MBHS 2019-2020 Course Catalog...2015/03/31  · Social Studies Each student must take eight (8)...

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ENGLISH Each student must take eight (8) credits of English to fulfill graduation requirements. Humanities I & II (2 ELA credits, 2 Global credits per year) Grades: 9, 10 Regent’s Exam: Global History Humanities is a two year course combining Global History and English Language Arts to provide students with an in-depth and meaningful look at the development of civilizations and cultures worldwide. Students in grade 9 are enrolled in Humanities I and students in grade 10 Humanities II. Students use close reading, project based learning, and various types of writing to explore human history from early civilization to the present. The course culminates in the Global History Regent’s exam at the end of sophomore year and begins to prepare students for the Common Core English Regent’s exam, which they will sit for in 11 th grade. American Literature* (2 ELA credits) Grade: 11 Regent’s Exam: English Language Arts The American Literature course explores classic works by American authors in order to construct an understanding of how the concept of Americanism has evolved over time. Students will read and analyze novels, plays, short stories, poems, essays, and speeches by major American authors while developing analytic and argumentative writing skills. This course culminates in the ELA regent’s exam. AP English Language and Composition* (2 ELA credits) Grade: 11 Regents Exam: English Language Arts The AP English Language and Composition course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level freshman composition courses. Students analyze prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and develop their own writing for a variety of purposes. Students’ reading and writing focuses on demonstrating thorough knowledge of writer’s purpose, genre conventions, and audience expectations. This course culminates in the AP exam and the ELA Regents exam. Culminates in a Regents examination MBHS 2019-2020 Course Catalog

Transcript of MBHS 2019-2020 Course Catalog...2015/03/31  · Social Studies Each student must take eight (8)...

Page 1: MBHS 2019-2020 Course Catalog...2015/03/31  · Social Studies Each student must take eight (8) credits of Social Studies to fulfill graduation requirements. Humanities I & II (2 ELA

ENGLISH

Each student must take eight (8) credits of English to fulfill graduation requirements.

Humanities I & II

(2 ELA credits, 2 Global credits per year) Grades: 9, 10 Regent’s Exam: Global History Humanities is a two year course combining Global History and English Language Arts to provide students with an in-depth and meaningful look at the development of civilizations and cultures worldwide. Students in grade 9 are enrolled in Humanities I and students in grade 10 Humanities II. Students use close reading, project based learning, and various types of writing to explore human history from early civilization to the present. The course culminates in the Global History Regent’s exam at the end of sophomore year and begins to prepare students

for the Common Core English Regent’s exam, which they will sit for in 11th grade.

American Literature* (2 ELA credits) Grade: 11 Regent’s Exam: English Language Arts The American Literature course explores classic works by American authors in order to construct an understanding of how the concept of Americanism has evolved over time. Students will read and analyze novels, plays, short stories, poems, essays, and speeches by major American authors while developing analytic and argumentative writing skills. This course culminates in the ELA regent’s exam.

AP English Language and Composition* (2 ELA credits) Grade: 11 Regents Exam: English Language Arts The AP English Language and Composition course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level freshman composition courses. Students analyze prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and develop their own writing for a variety of purposes. Students’ reading and writing focuses on demonstrating thorough knowledge of writer’s purpose, genre conventions, and audience expectations. This course culminates in the AP exam and the ELA Regents exam. Culminates in a Regents examination

MBHS 2019-2020 Course Catalog

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World Literature (1 ELA credit; Students must also take Memoir & Biography) Grade: 12

World Literature is a one semester English elective in which students examine novels from different regions of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Through this class, students will be exposed to different cultures, providing a worldly view of the different ways in which race and ethnicity, social class, gender, politics, religion, and environmental factors shape an individual, whether it is in the face of triumph, adversity, or turmoil. By the end of this course, students will be able to read texts with a critical lens and write analytical essays that demonstrate the effects of culture on the characters presented in the novels read, while also contrasting the stories with one another and America.

