THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mrs. Elizabeth Sikorski

Saint Bernard School is a Catholic school. All students are required to take and successfully pass four years of Theology in order to graduate. The Theology courses at Saint Bernard are taught in conformity with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The courses offered provide students with an opportunity to become aware of the richness of the Catholic faith, to deepen their spiritual growth and development and to foster an intellectual inquiry into selected areas of the study of Theology. No attempt is made to proselytize or seek to convert non-Catholic students through this course study.

All students attending Saint Bernard School are required to complete (4) years of Theology.

THEOLOGY COURSES TABLE

Grade

Required Courses

Elective Courses

Theology I

Theology II

Theology III

Philosophy,

Student Leadership Program

Theology IV

Philosophy,

Student Leadership Program,

World Religions

ADV. THEOLOGY I: INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM (010)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 Semesters

Credit: 1

Description: Since students come from a variety of religious education experiences, this course is offered as an introduction to the Theology curriculum. The focus of the course is to present the essential beliefs of the Catholic faith. The course will survey topics that include the concept of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the role of the Church as the teacher and guide to understanding the faith, Prayer, Sacraments and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Course Requirements: Homework, quizzes, tests, projects, meaningful class participation, mid-term and final exam.

ADV. THEOLOGY II: INTRO. TO SACRED SCRIPTURE (020)

Grade: 10

Duration: 1 semester Old Testament/1 semester New Testament

Prerequisite: Theology I

Credit: 1

Description: This course follows the introductory course by examining Sacred Scripture as the divinely revealed Word of God. The student will examine both the oral and written tradition of God’s covenant with His Chosen People in the Old Testament and with us today in the New Testament. The student will study the meaning and words of the Creation narratives, the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the Kings and the Prophets. In the New Testament, the student will study the Gospels, some Epistles, the Acts of the Apostles and a brief examination of the book of Revelation. This course intends to lead the student to a fuller understanding of the words and works of Jesus Christ as Redeemer and Savior of His People and His active role in our lives today.

Course Requirements: Quizzes, tests, projects, reflection papers, article analysis, homework, class participation, mid-term and final exam.

ADV. THEOLOGY III: MAKING MORAL DECISIONS/CHURCH HISTORY (030)

Grade: 11

Duration: 1 semester Morality/1 semester Church History

Prerequisite: Theology II

Credits: 1

Description: The first semester provides the students with the foundational principles of Catholic moral decision-making. Students will study the importance of such topics as free will, conscience, grace, the Ten Commandments, and virtues. This course hopes to enable the student to make good moral decisions in their lives and to assist them in forming a strong Christian conscience in order to make ethically and morally sound decisions. The second semester provides the student with an overview of the history of the Catholic Church from its earliest roots to modern times. The focus of the course will be on major people, places and events that had a major impact on the spreading of the Gospel message from the time of the Apostles.

Course Requirements: Quizzes, tests, projects, reflection papers, article analysis, homework, class participation, mid-term and final exam.

ADV. THEOLOGY IV: JUSTICE AND PEACE/CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLES (040)

Grade: 12

Duration: 1 semester Justice and Peace /1 semester Christian Lifestyles

Prerequisite: Theology III

Credits: 1

Description: The first semester course explores the Biblical and Church foundations for justice and our response to those who are “the least” in our society. Issues such as poverty, racial prejudice, peace-making and other topics will be discussed in this course. The second semester focuses on the lifestyles we are called to live by our Baptism-the single life, marriage, religious life, or the priesthood. Recognizing that all the baptized are called to a vocation to holiness, the student will explore the different vocational choices in order to become fully mature in the service of Christ and His Church. Communication, appropriate expression of self and other values and principles for making mature decisions are included in this component course.

Course Requirements: Quizzes, tests, projects, reflection papers, note-taking, class participation, and mid-term exam.

