clemson, for example).

Required Non-Core Units - 1 full unit of each required for graduation

Fitness
Computer Applications I & II
Christian Education
-Survey of the New Testament I & II
-A Christian View of World Religions
Senior Project

Electives - 3 units required for graduation

Art
Advanced Art Studio
AP Art Studio
Bible Through Artists Eyes
Book Arts
Drawing I ; Drawing II
Mixed Media I
Painting I
Sculpture I
Surface Design
Women in the Arts
Band (Concert Band)
Chorus
Dance
Dance
Advanced Dance
Drama
Guitar
Intermediate
Advanced
Journalism
Journalism
Broadcast Journalism
SAT Prep
Yearbook

NOTE: Though a course may be listed in the catalog, credit requirements, student interest, and instructor availability determine whether or not a course will be scheduled in a given academic year.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

* 4 units required for graduation

English I CP Grade 9 1 Unit
The course will include a study of English grammar, usage, vocabulary, composition, and literature. The literature will represent a variety of world authors, and students will be encouraged to analyze these works to gain stronger foundations in writing, listening, speaking, and thinking skills.

English I Honors Grade 9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: 90 average in prior English and teacher recommendation
The course will cover the components of the English I CP course but will extend the study by including supplemental readings as well as more extensive essays and projects. The initial honors course is a foundation course for eventual AP level courses.

English II CP Grade 10 1 Unit
The course is an eclectic study of literature. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama will be featured. Composition skills will be stressed as students begin literary analysis and poetry explication. Vocabulary skills will also be emphasized. Particular attention will be paid to preparation for SAT and ACT exams.

English II Honors Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: English I Honors or 90 average in English CP and teacher recommendation
The course will extend the criteria for English II CP by requiring more extensive writing and reading experiences.

English III CP Grade 11 1 Unit
The primary emphasis of the course will be composition and a survey of American Literature. Grammar and usage will be addressed as individual needs dictate. Students will continue to hone vocabulary skills in preparation for college entrance tests.

English III Honors Grade 11 1 Unit
Prerequisite: English II Honors or 90 average in English CP and teacher recommendation
Students will be required to complete an independent study under the direction of the course instructor. The project will consist of a variety of reading and writing assignments. Narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive essays will complement the study of American Literature.

English IV CP Grade 12 1 Unit
Students will construct polished essays in preparation for their college experience. A variety of essay types will be required, some of which will require proper documentation. The survey of English Literature will be the primary literary emphasis.

English IV AP Grade 12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: English III Honors
Students will read extensively in American and English Literature and will analyze prose and poetry in preparation for the AP Exam. Practice for the multiple choice and essay components of the exam will require extra time beyond the daily class period, and students should be prepared for the rigor of the study.

MATH DEPARTMENT

* 4 units required for graduation

Algebra I Grade 8-9 1 unit
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or equivalent
Algebra I Honors
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or equivalent and teacher recommendation
This course focuses in the study of linear equations and inequalities, as well as absolute value, polynomial, quadratic, and exponential growth and decay functions. Other topics include matrices, statistics, probability, factoring, exponential properties, coordinate geometry and irrational numbers. Students learn to use algebra concepts in real world situations and formulate a strong connection between graphs, tables, and algebra of data sets.

Geometry Grade 8-9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Geometry Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors OR teacher recommendation
The geometry courses focus on the development of logical reasoning, both inductive and deductive, through formal proofs and discovery methods, including, but not limited to, the use of Geometer's Sketchpad computer program and constructions with a compass and straight edge. Congruent and similar polygons, parallel and perpendicular lines, arcs and chords of circles, the Platonic solids, the properties of triangles and quadrilaterals, constructions, transformations, volume, area, and right triangle trigonometry are studied in depth. Algebra is used to reinforce geometric concepts and to maintain algebraic skills.

Algebra II Grade 9-10 1 unit
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry and/or teacher recommendation
Algebra II Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors OR Algebra I and Geometry and teacher recommendation
This course takes ideas learned in Algebra I and goes more in depth into concepts such as solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities with one and two variables; graphing and using functions, including piecewise and absolute value functions; solving systems of linear equations and inequalities (both algebraically and geometrically) and linear equations with 3 variables. The course also explores matrices; complex numbers; quadratic and polynomial functions; operations and functions using exponents and radicals; exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions.