Memoir & Biography (1 ELA credit; Students must also take World Literature)

Grade: 12

Memoir and Biography is a one semester English elective designed to help students examine the world of literature through memoirs and biographies, with the purpose being to show how the past helps to inform the present. Students will explore the art of storytelling through reading, critical thinking discussions, and analytical writing, which will help us find the power in the stories the selected authors have chosen to write, and why others decide to read what they’ve written. Ultimately, after studying the memoir, students will transform their own autobiographies into compelling narratives that focus on telling a story through the lens of the past and how it has brought them to where they are now.

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AP Literature and Composition (2 ELA credits) Grade: 12 The AP English Literature and Composition course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level literature courses. Students must possess a willingness to work hard, demonstrate a strong curiosity about literature and rhetoric, and apply themselves to growing as analytic writers. The course culminates in the AP exam.

Social Studies

Each student must take eight (8) credits of Social Studies to fulfill graduation requirements.

Humanities I & II

(2 ELA credits, 2 Global credits per year) Grades: 9, 10

Regent’s Exam: Global History

Humanities is a two year course combining Global History and English Language Arts to provide students with an in-depth and meaningful look at the development of civilizations and cultures worldwide. Students in grade 9 are enrolled in Humanities I and students in grade 10 Humanities II. Students use close reading, project based learning, and various types of writing to explore human history from early civilization to the present. The course culminates in the Global History Regent’s exam at the end of sophomore year and begins to prepare students

for the Common Core English Regent’s exam, which they will sit for in 11th grade.

U.S. History* (2 U.S. History credits)

Grade: 11 Regent’s Exam: U.S. History

During the year-long United States History course, 11th graders will explore content ranging

from early American life through the 20th century. Content will be couched in essential questions that explore themes surrounding identity, power, oppression and revolution, hierarchy, and democratic principles. Students will also build research, argumentative essay writing, informational writing, and narrative writing skills. In tandem with essay and narrative writing, students will have opportunities to explore the content and literature we will be reading via creative media such as visual arts, poetry writing, and historical fiction writing. The course culminates with students sitting for U.S. History Regent’s exam.

AP U.S. History* (2 U.S. History credits) Grade: 11

Regent’s Exam: U.S. History

The AP U.S. History course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level freshman U.S. History courses. This year-long survey of American history ranges from the age of exploration to present day U.S. in a global context. The course will cover broad themes in American history, including national and group identities, development of the economy, expansion and migration, politics and power, U.S. foreign policy, and the role ideas, Culminates in a Regents Examination

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beliefs, and social mores have played in shaping the United States. Strong reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam in May and the

U.S. History Regent’s exam in June.

Economics (1 Economics credit) Grade: 12

Economics is a required one semester 12th grade Social Studies course that engages students in the complex and fascinating world of economics. Students will discover the way that economies function, the different types of economic markets, and the varying ways in which economy shapes students’ lives. Students will also be exposed to the complex and important realities of personal finance. By the end of the semester, students will be able to theoretically, mathematically, and graphically apply the principles of economics and will understand how they can make informed decisions in real world situations.

Participation in Government (1 Government credit) Grade: 12

Participation in Government is a required one semester 12th grade Social Studies course that

will introduce students to the intricacies of world and U.S. politics and government. This class will focus on governmental institutions, the political process, and citizen participation. Students will learn about their rights and responsibilities in their local, federal, and world governments in order to become more active and informed citizens of their communities. The aim is to give students an understanding of the role of government in their lives and the role that they can play in the government. Students will build public speaking, persuasive writing, and analytical thinking skills.