ELECTIVES

ADV. STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (051)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Approval of the Campus Minister

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course will focus on teaching students some practical skills needed for effectively working with others. Practical training via a series of experiential opportunities will give them some real experiences working in groups and will help them become more skilled communicators and problem solvers. Acquiring these skills will no doubt help them in their future successes in life whether school, on the ball field, in clubs, the workplace, in family or the community. Students will take part in exercises which encourage them to focus on their encounters with God and others in the daily experiences of life. It is understood that students are in many cases just formulating their ideas about spirituality and that each student comes from a different place in that thought process. Students will be accepted right where they are in that journey

Course Requirements: Suggested bibliography for book report, oral book report, weekly reflection paper, daily journal, class participation in leadership exercises, regular reading assignments, committee work on campus ministry service projects or community service projects outside the school.

ADV. PHILOSOPHY-GREAT QUESTIONS (071)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Chair

Credits: 0.5

Description: This course is a survey of the great questions of philosophy with a concentration on questions relevant to Catholic philosophy. It will examine issues basic to human existence, such as western and non-western conceptions of human nature, knowledge, God, the meaning of life, freedom, life after death, reasoning, logic, morality, and justice. Both secular and religious thinkers will be examined including: Aquinas, Anselm, Merton, John Paul II, Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Nietzsche.

Course Requirements: The work load for this course will consist of daily readings, reflection papers, homework questions, and active participation in discussion sessions. Students will be assessed through exams, effort shown during discussion sessions, and papers.

ADV. WORLD RELIGIONS (045)

Grade 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Chair

Credit: 0.5

Description: This survey course will examine non-Christian belief systems, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religious systems. The student will learn the origins, teachings and practices of other religious traditions to assist in understanding the differences between Christianity and non-Christian religions. A brief introduction on ecumenism will be a component to the course. Church documents dealing with ecumenism will also be examined.

Course Requirements: Students will be required to read selected chapters, do homework, participate in class, take quizzes and tests and write reflection papers. These will be the primary forms of assessment.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mr. Frederic S. Smith

The English curriculum is designed to prepare students to function effectively in an ever-changing and complex environment. The curriculum stresses necessary communication skills coupled with critical thinking skills that will promote Saint Bernard School’s mission and philosophy.

Students will take the English courses in the sequence that they are presented. The Vice Principal of Academics and the Department Chair must approve any variance to this requirement. All English courses close after two weeks.

All students attending Saint Bernard School are required to complete (4) years of English.

ENGLISH COURSES TABLE

Grade

Honors

Advanced

College Prep

Electives

H English I

Adv. English I

CP English I

H English II

(World Literature)

Adv. English II (World Literature)

CP English II (World Literature)

H English III

(American Literature)

Adv. English III

(American Literature)

CP English III

Creative Writing,

Public Speaking

AP English
(Literature & Composition)

Adv. English IV

(British Literature)

CP English IV

Creative Writing,

Public Speaking

Elective Courses: Elective courses DO NOT satisfy the requirement of passing four (4) years of English. Elective courses are open to Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. An elective course is offered only if enough students subscribe to the course. The decision to offer an elective course is an administrative decision.

HONORS ENGLISH I (110)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Selection based on entrance exam score, Grade 8 English/Language Arts grade, and approval of Department Chair.

Credit: 1

Description: The objective of Honors English I (110) is to take students who have demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing and, while meeting the same basic objectives of Adv. English I (111), expose the students to more intensive experiences in literature, language and writing. Students will read representative short stories, non-fiction, and drama to become familiar with the characteristic techniques and critical vocabulary of each genre. Students will also write critically about the works, as well as write in the rhetorical modes of exposition, narration, description, and persuasion. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned text and from the literature selections. An introduction to Greek and World mythology will be incorporated into this program.

Course Requirements: Short stories, non-fiction, mythology, and Julius Caesar will be studied during the year. Writing, grammar, and vocabulary are integral parts of the curriculum. Also, a summer reading program will be completed. Students can expect nightly homework. Students will begin a cumulative writing portfolio.

ADV. ENGLISH I (111)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: Adv. English I (111) emphasizes writing skills, particularly the structure and formation of sentences and various modes of paragraphs. Students are given basic language skills needed to become knowledgeable, sensitive, and critical readers and writers. Literature will deal with an introduction to the short story, essay, and drama, as well as the terms needed to critically analyze these genres. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned text and from the literature. Study skills, grammar, library and media orientation, and mythology are incorporated into this program.

