ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
JOURNALISM
No prerequisite. Offered 1st semester. Offered in even years.
This course will begin with a brief overview of the history of journalism followed by a study of magazine, yearbook and newspaper journalism. A hands-on approach will be emphasized as students learn by writing copy and designing pages for school publications and class projects. Students will be asked to write articles and complete layouts for the Excelsior LC Yearbook. This course is recommended for students who are interested in print journalism. Yearbook staff members are encouraged to enroll in this course.
CREATIVE WRITING
No prerequisite. Offered 1st semester. Offered in odd years.
This course will allow students to explore the creative side of writing. Special attention will be given to narrative writing techniques as well as self-expression and sensory writing in both fiction and poetry. The course will be offered in a workshop format, making use of peer evaluation as a method to enhance personal writing.
MYTHOLOGY
No prerequisite. Offered 2nd semester. Offered in even years.
In this elective course, emphasis is placed on the study of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies. This is followed by a study of the folklore and myths of various countries around the world. Class discussions and projects are based not only on the content of the stories but also on the impact that they have had on our language, culture and daily life.
SHAKESPEARE: Offered 2nd semester. Offered in odd years.
This course will give students an introduction to Shakespearean Drama. The course is designed as a comparative study of texts and filmsto enhance appreciation and understanding. The course will focus on his life, the language, and production of the plays. Specific titles of study may include The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew, Richard III and Othello, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
THEATER TECHNIQUES
No prerequisite. Offered in even years.
Students will approach this course from three perspectives: drama as a performing art, drama as literature, and drama as a unique craft that requires training in special skills related to its performance. Students will study theater language and conventions, the history of theater, the ingredients of theater, and theater discipline. A variety of plays will be studied. Students will explore how to cast and director a play.
Building on the concepts learned , students will explore set design, staging, make-up, fundamentals of play production, and acting techniques. This is a hands-on course. Students will be expected to create a set, direct, and act.
SPEECH
No prerequisite. Offered in odd years, 1st semester; those who select this class must also select Poetry.
The purpose of this course is for students to become more confident and proficient public speakers. Students will learn how to write and present both formal and informal speeches aimed at specific audiences, and they will learn how to participate in group discussions and debates. The emphasis will be not only on what is said but also on how it is said.
POETRY
No prerequisite. Offered in odd years, 2nd semester; those who select this class must also select Speech.
The purpose of this course is for students to acquire an appreciation of poetry from around the world. Students will accomplish this by reading, reciting, analyzing and performing narrative, lyric and dramatic poems, and by writing their own poetry. Modern song lyrics will also be explored. As a culminating activity, students will be required to produce a poetry magazine containing not only analyses and critical reviews of well-known poems but also students’ original poetry.
PLAYWRITING
Prerequisite. Teacher approval. Offered in even years, 2nd semester.
This course will explore the facets of dramaturgy by analyzing and creating scripts. The course will be hands on and investigate both playwriting and movie scriptwriting. Characterization, dialogue and structure will be among the core topics of the class. Students will begin writing one act plays and end with a full length play. Emphasis will be placed on revision and workshops. Professional industry standards will be discussed.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
*Advanced Placement, Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval . Open to grades 11-12.
Students will examine the foundations and operations of American politics and government, formal and informal processes in our government, the branches of government, policy-making, and state and local government. Students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement test in the spring semester in order to earn college credit.
SOCIOLOGY
No prerequisite. Offered 1st semester. Offered odd years.
This one-semester course is designed to give students a better understanding of the society in which they live. Students will study sociology terms and methods, and emphasis will be on learning how the social world in which we live shapes our values, attitudes and behavior. Causes of social problems and the idea of social change will be explored.
PSYCHOLOGY
No prerequisite. Offered 1 st semester. Offered even years.
This semester course treats the science of psychology as it relates to the understanding of individual behavior. It explores various theories of personality, abnormal behavior, and therapy and conditioning. Students will be introduced to the manner in which a psychologist examines behavior and the attempt to determine the conditions under which certain behavior may occur or be prevented. Students will also participate in some informal activities in the classroom that will provide a "hands-on” learning experience. In the process of analyzing causes and effects of human conduct, students should be able to arrive at a better understanding of their own behavior.
CRIME AND CRIMINOLOGY
No prerequisite. Offered 2nd semester.
This course offers a look at crime and criminology in recent years, focusing on clashing views on major enduring issues. Background introduction, pro and con viewpoints, as well as post-script summaries to each issue are presented.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
INTRODUCTORY STATISTICAL METHODS *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 85% in Algebra II A/ 80% in Algebra II H.