Turning Points in History (2 Social Studies elective credits) Grade: 12 During this year-long elective, 12th graders will be engaged in an exploration of vital American and global historical turning points. The fall semester will focus on atrocities and injustices, and the reconciliation efforts that emerged from these historical events, such as the Armenian and Rwandan genocides and the Nanjing Atrocities. The spring semester will focus on movements of reform and change, including, but not limited, to women’s, LGBTQ, and rights of the disabled. Each unit of study is guided by essential questions, and couched in primary texts and resources, as well as entire class readings such as We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families: Stories from Rwanda and the novel Good Kings Bad Kings, to guide content understanding. Both semesters will culminate in student driven research projects and presentations on topics of their choosing. In tandem with essay, research-based and narrative writing, students will have opportunities to explore content via creative media such as visual arts, poetry writing, performance, and technology.

Mathematics

Each student must take eight (8) credits of Mathematics to fulfill graduation requirements.

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Integrated Algebra* (2 Math credits) Grade: 9 Regent’s Exam: Common Core Algebra This course is built around foundational and complex math problems that will help students strengthen problem-solving skills they already have while developing new mathematical skills. Students will further develop creative thinking strategies and tools for sense making, reasoning, problem solving, and communicating their mathematical knowledge and understanding. A graphing calculator is necessary for this course (i.e. Ti-84 plus). This course culminates with students sitting for the Common Core Algebra Regent’s exam. Geometry* (2 Math credits) Grades: 9, 10 Regent’s Exam: Common Core Geometry Prerequisite: In order for a 9th grader to be eligible for Geometry, they must have passed the Integrated Algebra Regent’s exam with a grade of 80 or higher. This course introduces geometric reasoning as a method for problem solving. In this course, students begin to explore the basis of formal mathematical proofs. The course will explore properties of geometric figures such as triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. Important geometric ideas such as symmetry, similarity, and trigonometry will be explored throughout the year. Lastly, students will analyze the basis of formal mathematical proofs and solid geometry. The course material progresses from more visual, intuitive ways of solving problems to more formal explorations of geometric ideas, properties, and proofs. This course culminates in the Common Core Geometry Regent’s exam. Algebra 2/Trigonometry* (2 Math credits) Grades: 10, 11, 12 Regent’s Exam: Algebra 2/Trigonometry Prerequisite: Students must have completed Integrated Algebra and Geometry. In addition, students must either have scored 80 or higher on the Integrated Algebra and Geometry Regents’ exam. Throughout this year-long course, students will explore topics from prior algebra courses in more depth and detail, as well as discover topics in Trigonometry, Probability, and Statistics. Students will model real-world phenomena with mathematical relationships. The course material is rigorous and challenging, and students will be expected to take initiative and persevere when solving problems. The course prepares students for the Algebra 2 / Trigonometry Regent’s Examination. Statistics (2 Math credits) Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry as well as corresponding Regents’ exams. In this course, students tackle the how, where, and why of statistics, and analyze how statistics is used to solve real world issues in many different fields of research. Students examine

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methods of collecting, summarizing, and analyzing data, as well as how to use that information to support a claim, uncover biases, or explore a research question of personal interest. Pre-Calculus (2 Math credits) Grade: 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Regent’s exam; or successful completion of the Algebra 2/Trigonometry course and recommendation of the math department. This course strengthens and deepens students’ understanding of functions and key function families including polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. A focus is placed on project-based exploration and writing about math. Students will investigate practical applications of these crucial functions while building the strong foundation necessary for success in calculus. A graphing calculator (TI-83, TI-84 or similar) is required. Calculus (2 Math credits) Grade: 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of a Pre-Calculus course; or a score of 85 or higher on the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Regent’s exam and the recommendation of the math department. Calculus is the study of rates of change related to science and economic applications. This college-level course covers content comparable to a one-semester college Calculus course, but it is taught using a project-based approach. Students will learn how to think critically, ask questions, problem-solve, and persevere through mistakes. A graphing calculator (TI-83, TI-84 or similar) is required. AP Calculus AB (2 Math Credits) Grade 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and/or teacher recommendation AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. You’ll learn how to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and how to make connections amongst these representations. You will learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.