Course Requirements: Short stories, non-fiction, mythology and Julius Caesar will be studied during the year. Homework will be assigned regularly. Tests, quizzes and writing assignments will measure the students’ abilities. Students will begin a cumulative writing portfolio.

CP ENGLISH I (117)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Departmental Placement

Credit: 1

Description: CP English I (117) emphasizes writing skills, particularly the structure and formation of sentences and various modes of paragraphs. Students are given basic language skills needed to become knowledgeable, sensitive, and critical readers and writers. Literature will deal with an introduction to the short story, essay and drama, as well as the terms needed to critically analyze these genres. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned text and from the literature. Study skills, grammar, library and media orientation, and mythology are incorporated into this program. Students will be instructed with modifications, as agreed to by the English Department. These modifications will be consistent with student performance and individual needs.

Course Requirements: Short stories, non-fiction, mythology and Julius Caesar will be studied during the year. Homework will be assigned regularly. Tests, quizzes and writing assignments will measure the student’s abilities. Students will begin a cumulative writing portfolio.

HONORS ENGLISH II (120)

WORLD LITERATURE

Grade: 10

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors English I (110) or 90+ average in Adv. English I (111) and teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: Honors English II (120) will chronologically present representative selections of the literature of the world. Each culture will be given an historical context, a summary of major literary and philosophical movements, and writers’ techniques. Work in this course will be done to improve critical reading, thinking, and writing with an emphasis on literary analysis. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned book as well as from the literature. Writing skills will focus on the development of the five-paragraph essay and research papers.

Course Requirements: Students will be doing an in-depth study of vocabulary, critical and analytical reading, grammar, and writing. They will be required to do a research paper each marking period. The cumulative writing portfolio will be continued. Completion of a summer reading program is required.

ADV. ENGLISH II (121)

WORLD LITERATURE

Grade: 10

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: Adv. English II (121) will chronologically present representative selections of the literature of the world. Each culture will be given an historical context, a summary of major literary and philosophical movements, and writers’ techniques. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned book as well as from the literature. Writing skills will focus on the development of the five-paragraph essay.

Course Requirements: Students will have nightly assignments. Grades will include tests, quizzes, written assignments and oral presentations/participation. The cumulative writing portfolio will be continued.

CP ENGLISH II (127)

WORLD LITERATURE

Grade: 10

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: CP English II (127) will chronologically present representative selections of the literature of the world. Each culture will be given an historical context, a summary of major literary and philosophical movements, and writer’s techniques. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned book as well as from the literature. Writing skills will focus on the development of the five-paragraph essay. Students will be instructed with modifications, as agreed to by the English Department.

Course Requirements: Students will have nightly assignments. Grades will include tests, quizzes, written assignments, and oral presentations/participation. The cumulative writing portfolio will be continued.

HONORS ENGLISH III (130)

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors English II (120) or 90+ average in Adv. English II (121) and teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: Honors English III (130) offers an in-depth consideration of American Literature from 1607 to the present. The chronological approach to the study of American Literature is not done in isolation but in the historical and philosophical milieus of its creation. A grammar/composition/vocabulary program will be conducted within the course to prepare students for the Scholastic Aptitude Tests. The four forms of discourse are presented with students writing papers utilizing expository and argumentative techniques. In the fourth quarter, students will prepare their resumes and a sample college essay in anticipation of the college application process. Students may elect to sit for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam at the end of this course and may earn college credit at participating colleges providing their AP test scores are satisfactory.

Course Requirements: Writing and research are integral parts of this course. Students can expect a 6-10 page research paper every 3-4 weeks. Nightly readings are assigned and students are tested on those nightly readings to ensure critical reading comprehension. Note taking and test taking skills are stressed. Vocabulary work is assigned from a vocabulary text and quizzes are given weekly. The cumulative writing portfolio will be continued.

