University School

Course Descriptions

Please note that AP Tests cost $83.00 per test

ENGLISH SELECTIONS: (4 CREDITS REQUIRED)

English 9, 10, 11, 12: Skill mastery in literature, grammar, vocabulary, and composition will be the focus of our grade-level English classes. Prerequisite: Students must pass the year of English to proceed to the next level.  At the English 10 level students will be required to pass the State of Tennessee Gateway exam to be eligible to graduate.

Honors English 9, 10, 11: For student’s demonstrating above average ability in English, focuses on both writing and literature. At the English 10 level students will be required to pass the State of Tennessee Gateway exam to be eligible to graduate.

English 12 – Advanced Placement: Serving students with exceptional English abilities with an overview of English literature and significant world literature pieces.  A senior research project is required and AP preparatory materials are used.  Writing college level essays is emphasized.

Media Literacy ½ Credit/ semester : An exploration of a variety of media formats, including television, film, magazines, newspapers, and literature and their impact on the values and ideas of popular culture. Elective only.

Creative Writing ½ Credit/semester: Open for any student who wants to discover and explore their unique writing voice with a concentration on poetry and drama . An academically rigorous course.  (Grades 11-12). Elective only.

Literature of World Religions ½ Credit/semester:  An in-depth examination of the sacred texts and traditions of Buddhism and Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Islam. An academically rigorous course.  (Grades 11-12). Elective only. College level text.

Multicultural Women’s Literature 1 Credit:  This course is an in-depth study of literature from both male and female perspectives.  So guys…don’t run away just yet!  We will study works from a multitude of ethnicities, cultures, and time periods.  Students will read a female work, a male work of the same time period, and analyze the commonalities and differences of ideas and perceptions.  As an English elective, this course will be writing intensive and will include works from the AP Reading List.  All forms of writing will be practiced: narrative, critical analysis, poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, persuasive, and research writing.

Journalism/Yearbook 1 Credit: Students will focus on the design, layout, and timelines of professional publishing.  Prerequisite: Application and selection committee interview.

MATH SELECTIONS: (3 CREDITS REQUIRED)

Foundations II:  Students will strengthen basic math skills and broaden problem solving ability in preparation for Algebra I. Algebra readiness assessments will be given at the end of the course. Students may be placed in this course as a result of the placement exam.

Algebra I: This is the first course in algebraic concepts.  Students will be given two assessments to determine readiness for Algebra I and upon completion of Algebra I students will take the State of Tennessee Gateway exam. A student must pass the Gateway exam to be eligible to graduate.  This is a required course.  Students will be required to pass an Algebra I Gateway exam for graduation.

Geometry: Students will investigate properties of plane and solid figures as well as aspects of coordinate geometry. Prerequisite: Algebra I . This is a required course.

Algebra II: An advanced study of algebraic concepts. This course is strongly recommended if a student is preparing to go to college. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.  Recommended for students who plan to attend college.

Advanced Algebra: Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry is an advanced mathematics course that extends algebraic concepts and applications and that develops trigonometric functions and applications.  Through meaningful problems and appropriate technologies, students will study a variety of radical, rational, polynomial, exponential, circular and logarithmic functions.  Students earning less than 90% in Algebra II will be recommended to take this course before Pre-Calculus.

Pre- Calculus: Investigates higher order algebraic functions, their solution, and graphs of these functions. Additionally, the course will cover circular trigonometry

relationships. Prerequisite: Algebra I and II, and Geometry with a 90 average or higher in Algebra II.

A.P. Calculus: An introduction to the concept of the limit, leading to differentiation and integration. This course also investigates techniques of differentiation and integration. Prerequisite: Precalculus with a B average or higher. Up to 6 hours of college credit available based on AP Test performance.

ACT/SAT Preparation ½ credit per semester:  This class will help students prepare for taking college entrance exams.  All subject areas will be covered, but there will be an emphasis on math.  Recommended for sophomores or first semester juniors although all grades will be considered.

SCIENCE SELECTIONS: (3 CREDITS REQUIRED)

one credit must be a life science and one a physical science

Physical Science: This course provides a general foundation in the major concepts of physics and chemistry. This course is designed for students who need to strengthen science skills before entering Biology.

Biology I: A study of the characteristics of life, the interrelationships of different organisms, the diversity of life and the genetic basis of life. Corequisite:  Algebra I or Geometry. Students must pass a Biology I Gateway Exam to graduate.