This college prep course examines the different statistical distributions prevalent in real data. The vast amount of the course will deal with the various parameters of these distributions with emphasis on the Normal Distribution. In the second semester, students will study the concept of hypothesis testing, along with confidence and prediction intervals.
CALCULUS *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval or 85% in Trigonometry H and Pre-Calculus
This college prep course examines the number systems of elementary mathematics and the study of elementary functions beginning with analytic geometry and the real numbers. Calculus will treat the concepts of derivatives, their applications, curve sketching, integration and its application, series and differential equations.
TRIGONOMETRY *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 87%in Algebra IIA
This course will deal with circular function theory, triangle solution, identities and solutions of trigonometric equations. Students will study graphing functions, inverse relations and applications of circular functions.
CONSUMER MATH
No prerequisite. Offered in even numbered years.
This course is designed to introduce students to the application of math procedures as they relate to consumer awareness. Topics include ratios and percentages, sales taxes, interest, maintaining checking and savings accounts and other banking procedures, making purchases, insurance, and budgeting. Students will use these principles to establish a foundation in consumer awareness and evaluate information to make responsible financial decisions in the future.
BUSINESS MATH
No prerequisite. Offered in odd numbered years.
This course is designed to introduce students to the application of math procedures as they apply to business. The topics include business procedures such as wholesale prices, discounts, markups and markdowns, simple and compound interest, payroll and sales, and income tax withholding. Math procedures involved include fractions, decimals, conversions, ratios, percents, and simple algebraic equation solutions. Students will use these principles to establish a basic awareness of business procedures and documents to provide a foundation for further studies in management, accounting, real estate, or business administration.
PRE-CALCULUS *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 85% in Algebra IIH or 90% in Algebra IIA. This course is a prerequisite for Calculus
This course will cover key concepts in advanced Algebra H in preparation for Calculus. The course will focus on equations, functions and graphs, introducing exponential and logarithmic functions. Students will study graphs of second degree curves, systems of equations, matrices, parametric equations, limits and continuity. Instruction will be strongly tied with the use of the TI-83 graphing calculator. This course will strengthen their foundation while providing a solid basis for the study of Calculus.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
PHYSICS *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 85% in all previous level math courses. Open to grade 12.
This course provides students with a working knowledge of the major physical laws and principles dealing with matter and energy relationships. The concepts of the course are presented through problem solving, laboratory experimentation and fieldtrips. This course requires a strong math background.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 85%in Biology and Chemistry. Open to grade 11 or 12 Required for grade 11 Honors; Grade 12 elective.
This course is for students who have an interest in biology and have performed well in previous science courses. The course will be especially valuable for those who plan to continue their education in the fieldof biology, pre-medicine, or medical technology. Topics of study include anatomy, physiology, genetics, histology and cytology. The dissection of the fetal pig allows students to examine closely the anatomy of a mammal. Other laboratory exercises will enable students to better understand the biological, physical and chemical processes of living things that are discussed during lectures.
EARTH SCIENCE
No prerequisite. Open to grades 11-12.
This course is designed primarily for those students not taking chemistry in their junior year. Earth science is a practical study of the earth, its features, its forces, and its place in the universe. This course offers a relevant introduction to the matter and processes of the earth. Complex ideas are presented simply and developed logically. Scientific principles are reinforced by activities and questions placed with each chapter. The presentation is flexible so that units and chapters may be studied in a variety of sequences.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
* Advanced Placement, Honors Prerequisite: Teacher approval and completion of both Biology and Chemistry; minimum 85% average in each.
The students will examine the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The students will identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made. The students will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement test in the spring semester in order to earn college credit. Students taking this course are eligible to earn dual credit through Alvernia College.
****Students must sign up for the dual credit course.
***Coming in Fall of 2009: AP Biology
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
GERMAN 1
Prerequisite: 8th grade: 87% average in 7th grade English and World Language Department Chairperson approval.
The purpose of German I is to bring the firstyear student from little or no knowledge of the language to an elementary understanding and speaking of German. Through imitation, repetition, and variation, the student gets some security in this tongue. A basis is formed through which development in the language skills can be accomplished in the following years, and proficiency in the language can be attained. Students also learn the cultural heritage of the German-speaking people.
GERMAN 2
Prerequisite: Pass German I. (A complete 1st year German course -- No FLES or exploratory courses) Open to grade 9
Communication and grammar are emphasized to help the student use the language more readily. Frequent composition work is expected, and selected readings from well-known German authors will give some initial insight into German literature. The completion of several German graded readers will also be required, according to the individual's ability.
GERMAN 3 *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 80% in German 2. Open to grade 10.
