Visual Art

Art I, II, & III Art I, II, & III are all semester courses. In these art classes, students will explore a variety of 2D and 3D art media and processes. Projects will include drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting. Fundamental skills (e.g. linear perspective, color theory, design principles, etc.) in addition to intentional sketching assignments will develop a foundation from which higher-level classes can build upon. Drawing (I & II) Drawing I & II are both semester courses. In these courses, students will develop their sketching techniques as well as explore a variety of drawing media (graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, marker, ink, pastels, and more). Also, students will be led to develop observational and composition skills necessary for the creation of more original works. Painting This is a semester course that is open to grades 10 - 12 and has Art I as a prerequisite. This intermediate-level course will explore a variety of paint media including watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Students will study composition, color, and the rendering of 3D forms. Content for paintings will vary from still-life to works created from their own mind. The creation of original student compositions will be emphasized through creative problem solving, journaling, and critique.

Graphic Art I & II This is a semester course that is open to grades 10 - 12 and has Art I as a pre-requisite. This intermediate-level course will dive into the world of print and video advertising, social media, product package design, and business/promotional products. Students will work both individually as well as in groups to create and produce work. Students will also present, evaluate, and critique their work and the work of others.

Digital Photography I & II This is a semester course that is open to grades 10 - 12 and has Art I as a pre-requisite. This course covers basic concepts and practice of digital photography, including understanding and use of the camera, lenses, and other basic photographic equipment. The course will address aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space, exposure, light, and color.

Elective Courses

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

Political Science This is a semester course and is an introduction to the world of Political Science. It is designed to give an overview of the American political system as well as political systems around the world. It will be full of interesting, real-world topics as well as information to help students be active citizens in the future. The goal of this course is to give students an overview of what is going on in the world around them and to help them understand the basics of politics and how they are directly affected. It will also shine a light on our role as Christians in the political world and how we can have a huge impact on the future.

Contemporary Issues This is a course in which students will use inquiry skills to examine the issues that impact the contemporary world. Included in the course will be an analysis of the historical, cultural, economic, and geographic factors that have raised certain issues to levels of concern in our nation and around the globe. Students will engage in research and problemsolving in order to better understand and assess significant current issues. As with all classes at TRA, students will be encouraged to embrace the idea of a Christian worldview while studying and researching current events. As Christians, we are called to be change agents attempting to better this fallen world in which we live.

History Through Film In this class, students will study United States

American history through the medium of film. The course examines the place of movies in shaping and changing popular culture in contemporary societies. We will screen, analyze, discuss, and write about films, as well as read primary source documents in American History. Topics will include the political, social, economic, and racial history of the United States. Grouped thematically, students will examine the topics of slavery, the Great Depression, the First and Second World Wars, the Holocaust, the

Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement,

Vietnam, and conflicts in the Middle East.

Besides examining these historical events, students will examine the legacy of racism, poverty, corruption, patriotism, civics, and ideology in contemporary American culture.

In addition to each film’s historical and cultural importance, the course will also concentrate on film appreciation and the study of cinematography. Conditioning In this course, students have the opportunity to receive sport-specific conditioning and training. This class is perfect for the athlete seeking to improve in and be conditioned for a specific sport.

Sport-specific conditioning can enhance your performance, help you improve your skills, and strengthen your body so that you can perform at your highest level. Exercises done in sport-specific training help to condition the body and mind so that they can excel in specific sports. Thus, these exercises duplicate the exact movements of certain actions within a sport. 37

Creative Writing In this course, students continue to learn, read, and comprehend literature including stories, dramas, and poems independently and proficiently. Students should also be able to read and comprehend literary nonfiction independently and proficiently. Students will learn how to creatively write over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks and purposes. Over the semester, students will write short stories, various types of poetry, letters, spoken word, nursery rhymes, and fairy tales and will create characters for a lengthy story that will also be written in class. These items will be bound in a portfolio at the end of the semester for a final grade. As part of the creative writing process, students will initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. Through speaking, reading, and writing students will demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing, peer-reviewing, or speaking.

ACT Prep

This course will assist students in raising their ACT score. Students will both practice with real test questions and learn various test taking techniques.

MacPack

In this course, students have the opportunity to assist the Information Technology Coordinator with various tasks. Students will do everything from repairing laptops to demonstrating various programs/apps for fellow TRA students.

Personal Finance This is a course designed to inform students how individual choices directly influence occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real-world topics covered will include income, money management, spending, and credit, as well as saving and investing.

Senior Project

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Senior Project*

This is a semester course. Senior Project is a graduation requirement completed by all seniors. Students will set up and manage both summer service hours (20 hours) and a semesterlong group project (30 hours by each group member) that will include researching potential projects, interviewing and choosing a mentor, writing a proposal, meeting deadlines, as well as coordinating schedules and responsibilities with group members. Once the service work is completed, the group will present their project (the process, challenges, and final result) before a panel of faculty, administrators, and community leaders. Students will also organize a group portfolio of all the documentation required throughout the process and submit an individual reflection paper. *pre-requisite: 20 summer service hours completed and validated