Mary Star of the Sea High School Academics

Religion Department English Department Social Studies Department Foreign Language Department Mathematics Department Science Department Fine Arts Department Physical Ed. Department Mini-Electives

Fundamentals of Catholicism

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Year
This course provides first-year students with a foundation in the Catholic Christian Faith, according to the classic catechetical framework, namely that of the Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, and Lord’s Prayer. Specifically, it fulfills the Archdiocese of Los Angeles semester requirement for sacraments.

History of Salvation

Prerequisite: None Grade 10 1 Year
This second-year course emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit among his people throughout the ages, tracing the history of salvation from the early accounts of the Old Testament through the New Testament to our present day. Its modus procedendi is chronological, and historical, mutually complementing the Modern World History class also studied at the Sophomore level. The History of Salvation course fulfills the Archdiocese of Los Angeles requirements for the Scriptures, and the Church.

Catholic Christian Morality

Prerequisite: None Grade 11 1 Year
The third-year course within the religion department offers a presentation of Catholic Christian morality. Whereas the Freshman level course succinctly introduces morality according to the Ten Commandments, the Junior level expounds upon Catholic morality according to the theological and moral virtues, aiming to develop in our students a sense of moderation and maturity of judgement. Emphasized is not only what the Church teaches, but especially the why. Social justice is inserted and viewed within the context of Catholic ethics, as an integral part of Christian living. The material presented this year fulfills the Archdiocese of Los Angeles requirements for Christian Morality and Social Justice.

Catholic Christian Lifestyles

Prerequisite: None Grade 12 1 Semester
As Seniors begin to look forward to full participation in society as responsible and loving Catholics, this course invites the students to reflect upon the various vocations offered to them within the Church. Time is devoted to specific lifestyles, namely the single life, marriage, religious life, and the priesthood. Students are encouraged to consider the special and personal calling that God has desired for them, as the answer to the question of what will make them most profoundly happy in this life and in the next. This course fulfills the Archdiocese of Los Angeles semester requirement for Christian Lifestyles.

Faith and Reason

Prerequisite: None Grade12 1 Semester
Faith and Reason completes the four-year religion department curriculum, and seeks to prepare Seniors to carry their Catholic Faith beyond our high school walls. Emphasis is placed on communicating effectively the faith they have received. In a world that often takes exception to the Faith, students will become aware of common challenges, and formulate accurate responses. This class presents the Gospel as that "Good News" and "message of salvation" which alone corresponds adequately to the exigencies of the human heart.

English 9

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Year
Instruction in English 9 introduces students to reading and writing at the high school level. Students develop comprehension and critical thinking skills through analysis of all major literary genres. Students develop writing skills while mastering the basic principles of grammar, vocabulary building and construction of sentences, paragraphs and essays. English 9 instruction establishes appreciation for literature and grammatical competence while enhancing communication skills.

Honors English 9

Prerequisite: HSPT Scores, 8th grade English grades Grade 9 1 Year
Instruction in Honors English 9 introduces students to reading and writing at the high school level. Students develop comprehension and critical thinking skills through analysis of all major literary genres. Students develop writing skills while mastering the basic principles of grammar, vocabulary building and construction of sentences, paragraphs and essays. Honors English 9 establishes appreciation for literature and grammatical competence while enhancing communication skills. Honors English 9 instruction expands on the regular English 9 course in both depth and breadth of material covered. Levels of reading analysis and literary criticism increase significantly in Honors classes.

World Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: None Grade 10 1 Year
Instruction in World Literature introduces students to significant works, authors and literary periods from many cultures. Analysis of significant novels, poetry, short stories, non-fiction works and drama encourages students to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills while exploring a diverse literary heritage. Students develop writing skills, both academic and creative, through pre-writing, drafting and editing. Particular emphasis is placed on the standard UC style five-paragraph essay as well as research writing and oral presentations. Students complete a research project annually in concert with the Social Studies department. This class expands understanding of various cultures and literary traditions while enhancing communications skills.