Outside Readings:

The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

The Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane

Billy Budd, Herman Melville

ADV. ENGLISH III (131)

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: Adv. English III (131) studies American Literature from 1607 to the present. The chronological approach to the study of American Literature is not done in isolation but in the historical and philosophical milieus of its creation. Composition and vocabulary are studied within the course to prepare students for the Scholastic Aptitude Tests. Student composition is stressed with students writing their papers utilizing expository and argumentative techniques. In the fourth quarter, students will prepare their resumes and a sample college essay in anticipation of the college application process.

CP ENGLISH III (137)

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: The class studies American Literature from 1607 to present. The chronological approach to the study of American Literature is not done in isolation but in the historical and philosophical time frame of its creation. Composition and vocabulary are studied within the course. Writing is taught with students practicing expository and argumentative essay techniques. Vocabulary will be studied from a text and the literature. The English III/CP program is geared toward students who need reinforcement in reading and writing skills to enable them to follow the English III curriculum. They will be instructed with modifications as agreed to by the English Department.

Course Requirements: Nightly readings are assigned and students are tested on those nightly readings to ensure proper comprehension. Note taking and test taking skills are stressed. Vocabulary work is assigned from a vocabulary text. Writing and research are stressed in this course. Students can expect a writing assignment to accompany each unit test. The cumulative writing portfolio will continue. There will be a vocabulary quiz each week, and there will be a research paper due each quarter.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH (149)

LITERATURE & COMPOSITION

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisites: Departmental placement, student application

Credit: 1

Description: The Advanced Placement English/Literature and Composition (149) course is planned to lead a group of students to attain the level of reading and writing skills commensurate with introductory college level courses. In class, students will closely study a number of works in conjunction with outside readings. Students will be encouraged to test their responses to these works against their peers, the instructor, and literary critics. The study of literature will focus on perceptive reading and critical analysis of literature. Individual works will be examined with regard to language, character, theme, structure, meaning, and value. Students will learn and use the vocabulary of literary criticism. The general areas of language and composition will also be pursued in regard to organization of ideas and the resources of language available for the honest, concise, and effective expression of ideas. Vocabulary study will be from an assigned text, with emphasis on preparation for the SAT exams. The syllabus for this course has been audited and approved by the College Board.

Course Requirements: Completion of a summer reading program is expected. Students will also sit for the AP English Literature and Composition exam in May. In-class writing will be done in response to prompts from previously administered AP exams. A 25 page (minimum) term paper will be written in this course. Cumulative writing portfolios will be completed.

ADV. ENGLISH IV (141)

BRITISH LITERATURE

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: Adv. English IV (141) is a chronological survey of the literature of Great Britain in literary and cultural contexts from the Anglo-Saxon period to the relative present. Representative works from the major genres will be read and responded to orally and in writing. Emphasis will be placed on literary analysis and critical reading, thinking, and writing. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned text and from the literature selections.

Course Requirements: Students will respond to the literature in a variety of modes. Students can expect nightly homework. The cumulative writing portfolio will be completed for use in the college application process.

CP ENGLISH IV (147)

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: British Literature is a chronological survey of the literature of Great Britain in literary and cultural contexts from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present.

Representative works from the major genres will be read and responded to orally and in writing. Emphasis will be placed on literary analysis and critical thinking, reading, and writing. Vocabulary will be studied from an assigned text and the literature. The English IV/CP program is geared toward students who need reinforcement in reading and writing skills to enable them to follow the English IV curriculum. They will be instructed with modification agreed to by the English Department.

ELECTIVES

ADV. CREATIVE WRITING (145)

[This course does not satisfy English requirement]

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: Adv. Creative Writing (145) acknowledges and celebrates the mystery as well as the fundamentals which encompass the creative writing experience and endeavors. Students are guided from the most basic process of putting words on paper, to learning about the disciplines and tools that will help students know writing both as self-discovery and as a disciplined approach to creative expression and exploration. Literary genres (poetry, non-fiction and short story), their terms, definitions, and approaches are presented to produce pieces that encompass creativity and discipline. Revisions and appropriate exercises help students realize the potential of their works. Enrollment will be limited to 20 students, with seniors given preference.

Course Requirements: Daily journaling and a writing portfolio.

