Additional Electives
World Language Electives
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Freshmen must be recommended and enrolled in Advanced English 1.
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: The development of the four basic language skills is stressed: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be able to speak about everyday topics with moderate accuracy and understand conversation about these topics when they hear it. The learner will have ample opportunity to practice his reading/writing skills based on their conversational ability. Also emphasized are the culture, customs, and traditions of the French-speaking people.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: C in French 1
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: Level 2 in the French language continues development in the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be able to speak, listen, read and write using a variety of tenses to explain the past and the future. Emphasis continues on the culture, customs, and traditions of the French-speaking people. It is strongly recommended that this course immediately follow French 1.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: “A” in French 1 and/or Teacher Recommendation
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: Level 2 in the French language continues development in the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be able to speak, listen, read and write using a variety of tenses to explain the past and the future. Emphasis continues on the culture, customs, and traditions of the French-speaking people. This course utilizes more complex material and command of the four main skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) that challenge students to develop higher level thinking skills than the French 2 course. It is strongly recommended that this course immediately follow French 1.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: “B” in French 2 and Teacher Recommendation
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: Level 3 in the French language continues development in the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis continues on the culture, customs, and traditions of the French-speaking people. An introduction to literary readings is offered.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade: Level 9-12
Prerequisites: Freshmen must be recommended and enrolled in Advanced English 1.
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: This is a proficiency-based course designed for the beginning Spanish learner. Teachers will encourage students to communicate in Spanish by developing the four modes of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will begin to develop fluency as well as accuracy (with limited grammar structures) so that their proficiency may increase. Various cultural aspects such as the products, practices and perspectives found in Spanish speaking countries will also be studied.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: Spanish 1
Max. G.P.A. 4.0 Credit: 1.0
Course Description: This is a proficiency-based course designed for the developing Spanish learner. Teachers will encourage students to increase their communication in Spanish by continuing to develop the four modes of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will develop additional fluency as well as accuracy (with as needed grammar structures) so that their proficiency level may increase. Various cultural aspects such as the products, practices and perspectives found in Spanish speaking countries will also be studied. It is recommended that this course immediately follow Spanish 1.
Elective Courses
uggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: A in Spanish 1 or teacher recommendation
Max. G.P.A. 4.0 Credit: 1.0
Course Description: Spanish 2 uses Spanish 1 as its foundation. Through acquisition of additional vocabulary and additional grammatical structures, Spanish 2 students will continue their development of the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Various aspects of culture, customs, and traditions of Spanish speaking countries will also be studied. This course utilizes more complex material in order to develop command of the four main skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) that challenge students to develop higher level thinking skills. It is recommended that this course immediately follows Spanish 1.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: B or higher Developing Spanish 2 or Adv. Spa 2; Designed to proceed SPANISH 4: Spanish in the Workplace.
Max. G.P.A. 4.0 Credit: 1.0
Course Description: This proficiency-based course is mostly conversational with occasional grammar emphasis as needed to speak about past, future or hypothetical situations. Conversationally, students will be able to link strings of sentences together to communicate more complex thoughts as well as resolve problems and meet the needs of other people. Students’ communication skills will increasingly become more precise through proper word choice and richer vocabulary, thereby increasing proficiency toward using Spanish in the workplace.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: B or higher Developing Spanish 2 or Adv. Spa 2; Designed to proceed SPANISH 4: Spanish in the Workplace.
Max. G.P.A. 4.0 Credit: 1.0
Course Description: This course prepares students to communicate in the target language and perform interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communicative tasks; interpret, exchange, and present, information, concepts and ideas both within the classroom and beyond on a variety of topics including connections to other subject areas; and understand the relationship among the products, practices and perspectives of other cultures. In addition, students develop insight into their own language and culture.
Elective course
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: B or better in Advanced Spanish 2 or Spanish teacher approval; SPA 101 and SPA 102 are taken as paired courses.