Honors World Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: B or better in Honors English 9 or A in English 9 and department approval. Grade 10 1 Year
Instruction in Honors World Literature introduces students to significant works, authors and literary periods from many cultures. Analysis of significant novels, poetry, short stories, non-fiction works and drama encourages students to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills while exploring a diverse literary heritage. Students develop writing skills, both academic and creative, through pre-writing, drafting and editing. Particular emphasis is placed on the standard UC style five-paragraph essay as well as research writing and oral presentations. Students complete a research project annually in concert with the Social Studies department. This class expands understanding of various cultures and literary traditions while enhancing communications skills. Honors World Literature instruction expands on the regular World Literature course in both depth and breadth of material covered. Levels of reading analysis and literary criticism increase significantly in Honors classes.

American Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: None Grade 11 1 Year
Instruction in American Literature introduces students to the works of significant American authors and literary periods. Analysis of American novels, poetry, short stories, non-fiction works and drama encourages students to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills. Students read, analyze and discuss material chronologically and coordinate with the United States History curriculum whenever possible. Students develop writing skills, both academic and creative, through pre-writing, drafting and editing. Major goals of this course include expanding students understanding of American culture and enhancing communication skills.

Honors American Literature

Prerequisite: B or better in Honors World Literature or A in World Literature and department approval. Grade 11 1 Year
Instruction in Honors American Literature introduces students to the works of significant American authors and literary periods. Analysis of American novels, poetry, short stories, non-fiction works and drama encourages students to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills. Students read, analyze and discuss material chronologically and coordinate with the United States History curriculum whenever possible. Students develop writing skills, both academic and creative, through pre-writing, drafting and editing. Major goals of this course include expanding students understanding of American culture and enhancing communication skills. Honors American Literature and Composition instruction expands on the regular American Literature and Composition course in both depth and breadth of material covered. Levels of reading analysis and literary criticism increase significantly in Honors classes. Increased emphasis on academic writing skills prepares students for the AP English Literature class in grade 12.

British Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: None Grade 12 1 Year
Instruction in British Literature introduces students to the work of significant British authors and literary periods. Analysis of significant novels, poetry, short stories, works of non-fiction and drama encourages students to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills. Students develop writing skills, both academic and creative, through pre-writing, drafting and editing. Major goals of this course include expanding understanding of Western Civilization while enhancing communication skills.

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: B or better in Honors American Literature or A in American Literature and department approval. Grade 12 1 Year
Instruction in AP English Literature prepares students to take the AP English Literature examination offered by the College Board. Passing grades on the exam afford students college credit for this course with the amount of credit varying with each university. Students hone analytical, critical and evaluative skills while reading and discussing core literary works from the AP suggested reading list or equivalent works. Students cultivate the ability to convey ideas and arguments precisely, orally and in writing advanced essays, both timed and prepared. Typical AP titles include novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction works from the Renaissance through contemporary times and are multi-cultural in origin. All students enrolled in this class are required to take the AP Examination in May.

Creative Writing

Prerequisite: C or better in English previous year. Grades 11, 12 1 Year
Instruction in Creative Writing helps students develop and polish writing skills. Particular emphasis is placed upon the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, editing, re-writing. Writing mechanics and effective conveyance of the written message are both stressed. Students explore various literary genres and work to improve their ability to write effectively on a wide variety of topics. Students strive to shape a unique style and analyze their own prose and communication skills as they express their thoughts and artistic abilities.

Introduction to Social Studies

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Semester
This course is designed to prepare students to expand their thinking and study skills by introducing them to behavioral and social sciences. This course will touch briefly on the fields of Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, and Economics. Basic study skills are emphasized throughout the course, including note taking from text and lecture, vocabulary extension, reading comprehension, and mapmaking. The material in this course will enable the student to better appreciate the world’s diverse cultures, as well as prepare the student for advanced course work in social studies.

Modern World History

Prerequisite: None Grade 10 1 Year
This course will examine the history of Western man from prehistoric times, but focusing on the modern era. The class will focus on specific historical themes as outlined in the text, but will also include geography, literature, art, music, and other relevant ideas that pertain to the unit being covered. Following the California State Framework for Social Studies, history from pre-historic times through the Middle Ages will be reviewed, and then in depth study will begin with Renaissance and Reformation. Other areas of study will include the Age of Monarchs, Revolutionary times, Industrialization, World Wars I and II , the Cold War, and recent world events.