ADV. PUBLIC SPEAKING (146)

[This course does not satisfy English requirement]

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: The citizens of the 21^st Century must be able to express themselves effectively orally. Adv. Public Speaking (146) will prepare students for that task. Topics to be considered include the relationship of the student to public speaking and the value of public speaking, the role of the speaker and listener; the primary methods and tools of the speaker (including voice, non-verbal delivery, audience analysis, topic selection, delivery); and speech preparation. Students will deliver basic speeches to inform on a variety of topics. Students will be given time to research their topics and to prepare their speeches.

Course Requirements: Speeches will start at 3 minutes in duration and progress to a final speech of 10 minutes.

Class size will determine the number of speeches delivered during the semester.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mr. Christopher Pukstas

The Mathematics Department at Saint Bernard School matches a program of study to each individual student. The table below shows the progression of courses that we offer to each level of student.

MATH COURSES TABLE

Grade	Honors	Advanced	College Prep	Electives
9	Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry	Adv. Algebra I, Adv. Geometry	CP Algebra I
10	Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II	Adv. Algebra II, Adv. Geometry	CP Geometry
11	Honors Algebra II, Honors Pre-Calculus	Adv. Algebra II, Adv. Pre-Calculus	Adv. Intermediate Algebra II	Adv. Accounting, Adv. Statistics
12	Honors Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Honors Calculus,	Adv. Algebra II, Adv. Pre-Calculus	Adv. Intermediate Algebra II	Adv. Accounting, Adv. Statistics

Credit: 1

Description: Topics covered include limits, basic rules of differentiation and their application to graphing, basic rules of integration and their application to area and volume problems.

Course Requirements: Daily homework, quizzes, tests, projects, and a final exam will be given to evaluate the students understanding of the material presented.

ELECTIVES

ADV. ACCOUNTING (281)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: This is an introduction to fundamental accounting concepts and generally accepted accounting principles (G.A.A.P.). Emphasis will be placed on the basic accounting structure, the preparation and interpretation of financial statements, financial accounting and reporting for partnerships and corporations.

Course Requirement: Worksheets, projects, unit tests and a semester exam will be used to assess student progress and evaluate mastery of subject matter covered.

ADV. STATISTICS (292)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Algebra II

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of statistics. The course covers the measures of variability, statistical inference, and hypothesis testing.

Course Requirement: Daily homework, quizzes, tests, projects, and a final exam will be given to evaluate the student's understanding of the material presented.

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mr. Wayland Currie

The Social Studies Department at Saint Bernard School presents a sequential course of study for all students in order to deepen their appreciation of the historical forces which have shaped the world they live in today. The department’s curriculum is structured to allow students to study the roots of Western culture as well as being exposed to the contributions of non-Western civilizations.

By studying the evolution of freedom and democracy in America and the world, the department strives to enable students to think critically and to reason logically as they analyze the forces which have shaped the history of our country and other nations.

Through our efforts and our examples as faculty members, the Social Studies Department seeks to develop in students’ good moral character, a sense of service to their church, community and families, and the necessity and responsibility they have to be active and involved citizens. All Social Studies courses close after two weeks.

All students attending Saint Bernard School must take three (3) years of Social Studies.

SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES TABLE

Grade

Honors/ AP

Advanced

College Prep

Electives (Adv.)

World History I

World History II,

U.S. History I

World History II,

U.S. History I

World History II, U.S. History I

U.S. History II,

AP U.S. History II

U.S. History II

Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Cold War, Street Law, Personal Finance, Native American Seminar

(Electives)

AP European History,

AP Psychology

Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Cold War, Street Law, Personal Finance, Native American Seminar

HONORS WORLD HISTORY I (310)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: This course is an in-depth study of Western Civilization. It focuses on the development of the western world and pays special attention to the cradles of civilization, early Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Age of Napoleon. Students will be exposed to primary source documents and will be required to analyze and interpret these materials in well developed essays.

Course Requirements: Students must have a high level of reading comprehension, and be willing to do the extra work demanded in an honor’s level course.