Algebra III Grade 10-12 1 unit
Prerequisite: Algebra I & Algebra II
This course provides a substantial review of Algebra II, specifically function operators; operations with exponents and radicals; and exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions. The material proceeds to include conic sections, sequences and series, probability and statistics, and trigonometry.

Pre-Calculus Honors Grade 10-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors or an "A" in Algebra II CP and/or teacher recommendation
This college preparatory course develops conceptual understanding as well as applications of higher level mathematics. This course includes the study of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions with extensive emphasis on graphing. Other topics include trigonometry, complex numbers, polar coordinates, vectors, and conic sections. Sequences and series, probability, and matrices will be introduced as time permits. Students will be required to use a graphing calculator throughout this course.

AP Calculus AB Grade 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors
Topics include polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; differential calculus, including the increment of a function, the chain rule, differentials, Rolle's Theorem, Mean Value Theorem, and applications; integral calculus, including indefinite and definite integrals, techniques of integration, and applications; limits including L'Hopital's Theorem. A graphing calculator is required for this course. The last few weeks of the course will involve a detailed review and preparation for the AP exam which will be taken the first week in May. Many colleges will grant credit for first semester Calculus to those who score a 3 or higher on this exam.

Statistics Honors Grade 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Students learn the fundamental principles of probability and statistics. Statistical applications of given data sets will be used in a wide variety of problems, including but not limited to, agriculture, biology, business, economics, education, psychology, engineering, medicine, sociology, and computer sciences. Students will analyze, organize, and draw conclusions about given statistical data.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

3 units required for graduation
*The 3 science units must be in a laboratory science class.
At least 2 of the units must be in different fields and selected from biology, chemistry, or physics.

Biology Grade 9 1 Unit
This course is an introduction to the major characteristics of living organisms. Course topics include characteristics of life, history of life, cell structure and function, basic concepts of heredity and reproduction, and an overview of the major characteristics of organisms classified within the taxonomic system of life including their comparative anatomy and ecological relationships. A required laboratory component will provide hands-on activities to reinforce important topics.

Biology Honors Grade 9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This honors-level course is for motivated students who desire an in-depth and challenging program. Course content encompasses interrelationships of living things, levels of biological organization, human biology, social implications, biochemistry, and genetics. Extensive laboratory work, problem-solving and research are essential components.

AP Biology Grade 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Honors Biology & Chemistry and/or teacher recommendation
This course is an in-depth study equivalent to college-freshman biology and includes several major themes and principles of biology with special emphasis on the characteristics of life, reproduction and development of organisms, origin of life and evolution of diverse life forms, genetics and molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic organisms, anatomy and physiology of plants and ecological relationships among organisms. A comprehensive laboratory component is required and will reinforce basic principles. College credit may be obtained upon successfully passing the AP Biology Examination.

Anatomy and Physiology Honors Grade 10-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Biology Honors & Chemistry Honors OR Biology and Chemistry and teacher recommendation
This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. Course topics include a survey of the major themes of biology; the principle features of organisms; the structure, physiology and metabolism of cells and tissues; the anatomy and physiology of the major mammalian organ systems, their interrelationships, and homeostatic mechanisms. A required laboratory component will stress hands-on activities in cell biology and anatomy and physiology with dissection. Labs will also have a health and sports medicine emphasis.

Chemistry Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Biology
This course is an introduction to chemistry. Students study atomic structure, chemical and physical changes, formulas, mole relationships, balancing equations, gases, properties of solids, liquids, and gases, bonding, acids and bases. Contains a major lab component.

Chemistry Honors Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Honors Biology or teacher recommendation
This is a course designed for students with exceptional academic talent and a strong desire to major in the sciences. The study includes atomic theory, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, quantum exploration of atomic structure, the relation of chemical properties to atomic theory and the periodic table, and equilibrium as applied to acid-base and redox reaction. A short introduction to organic and nuclear chemistry is part of the course. The course contains a major laboratory component.

Marine Science Grade 10-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Biology
An introduction to the history and methodology of the study of the ocean, including the diversity of marine life and marine ecosystems. This course explores how the physical and biological characteristics of the ocean interact to affect marine ecology.

