AHS Course Descriptions

This standards-based graded class is a study of literary genres. Students will read novels, short stories, drama, poetry and nonfiction. The departmental sequential writing program covers narrative, expository, descriptive and persuasive essays. In addition, fundamental research skills will be developed.

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: None

 

In an honors class students will be expected to meet the standards with less teacher scaffolding and more collaborative and independent practice. Although students at all levels of learning will have access to rigorous texts and grade level appropriate experiences, honors level courses may include advanced expectations in the following areas: text complexity, complexity of tasks and responses, and pacing. Students in English I honors will engage in practices that will prepare them for future honors and AP coursework as well as participate in a summer reading project. Honors courses are weighted.

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: 7th Grade NWEA Scores/Grades

 

This standards-based graded class is a survey of American Literature from the colonial period to the modern age. The writing skills developed in English I will be expanded continuing along the departmental sequential writing program.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: None

 

In an honors class students will be expected to meet the standards with less teacher scaffolding and more collaborative and independent practice. Although students at all levels of learning will have access to rigorous texts and grade level appropriate experiences, honors level courses may include advanced expectations in the following areas: text complexity, complexity of tasks and responses, and pacing. Students in English II honors will engage in practices that will prepare them for future honors coursework. Honors courses are weighted.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: Honors English I, Teacher Recommendation

 

This course is a survey of British Literature from Anglo‐Saxon times to the present. Vocabulary and writing skills developed in the first two years will be expanded continuing along the departmental sequential writing program. Preparation for the English section of the A.C.T. examination will be included.

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: None

 

In an honors class students will be expected to meet the standards with less teacher scaffolding and more collaborative and independent practice. Although students at all levels of learning will have access to rigorous texts and grade level appropriate experiences, honors level courses may include advanced expectations in the following areas: text complexity, complexity of tasks and responses, and pacing. Honors courses are weighted.

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: Honors English II, Teacher Recommendation

 

This course is designed to present to students some of the literary achievements of modern world literature e. The writing skills developed in English I, II and III will be expanded in accordance with the departmental sequential writing program. This course will include experiences with the literatures and arts of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East. Honors students will have additional reading and writing assignments.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: None

 

In an honors class students will be expected to meet the standards with less teacher scaffolding and more collaborative and independent practice. Although students

at all levels of learning will have access to rigorous texts and grade level appropriate experiences, honors level courses may include advanced expectations in the following areas: text complexity, complexity of tasks and responses, and pacing. Honors courses are weighted.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: Honors English III, Teacher Recommendation

 

 

Senior Seminar is a senior elective course that focuses on skills that every senior needs in order to transfer from the “high school life” into the work or college world after graduation. Students learn about civic responsibility, building social and human capital, financial planning, career choices, and job skills. The class is student centered and project based. Students will leave high school with a portfolio of work that will help them through job interviews and decision making processes. The class also has ample service learning opportunities and the second semester can be used as a consumer education credit towards graduation.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: Senior Status

 

 

Speech and Drama is a one-credit course offered by the English department as an elective. First semester is composed of four speeches, each one building on the last. You will enhance your skills of speaking, writing, and listening. The first speech is an interview speech, the second a narrative, the third asks you to demonstrate something, and the fourth is a persuasive speech. We will also practice job interview skills. Second semester is drama and you will warm-up with exercises and improvisations. You will move to monologues and then two-person scenes both scripted and unscripted. You will be judged on both your rehearsals and performance as well as added features such as costumes and props.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: None

 

This one-credit course consists of a survey of the major themes and eras of world history from its early beginning to the present, with an emphasis on history, geography, economics, social systems, and political science. World Studies will be a foundational course to build skills for further studies of other social science courses and will enable students to understand the role of the United States in global affairs. This course provides a vehicle for exploring various belief systems, historical events, geographic regions, societies, and civilizations.