Science

Each student must take eight (8) credits of Science to fulfill graduation requirements.

Living Environment* (2 Life Science credits) Grade: 9

Regent’s Examination: Living Environment Living Environment is a lab-based general survey of the biological sciences. The course focuses on ecology, human impacts on the environment, cells and genetics, and

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homeostasis in the human body. This is a required regent’s science class for all students. Students who have successfully taken and passed the Living Environment Regents exam with an 80 or above in middle school can waive this requirement. Earth Science* (2 Physical Science credits) Grades: 9, 10

Regent’s Examination: Earth Science Earth Science covers the interesting topics of astronomy, weather, the history of the earth, and geology. Students build analytical skills, build their understanding of how to interpret visual data, and participate in a variety of lab experiments. This regent’s science course culminates with students sitting for the Earth Science Regent’s exam.

Chemistry* (2 Physical Science credits) Grades: 10 Regent’s Examination: Chemistry

Prerequisite: In order for a 9th grader to be eligible for Chemistry, they must have passed the Integrated Algebra Regent’s exam and the Living Environment Regent’s exam with a grade of 80 or higher.

This course begins with the study of atoms, and chemical bonding and progresses through topics including mixtures, chemical reactions, energetics, acids and bases, redox and organic chemistry. Labs are conducted weekly to emphasize understanding, measurement, problem solving and collaboration. This regent’s science course culminates with students sitting for the Chemistry Regent’s exam. Biology (2 Life Science credits) Grade: 11 This is an advanced life sciences class that focuses on the structures and systems that drive living organisms on a cellular and molecular level. Students will plan labs and collect data, read primary literature, conduct research, and present their findings in writing and presentations. The course culminates in the Biology M SAT II exam. Physics* (2 Physical Science credits) Grades: 11

Regent’s Examination: Physics Co-requisite: Algebra 2/Trig Physics includes studies of motion, forces, energy, electromagnetism, light, and waves. Students will write college-level lab reports, complete hands-on projects, and analyze contemporary texts in the field. The course will culminate in the Regent’s Physics exam. Students must be enrolled in Algebra II/Trig or a higher math during the time they take Physics.

AP Chemistry (2 Physical Science credits) Grade: 11

Prerequisite: Chemistry Regent’s exam score of 80 or higher

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The AP Chemistry course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level freshman chemistry courses. This course builds on Regents Chemistry, and delves deeper into Chemistry units with greater academic rigor. Challenging labs are also incorporated into the curriculum as students prepare themselves for college level work. In these labs students choose their own questions to answer by designing experiments and analyzing their results. The course culminates in an Advanced Placement exam.

Anatomy and Physiology (2 Life Science credits) Grades: 12 This course examines the inner workings of the human body, encouraging students to consider how structure and function go hand in hand to create a well-functioning human. Students focus on anatomical terminology, body systems, common human disease processes, forensics, dissections and more. This course is recommended for future doctors, nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers and anyone else interested in the biological and medical sciences. AP Biology (2 Life Science credits) Grade: 12 AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes — energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. The course is based on four Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about living organisms and biological systems. The following are Big Ideas: the process of evolution explains the diversity and unity of life; biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis; living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes; biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. This is a lab intensive course that culminates in the Advanced Placement exam.

Research Electives

Each student must take eight (8) credits of Research electives to fulfill MBHS graduation requirements.

Quantitative Research (2 Elective credits) Grade: 9 In quantitative research, students will turn observations and questions into real life innovations and explorations. Students examine issues ranging from the origin of our food, the environmental impact of an oil spill, to disease outbreaks. Students will also master introductory research skills such as statistics, graphing, source evaluation, and the scientific method.