Physics Honors Grade 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors and Chemistry Honors OR Algebra II and Chemistry and teacher recommendation
This course includes the study of mechanics, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. An intricate part of the course is labs (to reinforce topics as they are studied). A graphing calculator is required for this course. This course counts as a lab science.

SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

* 3 units required for graduation

World History Grades 9-10 1 Unit
A yearlong survey course which examines global history from the early Greek civilization to the Renaissance. Students are taught using a variety of methods including lecture, class discussion, research, projects, timelines, and maps. The course focuses on the social, religious, and political development of Western Europe.

U.S. History Grades 10-12 1 Unit
A yearlong course that broadly examines the history of the United States from the Colonial period to the 1980s. The course focuses on the development of American political, economic, and cultural institutions as well as the historical contingencies that contributed its rise as a world power in the 20th century.

Economics Grades 11-12 0.5 Unit
A semester course that focuses on personal financial management by teaching basic money management skills. Students learn the fundamentals of the American market economy and the basics of macro- and micro-economics. During the first nine week period students track and evaluate their spending patterns and expenses to determine their personal financial and lifestyle choices. In the second nine week period students select and track stocks and then evaluate their performance. Special attention is paid to personal investing and wise financial decision making.

Government Grades 11-12 0.5 Unit
A semester long course that broadly examines the theory and function of American government. Emphasis is placed on the Constitution, Federalism, Civil Rights and Liberties, and the functions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. The course includes training in parliamentary procedure, bill writing, and mock legislative debate.

AP Government Grades 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: "B" average in previous social studies courses, a score of at least 50 on the critical reading component of the PSAT, and teacher recommendation
AP Government is a class designed as a college-level course, meeting the requirements necessary to take the Advanced Placement Test. It includes an in-depth study of the United States Political System; its development, the principle processes and institutions through which the system functions, and the establishment and implementation of governmental policies.

Introduction to Psychology Grades 10-12 1 Unit
This survey course provides a broad overview of the major topics and themes within the science of behavior, perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, child development, adolescence and adulthood, personality, stress and health psychology, psychological disorders, treatment, social psychology, and applied psychology.

Street Law Grades 10-12 1 Unit
Street Law/Criminal Justice - The course is an introduction to criminal justice. It acquaints students with law issues that are practical and /or relevant in everyday life. It provides an understanding of rights and responsibilities as well as knowledge of everyday legal problems. It looks at social and cultural influences on criminal behavior and familiarizes students with roles of law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice systems.

WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

2 units required for graduation
** College entrance will require at least 2 units of the same foreign language (Clemson University and other competitive schools require 3.)

SPANISH

Spanish 1 Grade 8 1 Unit
This Spanish course introduces students to the Spanish language and its culture. Students will learn to communicate in basic Spanish about themselves, their families, activities they enjoy, and a variety of other simple subjects in the present indicative mood. There is a strong emphasis on oral participation and vocabulary development . Cultural differences and similarities are explored. Basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are explored.

Spanish 1 Honors Grade 8 1 Unit
Prerequisite: B or better in English
This Spanish course introduces students to the Spanish language and its culture at an advanced pace and in greater depth. Students will learn to actively communicate in reading, writing, understanding and speaking Spanish. This course is designed to promote the skills needed to do well in the honors courses that lead to the AP program.

Spanish 2 Grade 9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Spanish 2 concentrates on sharpening oral and aural skills acquired in Spanish 1. Grammar skills are reviewed, new grammar and new verb tenses are introduced. Vocabulary expansion will continue to be crucial and cultural connections will be expanded. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills will be used in the class room activities.

Spanish 2 Honors Grade 9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 Honors and Spanish teacher's recommendation
This class reviews the oral and aural skills introduced in Spanish 1 Honors. The indicative verb tenses and advanced grammatical structures are stressed. Vocabulary expansion and cultural appreciation will continue. This course is designed to promote the necessary skills to do well in the honors courses that lead to the AP program.

Spanish 3 Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
This course is designed for students who would like to continue their study of Spanish. Students will learn the subjunctive mood and perfect tenses. Vocabulary expansion will continue and the language will be used in writing, reading, listening and orally. Further study of Spanish speaking cultures continues.

