ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Course sections in English are available to meet the needs of various student abilities. Assignment to special course sections will be made by counselors and department personnel with final approval given by the Assistant Principal-Academics.

Research Paper Policy: Failure to produce an acceptable research paper means that the student loses course credit for the semester, so he/she must enroll in summer school, AND the student must write said paper before he/she can be enrolled in English for the subsequent school year at St. Pius X High School.

ENGLISH I - This course is designed to teach students the process of reading and writing as a “real” experience that is continuous and consistently evaluated. Students are introduced to two different writing structures: the five-paragraph critique and the compare/contrast essay. Vocabulary is a fundamental and weekly experience. Grammar is taught formally from the text and in relation to mythology, The Odyssey, short stories, poetry, drama, and novels. Students must pass the research paper section of this course to pass the course.

Prerequisite: None - A course open to freshmen. Required for graduation.

HONORS ENGLISH I - Students read extensively in multiple genres such as short stories, dramas, novels, poems, and non-fiction selections drawn from world literature. Students apply literary analysis techniques to determine the reasoning and expression of ideas in selections of prose, poetry, novels and plays and demonstrate their skill in composition by writing essays in various rhetorical modes as well as critical and analytical essays. Students will be required to purchase various paperback texts. Students must pass the research paper section of this course to gain semester credit.

Prerequisite: Entrance to this class is determined by high entrance exam scores, former teacher recommendations, and grades. In addition, a letter of application and review of a writing sample prior to acceptance.

ENGLISH II - This course emphasizes the writing process as a continuous and integrated experience that encourages agile writers who are prepared for 21st century writing. Course work focuses on writing in different genres with audience analysis. Emphasis is on style, fluency, and real-world writing. This course will explore a wide range of literatures to enhance the different genres: novels, non-fiction, memoirs, short stories, and poetry will reinforce the genres of writing. Vocabulary and grammatical standards are reinforced throughout the school year. A non-literary research paper is required and must be passed to gain credit and pass the course.

Prerequisite: None - A course open to sophomores. Required for graduation.

HONORS ENGLISH II - This course is designed with higher expectations of the student in terms of both quantity and quality in the skills outlined in the regular English II course. Students apply more complex literary analysis techniques to determine the reasoning and expression of ideas in selections of prose, poetry, novels and plays and demonstrate their skill in composition by writing with greater emphasis on style and fluency as ingredients of unified and coherent themes. The student is taken into more complex writing tasks with greater emphasis on style and fluency as ingredients of unified and coherent themes. Students will be required to purchase various paperback texts. Students must pass the research paper section of this course to gain semester credit.

Prerequisite: Application required and department approval.

ENGLISH III - This course uses American literature as a springboard for critical thinking and writing. It will guide the students through the development of American literature and the significant literary movements of the United States using non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. Students will continue using the previous genres studied and will add cause and effect and definition essay format. This year a literary research paper is studied and written to learn how to use literary criticism. Vocabulary and grammatical standards are emphasized in relation to the reading and the writing. ACT prep will be done to help prepare students for the ACT exam for college entrance. A literary research paper is required and must be passed to gain credit and pass the course.

Prerequisite: None - A course open to juniors. Required for graduation.

AP ENGLISH III LITERATURE - Students are challenged to become skilled readers of novels, dramas, and poetry written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Students will read extensively and compose advanced analysis of works by William Shakespeare, American and European authors, and 20th century Latin American writers. Students will write a minimum of eight essays and a literary research paper. Timed-writes and AP exam preparation will also be included. Material is college level and students are required to take the AP Literature Examination in May. The course requires a course fee for the purchase of required texts. Students must pass the research paper section of this course to gain semester credit.

Prerequisite: Application required and department approval.

ENGLISH IV - This course is designed for critical writing based on great works of world literature by Sophocles, Plato, Dante, Camus, Shakespeare, Greene, Kafka, and others. All rhetorical modes of expository writing are reviewed and reinforced. Students are introduced to the personal essay, college application essay, and the argumentation essay, which includes antithetical arguments and refutations. A minimum of eight essays and a literary research paper are required. Students must pass the research paper section of this course to gain semester credit.

Prerequisite: None - A course open to seniors. Required for graduation.

AP ENGLISH IV – LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION - This course is designed to instruct students in rhetorical analysis, an approach to literature that most students will encounter at the college level. Students read literature and non-fiction from a range of historical periods and cultural contexts. Students also compose myriad analytical, personal, and argumentative essays using a variety of rhetorical techniques and modes. Material is college level, and students are required to take the AP English Language and Composition Examination in May. Students must pass the research paper section of this course to gain semester credit.

