Course Descriptions

BIBLE

9th Grade – Mastering Bible Study Skills Description:

This is a one semester class. Mastering Bible Study Skills is a class that answers the “how” and also the “why” to study the Bible. The goal of the class is to help students develop the skills they need to effectively communicate with God. This in-depth study leads us on a journey to know the origin of the Bible, why we can trust it, and how an effective quiet time can help us understand the Word of God.

9th Grade – Life Management: Total Health Description:

This is not your ordinary health class. Taught from a Biblical perspective, the class endeavors to understand the relationship of our bodies, our health and fitness, and our environment in order to determine how one can live a life pleasing to God. He cares about our health! During this semester the class also spends four weeks exploring how to manage money and build working budgets.

10th Grade – New Testament Survey Description:

During the entire year the class explores the New Testament, reading each book and learning the relevancy of New Testament principles. By the end of this course each student should be able to summarize each of the New Testament books, identifying each author, the audience, and theme.

11th Grade – Understanding the Times Description:

In this course the students examine various worldviews, including Islam and Secular Humanism. This course studies the origins of these worldviews and how they influence the world and our culture. Students will gain a better understanding of a Biblical Worldview and how they can have a positive impact on society.

11th Grade – Life-Shaping Decisions Description:

This is a Biblical study of life, planning, and stewardship. During the second semester the students learn the significance of seeking God�s guidance in decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. This course helps students to discover their talents and resources, and how to use those talents and resources wisely.

12th Grade – World Religions Description:

With the seniors about to graduate and head off to college or the professional world, this class provides them with a background of some of the type of people they may meet. Seniors spend a semester studying the major religions of the world. During this course they learn about the history, beliefs, and how to effectively share Christ with people of a different faith.

12th Grade – 7 Checkpoints Description:

This class is the last encouragement before the seniors begin life after high school. The 7 Checkpoints is a ministry book that describes the 7 Biblical basics that every student must know before heading to college. These include understanding Authentic Faith, Spiritual Disciplines, Moral Boundaries, Healthy Friendships, Wise Choices, Ultimate Authority, and putting Others First. This is a reminder of principles students may already know, but return to the Scriptures to confirm their foundations.

ENGLISH

English I Description:

English I is a comprehensive and foundational course that provides students with an introduction to critical reading, analysis, and writing. Students are exposed to the various genres of literature and provided an opportunity to explore those genres with a focus on a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. The course is designed to introduce students to the essential forms of writing in preparation for writing at the college level, including vocabulary development, critical analysis, and articulation of thoughts and ideas.

English II Description:

English II is a continuation of freshmen English that further exposes students to the various genres of literature with increased opportunities to explore those genres. Students should hone their critical reading and writing skills as they develop a more perceptive analysis of literature. Students are expected to develop a sophisticated writing style that demonstrates cogent expression of thoughts and ideas utilizing an expanding vocabulary.

American LiteratureDescription:

American Literature is a comprehensive course that provides students with an opportunity continue their studies in the art of literature while focusing exclusively on the various genres of literature composed by Americans. American Literature serves as a companion course to American History and gives the students an opportunity to explore masterworks of American authorship.

British Literature Description:

British Literature is a comprehensive course that provides students with an opportunity continue their studies in the art of literature while focusing exclusively on the masterworks of Literature composed and created by British authors, poets, novelist and playwrights. British Literature gives the students an opportunity to explore masterworks of British authorship while focusing on better understanding themselves, the world around them and their Lord and Savior who created all things.

Advanced Placement English Literature Description:

The AP English Literature course is a college level course where students study literature from both British and American writers of various genres ranging from the sixteenth century to contemporary times. The students will study multiple forms of poetry, fiction, and drama and will have an opportunity to examine the various social, economic, political and religious contexts which produced these works. We will analyze these works in terms of the various literary devices and techniques that are used within those works and explore how those devices and techniques effect the reader. (Qualifications: students must have a 3.0 grade point average in their core subjects, and the approval of the faculty and administration.)

Creative Writing Description:

Creative Writing is a full year elective course where student explore the more inventive and creative aspects of writing. This will include poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama.

MATHEMATICS

Algebra I Description:

The Algebra I course introduces students to a comprehensive study of the first year elements of Algebra. The course covers five units of instruction: Expressions and Equations, Linear Functions, Polynomials and Nonlinear Functions, Radicals and Rational Functions, and Data Analysis if time permits. The objective for the student is to make them aware of these elements of math in hopes of being successful in future math courses such as Geometry, and Algebra II.