Honors Modern World History

Prerequisite: A in Intro. to Social Studies and B or better in English 9, concurrent enrollment in Honors World Literature, department approval. Grade 10 1 Year
This course will examine the history of Western man from prehistoric times, but focusing on the modern era. The class will focus on specific historical themes as outlined in the text, but will also include geography, literature, art, music, and other relevant ideas that pertain to the unit being covered. Following the California State Framework for Social Studies, history from pre-historic times through the Middle Ages will be reviewed, and then in depth study will begin with Renaissance and Reformation. Other areas of study will include the Age of monarchs, Revolutionary times, Industrialization, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and recent world events. The emphasis will be on writing and research. Students will complete several short research papers each semester and at least one major paper each semester. All tests will include an essay portion and college level writing skills will be taught.

United States History

Prerequisite: None Grade 11 1 Year
This course is designed to study the origins of the United States of America and its development throughout the past three and a half centuries. Students will begin the course by reviewing the founding of the Americas, colonization, and the United States rise to independence. The rise of our democratic government will be covered, followed by expansion of the west, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Following these review units, the students will cover, in depth, the history of the United States during the 20th century. Topics include the two World Wars, the Holocaust and Japanese Internment, the Cold War, Vietnam, and recent events including the Gulf War and the fall of Communism.

Advanced Placement United States History

Prerequisite: Required concurrent enrollment in Honors American Lit., B or better in Honors Western Civ. and Hon. Eng. 10, A in Western Civ. and Eng. 10, department approval. Grade 11 1 Year
This course examines, in detail, the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Emphasis is on the significant eras of the American experience including Native American culture, the Revolutionary experience, foundations of a democratic system, westward movement, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the growth of cities and the immigrant experience, World War II and the Cold War, the troubled sixties, post-Vietnam America and America moving into the next century. Significant work at an advanced level is required from students including research, outside reading, and logical organization and presentation of factual material in written form. Analysis of events and connection of historical movements with movements in the arts and literature will be emphasized. This course can serve to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement United States History Exam given in May of each year. A successful result on this exam may earn a student college credit.

Economics

Prerequisite: None Grade 12 1 Semester
This course is an introduction to fundamental economic concepts including scarcity and choice, supply and demand. Different world economic systems are compared and contrasted. Microeconomics, macroeconomics and international economic concepts and trade are examined as well as US monetary and fiscal policy.

American Government

Prerequisite: None Grade 12 1 Semester This course provides a study of the purpose, structure and function of American Government on the national, state and local levels. An analysis of historical and current events plays a major role in the course and is integrated into the subject matter.

Advanced Placement American Government

Prerequisite: B or better in Honors US History, A in US History, department approval Grade 12 1 Semester
This course is designed to give students a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up American political reality. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP American Government examination for college placement and/or credit.

Psychology

Prerequisite: None Grades 11,12 1 Semester
This course is designed as an introduction to psychology, it’s themes, definitions, leading figures, and theories. Students will study human development from infancy to adulthood, analyzing learning and thinking processes, and human behavior. In addition, this course will cover the topic of social as well as personal growth and development.

Sociology

Prerequisite: None Grades 11,12 1 Semester
This is a course in the sociological field of the social sciences which provides students with an opportunity to study the development, structure, and function of human collective behavior. The course will cover society and culture, social organization and structure, social institutions, social change, collective behavior, and social problems. Emphasis will be placed on the application of sociological concepts to current problems in our modern world.

Academic Decathlon

Prerequisite: Willingness to work very hard during zero period daily and significantly on one’s own. Grades 9-12 First Semester
Academic Decathlon is a team and individual competition consisting of ten events held once each school year. Mary Star of the Sea High School competes in the Southern California Private Schools Division of Academic Decathlon. The winner of this competition continues to the state level of competition and that winner goes to the national competition, held in the spring of each year. Students compete, both individually and as a team, against students from other schools who have similar grade point averages. The maximum number of students that can qualify for a school team is nine. Themes and readings are announced in the spring of the year preceding the fall competition. Interested students are expected to do significant preparation over the summer months. Incoming students are encouraged to enroll in this class, even though the preliminary preparation has not been completed. The ten events in the Decathlon are: Essay, Speech, Interview, Fine Arts, Language and Literature, Science, Math, Social Science, Economics, and Super Quiz. The Super Quiz event is open to the public and highlights the theme for the year.