Prerequisite: Application required and department approval.

CREATIVE WRITING (Year) - Students will explore both assigned and self-selected forms of writing including journal, personal narrative, poetry, script writing, and short fiction. The class will be conducted in a workshop format combined with occasional lecture. Students will also work together to create and publish the school literary magazine. This course may be repeated with instructor’s consent. THIS COURSE FULFILS THE FINE ARTS REQUIREMENT.

Prerequisite: Recommendation of the English teacher and final approval from instructor. An elective course open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

YEARBOOK (Year) - This course is offered for creative students interested in producing the school yearbook. Students will receive training in all facets of yearbook production with emphasis on story, headline, and caption writing, interviewing, and reporting, layout, editing, digital photography, and InDesign Year Tech software program usage. Basic computer skills are necessary. Students may elect to take this course for three years and will receive one credit for each year taken. The workload of students will be the same as in any other academic course.

Prerequisite: Two positive, highly ranked written recommendations from the student’s current English teacher and another teacher of the student’s choice. A writing sample from the applicant is also required.

Family Studies Department

CULINARY ARTS I (Semester) - The field of Culinary Arts is rapidly growing. This course will enable students to develop various skills in food preparation and presentation. There will be the opportunity for weekly labs, enabling the students to demonstrate and improve their cooking skills (and eat the food they prepare), increase their knowledge of a variety of foods, and become self-sufficient in the kitchen. The curriculum includes nutrition, regional and international foods, the artistic presentation of foods, table settings and meal planning, purchasing food, sanitation, and safety. Several special projects are incorporated in this course such as Gingerbread Houses (fall), cake decorating (spring), and garnishing, pastries, and pasta making.

Prerequisite: None - A semester elective course open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

CULINARY ARTS II (Semester) - This course will be offered once during the school year. Students will expand and improve their culinary skills. There will be an emphasis on international cuisine, studying a different country for one to two weeks. Food labs, culture, customs, and traditions from each country will be included in the course. This course will be very beneficial for students interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

Prerequisite: Must complete a semester of Culinary Arts I to be eligible to take Culinary Arts II.

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (Semester or full year) - Do you ever wonder how you came to be the person you are and what you will be like in the future? This course can help to answer these questions (and more) because the study of human development (how people change over time) can provide insights into self-understanding. While every stage of the life cycle is covered, there is an emphasis on child development. The curriculum includes several psychological and developmental theories, cultural diversity, and family traditions, and developing effective parenting skills. Students can increase their knowledge and understanding of children through a variety of experiences including various observations, interviews, and many exciting and fun projects such as the computerized doll, corresponding with elementary school pen-pals, and planning and hosting a pen-pal day.

Prerequisite: None - A semester or full-year elective course open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Note: Communication skills credit awarded for 1 unit of Independent Living and 1 unit of Developmental Psychology. Developmental Psychology and Independent Living do not satisfy the Modern (Foreign) Language requirement necessary for admission to many colleges/universities.

INDEPENDENT LIVING (Semester or a full year) - Are you ready for life in the real world? This course is designed to help students meet the challenges of everyday, independent life with confidence. It provides students with information needed to manage their personal finances, buy, and take care of a house and a car, do their own laundry, understand basic child development, file a tax return, and safely cook a healthy meal. Students will also develop skills related to interpersonal and family relationships, the appreciation of cultural diversity, and the application of communication skills when interviewing for jobs. Independent living is a course designed for students who enjoy hands-on, real-world learning.

Prerequisite: None - A semester or full-year elective course open to freshmen and sophomores. Note: Communication skills credit awarded for 1 unit of Independent Living and 1 unit of Developmental Psychology. Developmental Psychology and Independent Living do not satisfy the Modern (Foreign) Language requirement necessary for admission to many colleges/universities.

Fine Arts Department Academic Courses

FILM STUDIES (Semester) - This course offers the student the opportunity to gain knowledge and an understanding of the nature of film. The student will analyze artistic components of film such as framing, editing, sound production, lighting, technique, directing, acting and genre. The student will be expected to review and critique a variety of films throughout the semester through written essays and presentations.

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to juniors and seniors only. Class may only be taken once.

AP MUSIC THEORY (Year) - This course is designed for students who intend to study music at the college level or have an interest in the theory of music. The course will offer the student the opportunity to study the basic principles of music theory and composition and learn about the compositional techniques and style of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic masters. The ultimate goal of this course is for the student to learn to apply the fundamental techniques and principles of music composition as a creative form of self-expression. Students are expected to take the AP Music Theory exam in the spring.