Spanish 3 Honors Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 Honors and Spanish teacher's recommendation
This class is designed for students who plan to complete the AP course. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills will be practiced daily. Vocabulary expansion and cultural appreciation will continue. Students are expected to communicate in Spanish.

AP Spanish Language Grade 11-12 1 Unit
Spanish 4 Honors
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Honors and Spanish teacher's recommendation
This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam or college entrance exams. Listening and speaking will be the focus of the class while reading and writing will be developed through vocabulary enhancement activities. Drill will be stressed as students prepare for the AP Spanish Language Exam.

GERMAN

German 1 Grade 8 1 Unit
This German course introduces students to the German language and its culture. Students will learn to communicate in basic German about themselves, their families, activities they enjoy, and a variety of other simple subjects in the present and present perfect mood. There is a strong emphasis on oral participation and vocabulary development . Cultural differences and similarities are explored. Basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are explored.

German 1 Honors Grade 8 1 Unit
Prerequisite: B or better in English
This German course introduces students to the German language and its culture at an advanced pace and in greater depth. Students will learn to actively communicate in reading, writing, understanding and speaking German. This course is designed to promote the skills needed to do well in the honors courses that lead to the AP program.

German 2 Grade 9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: German 1
German 2 concentrates on sharpening oral and aural skills acquired in German 1. Grammar skills are reviewed, new grammar and new verb tenses are introduced. Vocabulary expansion will continue to be crucial and cultural connections will be expanded. Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills will be used in the class room activities.

German 2 Honors Grade 9 1 Unit
Prerequisite: German 1 Honors and German teacher's recommendation
This class reviews the oral and aural skills introduced in German 1 Honors. More advanced grammatical structures are stressed. Vocabulary expansion and cultural appreciation will continue. This course is designed to promote the necessary skills to do well in the honors courses that lead to the AP program.

German 3 Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: German 2
This course is designed for students who would like to continue their study of German. Students will learn more advanced grammar structures. Vocabulary expansion will continue and the language will be used in writing, reading, listening and orally. Further study of German speaking cultures continues.

German 3 Honors Grade 10 1 Unit
Prerequisite: German 2 Honors and German teacher's recommendation
This class is designed for students who plan to complete the AP course. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills will be practiced daily. Vocabulary expansion and cultural appreciation will continue. Students are expected to communicate mostly in German.
AP German Grade 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: German 3 Honors and German teacher's recommendation
This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement German Exam or college entrance exams. Listening and speaking will be the focus of the class while reading and writing will be developed through vocabulary enhancement activities. Drill will be stressed as students prepare for the AP German Exam.

ARTS DEPARTMENT

Concert Band Grades 9-12 1 Unit
Concert Band is a band class open to all woodwind, brass and percussion instrumental students. This performing group requires a basic musical background and general fluency on one's instrument. Members sometimes combine with the middle school classes to perform as a full band. Class sessions entail a study of instrumentation fundamentals and techniques at the individual, ensemble, and full band levels. Participation in other performing groups in encouraged. An active concert schedule of 4-5 full and joint concerts is maintained. Concert events include in-school concerts, Region and All-state band, festivals (such as Carowinds), and possible school drama/musicals. Individual performance opportunities include Solo and Ensemble festival, auditions for Region and All-state band, and various school functions. Students will learn how music interrelates with the other arts.

High School Dance Grades 9-12 1 Unit
Dance is an interactive and innovative class designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and appreciate the art form of dance. One of the main standards explored is dance technique, which enables the students to become literate in dance fundamentals, in a variety of genres, and to be engaged in activities involving body awareness, movement exploration, and the understanding of the dance elements-body, time, space, and energy. Emphasis is also put on understanding choreographic principles, processes, and structures while acquiring the skills to create and interpret ideas and feelings through dance. Students will use critical and creative thinking skills, learn history and culture, connect dance with healthy living, and relate dance with other disciplines.
*Students are required to dress out for class daily (black cotton pants and form-fitting shirt)*