Spanish I

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Year
Spanish I introduces students to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar, culture, and conversation. Emphasis will be placed on the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will acquire the skills necessary to continue their Spanish studies with Spanish II.

Latin I

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Year
Latin I introduces students to the Latin language. The student will learn to read connected Latin passages with emphasis on comprehension, and vocabulary building. The student will also be provided with an understanding of Roman cultural roots.

Spanish II

Prerequisite: Spanish I Grade 10 1 Year
Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I and is designed to help each student attain proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The history and the cultures of the Spanish- speaking world will also be presented throughout the course. Students will review the major concepts covered in Spanish I, be introduced to several new verb tenses, and acquire new vocabulary. Cultural aspects will be presented with the use of videos and supplemental readings.

Latin II

Prerequisite: Latin I Grade 10 1 Year
This course continues and perfects the grammatical and vocabulary skills developed in Latin I. The student will have immediate experience reading and translating Latin literature with special emphasis on the Commentaries on the Gallic Wars.

Latin III

Prerequisite: C+ or better in Latin II Grades 11, 12 1 Year
Latin III is designed to help students be more creative with the language and engage literary pieces that assume two years of Latin grammar. All grammar concepts will be reviewed and students will further develop their vocabulary. Students will be introduced to short stories and other literary pieces such as Cicero and Ovid to improve reading ability and introduce them to classical authors. Cultural topics will be covered through videos and supplementary materials.

Spanish III

Prerequisite: C+ or better in Spanish II Grades11,12 1 Year
Spanish III is designed to help students be more creative with the language, participate in more challenging conversations and communicate successfully in basic everyday situations. All grammar concepts will be reviewed and students will further develop their vocabulary. Students will also be introduced to short stories and other literary pieces to help strengthen students’ reading ability and introduce them to Spanish authors. Cultural aspects will also be covered with the use of videos and other reading materials. Several projects written and oral will also be assigned.

Spanish IV

Prerequisite: C+ or better in Spanish III Grades 11,12 1 Year
In Spanish IV students will participate in interactive communication activities. Through different readings students will be encouraged to express their opinions, interests, ideas and attitudes about the reading and other topics. Students will also continue to practice their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills while stressing their awareness of the contemporary culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Written and oral projects will also be assigned.

Latin IV

Prerequisite: C+ or better in Latin III Grade 12 1 Year
In Latin IV students will continue working with literary pieces from classical authors. Grammar concepts will be reviewed and vocabulary further developed. Emphasis will be on reading poetry in preparation for translating Virgil’s Aeneid.

Pre-Algebra

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Year
This course is designed to ease the transition from elementary school math to high school algebra. The text utilizes a problem solving approach, offering many examples and real world applications. Topics covered are: integers, variables and expressions, equations and problem solving, number theory, rational numbers and their applications, inequalities, linear equations, and polynomials.

Algebra I

Prerequisite: None Grades 9,10 1 Year
This course is designed to teach students basic algebra skills. Topics of study are: operations and applications of real numbers, equations and problem solving, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, linear equations, analytical geometry, and systems of linear equations.

Algebra I Honors

Prerequisite: HSPT scores, 8th grade math grades Grade 9 1 Year
Algebra I Honors is an accelerated and more intensive study of the topics covered in Algebra I. Additional areas of study include: radicals, quadratic equations and functions, and an introduction to trigonometry.

Geometry

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I Grades 9,10 1 Year
This course is a study of geometric skills and concepts. Students will study the properties of the various geometric figures - polygons, circles, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres. They will explore and apply the principles of inductive and deductive reasoning in studying parallelism, congruence, similarity , area and volume. The writing of proofs is required to reinforce deductive and logical skills.

Geometry Honors

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I and department approval Grades 9, 10 1 Year
This course is an accelerated study and exploration of geometric skills and concepts. Students study the properties of the various geometric figures and explore and apply the principles of reasoning and logic. Concepts are introduced at a faster pace and studied in greater depth in this course and more emphasis is placed on the writing of geometric

Intermediate Algebra

Prerequisite: Algebra I Grades 10, 11, 12 1 Year
This course provides a review of Algebra I topics, and explores the foundation of Algebra II. A full range of topics is covered including, solving linear equations, quadratic and fractional equations, with emphasis on various types of word and application problems.