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: None

Honors World Studies:

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: 7th grade NWEA Scores/Grades

 

This is a required course for graduation for all sophomores at Amundsen High School. The required Public Law 195 exam (Constitution Test) for graduation is mandated during the first semester of this class. It is a survey from the beginnings of the United States until the twentieth century. Skills in the social sciences as well as a rigorous content study are offered to students to achieve at the highest level.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: None

 

In an honors course, students will make thematic connections in a reading and writing intensive setting. Students will be expected to meet the standards with less scaffolding and more independent and collaborative practice. Increased complexity of texts, tasks, and responses will prepare honors students for advanced placement and college level coursework. Honors courses are weighted.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation

 

Pre-requisite: None

 

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation

 

The psychologist David Myers wrote that to think like a psychologist one must learn to “restrain intuition with critical thinking, judgementalism with compassion, and illusion with understanding.” Whether students choose to pursue a career related to psychology or one in some entirely different field, this habit of mind will be of great value. This is a senior year course designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Select topics include Learning, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Abnormal Behavior, and Social Psychology. Please note that this is a class designed for Senior year students. Students should have taken biology as a prerequisite. Grade: 12 Pre-requisite: None

 

Sociology is the study of society and social behavior. While psychology focuses on individual behavior, sociology focuses on social interaction, or the way in which group membership affects and determines personal behavior. All individuals belong to many groups, beginning with age, gender, ethnic, racial, religious, economic, and national affiliations. The study of sociology is an important preparation for careers in criminology, social work, public administration and marketing. Grade: 11, 12 Pre-requisite: None

This is an introductory biology course for juniors who have already taken ecology and physical science. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the living world. In addition to standard biology content and skills, practicing self-directed learning is emphasized throughout the year. In addition to biology concepts, students learn scientific method in the context of life science. This course deals with abstract concepts and very tiny things. Activities include reading and writing, experimenting, inquiring, observing, modeling, creative projects, utilizing technology, problem-solving, analyzing data, research projects and communication.

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: None

 

Students must first be referred by their sophomore science teacher. This is an introductory biology course for juniors who have already taken ecology and physical science. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the living world. In addition to standard biology content and skills, practicing self-directed learning is emphasized throughout the year. In addition to biology concepts, students learn scientific method in the context of life science. This course deals with abstract concepts and very tiny things. Activities include reading and writing, experimenting, inquiring, observing, modeling, creative projects, utilizing technology, problem-solving, analyzing data, research projects and communication. Students are required to complete an independent science research project, and to participate in the school-wide science fair.

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: Recommendation from Sophomore Science Teacher.

 

This course is offered to sophomore students. Chemistry is a science that studies matter and the changes it undergoes. You will investigate and develop your understanding of what Chemistry means for you – specifically, you will study the forms of matter, investigate the methods by which science and society use chemistry, and explore the ways in which matter interacts. You will use labs and scientific investigations to aid your understanding. Through inquiries, experiments, and discussions, your understanding of Chemistry will grow and you will begin to understand the nature of matter, and the fascinating ways in which it behaves. You will cover the following topics: Varieties of Matter, Phases of Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table of Elements, Chemical Formulas, Compounds, Types of Reactions, and Balancing Equations.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: None

 

In this course, student will study matter and the changes it undergoes with a strong mathematical focus. You will investigate and develop your understanding of what Chemistry means for you – specifically, you will study the forms of matter, investigate the methods by which science and society use chemistry, and explore the ways in which matter interacts. You will use labs and scientific investigations to aid your understanding. Through inquiries, experiments, and discussions, your understanding of Chemistry will grow and you will begin to understand the nature of matter, and the fascinating ways in which it behaves. You will cover the following topics: Varieties of Matter, Phases of Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table of Elements, Chemical Formulas, Compounds, Types of Reactions, Balancing Equations, Nuclear Chemistry, Gas Laws, Stoichiometry, and Acids and Bases. This class will prepare students well for AP Chemistry.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: Recommendation of Freshman Science Teacher, A or B in Freshman Science class, Strong mathematical aptitude

 

MYP Chemistry is a comprehensive, laboratory and literacy based exploration of introductory topics in chemistry. This course prepares students for first-year college chemistry for science majors and for the Advanced Placement chemistry in the high school senior year. The course explores chemistry from both qualitative and quantitative points of view. Reading, summarization and Lab procedures and skills are strongly emphasized. Along with the numerous math/reading/writing workshops, the course includes two student directed, lab-based research pursuits, over a dozen teacher directed lab learning activities and two essays about how science contributes to society.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: Current enrollment in the IB Middle Years Programme

