Valparaiso High School AP Courses

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1 Valparaiso High School AP Courses Business Courses - AP D58120 AP Computer Science A: Honors 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Recommended Prerequisites: Algebra II Computer Science A, Advanced Placement (AP) is a business mathematics course that provides students with the content established by the College Board. The course emphasizes objectoriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development, and also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. The course provides students an alternative to taking pre-calculus or calculus to fulfill the four-year math requirement for graduation. It fulfills math requirements for all Diplomas or counts as a Directed Elective or Elective for any diploma. The course also qualifies as a Quantitative Reasoning course for all diplomas. English Courses - AP E50130 English Literature and Composition, IB HL AP Honors 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. This year-long honors course offers students the opportunity to engage in close textual analysis and critical interpretation of challenging works in several genres from a wide range of time periods. Focus will be on world literature and novels that reflect societal influences. Students will be expected to participate in daily class discussions, make oral presentations, present and write explications on poems and selected passages as well as write a variety of papers analyzing and reacting to the literature studied. Due to the rigor of the honors English curriculum, students are strongly encouraged to obtain teacher recommendation prior to enrolling in this course. (Students enrolled in this class must also take Speech class anytime after grade 9.) This course is the second in the two-year program for students desiring an English certificate or full diploma in the International Baccalaureate program. Students in this class are encouraged to take the AP Literature & Composition test and/or fulfill the IB Language A requirements. Students must commit to taking both semesters in order to take this course. The IB Exam is given to interested students in May. This course receives the extra honors point toward the GPA. This course fulfills the senior year literature and composition requirements. E50230 AP English Language & Composition Honors 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to give students multiple opportunities to examine and work with the rhetorical situation, analyzing the authors purposes as well as the audiences and the subjects in texts. After completion of the course, students should be able to apply effective strategies and techniques in their own writing as well as create and sustain arguments based on readings, research, and/or personal experience. In union with the College Board s AP English Course Description, the course teaches students to produce expository, analytical and argumentative compositions that introduce a complex central idea and

2 develop it with appropriate evidence drawn from primary and/or secondary sources, cogent explanation and clear transition. In addition to the written word, students will also study the rhetoric of visual media such as photographs, films, and advertisements. Due to the rigor of the honors English curriculum, students are strongly encouraged to obtain teacher recommendation prior to enrolling in this course. Students are also encouraged to take the AP Language & Composition test upon completing the course; those who wish to use this course as an Academic Honors Diploma requirement must take the corresponding AP exam. This course receives the extra honors point toward the GPA. This course fulfills the junior or senior year literature and composition requirements. Fine Arts - Art Courses - AP F56380 Studio Art AP (Honors) 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Intro to 2 Dimensional Art, Recommendation by Art Department Faculty Recommendations: Additional art classes (especially drawing) The Advanced Placement Studio Art is a year long honors program for highly motivated students to create and assemble a portfolio. The curriculum is guided by the College Board, the same organization which prepares the standardized tests for college admissions (ACT/SAT). Students have opportunities to develop skills in aesthetics and individual creativity through critiques and various media in three sections: quality, concentration, and breadth. The mandatory testing in May requires the portfolio to be documented through digital images and written analysis. Scores from the portfolio can possibly result in future college credit. Emphasis is placed upon commitment beyond the classroom, along with required summer assignments. Culmination of the portfolio is a student designed gallery space where the community and school are invited to view the artwork. Cost: $90.00 ($45.00 per semester) F56370 AP Art History (Honors) 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Introduction to 2 Dimensional Art Recommendations: Strong reading and writing skills Are you interested in the art but do not feel comfortable creating it? This course is the perfect one for you! AP Art History engages students at the same level as an introductory college Art History course. This involves critical thinking and should develop students understanding and knowledge of diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting and other media. In this course, students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present through a variety of cultures. While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, AP Art History emphasizes an understanding of how and why works of art function in a global context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, culture, time periods, and economic status. This is an advanced placement level course. Students should expect to have one and a half to two hours of homework per week including numerous reading and writing assignments. Both semesters of this course must be taken consecutively. Each student taking this course in expected