Algebra II

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra and Geometry Grades 10,11,12 1 Year
This course is an extension and expansion of Algebra I. Concepts taught include linear equations, linear inequalities, functions, linear systems, polynomials, higher degree equations and inequalities, rational expressions, radicals and rational exponents, complex numbers, polynomial equations and functions, coordinate geometry and quadratic functions, conics , and logarithms.

Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I Honors or A in Algebra I and B or better in Honors Geometry and department approval. Grades 10,11 1 Year
This course serves as a Pre Calculus class. The first semester deals with topics in algebra including matrices, logarithms, exponential growth and decay, systems of equations, linear programming, and analytic geometry. The second semester covers trigonometry including the 6 trig functions and their inverses, identities, and evaluating trigonometric expressions. A TI-83 or better graphing calculator is required for this course.

Trigonometry/Pre Calculus

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra II and department approval. Grades 11,12 1 Year
This course covers the concepts and skills necessary for success in a college advanced math class. In the first semester students will study trigonometric functions, solve triangles, verify identities, solve trigonometric equations, use polar coordinates, etc. In the second semester students will study exponents, logarithms, sequences, polynomial equations and functions, conics, matrices, etc. A TI83 graphing calculator is required for this course.

Calculus

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry or in Trigonometry/PreCalculus and department approval. Grades 11, 12 1 Year
This course will cover topics including limits, differentiation, integrals, maximizing and minimizing problems. Upon successful completion of this course, students are encouraged, but not required, to take the AP Calculus AB exam for college credit. Those not passing (or attempting) the AP exam may still be able to test out of a partial or full year of calculus in college, depending on the university. A TI-83 or better graphing calculator is required for this course.

Physical Science

Prerequisite: None Grade 9 1 Semester
Physical Science is an introductory level science course designed to teach the basic principles of the scientific method using the concepts of the physical sciences. Emphasis is on observation, data recording techniques, analysis, and hypothesis formation. Topics include the physical world; investigation of science problems; motion and energy; forces, work and machines; and properties of matter. The course is lab oriented and a science fair project is required.

Biology

Prerequisite: None Grade 10 1 Year
Biology is designed to present the student with the fundamental concepts of biology. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the scientific method, cell theory, basic biochemistry, genetics and heredity, evolutionary theory, a survey of representative plants and animals, comparative and human anatomy and physiology, conservation and ecology. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities. Emphasis is on the nature of scientific inquiry and the use of the scientific method to investigate living systems. A science fair project is required.

Honors Biology

Prerequisite: B or better in physical science, B or better in Algebra I and/or a passing score on a placement test, department approval. Grade 10 1 Year
Honors Biology is designed to present the student with the fundamental concepts of biology at an accelerated pace and in greater depth than in the regular biology course. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, cell structure and function, principles of biochemistry, energy pathways, genetics and heredity, evolutionary theory, biodiversity and classification, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, human biology, population biology, and ecological interactions. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities and field work. Emphasis is on the nature of scientific inquiry and the use of the scientific method to investigate living systems. A science fair project is required.

Chemistry

Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I, B or better in biology (or C with departmental approval), concurrent enrollment in Algebra II, and/or a passing score on a placement test. Grade 11 1 Year
The Chemistry course introduces the student to the principles of chemistry. Emphasis is on qualitative relationships and problem-solving skills. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the nature of matter, atomic theory, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and equations, molar relationships, stoichiometry, properties of gases, acids, bases, and organic chemistry. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities. The nature of scientific inquiry and the use of the scientific method to investigate chemical systems is also addressed. A science fair project is required.

Honors Chemistry

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II, an A in Biology, B or better in Honors Biology and/or a passing score on a placement test, department approval. Grade 11 1 Year
Honors Chemistry is designed to present the student with the principles of chemistry at an accelerated pace and in greater depth than in the regular chemistry course. Emphasis is on quantitative relationships and problem-solving skills. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the nature of matter, atomic theory, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and equations, molar relationships, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermodynamics, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities. The nature of scientific inquiry and the use of the scientific method to investigate chemical systems is also addressed. A science fair project is required.