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Qualitative Research (2 Elective credits) Grade: 10 In this course students engage in cutting edge research to become active explorers of the world. By borrowing the tools of social scientists, students look closely (observation), speak intentionally (interview), and examine documents (artifact analysis) to gain insight into our social worlds and answer the question: "Why do stories matter?" AP Computer Science (2 Elective credits) Grades: 11 This AP computer science course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level freshman computer science courses and is an elective course at MBHS. This course allows students to explore the technology that surrounds us every day. Students will use both drag-and-drop and text-based programming languages to learn programming concepts that will support tasks from video game design to the development of workplace solutions. In addition, students focus on argumentative writing and skills of analysis. The course culminates with students sitting for the Advanced Placement exam in early May. Sociology & Anthropology (2 Elective credits) Grade: 11 In this course students learn to examine the social world (race, class, gender, privilege, power, and oppression) through theory to cultivate what C. Wright Mills called the "Sociological Imagination." Students will explore and struggle with challenging and fascinating texts, usually reserved for the college classroom and develop our ability to think, speak, and write analytically, authentically, and critically in response to these texts. Introduction to Engineering Design (2 Elective credits) Grades: 12 This course focuses on collaborative problem solving and exposes students to the design process, research and analysis, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students examine the design and technical concepts of form and function, and translate conceptual design into realistic products and solutions. Throughout the course, students will explore opportunities in design engineering and develop portfolios to present their work. Psychology (2 Elective credits) Grade: 12 During the year-long Psychology elective course, students explore a myriad of themes and topics essential to an introductory course offering. Course content will be couched in essential questions that explore nature v. nurture, conditioned learning, personality, intelligence, memory, social psychology, and psychological disorders and their treatments. Each unit of study is guided by essential questions, and ample time is allotted for student inquiry. Students will be immersed in survey development and research based on individual interest

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AP Psychology (2 Elective credits) Grade: 12 The AP Psychology course is an application based full-year course that mimics the rigor of college level freshman psychology courses and is a college level elective course at MBHS. Students must apply for the course and meet the MBHS criteria for Advanced Placement study. The course covers the major areas of study in the field of psychology: the history of the field, research methods, human development, principles of learning, personality and intelligence, cognition, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. In addition, students focus on argumentative writing and skills of analysis. The course culminates with students sitting for the Advanced Placement exam in early May.

Foreign Language

Each student must take at least six (6) credits of foreign language electives to fulfill MBHS graduation requirements.

Spanish I (2 Foreign Language credits) Grade: 9 Spanish I is designed for students who have little to no previous experience with the target language. In this course, students develop the fundamental communicative skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking through hands-on activities, conversation, games, technology, and creative assignments. In exploring various themes you will draw comparisons to your own culture in order to develop multicultural perspectives and to grasp the concept of a wider global community. The curriculum for this course is based on the National Common Core Standards and on the NY State Standards. Successful completion of the course terminates in promotion to Spanish II. French I (2 Foreign Language credits) Grade: 9 French I is designed to give students an introduction to the French language. In this course, students develop the fundamental communicative skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, through hands-on activities, conversation, games, technology, and creative assignments. As you explore French-speaking cultures you will draw comparisons to your own culture in order to develop a multicultural perspective and to grasp the concept of a wider global community. The curriculum for this course is based on the National Common Core Standards and on the NY State Standards. Successful completion of the course terminates in promotion to French II. Spanish II (2 Foreign Language credits) Grades: 9, 10 Prerequisite: Spanish I or successful completion of proficiency test In this course, students develop the fundamental communicative skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking through hands-on activities, conversation, games, technology, and creative assignments. In exploring various Spanish-speaking countries students will draw