Advanced Dance Grades 9-12 1 Unit
Prerequisite: High School Dance and/or teacher recommendation
The Advanced Dance course is designed to emphasize and refine all main technique areas and master specific dance vocabulary related to the efficient and artful use of the body as an instrument. Students will understand and master all aspects of dance elements, such as body, time, space, and energy, by interweaving them skillfully throughout compositions, technique, and performance. A complex level of the choreographic principles will be studied and applied allowing students to create original dance works with coherence and aesthetic unity while directing a group of dancers through the choreographic process. Students will also analyze famous works and original student choreographed pieces and then critique and reflect on the works while implementing the dance elements. Dance history will be reviewed and applied while using critical and creative thinking skills.
*Students are required to dress out for class daily (black cotton pants and a form-fitting shirt)*

High School Drama Grades 9-12 1 Unit
Drama is an interactive class that promotes community through the drama experience. We explore all aspects of Drama with performance as the end goal. We focus on technique, process and learning through experience. We use highly effective drama games that help to build unity and trust as well as helping to push students to a higher standard of acting. When a student leaves drama class they should have experienced drama on many levels, from acting, to building sets, to directing and will be able to appreciate drama with a higher level of understanding.

AP Studio Art Grades 11-12 1 Unit
Prerequisites: Art 1, Painting, Mixed Media, Drawing 1 & 2 (or possible other courses) and art teacher recommendation based on student's current art portfolio, interview, and level of success in past art courses.
An intense art course for highly motivated advanced art students who already work at a very independent skill level. Students will complete a college level portfolio of work that includes a section that shows the variety of media & subject matter the student uses & an additional section that is a series based on one theme. A minimum of 24 high quality pieces of artwork will be created within the first 3 terms with revisions, photographing work & portfolio preparations including written support from the concentration series in term 4. The work will be presented to the AP College Board with the possibility of college credit. Summer projects are also required to be completed independently & brought into class at the beginning of the course for our first critique.

Advanced Studio Art Grades 11-12 0.5 or 1 Unit
Prerequisites: Art 1, Painting, Mixed Media, Drawing 1 & 2 (or possible other courses) and art teacher recommendation based on student's current art portfolio, interview, and level of success in past art courses.
An intense art course for highly motivated advanced art students who already work at a very independent skill level and want to continue to build expertise and quality in a small group of advanced artists while creating a personal portfolio of artwork. Summer projects are also required to be completed independently & brought into class at the beginning of the course for our first critique.

Sculpture I Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
This is a course for the serious art student interested in 3-D design. Students will use a variety of media including paper, clay, metal, plaster & carving media to explore sculptural techniques of assembling/constructing, modeling, & carving with both additive & subtractive processes. Drawing will also be required as a part of the creative processes.

Drawing I Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
A basic drawing course emphasizing creative compositions, realistic tones & textures, high quality shading & other technical skills plus an introduction to drawing in perspective. All dry drawing media will be used including pencils, charcoal, ink, markers, scratchboard, and pastels.

Drawing II Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
Prerequisite: Drawing I
A drawing course for the more advanced art student wanting to concentrate on technical drawing skills of one, two, and three-point perspective processes of drawing houses & buildings, landscapes with roads or paths, cityscapes, interiors, as well as still life and portraits. Tonal drawing qualities will also be emphasized in every project. Dry drawing media will be used for the basis of the composition including pencils, charcoal, ink, markers and pastels; some projects will require paint or other wet media to be added in the final stages.

Women in the Arts Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
High School Girls Only
A study of women as subjects of artwork throughout the ages with a specific concentration on women artists. There will be a strong emphasis on symbolism in art as it relates to women's life experiences.
Surface Design Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
(Formerly called Mixed Media I)
Applying basic elements of art and design principles to a variety of unusual 2-D & 3-D surfaces while using a wide selection of art tools and media. Painting is required in most of the projects.

Mixed Media I Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
(Brand new class )
Combining painting, collage, oil pastels and other drawing media as well as writing into various artistic 2-D creations. Papermaking is also included.

Painting I Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
Prerequisite: Drawing I
For the serious artist who loves to paint! Watercolors and Acrylic paints will be the media for the course. Projects will focus on color theories, definitions, and painting styles.

Book Arts Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
A combination of bookmaking and creative book-altering techniques to turn books into works of art using the pages as canvases. Painting, collage methods, journaling, collecting quotes & poems as well as using other creative writing processes are also an important part of the projects.

The Bible Through Artists' Eyes Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
A study of Biblical themes throughout the history of art. Students will also study certain portions, topics & events in the Bible to base their paintings on in both realistic and symbolic techniques. Creation, angels, and the study of parables are some examples of our study.