 

This course is offered to sophomore students who have completed Environmental Science. Physics deals with the aspects of energy and matter. In this physics course you will be introduced to concepts as information needed to meet a real-life challenge. Each chapter in this curriculum will engage you with science content and practices and will develop your understanding of the role of science in your life. The concepts covered are linear motion, forces and motion, momentum and conservation of momentum, work, energy & power, conservation of energy, circular motion, universal gravitation, vibration, waves, and optics. This is followed by an activity, “For You to Do.” After the activity, concepts will be discussed in “For You to Read” and “Physics Talk.” Completing the activity before reading about the concepts will give you a new Each concept will start with the question, "What do you think?" to access your prior knowledge. perspective into the topic of the activity. Upon completion of all the activities, you will exhibit your mastery of the concepts by applying them to real life successfully. Each chapter also has problems, exercises, and questions to help you to learn and apply the physics concepts.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: None

 

 

This course is offered to Freshman students who are enrolled in the IB MYP Program. MYP Physics is an interactive, laboratory and literacy based exploration of introductory topics in physics. This course prepares students for first-year college physics for science majors and for the Advanced Placement Physics in the high school senior year. This course will engage students with science content and practices and will develop understanding of the role of science in life. The course explores physics from both qualitative and quantitative points of view. Students will actively explore concepts in physics, they will explain and elaborate connections, and then evaluate their understanding.

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: Current enrollment in the IB Middle Years Program

 

This class is an overview of all of astronomy. Our goal is to study not just what we know about the Universe but also how we know it. How do astronomers use observations and hypotheses to make inferences about things which are vastly remote and outside of our own experience? The goal is to learn what scientists have found about the processes that control the formation of planets, the birth and death of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the origin and ultimate fate of the Universe. The hope is that it will provide a new perspective on the Earth and our civilization that will change the way we think about our place in the Universe. In this class, students will explore NASA data to construct first-hand knowledge about astronomical universe. During the first and the second quarter of the class, students will be introduced to the dynamics of astronomy, and the structure of the universe .Then, Students will uses NASA data to perform astronomical research which will include but not limited to Lunar Research, Kepler data, and Hubble telescope data to learn more about the star evolution and red shift. The class will conclude by the end of fourth quarter where students will present their individual astronomy research project and share their findings with the school community ( students, teachers, family, and invited guests and grade schools)

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: Recommendation from Junior Science teacher.

 

 

 

This is a two-year, college level Biology course offered to juniors and seniors who are currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The course focuses on a wide body of scientific knowledge, and also the nature of science, and science as a process. Biological principles and understandings are explored with an emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, and experimental design. Topics include statistics, cell biology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, plant science and human physiology. Students who are successful on the end-of-course IB exams are eligible for college credit.

Grade: 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Current enrollment in the IB Diploma Programme.

 

 

The course will be taught using the Common Core Mathematics Standards. The big ideas discussed will include Foundations for Algebra, Introduction to Functions and Their Rules, Linear Equations and Inequalities, Modeling with Linear Functions, Solving Systems of Equations and Inequalities, and Non-linear Functions and Equations. Students will learn to use variables to describe patterns and numerical relationships. Students will learn to apply real number properties, perform operations on polynomials, solve linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, graph linear and quadratic functions and use appropriate. The second semester involves the study of systems of linear equations and rational, exponential and radical expressions and functions. Emphasis will be placed on creating mathematical models to solve real-world problems. Successful completion of the course is an indispensable step in preparation for geometry, advanced algebra with trigonometry, and other advanced mathematic courses.