Max. G.P.A.: 5.0 Credit: 2.0
Course Description: Additional emphasis is placed on oral communication as well as listening comprehension. Students will be expected to write accurately in Spanish while more complex reading passages will promote an increased understanding of the language. Various aspects of culture, customs, traditions, current events, history and politics of Spanish speaking countries will also be studied. Although this course is not required, it is strongly recommended for students who are planning to attend college.* If students are not successful in their first dual credit semester, they will be moved out of the dual credit option second semester.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade level 11-12 grades
Prerequisites: B or higher in Spanish 3 Proficiency or Adv. Spanish 3, OR teacher recommendation
Max. G.P.A: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Descriptions: This is two semester course. First semester is Chicano Film Studies. Second semester is Spanish in the Workplace.First semester includes film screenings, discussion and film reviews based on Chicano history as a backdrop for understanding sources of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination toward Hispanics throughout the 1900s until today. Effective strategies for reducing modern day prejudice will be discussed as well as various views on immigration.Second semester is a proficiency-based course focused on developing Spanish speaking skills for use in the workplace. Students will learn real world job-specific terminology for a variety of workplaces such as nursing/emergency care, retail, law enforcement, bilingual customer care, and bilingual child care/teaching. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening although other communication skills will be explored. Students will develop relevant cultural perspectives important for working with the Hispanic community. This class is not a prerequisite for AP Spanish.
Elective course
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: B in or better in Spanish 3 (General Spanish studies / Pre-AP) or Spanish teacher approval
Max. G.P.A.: 5.0 Credit: 1.0
Course Description: A.P. Spanish expands upon the skills acquired in Spanish 1, 2, and 3. Extensive oral communication and listening comprehension are stressed on a daily basis. Reading of authentic material and writing in Spanish are emphasized. Various aspects of culture, customs, traditions, current events, history and politics of Spanish speaking countries will also be studied. The entire course is in preparation for the Advanced PlacementExam. Students in this course are required to take the A.P. examination. Students must meet eligibility requirements and must take the A.P. exam in May to receive the weighted GPA and the Advanced Placement Course Title on the transcript.
Elective course
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: B or better in AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE and Spanish teacher approval
Max. G.P.A.: 5.0 Credit: 1.0
Course Description: A.P. Spanish Literature and Culture follows the guidelines established by the College Board. Students will continue to develop their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills in the Spanish language as well as critical reading and analytical writing as they explore short stories, novels, plays, essays, and poetry from Spain, Latin America and U.S. Hispanic authors. The entire course is in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam. Students in this course are required to take the A.P. examination. Students must meet eligibility requirements and must take the A.P. exam in May to receive the weighted GPA and the Advanced Placement Course Title on the transcript.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation AND have scored a 3, 4, or 5 on teh AP Seminar exam.
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam.
*Students may qualify for an AP Capstone Diploma by successfully completing both AP Seminar and AP Research (offered 2019-2020 school year); score a 3 or better on both AP Seminar and AP Research Exams.; and have a score of 3 or better on 4 other AP Exams of the student's choice.
*Students may qualify for an AP Seminar and Research Certificate by successfully completing both AP Seminar and AP Research and score a 3 or better on both AP Seminar and AP Research Exams.
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Application and teacher recommendation, INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA ARTS course strongly recommended
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: Students will learn the ethics of news gathering as they research news and apply a variety of methods, including interviewing. These methods will be utilized for students to broadcast topics relating to sports, features, weather, and current events, to the school and community. Students will explore the technological aspect of broadcasting, by working with Adobe Suite Software, Premiere, and Photoshop using the digital camera, editing tape, layering graphics, sound, and videos, and other techniques. In addition, the nature of public speaking will be examined, while stressing the importance of cooperation, organization, and meeting deadlines.
Suggested Grade Level 9-10
Prerequisite: None
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: In this course, students will be taking a look at media's impact on society. We will analyze texts of media ranging from movies, television, internet, music, news, etc. When analyzing these texts, we will consider how they have influenced society and what role they play in popular culture today. Students can expect to identify how a text effectively communicates an idea, evaluate information to form an independent opinion, and determine what makes a piece of media significant enough to resonate with the masses.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 10 - 12 Prerequisite: Application and Teacher recommendation: “A” or “B” in current AP English course OR “A” in current regular English course. Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0 Course Description: The newspaper staff prepares the school newspaper for digital publication. Staff members plan the scope of the paper for each section, which includes but is not limited to: news, editorials, features, and sports. Through deadlines, they learn and apply the ethics of newsgathering as they research articles using a variety of methods including interviewing. Staff members then draft and edit articles using desktop publishing as well as design page layouts including original student photographs and illustrations. Students also handle marketing the digital newspaper to the student body and advertising sales, which finance the newspaper.
Suggested Grade Level: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Application and teacher recommendation
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: The yearbook staff organizes the book, prepares page layouts, takes and develops photographs, writes copy, designs the cover, sells advertising, and keeps financial records of all sales. All of these skills are taught through the guidance of an adviser and several student editors. Students learn the importance of cooperation, organization, and meeting deadlines.