Prerequisite: None; a year-long elective course open to juniors and seniors. Students interested in enrolling in this class must make a formal application with the instructor.

Visual Arts Courses

STUDIO ART (Year) - This course is designed for the entry level artist. The goals of this course are to expose students to the variety of Visual Arts courses and practices available at St. Pius, including drawing and painting, sculpture, and graphic design. Students will learn about methods and materials for each subject as the course progresses. The emphasis for all media is on the elements and principles of design, art history and criticism, and the exploring of contemporary issues around the visual arts world.

Prerequisite: None; a year-long elective course open to all students.

DRAWING AND PAINTING (Year) - This course offers students the opportunity for advanced investigation of drawing and painting techniques, formal composition, and problem-solving experiences. Emphasis in drawing will be placed on still life drawing, with in-depth study of line, value, texture, shape, linear perspective, and space. Emphasis in painting will be placed on the exploration of color theory, various painting techniques and materials. The drawing and painting projects completed in this class are designed to prepare students for continued study of the visual arts at the college level.

Prerequisite: Elective course open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

AP DRAWING - The purpose of the AP Drawing class is to create a body of work that would allow the student to gain college credit. It is now a requirement to submit a portfolio. For the portfolio students will be graded in three categories; quality of work, concentration and development of an idea and breadth which will entail the knowledge of art elements and 2D principles such as balance, contrast, unity, variety, emphasis, and proportion. Students will create their own course of study i.e., technical problems, ideas, and concepts with the instructor's guidance.

Prerequisite: Four (4) semesters of Visual Arts courses with a B+ or better and instructor approval. The instructor will be working with each student individually to help them develop techniques that will coincide with their artist ideas and concepts. Originality and message or personal statement whether it be a portrait, landscape, animals, or other images is important. One of the major goals of the class will be to combine original ideas with art technique to create meaningful work. Grades will be given on class work and participation. Students will submit a portfolio to the college board to receive college credit.

PRINTMAKING (Semester) - This course offers students the opportunity to explore the fundamental aspects of printmaking as an art form. Students will gain skills, knowledge and an understanding of relief, intaglio, serigraphic and lithographic printmaking processes. Students will design principles and the history of printmaking as a cultural art form.

Prerequisite: None; Open to juniors and seniors.

AP 2-D ART AND DESIGN (Year) will be offered in even years beginning 2020-2021, 2022-2023. AP Art Studio is a course that is designed to challenge high school students with collegiate level investigations into studio practice in the 2D Design category. All work is completed and submitted to AP Studio Portfolio evaluations in May, and college credit may be awarded according to score and participation of colleges individually. What students can expect is a rigorous and rewarding year, investigating the visual language of art and design in a variety of media (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, & digital). The Final portfolio constitutes twenty-five percent of the student’s grade, and students who are considering the course need to be committed to visual research and production for the long haul. The reward will be a portfolio of collegiate level quality work, a deepening of the students understanding of art in our lives, and an appreciation for developing creative ideas with depth and purpose. Students must pay AP exam fee for portfolio submission.

Prerequisite: Four (4) semesters of Visual Arts courses with a B+ or better and instructor approval.

Performing Arts Courses Choral Music

WOMEN’S CHOIR (Year) - This course is designed for female students interested in the unique sound and environment of an all-women’s choral ensemble. This ensemble will encounter more advanced choral repertoire and will focus on the further development of sight-singing skills, vocal techniques, and performance quality. The student will be required to learn and sing various parts. Students will be required to attend and participate in all school sponsored performances, workshops and clinics, and all special events. Students will be responsible for purchasing the required ensemble attire. Should they choose to audition for the New Mexico All-State Choir, students are responsible for all associated costs.

Prerequisite: Audition with the director. This is a year-long elective course open to qualified sophomore, junior and senior female students. This course may be repeated.

CONCERT CHOIR: BEL CANTO (Year) - This course designed for students with previous choral experience who wish to seriously pursue singing. Invitation to this ensemble is limited to students exhibiting advanced singing ability. This ensemble will perform music of higher difficulty. The course will place an emphasis on further development of sight-singing, vocal techniques, and performance. The student will be required to participate in all school-sponsored performances, workshops and clinics, and all special events. Students will be responsible for purchasing the required ensemble attire. Should they choose to audition for the New Mexico All-State Choir, students are responsible for all associated costs.

Prerequisite: Audition with the director. A year-long elective course open to qualified sophomore, junior and senior male and female students. This course may be repeated.