Grades : 9

Pre-requisite: None

 

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: 7th grade NWEA Scores/Grades

 

This course addresses all Algebra I Common Core Standards and provides the foundation for advanced mathematics courses in high school. The course focuses on algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning that can be used to generalize mathematical situations; with an emphasis placed on variables and number operations. Stress on solving and manipulating expressions and equations is essential. The relationship between equations and functions, and function concepts; characteristics of different functions must be understood as well. This course will incorporate opportunities to practice skills in several different ways. Visual representations such as graphs, tables, and charts are important to fluency in Algebra. Topics will include expressions, equations, real numbers, exponents, polynomials, radicals, quadratic equations, two variable equations, linear functions, rational expressions, absolute value, systems of equations, inequalities, probability and an emphasis on problem solving and graphing. Students will also explore Algebra I as an international language and investigate how Algebra I is used in real-world situations both in the United States and around the world.

Grade: 9

Pre-requisite: current MYP Status

 

Initially, much of the time is devoted to the Coordinate Geometry where students review graphing linear equations given various conditions, as well as discover the relationship between parallel and perpendicular lines. Students learn how points, lines, segments, rays and angles are used to form polygons, circles and solids. The course focuses on various topics in Euclidian Geometry, where students discover the properties of plane figures through the concept of proof and construction. An individual will be additionally introduced to the notion of solids with the focus on solid construction as well as discovery of surface area and volume. Concepts of transformation, congruence, similarity, area, volume and right triangle trigonometry are studied. Students are expected to have a strong prerequisite knowledge of Algebra I.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: none

 

Students learn to analyze common geometric shapes and prove conjectures about properties of figures. Students learn how points, lines, segments, rays and angles are used to form polygons, circles and solids. Concepts of transformation, congruence, similarity, area, volume and right triangle trigonometry are studied. Deductive and indirect proofs are used to justify statements about geometric parts.

 

This class is a yearlong college preparatory course in Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. This course will include many topics of study including: Quadratics, Complex Numbers, Rational Functions, Trigonometric Ratios, and many more advanced topics in mathematics

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: none

 

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation

 

This course introduces students to a variety of numerical and algebraic concepts and applications, explores functions and applies them to mathematical situations, continues the study of trigonometric and circular functions, logic, calculator applications, extends the study of probability and statistics and introduces the basic concepts and techniques of calculus. The course consists of the study of eight topics: Introduction to the Graphic Display Calculator, Number and Algebra, Sets, Logic and Probability Topic, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Statistics, Introductory Differential Calculus, Financial Mathematics. This course prepares students for the IB Math Studies SL exam.

Grade: 11, 12

Pre-requisite: IB DP status

 

Pre-Calculus expands upon previously mastered algebra skills learned in algebra I and advanced algebra with trigonometry. Elementary functions, solving and graphing higher order equations and large systems of linear equations, sequences and series, matrices and determinants, theory of equations, partial fractions, probability and statistics and mathematical induction are studied. The analytic geometry part of the course involves the use of algebraic methods to analyze properties of the straight line, conic sections, and vectors. Parametric and polar functions are also studied.

Grade: 11, 12

Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation

 

Similar to Pre-Calculus but at a faster pace and with more topics, pre-calculus emphasizes the notion of a function as a unifying concept for the topics of college algebra and an extension of the topics of trigonometry. The following families of functions and their characteristics are examined within this course: polynomial functions; rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and trigonometric functions. Homework would be more frequent and challenging. Students who pass the course with a C or better and pass an end of the year exam will receive college credit for Pre-Calculus. Students need a minimum ACT math score to enroll or take the Compass exam and attain a minimum score.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: SAT Math >= 530

 

This course combines algebraic and graphical approaches with practical business and personal finance applications. The class is designed to motivate students to explore algebraic thinking patterns and functions in a financial context as well as encourages students to be actively involved in applying mathematical ideas to their everyday lives. Topics such as investments, the stock market, business start-ups, banking, credit cards, income-tax, home buying and budgeting are part of the framework in which students will explore and master.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation

 

 

This course is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of Exploring Computer Science is to develop in students the computational practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers, and societal and ethical issues.

Grade: 9/12

Pre-requisite: none

 

Spanish 1 is the first course in the series of regular Spanish classes available at the high school. It is a fast-paced introduction to the Spanish language. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the elements necessary to understand, speak, read, and write basic Spanish. Students will have intensive practice in each of the four domains of proficiency (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and will learn basic structures and gain considerable practical vocabulary throughout the course. Cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world will be addressed within each chapter of the course text, Buen Viaje, and through individual and group projects to be completed each semester. The evaluation of students is based upon a balanced combination of assessments (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), homework, and class participation. Students will expected to use the Spanish they know to communicate their questions and ideas at every opportunity possible.