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Suggested Grade Levels: 11-12
Prerequisites: At least a “B” in Biology 1
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1
Course Description: Major concepts addressed in this course include plant structure, animal structure, tissues, organs, and systems. The interrelationship of structure and function of each body system will be presented in two semesters. The first semester will include basic chemistry, cell structure, cell physiology, metabolism, tissues, and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. The second semester will include digestive, respiratory, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine and reproductive systems, in addition to development and inheritance. This course is heavily laboratory based with multiple mandatory dissections.
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology 1
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: This course is a problem-based inquiry course dealing with Forensic sciences. Forensic science is the study of scientific principles, laboratory, and field methods that are used to solve crimes. Forensics provides impartial scientific evidence for use in the courts of law and in criminal investigations. Forensic science relies on multiple fields of science including biology, chemistry and anatomy. This course requires students to be detail oriented with good lab skills. Forensic science will investigate evidence and analyze crime scenes using inquiry-based investigations. A mature attitude is needed. This course will also explore pursuing a career in the areas of forensics, including the police force, psychology, and many others.
Suggested Grade Level: 10 -12
Prerequisites: Biology 1; Teacher Recommendation; Completion of Geometry or Advanced Geometry
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: This course focuses on the study of basic astronomical principles, stars, planets, and galaxies. This course takes an in-depth look at the physical and chemical nature of the universe as well as the many matter-energy relationships that exist throughout space. An in-depth look at our galaxy and solar system will help students understand other concepts such as evolution, gravity, physical states, etc. This course explores areas of biology, chemistry and physics and encourages the development of scientific and technical skills that will be beneficial in numerous careers. In addition to astronomy, other atmospherically related sciences will also be explored.
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology 1; Teacher Recommendation
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: This course addresses key concepts related to marine science, including ocean zones, seawater, habitats, and marine taxonomy.
Elective course
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Successfully completing one year each of life science, physical science and algebra 1. Complete Application Process
Max G.P.A.: 5.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. College credit is earned with a qualifying score on an AP exam. Students must meet eligibility requirements and must take the A.P. exam in May to receive the weighted GPA and the Advanced Placement Course Title on the transcript.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: None
Max G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: Psychology is the study of behavior and thinking. The course will focus on various topics that investigate and seek to explain individuals' behaviors and thinking related to several perspectives in the field of psychology. Topics include: Introduction to the field of Psychology, Personality, Abnormal Psychology & Treatment, Biological Bases of Behavior/Neuroscience; Cognition, Intelligence & Testing, Developmental Psychology, States of Consciousness, Social Psychology.
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: A in US History/World History/Government & Civics/Psychology OR B (or higher) in AP US History/AP World/AP Human Geography; Social Studies teacher recommendation
Max G.P.A.: 5.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major sub-fields within psychology and the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Major course topics include: Scientific Foundations of Psychology; Biological Bases of Behavior; Sensation & Perception; Learning; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Motivation, Emotion, & Personality; Clinical Psychology; Social Psychology.
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: A or B in Integrated Social Studies or A.P. Human Geography
Max G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: The major goal of this course is to provide a broad overview of the field of forensic psychology and an introduction to the people and procedures of the criminal justice system. Forensic Psychology will address the application of psychological research, methods, and expertise that come before the legal system. Some topics may include insanity, competency, jury-selection, expert-testimony, decision-making, dangerousness, interrogations, and the general nature of criminals. The topics of the study of Criminal Justice will include the history of the criminal justice system in America, prevention and causes of crime, modern police procedures and personnel, victims’ rights and the rights of the accused, correction including prison, parole and probation, a comparison between criminal and civil law procedures, and studies concerning the costs of crime.
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: “A” in US History and Teacher Recommendation
Max G.P.A.: 5.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: This course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. Topics include: public policy, civil rights and civil liberties, institutions of National Government, and political beliefs and behaviors. Students must produce a proficient writing piece to pass this class. To receive weighted credit, students must take the AP Exam.
Suggested Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Election or Appointment to ASB Office
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credits: 1.0
Course Description: Students learn the techniques and procedures of the democratic process. Students will develop a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure, public speaking, and elements of public leadership. These skills are practiced and refined through the day-to-day participation and design of various school related activities and events. Election or appointment to a designated ASB Office requires enrollment in this course.