Anatomy/Physiology

Prerequisite: C or better in Biology and/or Chemistry. Grades 11, 12 1 Year
Anatomy is a laboratory course designed to acquaint the student with the terminology used to describe the human body and the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology. It will focus on the basic organization of the human body, cellular and tissue structure and function, development, and major body systems in health and disease. The course is primarily a laboratory course and will involve microscope work and a complete dissection of a cat. Students who are ethically opposed to dissection or who are squeamish about dissection should not enroll in the course.

Marine Biology

Prerequisites: Passing Grade or better in Biology. Grades 11, 12 1 Year
Marine science is a year course designed to present the student with the basic principles of marine science integrated with the basic principles of biology and the physical sciences. Emphasis will be on application of the scientific method to the marine environment, chemical and physical features of the world ocean, how living organisms adapt to life in the ocean, the structure and function of different parts of the marine environment, and how the oceans affect and are affected by human activities. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities and includes dissection of representative marine invertebrates and vertebrates. A complete dissection of the dogfish shark is required. The class is open to students who are interested in learning about the marine world. Students who are ethically opposed to dissection or who are squeamish about dissection should not enroll in the course.

Physics

Prerequisites: Completion of an Algebra II course with a grade of B or better, concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry is strongly encouraged because of the heavy math emphasis in the Physics course. Students must have Department approval for enrollment. Grade 12 1 Year
Physics is designed to present the student with the basic principles of physics and the laws that govern the physical world. Emphasis is on quantitative relationships and problem-solving skills. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities, some of which require independent research. Topics covered include mechanics, dynamics, forces, the nature of matter, energetics, heat, fluid mechanics, wave properties, electrostatics, electromagnetism, and the structure of the atom.

AP Biology

Prerequisite: A or better in biology or a B or better in Honors Biology, an A or better in Chemistry or a B or better in Honors Chemistry, and/or a passing grade on a placement test, department approval. Grades 11, 12 2 Semesters
AP Biology is equivalent to a first year, college level biology course and is designed to assist the student both in acquiring the knowledge and skills of a freshman student in biology and in passing the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology offered to high school students by the College Entrance Examination Board. AP Biology presents an in depth study of the fundamental concepts of biology. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, cell structure and physiology, biochemical processes, energetics, genetics and heredity, evolutionary theory, biodiversity, modern classification systems, plants and animal physiology, human biology, population ecology, and conservation issues. The course involves extensive hands-on laboratory activities, field work, scientific writing, and test-taking techniques. Students enrolling in this class will be expected to complete a summer reading project.

Art I/Art II

Prerequisite: None Grades 11, 12 1 Year
The Fine Arts Department stresses the theme "Art is communication". Teachers emphasize perception and expression of the student's personal and communal world. The students explore various media while learning fundamental techniques of design, composition, form and color. The students are introduced to drawing with an emphasis on various styles. The student will also be introduced to the basic fundamentals of portraiture, landscape, and still life. The media to be used are pencil, charcoal, pen, ink, watercolor, pastels, collage and calligraphy. Art II explores advanced techniques in artistic media. The student builds on techniques already developed and experiments with additional mediums such as: painting, printmaking, fabric design, graphic art, glass etching and stencil making. These courses fulfill the UC system of Fine Art requirement.

Art I and II—With Portfolio Development

Fulfills the UC system Fine Art requirement Grades 11, 12 1 Year (zero period)
A combination class for students who want to apply to art schools, major in art in college and/or for students who want to take a fourth year math, science, or language class and cannot fit it into their schedule. Advanced students may take this as an elective.

Art and Music History

Prerequisite: None Grades 11, 12 1 Year
Students will trace the history and development of music from its prehistoric roots to the present time. They will learn to understand the musical and artistic manifestations of cultural and societal values throughout history. Extensive in-class viewing and listening will enable them to recognize different musical and artistic styles and trends. This course fulfills the art requirement for graduation and entrance for the UC system.

Yearbook

Prerequisite: Departmental approval Grades 9-12 1 Year (zero period)
The yearbook class has as its main function the production of the Mary Star of the Sea Yearbook (Stella Maris). The staff is introduced to the principles of photo journalism copy writing, editing, layout design, advertising, and other business techniques. In order to meet deadlines, staff members use the principles learned and work together to establish the yearbook's budget, content, organization and design. Class size is limited to 18 students. Students are required to interview for this class.