Instrumental Music

BEGINNING PIANO 1 (Semester) - This course is designed for students interested in learning the basic fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. Students will learn about the music staff, pitch and rhythm, and proper hand position. Students are not expected to have any background in piano or music. This class is designed as an entry level class to the music department. The student will be required to purchase the piano workbook (approximately $25.00)

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to all students.

ADVANCED PIANO (Semester) - This course is open to any student that has completed Piano and would like to continue but any student may talk to the instructor about joining this class if they have had previous piano instruction. This course is designed for students interested in learning more advanced fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. The student will be required to purchase the piano workbook (approximately $25.00)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Piano 1; a semester-long elective course open to all students. This course may be repeated.

BEGINNING GUITAR (Semester) - This is an introductory course open to any student but targeted to those who have no formal guitar training. The course is designed for students interested in learning the basic fundamentals and techniques of playing guitar. Students will perform alone and in groups, interpret basic musical notation, define, and use fundamental musical terms, discuss the various stylistic periods of musical history, and listen to and evaluate performances by peers as well as recorded performances by professional musicians. This class is designed as an entry level class to the music department. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. Students will be required to provide their own acoustic guitar. Prerequisite: None; a semester course open to all students.

ADVANCED GUITAR (Semester) - This is a course open to any student that has completed Guitar and would like to continue but any student may talk to the instructor about joining this class if they have had previous guitar instruction. This course is designed for students interested in learning more advanced fundamentals and techniques of piano playing. More advanced students who participate in the course may continue to further their knowledge and refine their skills. Students will be required to provide their own acoustic guitar.

Prerequisite: Guitar Lab 1 or student must have guitar skill equal or equivalent to guitar students who have taken Guitar Lab 1. This course may be repeated.

SYMPHONIC BAND (Year) - This is the top wind and percussion ensemble of the school. The highest level of performance is expected. It is strongly suggested that the student take private lessons outside of school concurrent with this course. Students are required to attend all performances, workshops and clinics, competitions, and festivals as well as on-campus or off-campus school events scheduled for Symphonic Band. The student will be required to purchase or rent the required concert attire.

Prerequisite: Beginning Band and audition. A year-long elective course. This course may be repeated.

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA (Year) - This is the string ensemble for advanced players. The highest level of performance is expected. As a traditional symphonic orchestra, instrumentation is limited. Music theory, history and international music will be introduced. It is strongly suggested that the student take private lessons outside the school concurrent with this course. Students are required to attend all performances, workshops and clinics, competitions, festivals, as well as all on-campus or offcampus school events scheduled for Symphonic Orchestra All performances, rehearsals and events are graded activities. The student will be required to purchase or rent the required concert attire.

Prerequisite: Audition. A year-long elective course open to students playing violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, trumpet, F horn, trombone, tuba, or percussion. This course may be repeated.

Theater Arts

DRAMA (Semester) - The course is an introduction to theatre through all aspects of a stage acting, both individual and in groups. Emphasis will be placed on vocal work, improvisation, physical movement, monologues, etc. Students will study dramatic literature. This class is designed as a foundations course for further study in theater.

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective course open to all students.

Dance

DANCE I (Semester) - This course offers students the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of dance. The course is an introductory class that will include technique and basic skills in styles such as ballet, jazz and contemporary. Kinesiology labs investigate the body as it moves and ties into injury prevention. Required attire will include ballet and jazz shoes, and clothing that allows free movement. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Prerequisite: None; a semester-long elective survey course open to all students of all levels. This course may be repeated with teacher approval. Students with prior dance experience should meet with the instructor regarding class level placement.

DANCE II (Semester)- A continuation of Dance I, this course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of dance. The course will include ballet, jazz, contemporary and an introduction to choreography. Students will study dance history, dance kinesiology, and movement analysis at the introductory level. They will also have the opportunity to dabble in creating choreography of their own. During the year there will be performance opportunities. Students will be required to have ballet and jazz shoes and ballet attire. Costumes are provided for performances.

Prerequisite: Dance I or audition. A semester-long elective course open to all students. This course may be repeated with teacher approval.

CHOREOGRAPHY (Year) - This course is for the advanced dancer who has solid technique. Students will help to create choreography for the shows produced at St. Pius. The course will focus on the fundamentals of and theory behind the creation of choreography in various dance styles including but not limited to ballet, jazz, and musical theater. Students will create choreography for themselves and others as well as analyze and critique various dance productions both live and on film. Each term will include performance opportunities. May be repeated with instructor approval.

Prerequisite: Audition and application.