Offered at OCHS as part of the JCTC Junior CORE Program
Suggested Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: None
Max. GPA: 4.0 Credits: 1.0 semester long course
Course Description: Sociology 101 fulfills part of the requirements of core curriculum. The purpose of this curriculum is to help students develop a number of skills and perspectives that can be used throughout their lives. Core courses should help students understand the history, contemporary society, and the future responsibilities to their society and other societies of the world. Students completing core courses should come out of them with greater sense of justice, improvement in their critical judgment, and a sense of how to continue to apply humanistic values in a world characterized by rapid change.
Elective
Prerequisites: US History
Grade Level: 12
Max. G.P.A.: 5.0 Credit: 1
JCTC College Duel Credit 3.0 hours
* Taken with HIS 102
Course Descriptions:
Elective
Prerequisites: US History
Grade Level: 12
Max. G.P.A.: 5.0 Credit: 1
JCTC College Duel Credit 3.0 hours
*Taken with HIS 101
Course Description:
Other
Elective
Suggested Grade Level: 12
Prerequisites: Teacher/Principal Approval; Must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA after Junior year; Must be on track for graduation
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credit: 0 (THIS IS A NON-CREDIT COURSE)
**May select ½ year or full year
Course Description: Students serve as a support within these various offices performing various duties when needed. Duties may include but are not limited to: copying, sorting, delivery, cleaning, inventory, mail, etc. At any time during the school year, this privilege may be suspended due to academic or behavior concerns.
Elective
Prerequisites: Application and teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 10-12
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credit: 0.5
** May take all year for 1.0 credit
Course Description: Students serve as peer mentors to fellow students. At any time during the school year, this privilege may be suspended due to academic or behavior concerns.
Elective
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Two Teacher Recommendation forms must be filled out. See library staff to pick up the form.Two students per period will be accepted.
MAX. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credit: 1.0 (all year course)
Course Description: Students will learn entry level skills necessary to work in a library and gain valuable research skills. Library Aides will be trained to: work the circulation desk, shelf read, shelve books, assist students with research, run the copiers, process new magazines, newspaper, books & repair computers and work with computers. In addition to daily responsibilities, students will contribute to assisting their peers in the library with technology programs and technology issues as they arise and have the opportunity to earn certifications for Google's G Suite applications. . Students will also participate in Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP). Students should have a love of books and/or computers/technology, be able to work independently, be self-motivated, be accurate and detail oriented, have an interest in helping others, be trustworthy and responsible, and have excellent behavior and attendance.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: TB Test as required by the state guidelines for anyone working in a daycare environment
Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credit: 1.0 Course
Description: This course is a hands-on lab experience in a daycare environment. Students will interact with children at various stages of human development. Activities include but are not limited to reading with children, playing with children, assisting teacher preparing lessons, etc.
Elective
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Approval from Guidance Counselor
Max. G.P.A.: 0.0 Credit: 0.0
Course Description: This course is available for those students who have previously taken a course needed to meet graduation requirements and did not pass the course. Credit Recovery is located in a computer lab where students retake the course online through a school designated online program (Edgenuity). Once the needed course is completed, the grade/credit will be added to the student’s transcript.
Suggested Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisites: Approval from Guidance Counselor and principal at Buckner Alternative High School
Max. G.P.A.: 0.0 Credit: 0.0
Course Description: This course is available for those students who have previously taken courses needed to meet graduation requirements and did not pass those courses. BAHS Credit Recovery is located in a computer lab at Buckner Alternative High School where students retake the course online through a school designated online program. Once the needed course is completed, the grade/credit will be added to the student’s transcript. This is a more intensive credit recovery option.
Elective Course
Suggested Grade Level: 12
Prerequisites: 2.25 GPA; Completed ILP; Identified Career Cluster; Have good attendance/discipline (confirmed by Counselor); Be a Senior on track for Graduation; Student Interview; Attend Mandatory Orientation Meeting; Have all paperwork turned into Instructor by set deadline.
****Must apply and sign contract.
*****Max. G.P.A.: 4.0 Credit: Maximum of 1.0 credit(Students on track to graduate and are in good standing with Attendance/Behavior may be allowed to leave for more than one period.)
Course Description: Pathways to Careers is a vocational education program for students who, through an arrangement between school and community based organizations, combine school-based instruction with on-the-job work experience related to their occupational training areas, and/or career interest (ILP). Students may earn wages while gaining valuable work experience in realistic settings. Employers emphasize technical knowledge, work habits and attitudes, and interpersonal skills. These skills give the students a head start in the labor market and experience in securing part-time jobs while continuing their education. In addition, employers provide periodic evaluations of the students’ work performance. At any time during the school year, this privilege may be suspended due to academic or behavior concerns.