Intermediate Guitar Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
The course is recommended for guitar students with basic skills. There will be an emphasis on guitar styles and improvisation. Music theory will be a graded component of the course. Each student must provide his/her own guitar.

Advanced Guitar Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
Prerequisite: Intermediate Guitar and teacher recommendation
The course will be offered to serious guitar students. Performance and music composition will be primary objectives. Each student must provide his/her own guitar.

REQUIRED NON-CORE COURSES
1 full unit of each required

Fitness Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
This course introduces the student to the concept of physical wellness, positive emotional growth, and social development. The purpose of the course is to educate students on the necessity of implementing a regular fitness and exercise plan that will help in preventing disease, enhance students' health, and improve their quality of life. It is a required unit for graduation (2 semesters).

Computer Applications I Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit Computer Applications I acquaints students with basic office applications. Topics covered include general word processing concepts such as document formatting, mail merge, combining text and graphic elements. Students will learn to create spreadsheets that include formulas and graphs to manipulate and present numerical data. They will acquire skills needed to create effective presentations using popular software applications commonly used in today's academic and business settings.

Computer Applications II Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
Computer Applications II will expose students to the basics of web site creation and introduce them to common applications for maintaining HTML documents. Students will also learn to use popular image and video editing tools to create multimedia files and projects.

Christian Education Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
Survey of the New Testament I & II 2 semesters/1 year
The first semester, students study the life of Jesus as the Messiah beginning first with the history of Israel and the prophecy of the Messiah. For each Gospel, the course covers who wrote the gospel, when, where, and key audience and themes. The second semester picks up with the birth and growth of the church in the Acts of the Apostles with an emphasis on Christian community. In both classes, students will read and discuss a book by a contemporary Christian author.

Christian Education Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
A Christian Look at World Religions
Prerequisite: Survey of the New Testament
Using the textbooks from Christian International Studies' Which Way to God and James Sire's The Universe Next Door - A Basic Worldview Catalog, this course covers an understanding about the truth about Christianity, truth about other religions and spirituality, and what Christianity says about other religions.
Senior Project Grade 12 1 Unit
The senior project gives graduating seniors the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the 21st century. Implemented in high school nationwide, the project makes learning meaningful by creating educational environments outside the traditional classroom. Students prepare a proposal, make community contacts, research new career fields or interests, learn about current technology, implement a project, or give an oral and written presentation to a board of teachers and professionals in the specific subject area presented by the project.

OTHER ELECTIVES

SAT Prep Grades 10-11 0.5 Unit
Prerequisite: Completion of or enrollment in Algebra II
This class is designed to enhance students score on the SAT (College entrance exam). The class time is evenly distributed between mathematical techniques and vocabulary/essay techniques. Students are exposed to extensive vocabulary words. A "within context approach" is used to expose students to a large number of new words for reading recognition. Essay writing skills are also developed. Test taking strategies are emphasized in the math section as well as problem solving abilities, critical thinking and reasoning skills, and review of previously learned math concepts and skills.

Journalism Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
High school students in this course are the faces behind the school's newspaper, The Silver Scroll. The class produces six issues a year for middle and high school students. Each student is responsible for interviewing sources, photography, graphic design and writing original copy for the publication. Students in this course are also exposed to business experience by selling ads in the community. The staff is lead by the Editor and the Adviser. Students also attend a yearly conference and awards ceremony at the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications where they are eligible for staff and individual honors.

Yearbook Grades 9-12 1 Unit
Application and recommendation required
High School students in this course memorialize each school year by creating the school's yearbook. Students are asked to apply for this course in advance. Each student is responsible for layout design, writing copy and photography. The staff is lead by the Editor and the Adviser. Students in this course are also exposed to business experience by selling ads in the community. Each year the staff attends a two-day workshop lead by our yearbook printing company.

Broadcasting Grades 9-12 0.5 Unit
High School students in this course produce Oakbrook's first-ever television show, The Update. The show airs monthly and covers news from our school, community and the world around us. Past stories include Cyber-bullying, alcohol and tobacco sales to minors and safe driving tips. The staff is divided into reporters and segment producers. Students are responsible for all photography, interviewing and editing. The staff is lead by the News Director and the Adviser.