Grade: 9, 10, 11

Pre-requisite: None

 

Spanish 2 starts the year off by reviewing the basics of Spanish 1. We review subject words, the difference between ser and estar, review conjugation rules, and cover the present tense. It is assumed that by second year, students have a good base of the Spanish language. In Spanish 2, we use the Buen Viaje 2 green textbook. We go deeper in our Spanish studies with more complex grammar such as the two past tenses (preterit and imperfect), the future tense, the se impersonal, and the conditional tense. We will expand our Spanish vocabulary covering restaurant words, vocabulary that has to do with travel, shopping vocab, means of communication, and forms of transportation. We hold more conversations en español by reading and performing dialogues. We incorporate technology and do a variety of hands on projects. In Spanish 2, we will continue to explore the various Spanish and Latin countries and cultures by watching videos, researching on the internet, and reading current events issues.

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Pre-requisite: Completion of Spanish I or equivalent

 

Students will enrich their knowledge of their heritage language. The course will be focused on the four skills: reading, writing, speaking and understanding of the Spanish language. Literature, grammar, geography and culture will be covered throughout the year. Students will be challenged to use their critical thinking through legends, myths, and short narratives as well as studying the rules of accentuation and verbs tenses. This introduction will prepare students to continue mastering their native language.

Grade: 9, 10, 11

Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation

 

This course is designed for the Heritage language learners to continue expanding their knowledge and skills of the Spanish Language, through: grammar, reading, writing, literature and culture. The objectives of this course are to foster a love and appreciation of the Spanish Language, and to develop communication skills. This course is conducted in Spanish.

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Pre-requisite: Completion of Span Speak I or Teacher Recommendation

 

This course is designed for highly motivated students who want to continue studying their heritage language in depth. Students will continue enriching their knowledge of their native language through literature, grammar, geography and culture. Students will analyze more complex literature and grammar. This course will prepare students to continue mastering their Spanish language as well as to take the AP exam or the IB exam the following year.

Grade 11, 12

Pre-requisite: Completion of Span Speak I & II and Teacher Recommendation

 

 

This year in FRENCH 1 students will learn the language structure and elements of the culture of FRANCE and the rest of the French speaking countries (CANADA and about 20 AFRICAN COUNTRIES) through a variety of activities including- besides the textbook- examples of music, art, film and food. The topics are personal introductions, food choices, family and friends, objects and daily activities. The grammar will cover forms of present tense verb conjugation, the form of the nouns and the adjective agreement. 

Grade: 9, 10, 11

Pre-requisite: None

 

In French 2 we will review the material we have learned in French 1 and expand our knowledge and experience with more language and cultural lessons including music, art, film and food. The topics will be the city (Paris and Chicago) and the home, shopping, leisure time and food in depth. The language structure will expand to verb tenses beyond the present tense, finesse the noun/adjective agreement. 

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Pre-requisite: Completion of French I or equivalent

 

Students may take this course after completing French 1 and 2. This course will begin with a brief summary of the grammar and vocabulary covered in French 1 and 2: regular and irregular present tense, adjectives, foods, clothing, and tourism. It will continue with more advanced grammar, vocabulary and cultural content in thematic units such as daily life, Francophone Africa, and human rights. It will cover the curriculum for IB Standard Level 1 as mandated by the IBO.

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: IB DP Status, Teacher Recommendation

 

Students may take this course after completing French 1, 2, and 3. This course will begin with a brief summary of the grammar and vocabulary covered in French 1 to 3: regular and irregular present tense, adjectives, subjunctive, passé compose, imparfait, foods, clothing, tourism, and Francophone Africa. It will continue with more advanced grammar, vocabulary, and cultural content in thematic units such as show business,, families, and human rights. It will cover the curriculum for IB Standard Level 2 as mandated by the IBO.