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comparisons to your own culture in order to develop multicultural perspectives and to grasp the concept of a wider global community. The curriculum for this course is based on the National Common Core Standards and on the NY State Standards. Successful completion of the course terminates in promotion to Spanish III. After completing three years of foreign language study, students receiving an Advanced Regent’s Diploma must take the NYC Language Other Than English (LOTE) exam in their target language. The LOTE exam is comparable to the Regents’ exams, comprising four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. French 2 (2 Foreign Language credits) Grades: 10 Prerequisite: French I or successful completion of proficiency test French II builds upon the fundamental skills previously acquired in French I, which emphasized speaking and listening. While French II will continue to expand on these skills, there is a stronger focus on reading and writing. Students will continue to expand your multicultural lenses through the study of authentic materials and an exploration of French-speaking countries and regions. After completing three years of foreign language study, students receiving an Advanced Regent’s Diploma must take the NYC Language Other Than English (LOTE) exam in their target language. The LOTE exam is comparable to the Regent’s exams, comprising four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Spanish III* (2 Foreign Language credits) Grades: 10, 11 Regent’s Examination: Spanish LOTE exam This course aims to enhance a variety of linguistic skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will be introduced to these linguistic skills in respectful classroom atmosphere where they will be able to interact with one another through technology, conversation, hands-on activities and creative assignments. The curriculum for this course is based on the National Common Core Standards and on the NY State Standards. Successful completion of this course culminates in promotion to AP Spanish. After completing three years of foreign language study, students receiving an Advanced Regent’s Diploma must take the NYC Language Other Than English (LOTE) exam in their target language. The LOTE exam is comparable to the Regents’ exams, comprising four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. French III (2 Foreign Language credits) Grades: 11 Regent’s Examination: French LOTE exam In this course, students will continue to develop a multicultural perspective that allows you to engage with and understand cultures that are foreign to you, and to critically reflect upon your own cultural context. This will be accomplished through the study of French-speaking countries and regions, and the exploration of cultural artifacts (music, books, film, food, etc.) common to those places. After completing three years of foreign language study, students receiving an Advanced Regent’s Diploma must take the NYC Language Other Than English (LOTE) exam in

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their target language. The LOTE exam is comparable to the Regents exams, comprising four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Spanish IV* (2 Foreign Language credits) Grade: 11 Regent’s Examination: Spanish LOTE exam The main focus of the course is to build previous skills in the target language through the use of conversation and analytical writing. This course aims to enhance students’ ease with speaking in the target language formally and informally, as well as strengthen students’ ability to write argumentatively about the films we will be watching together in class. Students are expected to meet the following goals by the end of the year 1) WRITING: Students will apply their understanding of the parts of argumentative and analytical writing to engage in discussions about cinema in the target language. 2) SPEAKING: Students will use their knowledge of the target language to engage in guided and unguided discussions on film themes, cultural nuances, character developments and historical-sociological contexts. The curriculum for this course is based on the National Common Core Standards and on the NY State Standards. Successful completion of the course terminates in a fulfillment of a student’s foreign language credit for MBHS or the promotion to AP Spanish. After completing three years of foreign language study, students receiving an Advanced Regent’s Diploma must take the NYC Language Other Than English (LOTE) exam in their target language. The LOTE exam is comparable to the Regents’ exams, comprising four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. AP Spanish Language & Culture (2 Foreign Language elective credits) Grade: 12 The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. This course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music , laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). The course terminates in an AP exam in May. AP French Language & Culture (2 Foreign Language credits) Grade: 12 The AP French Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP French Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in French. The AP French Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both

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contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). This course terminates in an AP exam in May.

Arts Electives

Each student must take at least two (2) credits of arts electives to fulfill graduation requirements.

