targeted to help them develop better organizational, note-taking and critical thinking skills. This is not a UC/CSU approved course.
250 CREATIVE WRITING I Course Length: Semester Grade Level: 9-12 A-G Designation: “B” - English NCAA: NCAA-approved course – English Prerequisite: C or higher in English previous semester A semester elective course where students will explore the craft of creative writing, including nonfiction, short story, drama and poetry. Students will develop observation, analytical and writing skills, as well as developing their knowledge and ability to use common literary devices. The students will read literary works critically in order to aid them in their own writing process. The focus will be on helping the students develop a unique, personal voice and style within their writing. If you enroll in Creative Writing I for the fall you will automatically be enrolled in the Creative Writing II course for the spring.
251 CREATIVE WRITING II Course Length: Semester Grade Level: 9-12 A-G Designation: “B” - English NCAA: NCAA-approved course – English Prerequisite: C or higher in Creative Writing I A semester elective course where students will specialize in one genre of writing introduced in Creative Writing 1: non-fiction, short story, drama or poetry. The students will read pieces from masters in their field of study as a source of inspiration, work independently on teacher-guided lessons, participate in writing workshops, and work collaboratively with classmates in the editing process.
1031 COMMUNICATIONS Course Length: Year Grade Level: 9-12 A-G Designation: “G” - College-Preparatory Elective Prerequisite: None This one-year course is designed for students who wish to master the art of communication. This course includes the development and refinement of the students reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills along with higher-level critical thinking and research. Students will explore a wide range of communication platforms as well as learn about debate formats, formal and informal speeches, mass media, professional communication, current events and much more. This class is designed to open student’s eyes to the importance of communication in our everyday lives.
260 AP SEMINAR Course Length: Year
Grade Level: 10* A-G Designation: “G” - College-Preparatory Elective NCAA: NCAA-approved course – English Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA, successful completion of at least two honors level or AP courses, application and interview. *Offered to juniors; sophomores/seniors with permission of instructor. AP Seminar is the first year of the two-year AP Capstone Program. It is an interdisciplinary course in which students are immersed in research and presentation on topics of their own choosing while gaining the analytical, research, problem solving, and communication skills necessary for success in college and beyond. Students may explore real-world issues on a local, national, or global scale; examine creative and artistic themes; or pursue topics introduced in other AP course in more depth. This course guides students to design research questions, analyze arguments, evaluate multiple perspectives, synthesize ideas, collaborate effectively, communicate persuasively, and reflect on their learning and development. There are three components required for assessment: a team project and presentation, an individual research based essay and presentation, and the AP Seminar exam. A $155 AP Exam fee applies. Students must complete the AP Seminar in order to be eligible for the second year course AP Research, but the Research class is not required. However, students who complete both courses successfully are eligible for the AP Capstone Certificate; students who also pass four other AP exams with scores of three or higher qualify for the AP Capstone Diploma.
261 AP RESEARCH Course Length: Year Grade Level: 12* A-G Designation: “G” - College-Preparatory Elective NCAA: NCAA-approved course – English Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Seminar. *Offered primarily to seniors; juniors with permission of the instructor. 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 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. A $155 AP Exam fee applies.
951 ACADEMIC DECATHLON Course Length: Year Grade Level: 9-12 A-G Designation: None Prerequisite: Completion of application. Successful completion
MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CATALOG 2018-2019
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