The third year of German expands the student's ability to understand, speak, read and write German and the cultural knowledge of the country by means of mini-courses. These courses include grammar intensification, German history from the Germanic tribes to the Reformation, German conversation, English in German, and Literature from its origins to the Enlightenment. Two books will be read: "Siddartha" by Hermann Hesse and
“The Visit” by Friedrich Durrenmatt. Since German 3 and 4 may be combined, these particular mini-courses may be offered in alternating years with the German 4 course. This course is conducted in German.
GERMAN 4 *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 80% in German 3. Open to grade 11.
The student's knowledge of the German-speaking countries will be deepened and the acquisition of the already learned linguistic skills will be increased and fortified through a series of mini-courses. These courses include grammar continuation, German history from the Reformation to Napoleon, and Literature from the Enlightenment to Contemporary writers. Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis" will be read along with German humor, and a writing course to improve style. Since German 3 and 4 may be combined, these mini-courses may be offered in alternating years with the German 3 offerings. The course is conducted in German.
GERMAN 5 *Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 80% in German 4. Open to grade 12.
A fifth year of German is offered for the linguistically inclined student who wishes to improve on and extend his/her knowledge of the subject. The following mini-courses are offered: Grammar review and auditory practice, German history from Napoleon to the present day and a seminar on Bertolt Brecht, in which "Mother Courage and Her Children" will be read, German Art and Architecture, and German Music. The course is conducted in German.
SPANISH 1
Prerequisite: 8th grade: 87% average in 7th grade English and English teacher approval.
9th grade: Teacher approval.
Spanish 1 is a course designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and culture. In the first year, students will learn basic vocabulary and beginning reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Spanish.
SPANISH 2
Prerequisite: Pass Spanish 1. A complete 1 st year Spanish course (No FLES or exploratory courses) Open to grades 9 -10.
Spanish 2 is a course designed to build upon and strengthen the knowledge of the Spanish language and culture learned in Spanish 1. In the second year, students will learn intermediate reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Spanish.
SPANISH 3
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and teacher approval. Open to grades 10 – 11
Spanish 3 is a course designed to build upon and strengthen the knowledge of the Spanish language and culture learned in Spanish 2. In the third year, students will learn advanced reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Spanish
SPANISH 4
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 and teacher approval. Open to grades 11 – 12.
Spanish 4 is a course designed to build upon and strengthen the knowledge of the Spanish language and culture learned in Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. In the fourth year, students will learn advanced reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in Spanish.
SPANISH 5
Prerequisite: Teacher approval and 80%in Spanish 4. Open to grade 12.
Spanish 5 is a course designed to combine all the Spanish skills the student has learned previously and strengthen these skills so that the student is able to function completely in Spanish. In the fifth year, the student will also receive detailed instruction in the Hispanic and Latino Cultures.
LATIN I *Honors
Prerequisite: Foreign Language Teacher approval and 87% in English H. Open to grade 10
An overall view of the Latin language and its organization with traditional forms and syntax are presented. Emphasis is on the patterns of Latin structure with its influence on the English language. The purpose of this course is to intensify the linguistic skills of the scholarly student in every way possible. The Foreign Language must be continued and studied simultaneously with the Latin.
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
COMUPTER APPLICATIONS I
No prerequisite
Students will be introduced to the Microsoft Office Suite. Students will learn the basic uses of spreadsheet, database, word processing and presentation software, using proper formatting techniques.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II
Prerequisite: Computer Applications I
This course is a continuation of Computer Applications 1. Advanced topics will be covered using each of the applications in Microsoft Office. Topics to be included are merging/filtering data, integrating applications and simple macro recording/editing.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
CHORUS
Prerequisite: Teacher's Approval
This course is offered to students who would like vocal training and experience in singing with an ensemble. Concepts and skills covered include: posture, breathing, tone quality, tonal and rhythmic notation, critical listening, and creating. A variety of musical styles will be explored. The students may be asked to demonstrate an understanding of musical notation through written examinations and in performance skills on their vocal parts at regular intervals, individually, for the music instructor. Grading will be based on the evaluation of the above requirements, attendance at rehearsals and performances, and the student’s overall improvement over the course of the quarter. As a practical application of course material, all students are required to participate in rehearsals and several annual concerts held during and after school hours.
MARCHING BAND
Prerequisite: Teacher's Approval Offered 1st semester
This course meets after school. The students will learn basic and advanced techniques of playing their instruments while performing a 7-10 minute field show. They will also learn proper breathing and scale/rudiment studies. The students may be asked to demonstrate an understanding of musical notation through written examinations and in performance skills on the major instrument at regular intervals, individually, for the music instructor. These skills include playing major and/or minor scales, arpeggios, recognition of common rhythmic patterns; performance of prepares (memorized) music; and sight reading. Students may be asked to write a paper commenting on a musically related article or video presentation provided by the instructor. Grading will be based on the evaluation of the above requirements, attendance at rehearsals and performances, and the student’s overall improvement over the course of the season. Students whosign up for this class will be required to perform at all band competitions and performances arranged by the director.