Studio Art History (1 Arts credit) Grade: 9, 10 This mandatory course serves as both an introduction to and diversified exploration of ART across the globe, from prehistoric times to the present. The course equips students with various tools for making art that is both aesthetically and conceptually compelling. Each of the units explores a different purpose of art, and students learn how to analyze and appreciate specific art traditions and styles using course vocabulary related to the elements, principles, and purposes of art. Projects include a diversity of media (drawing, painting, collage, photography, digital art, and more) and they explore a range themes and critical ideas about the human experience and human expression. Theatre Arts I (1 Arts credit) Grade: 10 Students collaborate to create original scenes and pieces of art for Greek theatre, Elizabethan and Shakespearian theatre, and contemporary scenes. This mandatory course is an overview of theatre history, theatre appreciation, and basic acting techniques for the stage. Students fulfill the roles of actor, designer, writer, and producer throughout the course. Photography (1 arts elective credit) Grade: 10 This course serves as both an introduction to the art of photography and an in-depth study of the medium. Students will explore the techniques and principles of photography. Through inquiry and project-based learning, students will examine a number of photographic styles, take multiple original photographs, and learn about color theory, depth, composition, and layout. Portfolio Arts (2 arts elective credits) Grade: 12 This intensive arts elective begins with an exploration of sophisticated art-making practices that respond to cutting edge trends in the contemporary art world. In the first quarter of the semester, students analyze the work of several contemporary artists working in a diversity of media, and create artworks inspired by their aesthetic and conceptual techniques, while developing traditional drawing and painting skills. By the final quarter students will decide which media, techniques and themes they would like to explore further. They will engage in

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very personal, independent projects that will complete an advanced art portfolio of 10 or more refined works. The course culminates in an arts exhibition at an NYC gallery. Theatre Arts II (2 arts elective credits) Grade: 12 Students focus on ensemble work and developing their acting techniques for the stage and screen through a series of original and contemporary scenes and short recorded clips. Students create original pieces of social commentary with Theatre for Social Justice performances. Students work as an ensemble to create a one act play and develop their acting and public speaking skills through improvisation and technique exercises.

Physical Education / Health

Each student must take at physical education every year of high school (for a total of four [4] credits) as well as one (1) credit of health to fulfill graduation requirements.

Physical Education (1 P.E. credit) Grade: 9 In the 9th grade, P.E. focuses on the introduction of team sports, individual sports, health, fitness, social and communication skills. A variety of activities will ensure that students find a mode of fitness or activity that meets their individual needs. Physical Education (1 P.E. credit) Grade: 10 In the 10th grade, P.E. focuses on improving the skills developed in 9th grade. Students revisit and build on their experience with team sports, individual sports, health, fitness, social and communication skills. A variety of activities will ensure that students find multiple modes of fitness or activities that meet their individual needs. Physical Education (1 P.E. credit) Grade: 11 In the 11th grade, P.E. focuses on mastering the skills developed in 9th and 10th grade. Students continue to enhance their skills and experience with team sports, individual sports, health, fitness, social and communication skills. A variety of activities will ensure that students find multiple modes of fitness or activities that meet their individual needs. Students are also challenged to take their healthy habits and lifestyle outside of school hours. Physical Education (1 P.E. credit) Grade: 12 In the 12th grade, P.E. focuses on student choice. Students take the experiences they gained in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades and make healthy and proactive choices toward their fitness goals. Students are encouraged to take control of their own daily choices for activity through

Page 15: MBHS 2019-2020 Course Catalog...2015/03/31  · Social Studies Each student must take eight (8) credits of Social Studies to fulfill graduation requirements. Humanities I & II (2 ELA

the guidance of the teacher. Students are also encouraged to create practice and game situations for themselves and their peers. Swimming (1 P.E. credit) Grade: 12 Students of all experience levels can enjoy the benefits of the pool we have right here at MBHS. Swimming is an activity that can provide a lifetime of exercise and fun. Lower level students will learn the basics of swimming, while more experienced students will be challenged to improve their endurance and lap times. Weight Training (1 P.E. credit) Grade: 12 Students will learn proper weight lifting technique, improve their physical strength, and utilize the weight room right here at MBHS. Health (1 Health credit) Grade: 12 The health course covers a wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional topics relevant to teenagers, including relationships, personal and societal health, reproduction, and substance abuse. Students engage in project-based learning as well as lectures from guest speakers and community based organizations.