Ecology:  A challenging high school course that places emphasis on ecological issues that are more socially and liberal arts oriented.  Prerequisite:  Biology

Biology AP: A course designed for the motivated college-bound student. The course is divided into three areas of study; ecology (populations), molecular/cellular and the adaptations of life forms. Classes start at 7:00 A.M. one day per week. Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, and teacher approval.  Up to 8 hours of college credit available based on AP Test performance.

Physics:  Advanced investigation into the relationship between matter and energy and how they interact. The following major areas will be investigated: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Light and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Hands-on laboratory investigations and observations of demonstrations will be a part of the course. Problem solving skills will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Chemistry Co-requisite: Advanced Algebra, PreCalculus, or AP Calculus

Chemistry I: An investigation into the major concepts of inorganic chemistry. Atomic structure, chemical reactions and equations, the periodic table, elements, and chemical bonding will be explored. Hands-on laboratory activities and demonstrations are a significant part of the course. Prerequisite: Biology I, Co-requisite:  Algebra II.

Advanced Placement Chemistry:  The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.  Students who receive credit for this during high school will have the opportunity to take more advanced science courses as freshmen or to take other courses of interest because their lab course requirement will be completed.  In addition to covering college level chemistry topics, students are required to complete a laboratory component that is equivalent to that of a typical college course.  Students will be required to come to school at 7:00 a.m. one day each week in order to complete labs.  Furthermore it is assumed that students will spend at least five hours each week completing independent study.  Prerequisites:  Chemistry I and Algebra II. Up to 8 hours of college credit available based on AP Test performance.

SOCIAL STUDIES SELECTIONS: (3 CREDITS REQUIRED)

World Geography 1 credit: Using the perspectives of several disciplines, students will examine the influences of geography on why and how nations and cultures live as they do. Recommended for Freshmen. World History or World Geography is required.

World History: The world from Renaissance through the Twenty-first Century will be studied.  The global development of man is followed through the major historical eras.  Special emphasis will be placed on the unique cultures found throughout the world. World History or World Geography is required.

Economics ½ credit/semester: A hands-on experience in economic decision making and a survey of how the business community operates. Recommended for sophomores. This is a required course.

Government ½ credit/semester: The political process of the United States government on the national, state, and local levels will be examined. Recommended for sophomores. This is a required course.

US History 1 credit: Surveys the cultural background of the United States from Reconstruction to the Present. Recommended for Juniors. This is a required course.

AP US History 1 credit:  AP US History is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a freshman college course and can earn students college credit.  It is a two-semester survey of American history for the age of exploration and discovery to the present.  Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed.  World History and government are recommended as pre-requisite courses but not required. 

Contemporary Issue ½ credit/semester:  “The rest of the story,” An interactive, hands-on experience class that focuses on current and 20^th century issues. Elective only.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION SELECTIONS (1 CREDIT REQUIRED)

Lifetime Wellness I:  A course covering physical fitness, nutrition, family life, safety, first aid, and AIDS education.

Physical Education II /Weightlifting 1/2 or 1 Credit: Designed for students serious about physical fitness.  Prerequisite: Lifetime Wellness I and interview with the coach.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE SELECTIONS: (2 CREDITS REQUIRED)

(Two years in one language is required)

French I : An introduction to the French language and culture. Examines basic vocabulary and grammatical structures within the four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Emphasis is on acquisition of listening and speaking skills. 

French II: A continuation of the study of the French language and culture with an introduction to more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Greater emphasis on accuracy and reading and writing skills.  Prerequisite: French I

French III: Examines advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis is on accurate self-expression in French, both in written and oral forms. Cultural studies include an introduction to the history and literature of France. Prerequisite: French I and II

Spanish I: An introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Examines basic vocabulary and grammatical structures within the four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Emphasis is on acquisition of listening and speaking skills. 

Spanish II: A continuation of the study of the Spanish language and culture with an introduction to more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Greater emphasis on accuracy and reading and writing skills.  Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish III: Examines advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary. Emphasis is on accurate self-expression in Spanish, both in written and oral forms. Cultural studies include an introduction to the history, the arts and literature of  Spanish speaking cultures. Prerequisite: Spanish I and II

German II:. A continuation of the study of the German language and culture with an introduction to more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Greater emphasis on accuracy and reading and writing skills. Prerequisite:  German I

FINE ARTS SELECTIONS (1 CREDIT REQUIRED)

Visual Art I: Basic techniques will be explored relating to drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking.  Basic media will be explored including pencil, pastel, charcoal, ink, watercolor, acrylic paint and clay.  Design elements and principles relating to composition, color, and perspective, are also introduced.