3 to take the respective AP Art History Exam. Student may not sign up for a single semester and then drop. This course receives the honors point for the GPA. Fine Arts Music Courses - AP F57150 AP Music Theory (Honors) IB HL/SL 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Since a basic core of musical knowledge is necessary to begin the study of music theory, participation in one of the performing organizations at VHS is strongly advised. Ability to read music. This Advanced Placement honors course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of music theory, music analysis and music composition. A wide and diverse battery of home assignments and classroom drill will lead students to an understanding of more specific musical skills such as aural and written musical analysis, inner-hearing, sight-singing, familiarity with cultural and historical perspectives, music composition and critical interpretation and comparison. While music performance is not the direct focus, understanding from the course will make the student a better performing musician by increasing intuitive awareness and critical understanding and interpretation. As the course progresses, topics covered will include harmonic analysis, Schenkarian reduction analytical techniques, serial composition procedures, compositional projects including arranging, theme and variations, and use of computer assisted notational and sequencing programs. This course fulfills the requirement for two Fine Arts credits for Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma. It counts as a Directed Elective or Elective for the General, Core 40, Academic Honors and Technical Honors diplomas. The course is also a preparation for the motivated student in the AP Music Theory test, college music theory placement tests and the IB subsidiary level music test. Mathematics Courses - AP M51120 AP Calculus AB Honors/IB-SL (DC/CE) 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II; Pre-Calculus Topics to be covered will include, but are not limited to: limits and continuity, derivatives and their applications, curve sketching with relative minima and maxima, slopes of tangent lines, differential equations, integrals, and their applications (such as the fundamental theorem of calculus, area under a curve and volume of a solid). This college level course is taught in preparation for both the Advanced Placement exam and the International Baccalaureate exam. The AP Calculus AB course will cover the equivalent of one semester of college level calculus, where the AP Calculus BC course will cover two semesters of college level calculus. This course receives the extra Honors point for GPA. Out of class time required: 5 6 hours/week. *Approximately hours of summer work is required prior to entering this course senior year. PNC DC/CE Option: MA Credit Hours

4 M51130 AP Calculus BC Honors/IB-SL (DC/CE) 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II; Pre-Calculus (1) Topics to be covered will include, but are not limited to: limits and continuity, derivatives and applications, curve sketching with relative maxima and minima, slopes of tangents, integrals and applications, plane analytic geometry, polar coordinates, infinite series convergence, and the Taylor Series. This college level course is for students who need calculus in order to complete their college studies successfully. This course receives the extra Honors point for GPA. Out of class time required: 5 6 hours/week. PNC DC/CE Option: MA and MA credit hours M51310 AP Statistics Honors/IB-SL 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II; Pre-Calculus AP Statistics is a course based on content established by the College Board. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include: (1) exploring data: describing patterns and departures from patterns, (2) sampling and experimentation: planning and conducting a study, (3) anticipating patterns: exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and (4) statistical inference: estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. The use of graphing calculators and computer software is required. This course receives the extra Honors point for GPA. Out-of-class time required: 4 5 hours/week. PNC Dual Credit/CE Option: Stat Credit Hours Science Courses - AP C52210 Environmental Science: AP (Honors) DC 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Advanced Biology I Pre-IB (C52060), Chemistry I (C52120) or Advanced Chemistry I C52160 or C52170) and Algebra I. Course Description: The environmental science course will build upon the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required in understanding the interrelationships of the natural world. It will help students to identify and analyze natural and human-caused environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing these problems. Students will investigate the interdependence of the earth's environment and the survival of humankind by drawing upon scientific methods from the four scientific disciplines (geosciences, chemistry, biology and physics). AP Test: Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam Out-of-class Requirements: School and community service projects.