CONCERT BAND
Prerequisite: Teacher's Approval Offered 2nd semester
This course will include instruction and demonstrations of fundamental musical skills, notation, and terminology. The students will demonstrate an understanding of musical notation through written examinations and in performance skills on the major instrument at regular intervals, individually, for the music instructor. Those skills include playing major and minor scales, arpeggios, and thirds; recognition of common rhythmic patterns; performance of prepared music; and sight-reading. Students may be asked to write a paper commenting on a musically related article or video presentation provided by the instructor. Grading will be based on the evaluation of the above requirements, attendance at rehearsals and performances, and the student’s overall improvement over the course of the quarter. Students who choose this course are required to perform and participate in rehearsals for several annual concerts held during and after school hours.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING I
No prerequisite
Accounting 1 introduces students to various accounting procedures involved in sole proprietorships and partnerships, in both service and merchandising businesses. Students will learn the accounting cycle, from analyzing transactions and journalizing to posting and preparing financial statements. Students will also learn how to compute payroll and payroll taxes for a business. The most common real-world software used in small business accounting is Quick Books Pro, which will be used frequently throughout this course so students will have that skill to add to their resume. A computer simulation of a travel agency, “Adventure Travels” will be used as a capstone project for the students to put their skills into practice.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
No prerequisite
This course will introduce students to business as it functions in our economy. Students will investigate topics such as healthy economies, business activities and ownership, and the importance of their roles as consumers, workers, and citizens. Students will get an overview of topics such as management , marketing and ethics. The second semester focuses on real-world issues that students will face as they enter the working world. We will study about career planning, resumes and interviews, types of insurances, getting and keeping good credit, investing, personal tax returns, and planning a budget. A personal budgeting simulation, “On Your Own” will be used in the computer lab which will help students learn budgeting techniques and debt/money management.
ART DEPARTMENT
ART I: Fine Arts
Open to grade 10-12, Full year
This course explores traditional methods of creating fine artworks such as drawing, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, and printmaking. Two-dimensional design will be studied. We will learn about artists and their place in history as well as how artists shape and change the world around us. This course requires a weekly sketchbook.
ART II: Craft Design
NO Prerequisite - Open to Grades 10-12, Full year
This course explores methods of creating hand-made crafts. Three-dimensional design will be studied. Students will explore various mediums, such as clay, metal, wood, and fiber. Students will also gain knowledge of the cultures connected to the crafts we will be creating. This course requires sketchbook.
ART PORTFOLIO
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II and teacher’s approval
This course is for students who wish to pursue a career in art. This allows students who have completed Art I and Art II to explore two mediums of their choice. In addition to assigned projects, students will complete several self-motivated approved projects of their choice. This course requires a sketchbook.
CEREMICS
Offered only in the ninth grade school year, in odd years.
This course focuses on functional and sculptural aspects of clay. Students will explore various methods of creating ceramic artworks. The potter’s wheel will also be introduced. This course requires a sketchbook.
LEBANON CATHOLIC
PROMOTION AND GRADUATION POLICY
Each year every student is required to register for the required course amount for their grade level. Sequential courses in Religion, English, Social Studies, Math and Science must be passed in their proper order. Only approved summer school programs may be used to meet promotion or graduation requirements when failures occur.
Promotion Guidelines
GRADUATION credit requirements
4 credits in Religion
4 credits in English
4 credits in Social Studies
3 credits in Math
3 credits in Science
2 credits in Arts/Humanities
1 credit in PE/Health
5 credits in elective area
26 credits for graduation
Community Service = 40 hours
Senior Community Service Guidelines:
40 hours of volunteer community service must be completed by May 1st 2009 to fulfill graduation requirements. All service work must be documented on senior service forms. These must be signed by the supervisor of the service activity. Forms must be submitted to your senior service faculty advisor as they are completed. At least ten hours must be earned by volunteering in your Parish, at least 10 hours must fall under the guidelines of Caritas. Non-Catholic students are suggested to complete ten hours of service in their own church. The remaining hours may be divided between several agencies or activities. No money or other compensation may be accepted for senior service work. If you have questions about a senior service project over the summer, contact your advisor before beginning it:
- Mrs. Mohl at 273-3731 (leave a message)
- Mrs. Clark at 273-0013
- Ms Stief at 273-3731 ext. 318(leave a message or via
- e-mail at kstief_lchs@yahoo.com
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