Algebra II Description:

The Algebra II course continues with objectives that relate to a review of some of the elements of Algebra I, and subsequently enhances these elements. The course covers five units of instruction: First Degree Equations and Inequalities, Polynomial and Radical Equations and Inequalities, Advanced Functions and Relations, and two others if time permits – Discrete Mathematics and Trigonometry. The objective is to make the student aware of these elements of math in order to prepare them for future math courses such as Pre Calculus, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry, and Calculus.

Geometry Description:

The course of Geometry is comprehensive study of such topics as: Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals and Circles, and Area and Volume. The objective for students is to become familiar with the relationship of the different aspects of the geometric figures, use proofs for theorems, and review the elements of Algebra.

Pre Calculus Honors Description:

This is an honors course and requires rigorous study. It is designed to prepare students for Calculus at the college level. The curriculum covers: Polynomial, Logarithmic, Exponential, and Trigonometric functions. The objective is for students to develop an understanding of various functions and graphs, vectors, parametric equations, sequences, series, and limits.

SCIENCE

Biology Description:

This is a broad course of study in order to gain knowledge in the area of life beginning at the cellular level and concluding with a brief study of the human body. The course explores and explains such topics as cytology, genetics, and classifications. Students will investigate invertebrates, arthropods, ectothermic vertebrates, endothermic vertebrates, ecology, and human life.

Physical Science Description:

The course incorporates a basic study of physics and chemistry. The phases of matter, laws of motion, energy, and the periodic table of elements will be explored. The course includes study in the following: kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and acids, bases, and salts.

Anatomy & Physiology Description:

Students will study the major systems of the human body; structure and function of the human body, cells and tissues, and organ systems. The student will gain knowledge in the uniqueness of humans as God�s creation and the mechanics of each system working together.

Marine Science Description:

The objective of the course is to gain knowledge and understanding of the oceans and their organisms. The course examines such items as, marine invertebrates and vertebrates, marine ecology, the intertidal zone, and the effects of humans on the sea.

SOCIAL STUDIES

World Cultural Geography Description:

Geography is a survey of the earth and its resources, the use of those resources by man, and of the geographic and cultural features of people in the various regions and countries of the world. This course is not simply a study of physical geography, nor is it simply a study in regional geography. It combines all the varied elements of geography with a strong Biblical philosophy and scriptural emphasis.

World History Description:

From Creation and the ancient world to modern-day studies, this course surveys world history from a classical and Biblical perspective. The content should include, but is not limited to the following: prehistory, the rise of civilization, cultural universals, the development of religion and the impact of religious thought, evolution of political systems and philosophies, development of nationalism as a global phenomenon, the influence of significant historical figures and events, and contemporary world affairs.

American History Description:

American History will be a study of not only the birth and rise of a nation, but it will clearly demonstrate the hand of God that was working in the affairs of men. The Judeo-Christian heritage of America will be shown as based on historical accuracy, not on religious bias. The course will generally follow (1) the exploration and colonization eras, (2) post-Civil War development of industry and the emergence of “modern” America in the late nineteenth century, and (3) the post-World War II era and the contemporary United States.

American Government Description:

In American Government, students will gain an understanding of the historical circumstances surrounding the creation of the Constitution and the ratification process. Students will be able to identify the basic differences between the major forms of government. Students will learn why government is necessary and understand the Bible�s teaching concerning a Christian�s relation to government. American Government will be understood in light of a “Christian World View.”

Economics Description:

Economics is the common-sense science that studies how and why people, businesses, and governments make the choices they do. It begins with observation. Then, it uses observation as a basis to predict the future, and shows how economists may attempt to control future events by altering important variables. The focus is to understand our national economy from a Biblical perspective. Attention will also be given to understanding basic principles of Biblical economics that are clearly shown in scripture.

Advanced Placement European History Description:

This course is taught at the college level. The AP curriculum demands higher-order thinking skills thus, students are frequently required to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources, in addition to comprehending, memorizing, and applying facts. Students in this course are expected to demonstrate knowledge of basic chronology and major events and trends from the High Renaissance of approximately 1450 to the present. The broad themes of intellectual-cultural, political-diplomatic, and social-economic history form the basis of the course within that chronology. (Qualifications: students must have a 3.0 grade point average in their core subjects, and the approval of the faculty and administration.)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

American Sign Language I Description:

American Sign Language I (ASL I) is taught with great care and concern for proper content knowledge. Upon completing this course successfully, a student will have a foundational vocabulary, knowledge of the Deaf culture, and interest in the language. Students will further their knowledge of American Sign Language in American Sign Language II.