Visual Art II:  Advanced art and design techniques, concepts, and media will be explored relating to drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, art technology, art aesthetics, and art history.  Students will work on in-depth portfolio and sketchbook projects. 

Prerequisite:  Visual Art I

Visual Art III: This is an in-depth, independent art study course.  To assist any art college or art career-bound students, we will work on individual projects and develop a professional art portfolio.  Prerequisites:  Visual Art I and II. Conference required before acceptance into this class.

Visual Art IV: The course curriculum is concentrated around communication/advertising design and graphic design projects created on the computer. Students use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to create their projects.  Prerequisites:  Visual Art I, Technology I

Theater Arts: Students will work to know more about theater through reading, study, and performance experiences.  Students will learn good performance techniques, which will include the effective use of body language, proper voice and diction, and the discipline of focus and concentration.  Performance will include pantomime, oral interpretation, duo-interpretation, storytelling and solo acting. 

Instrumental Music: Advanced instruction on a band or orchestral instrument. Ensemble playing and performance will be emphasized.  Scheduled performances are a part of the grade for this class.  Prerequisite: A conference and audition is required before acceptance into this class.

Vocal Music: This course introduces students to choral singing. Proper vocal technique is stressed. The group gives several public performances. Uniform purchase is required.

TECHNOLOGY SELECTIONS:  (1 CREDIT REQUIRED)

Technology I (Personal Computing) 1 Credit: This course is divided into four parts. The first part is a nine-week concepts unit. This unit will teach the usage of Word 2003, Excel 2003, Power Point 2003, Access 2003, proper usage of E-Mail, Movie Maker, and Internet usage. The other three parts of the course will provide introduction foundations in Web Page Design (the HTML Language), the programming language Visual Basic, and the graphics software Adobe Photoshop. These three parts are designed to provide students with a chance to explore possible technology fields in which they could pursue in college and career.

Web Page Designing Technology (1/2 Credit):  This course provides the students with an exciting opportunity to explore many upper level techniques used in the developing of quality web sites. The course will work with DHTML, JavaScript, FrontPage, Form usage, and other web tools. We will develop these skills through business applications and intro-level game building. Prerequisite: Technology I

Graphics in Technology (1/2 Credit): This course explores the graphic software tools Photoshop and Flash MX. The course provides the students with an exciting opportunity to explore many upper level techniques of Photoshop and an introduction to Macromedia Flash MX. Students will apply these software tools to various types of business and web page applications. Prerequisite: Technology I

Computer Programming (1 Credit): This course is designed to parallel the first course taught in most college computer science programs. The students will gain a working knowledge of the language C++. They will learn how to utilize the 5 Steps of Problem Solving through the development of challenging yet interesting computer programs. This course gives students that have an interest in a computer science college major a quality foundation in the primary programming language taught in many colleges. Prerequisite: Technology I

ELECTIVE SELECTIONS

Driver’s Education: Student will learn how to become safe drivers. There are thirty (30) hours of book instruction and six (6) hours of driving instruction. This class has limited space, and therefore selection will be made through attendance screening and academic performance records to meet state standards.  All driving and classroom sessions will be arranged after school and during Intersession. Supply Fee: $200.

COLLEGE COURSES @ US

PSYC 1310 Introduction to Psychology-An introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and theories of the science of psychology.  Topics included are biological and developmental processes, perception and awareness, learning and thinking, motivation and emotion, personality and individuality, adjustment and mental health, and social behavior.

ENGL 1010 Critical Reading and Expository Writing-Writing paragraphs and essays based on close readings of various texts, emphasis on clear, grammatically correct expository prose.  Students must take this course during the first eligible semester at the University.

WMST 2010 Introduction to Women’s Studies-This introduction to the interdisciplinary academic field has a triple focus:  integrating information about women’s contributions to culture and history into the curriculum, uncovering and understanding structures of oppression (gender, race, class) and exploring possibilities for change.  Topics for reading and discussion will be drawn from material on social structures, law, language, history, religion, philosophy, the healing professions, and the arts.  Articulating questions and points of view regarding issues related to gender is stressed.

University School

Course Listings

 2007-2008 SY