Grade: 12

Pre-requisite: IB DP Status, Teacher Recommendation

 

 

Beginning Band is the introductory level of the band program at Amundsen High School. In this class, students will have the opportunity to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in a group setting. The specific aim of the band program is to enable students to communicate effectively through instrumental music and to understand and value a variety of musical and cultural expressions throughout life.

Grade: 9,10,11,12

Pre-requisite: None

 

Advanced Band is the premier level of the band program at Amundsen High School. In this class, students will have the opportunity to continue with their chosen woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in a group setting. This is the primary performance ensemble on campus. All students enrolled in this class are expected to successfully perform at all band functions including but not limited to concerts, assemblies and sporting events. Students in Advanced Band have opportunities to perform additional ensembles such as Jazz Ensemble, Brass Quartet, Sax Quartet and Mariachi. Students receive honors credit (5 GPA points for an A) for this class.

Grade: 9,10,11,12

Pre-requisite: Completion of Beginning Band, Teacher Recommendation

 

Do you realize that over 95% of all Amundsen students begin orchestra with very little (if any) prior music experience? In beginning orchestra you will get to pick from one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello or upright bass. In an environment that stresses both hard work and fun, you will learn how to read the notes, rhythms and symbols used throughout the music industry. You will be able to “speak the language” of music” and hopefully enjoy the pride and beauty that comes from performing as a team in a large-ensemble setting. From Mozart to Led Zeppelin,; the songs we play in class go way beyond the Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle Twinkle songs often associated with a beginning ensemble. Beginning Orchestra is available to freshman-senior year students, with the possibility of playing in the advanced ensembles for several years if the work ethic is there.

Grade: 9,10,11,12

Pre-requisite: None

Advanced Orchestra (I, II, III)

Grade: 10,11 ,12

Pre-requisite: Completion of Beginning Orchestra, Teacher Recommendation

 

This class is an introductory visual art course that will explore the elements of art: color, texture, line, shape, form, and value using various mediums. Students will advance their skills and create original art by exploring a variety of materials and developing beginning skills. Students will make connections between art, their world, and contemporary social issues through creating, discussing and viewing. Art 1 class offers students the opportunity to explore new and different fields of art throughout the spectrum, including the discussion of drawing concepts and related vocabulary, art criticism, and art history, exploration of different drawing techniques and mediums, and growth of personal expression and problem solving. Students will also be introduced to color theory where they will participate in the mixing and making of color wheels and scales, mastering this color technique, and reflect it in their work, in addition to working with other new and fun mediums. The goal of this class is to equip students with the ability to see the effects of color, composition, and medium and understand its resourcefulness as they apply them to their own art making processes.

Grade: 9,10,11,12

Pre-requisite: None

 

This class is a basic class in Art. Students will cover the Elements and Principals of Design while completing lessons in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Crafts, Weaving and Textiles, and 3D work. The course of study is based on the Illinois State Standards for the Visual Arts, the MYP Criterion for Learning, the Areas of Interaction, and the IB Learner Profile Characteristics. During this course of study students will learn the Elements and Principles of Design. They will be engaged in the creation of two and three-dimensional works over the course of the year. Lessons in Drawing, Painting, Collage, Printmaking, Crafts, Weaving and Textiles, and 3-D Sculpture are taught. Students will use media that is available in the completion of these lessons.

Grade: 10

Pre-requisite: MYP Status

 

This course is an Independent Study Class. These IB Diploma students will have had Art 1. The students will purchase and maintain an Investigation Workbook. In this workbook students will have investigations in the following areas of research: Critical, Contextual, Visual, and Independent. The topics chosen by the students are thematic but, not an obligation. The Studio's however, have to show a consistent engagement in their selection of media, artists, culture, as well as research with connections to all. If done with a theme, the students are more than likely to stay on track with their thematic process. Students will be given target dates to have completed work in the Investigation Workbook as well as for their Studio Work. The teacher can and will give helpful critiquing but is not allowed to tell the students what to do. She may say, " this works, but this needs work”, and give students artist materials for their investigations when available and as deemed necessary.

Grade: 11

Pre-requisite: IB DP Status