American Sign Language II Description:

American Sign Language II (ASL II) will expose a student to the use and understanding of a more advanced vocabulary and conversational skills. The course will give the student a more comprehensive knowledge of the Deaf culture through reading and discussing novels about the Deaf community.

Spanish I Description:

This is an introductory course that builds vocabulary through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The course will incorporate lessons about various Spanish cultures. Special projects assigned throughout the term will further enhance the learning experience.

Spanish II Description:

This course further emphasizes the learning experience so that the student becomes familiar and conversational in Spanish. The course will focus on a more advanced level of grammar through lectures, assignments, and special projects. Students are expected to actively participate in class in Spanish as much as possible. The special projects include such things as, Hispanic Heritage month, a Christmas performance, and appropriate field trips.

FINE/PRACTICAL ART

2D Art Description:

To enable students to experience varied two dimensional art appreciation and production activities with emphasis on design principles and craftsmanship. Students are taught proper techniques for basic drawing and painting. Production activities may include drawing, painting, printmaking sculpting and some assemblage. Students are taught proper techniques for basic drawing, painting and printmaking, use of tools, art vocabulary, and elements of art and principles of design. The purpose of this course is to enable students to communicate ideas and concepts through basic two-dimensional design and composition, and develop appreciation of examples in varied cultures and historical periods.

Dance Techniques Description:

The purpose of the upper school dance program is to give each student a solid foundation in basic dance technique. As students continue in this program they will be able to build upon their foundation as they go on to learn more advanced steps and choreography. Along with ballet, students will be having classes in jazz, choreography, and body conditioning. Each of theses classes will help students to become strong, well rounded dancers. All students enrolled in a dance class are expected to participate in the capstone project in May.

Debate Description:

Debate is a one-semester course that will introduce students into the art of public debate. In it students will learn how to better arrange their thoughts and better express their ideas for the sake of effective and formal argumentation and persuasion.

Drama Description:

The purpose of this class is to explore the following areas using solo, duo and group drama activities as well as written exercises: improvisation, pantomime and mime, voice and diction, forms of drama, acting, theater etiquette, costume design, make-up, movie evaluations, peer critiques, and a study of the history of drama. All students enrolled in a drama class are expected to participate in the capstone project in May.

Speech Description:

Speech is a one-semester course that will introduce students into the art of public speaking. In it students will learn how to better arrange their thoughts and better express their ideas for the sake of communicating more effectively. Students will begin to participate in the art of public speaking; The Students will invent, compose, arrange, and present their own speeches in a variety of formats; Students will evaluate their own speeches and well as the speeches of others for effectiveness in various arenas. The Students will continue to improve their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, in order to better facilitate expressing the majesty of the world around them and the God who created it.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Personal Fitness Description:

The student is responsible to have the proper uniform. Proper shoes must be worn as well. The student is required to participate in all activities during class. Each student will be required to take a skill test in each unit covered in the class. The skill test will help demonstrate that the student understands terminology of the sport and can do basic fundamentals drills of that sport. Physical Fitness primary areas of focus include, basic fitness, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and a basic understanding of the fundamentals of various sports/

OTHER ELECTIVE COURSES

Worship Arts Description:

This class is responsible for developing, producing and participating in the chapel services at SCA. Worship Arts is a hands-on look at what it means to worship and connecting with God in a corporate setting of worship. The students in this class are involved in such things as playing musical instruments, making videos, learning the sound system, and presenting God�s Word in practical ways so that their peers have a better understanding of Scriptural principles. This class is designed to help cultivate future leaders for our churches and culture.

Computer – Web Design Description:

The emphasis of this course is to give students a foundational understanding of the Hypertext Markup Language. HTML is used in all areas of computer work beyond the basic web page design. Students will learn some of the most important topics of HTML, from the basics of creating web pages with graphics and links, using tables, and controlling page layout with frames, to more advanced topics including cascading style sheets, and creating a Web page with forms. In this course we will introduce students to the foundations of web design and programming, as well as basic animation with Flash.

Computers for College & Career “A” Description:

This is a one semester course that is designed to help students develop accurate typing. All students will be required to meet minimum proficiency exercises by using typing software such as Typing Test as well as other educational programs for practice and speed drills. Students will learn the correct posture for keyboarding and to type by touch at a minimum rate of 25 wpm with an accuracy of 90% or better.

Computers for College & Career “B” Description:

This is a one semester course designed to teach students a working knowledge of the computer, its components, and a basic operating system. This class will cover computer literacy topics including computer hardware and software, application skills, computer ethics, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Explorer, and Outlook). Students will gain a strong understanding of the basics of computers, the importance of the Internet, as well as how to work with the Microsoft Office programs.