Electives
AP Psychology
AP® Psychology provides an overview of current psychological research methods and theories. Students will explore the therapies used by professional counselors and clinical psychologists and examine the reasons for normal human reactions: how people learn and think, the process of human development and human aggression, altruism, intimacy, and self-reflection. They will study core psychological concepts, such as the brain and sense functions, and learn to gauge human reactions, gather information, and form meaningful syntheses. Along the way, students will also investigate relevant concepts like study skills and information retention. The equivalent of an introductory college-level survey course, AP® Psychology prepares students for the AP® exam and for further studies in psychology or life sciences.
This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP® designation.
AP Macroeconomics
AP Macroeconomics students learn why and how the world economy can change from month to month, how to identify trends in our economy, and how to use those trends to develop performance measures and predictors of economic growth or decline. They'll also examine how individuals, institutions, and influences affect people, and how those factors can impact everyone's life through employment rates, government spending, inflation, taxes, and production. The equivalent of a 100-level college-level class, this course prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in business, political science and history.
This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
AP Microeconomics
AP® Microeconomics studies the behavior of individuals and businesses as they exchange goods and services in the marketplace. Students will learn why the same product costs different amounts at different stores, in different cities, at different times. They'll also learn to spot patterns in economic behavior and how to use those patterns to explain buyer and seller behavior under various conditions. Microeconomics studies the economic way of thinking, understanding the nature and function of markets, the role of scarcity and competition, the influence of factors such as interest rates on business decisions, and the role of government in promoting a healthy economy. The equivalent of a 100-level college course, AP® Microeconomics prepares students for the AP® exam and for further study in business, history, and political science.
This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP® designation.
Accounting
Accounting 1 examines how to make decisions about planning, organizing, and allocating resources using accounting procedures. Throughout the course, students focus on double-entry accounting; methods and principles of recording business transactions; the preparation of various documents used in recording revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities; and the preparation of financial statements.
Accounting II
Accounting 2 builds on the foundation acquired in Accounting 1, allowing students to extend their skills and knowledge in the subject. The course focuses on various managerial, financial, and operational accounting activities that require the formulation, interpretation, and communication of financial information for use in management decision making. Students will use equations, graphical representations, accounting tools, spreadsheet software, and accounting systems in real-world situations to maintain, monitor, control, and plan the use of financial resources.
Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation is a survey of the history of Western visual arts, with a primary focus on painting. Students begin with an introduction to the basic principles of painting and learn how to critique and compare works of art. Students then explore prehistoric and early Greek and Roman art before they move on to the Middle Ages. Emphasis is placed on the Renaissance and the principles and masters that emerged in Italy and northern Europe. Students continue their art tour with the United States during the 20th century, a time of great innovation as abstract art took center stage. While Western art is the course's primary focus, students will finish the course by studying artistic traditions from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Business Applications
Business Applications prepares students to succeed in the workplace. Students begin by establishing an awareness of the roles essential to an organization's success, and then work to develop an understanding of professional communications and leadership skills. In doing so, students gain proficiency with word processing, email, and presentation management software.
Exploring Computer Science
Exploring Computer Science offers a focused curriculum designed around foundational computer science concepts, including computer systems, programming, networks, and data management. The course also introduces students to foundational computer science skills such as coding, troubleshooting, and being a responsible digital citizen.
Human Resources Principles
Human Resources Principles examines the main functions of human resources management, including planning, recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, and evaluation. In so doing, the course provides students with the tools to hire, manage, and fire employees. Students will also explore the unique role of human resources in the larger organization.
Information Technology Applications
Information Technology Applications prepares students to work in the field of Information Technology. Students will be able to demonstrate digital literacy through basic study of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, the Internet, web publishing, spreadsheets and database software. Through a series of hand-on activities, students will learn what to expect in the field of Information Technology and begin exploring career options in the field.
Information Technology Applications is an introductory level Career and Technical Education course applicable to programs of study in information technology as well as other career clusters. This course is built to state and national standards. Students who successfully complete the course will be prepared to pursue the Microsoft® Office Specialist certifications in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, as well as IC3 certification.
Introduction to Business and Technology
Introduction to Business and Technology provides the foundational knowledge and skills students need for careers in business and technology. Throughout the course, students gain a knowledge of business principles and communication skills, an understanding of the impact of financial and marketing decisions, and proficiency in the technologies required by business. Students will also learn the essentials of working in a business environment, managing a business, and owning a business.
Legal Environment of Business
Legal Environment of Business examines the role of the law on all aspects of business ownership and management. Throughout the course, students focus on legal ethics, court procedures, torts, contracts, consumer law, property law, employment law, environmental law, and international law. Students also explore the impact of laws, regulations, and judicial decisions on society at large.
Music Appreciation
Music Appreciation introduces students to the history, theory, and genres of music, from the most primitive surviving examples through the classical to the most contemporary in the world at large. The course is offered in a two-semester format. The first semester covers primitive musical forms and classical music. The second semester presents the rich modern traditions, including American jazz, gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip-hop.
Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance
Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance provides the knowledge and skills students need for careers in business and marketing. Students begin exploring roles and functions that business and marketing play in a global society, develop an understanding of the market place, as well as understanding product placement and promotion.
Principles of Information Technology
Principles of Information Technology prepares students to succeed in the workplace. Students begin by establishing an awareness of the roles essential to an organization's success, and then work to develop an understanding of professional communications and leadership skills. In doing so, students gain proficiency with word processing, email, and presentation management software. Students will also be able to demonstrate digital literacy through basic study of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, the Internet, web publishing, spreadsheets and database software.
Psychology
Psychology provides a solid overview of the field's major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and variations in individual and group behavior.
By focusing on significant scientific research and on the questions that are most important to psychologists, students see psychology as an evolving science. Each topic clusters around challenge questions, such as “What is happiness?” Students answer these questions before, during, and after they interact with direct instruction.
Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies is aligned to the values and expected outcomes outlined in the California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. In one semester of five units, the course explores the history, culture, and experiences of different ethnic and racial groups. The course looks at the lives of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, Latin Americans, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. By studying the experiences of people in these groups, you will develop a deeper understanding of their contributions, struggles, and achievements.
Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy offers an engaging, scaffolded curriculum that introduces key topics and principles necessary to financial literacy. The one-semester course covers earning and spending; savings and investing; credit and debt; protection of assets; and financial planning and decision-making. Through real-life scenarios and hands-on activities, the course explores choosing among banking and investment options, shopping for an auto loan, choosing among career and college options, financing options for continuing education, planning for retirement, and creating and living within a budget. As a social studies course, Financial Literacy is designed to complement courses in Economics and Mathematics for Personal Finance.
Geography and World Cultures
Geography and World Cultures Honors is a robust, one-semester course that explores how geographic features, human relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along the way, students are given rigorous instruction on how to read maps, charts, and graphs, and how to create them.