5 C52300 AP Physics 1: Algebra-based Year One (Honors) 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry Co-requisite: Algebra II This advanced course is an in depth exploration into physics topics of mechanics, with rotations, mechanical waves and sound, and an introduction to electrostatics and simple circuits. AP: Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam C52310 AP Physics 2: Algebra-based Year Two (Honors) 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry Co-requisite: Algebra II This advanced course is an in depth exploration into physics topics of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. AP: Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam C52320 AP Physics II C: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism (Honors) DC 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisites: AP Physics 1: Algebra-based Co-requisite: AP Calculus AB or BC This advanced course is calculus-based exploration that builds upon concepts explored in AP Physics: Algebra-based Year One and Two, intended for eventual engineering, science, technology or medical majors in college. Topics covered in this course include an exhaustive exploration of Mechanics during the first semester, and Electricity and Magnetism during the second semester. The class is significantly math-intensive, focusing on upper level mathematical problem solving. AP: Students are encouraged to take Advanced Placement Exam C52510 Chemistry II: AP IB SL (Honors) DC 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Advanced Chemistry I (C52160 or C52270) Recommended pre- or co-requisite: AP Physics I (C52300); PreCalculus/Calculus This course is designed for the student who is planning to major in engineering, physics, pre med, pre vet, pharmacy or chemistry. Course includes: an intensive review in chemical principles, additional topics with a strong emphasis on inorganic chemistry, and extensive laboratory investigation. AP Exam: Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam as part of the course requirements PNW Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment Option: CHM and CHM (8) C52520 Biology II: AP (Honors) DC/Concurrent Enrollment 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Biology I (C52060) and Chemistry I (C52120) or Advanced Chemistry I (C52160 or C52270) Recommended: Advanced Biology I (C52060) and Advanced Chemistry I (C52160 or C52270). Course Description: Biology II Advanced Placement is a course that follows the College Board s Advanced Placement course outline. Topics include: (1) molecules and cells; (2) heredity and evolution; (3) organisms and populations. Specifically, students will study organic/biochemistry, metabolism, enzyme mechanics, and molecular and Mendelian genetics. Second semester topics include microbial techniques, phylogeny through a review of fundamental physiology on a

6 system-by-system basis. Students enrolled in the course prepare for the College Board s Biology Advanced Placement Examination. This course is the first year in a two year program for IB HL Biology. PNC Dual Credit/Concurrent Enrollment Option: BIOL and BIOL credits Social Studies Courses - AP S53040 Economics AP/IB HL (Honors) 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Economics S53020 This is a two-semester course for seniors who wish to prepare to the AP and IB exams. The course will be divided into 2 sections: first section is microeconomics; second section is macroeconomics. Because Economics 3216 is a prerequisite, this course will review the basic principles with an emphasis on additional, more complex ideas and materials. The analysis of economic problems will include both calculations and free response. AP students will be prepared to sit for one or both AP exams. This course is required for the IB Group 3 Study of Man Economics track and IB exam. This course receives the honors point for GPA. A fee is required for both the IB and AP Exams. S53090 Government: AP (Honors) DC 11, 12 1 Cr., 1 Sem. Prerequisite: 2 semesters of AP U.S. History, US History I & II, or Foreign Policy AP Government is an honors course offered as an alternative to Government for students. An optional AP Government exam is given in May. Its structure, though similar to the Government course, will provide an in depth analysis of a presidential democracy, the role of political parties and the voters, the organization and duties performed by the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The roles of other levels of government are also included. Any Academic Honors Diploma student using this AP course for one of the additional requirements and not taking the class for PNC Dual Credit is reminded the AP Exam is required. A fee is charged for the AP Exam. This class receives the honors point toward the GPA. PNC Dual Credit Option Grades 11 & 12: POL 101 (3 credits) S53180 European History: AP (Honors) 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: World History or World Geography This elective AP course and exam in European History are intended for qualified students who wish to complete classes in secondary school equivalent to college introductory courses in European history. The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern

7 European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. The AP Exam is recommended S53190 United States History: AP/Pre-IB (Honors) DC 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: World History PIB S53420 & S53430, or World History & Civilization I & II: S53220 & S53230, or Geography/History of the World S53400 & S This two-semester honors course is designed to provide the appropriate material for any student who wishes to take the honors level of U.S. History and prepare for the optional AP Examination. Its purpose is to provide the students with the factual base and analytical skills to deal critically with historical problems that are presented. This course is open to any student (see prerequisites) and is also an appropriate choice for sophomores seeking the IB diploma. This course receives an honors point for the GPA. S53440 AP World History (Honors) 9, 10, 11, 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem. This is a two-semester course that will serve as an elective for those students who desire to be challenged at a higher level than the standard World History class. This advanced class will provide an in-depth analysis and detailed study of historical ideas, themes, and problems of World Civilizations from the development of the river civilizations to the contemporary world and will help students prepare for the optional AP Examination. This course receives an honors point for GPA. S55160 Psychology: AP/IB SL (Honors) DC 11, 12 1 Cr., 1 Sem. This course is the prerequisite for IB Psychology SL S5510 This one-semester honors course is designed to be a more intensive introduction to the study of Psychology in preparation for the optional AP Psychology Exam in May. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of theories, the theories themselves, major content areas, and application. Students will generate ideas and reach conclusions through reading, lecture, observation, experimentation, examination, and written expression. This course receives the honors point for GPA. Any Academic Honors Diploma student using this AP course for one of the additional requirements and not taking the class for PNC Dual Credit students are reminded that the AP Exam is required. A fee is required for the AP Exam. This course will only be offered during second semester. World Languages Courses - AP W54050 French IV: AP/IB SL (Honors) 2 Cr., 2 Sem. W54120 German IV: AP/IB SL (Honors) 2 Cr., 2 Sem. W54280 Spanish IV: AP/IB SL (Honors) 2 Cr., 2 Sem. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level III (with A grades recommended) or Level III: Pre IB (with A or B grades recommended) Level IV world language courses enable students to participate in classroom and extra-curricular activities related to the language studied, such as presentations to the student body and to parent groups and taking leadership roles in language clubs. Students are willing to participate in conversations with native and advanced non-native speakers, either in their community or in the school. This course also enables students to:

8 respond to factual and interpretive questions, interact in complex social situations, and express opinions and make judgments; give presentations on cultural topics including: (1) traditions, (2) historical and contemporary events, and (3) major historical and artistic figures; paraphrase or restate what someone else has said; read for comprehension from a variety of longer authentic materials, such as newspapers and magazine articles, novels, and essays, as well as make judgments about what is read; write well-organized compositions on a given topic; and begin using the language creatively in writing simple poetry and prose. W54215 Latin IV IB/AP SL (Honors) 12 2 Cr., 2 Sem Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin III (with A, B or C grades recommended) The Latin IV course provides opportunities for students to participate in classroom and extracurricular activities related to the Latin language, such as presentations to the student body and to parent groups, as well as taking leadership roles in language clubs. Students are willing to participate in conversations dealing with the influence of the classical world on the modern world. They are also able to: respond to factual and interpretive questions and interact in a manner that displays knowledge of our classical heritage; give presentations on cultural topics, for example traditions, historical events and major historical or artistic figures from the culture; paraphrase or restate what someone else has said; read for comprehension from a variety of longer authentic materials and make judgments about what is read; write well-organized compositions on a given topic; and use the language creatively in writing simple poetry and short prose. Students are aware of the relationship between various art forms in at least one major historical period of the Roman culture as well as the major literary and artistic periods and genres of Roman culture. This course is a language course for the study of Latin or Classical Greek and introduces students to the language, literature, and culture of ancient Greece or Rome. It is based on the curriculum published by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The course promotes the acquisition of language skills as the foundation of the course and provides students the opportunity to study surviving texts in the original language, as well as additional texts in translation. Additionally, the course develops in students an appreciation of the cultural achievements of ancient Greek or Roman society.