ADV. WORLD HISTORY I (311)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: This course is basically a cultural approach to Western Man. It presents man’s needs as determinants of historical events from prehistoric to modern times. The cradles of civilization, early Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Napoleon, the revolutionary struggles throughout the world up to 1900 and the dawn of the Industrial Age will be studied.

Course Requirements: Readings from the text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests are required. Semester projects may be assigned.

CP WORLD HISTORY I (317)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Course Requirements: Readings from the text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests are required. Semester projects may be assigned.

ADV. MODERN WORLD HISTORY II (314)

Grade: 10

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course is a continuation of World History I. The Age of Imperialism and the World Wars will be discussed. In addition Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, South East Asia, South Asia and the collapse of communism will be studied.

Course Requirements: Readings from the text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests are required. Semester projects may be assigned.

CP MODERN WORLD HISTORY II (347)

Grade: 10

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course is a continuation of World History I. Napoleon, the dawn of the Industrial Age, the Age of Imperialism and the World Wars will be discussed. In addition, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin American, South East Asia, South Asia and the collapse of communism will be studied. Students will be instructed with modifications as needed.

Course Requirements: Readings from the text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests are required. Semester projects may be assigned.

HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY I (320)

Grade: 10

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: 90+ average in World History and the APPROVAL of both the Freshmen English I and World History teacher.

Credit: 0.5

Description: All students at Saint Bernard must take United States history in their Junior Year. However, Sophomores who meet the above requirements, have a genuine interest in American History, are willing to do the extra work and hope to take the Advanced Placement Exam in US History may choose to take Honors United States History I in their Sophomore Year. These students would then be expected to take the Advanced Placement US History course in their Junior Year. Topics covered in this course include the Colonial Era, the American Revolution, the Early National Period, Manifest Destiny and the Civil War and Reconstruction. A college text will be used in this course and students will be expected to do considerable writing using primary sources. A summer reading book is also required.

Course Requirements: College level text and computer study packet. Analysis of primary source documents and Document-Based essays quizzes and tests.

ADV. UNITED STATES HISTORY I (382)

Grade: 10

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This one-semester course concentrates on the historical development of the American political system. Topics to be considered include the origin of constitutional government and the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, federalism, international relations, and the role of government in the lives of the American people.

Course Requirements: Readings from the text, homework, note taking, take home essays, quizzes and tests. College level text and computer study packet, also.

CP UNITED STATES HISTORY I (387)

Grade: 10

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This one-semester course concentrates on the historical development of the American political system. Topics include the origin of the constitutional government and the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalism, international relations and early development of American history. Students will be instructed at a pace to help insure their success.

Course Requirements: Text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests. Semester projects may be assigned.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY (339)

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors United States History I or 90+ average in United States History and teacher recommendation.

Credit: 1

Description: This course is an in-depth study of American history from the pre-Civil War to the Cold War Era. Topics covered include the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Age of Industry, Progressive Era, World War I, the Great Depression and the New Deal, World War II, and the Cold War. Students will be required to interpret and analyze primary source material and, at the end of the Junior Year, are required to take the AP US History Exam.

Course Requirements: College level text and computer study packet; analysis and interpretation of primary documents, Document-Based essay questions, online tests, AP US History Exam required.

ADV. UNITED STATES HISTORY II (331)

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: United States History II is a required course for all Juniors and concludes the study of American history which began in the Sophomore Year. This course concentrates on the time period from the 1850’s-2003. Topics covered include Civil War and Reconstruction, the Age of Industry, the Progressive Era, World War I, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, Cold War, Vietnam War, Watergate and all major events leading up to the current presidency.

Course Requirements: Readings from text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests.

CP UNITED STATES HISTORY II (337)

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: CP United States History II is a continuation of CP United States History I. The course will cover the time period from the pre-Civil War Era to the beginning of the Cold War. Note taking skills, vocabulary, and essay writing will be stressed in this course. Students will be placed in this course based upon information provided by their sophomore history teachers. This course will be geared toward the ability level of the students.

Course Requirements: Readings from text, homework, note taking, quizzes and tests.

ELECTIVES

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY (330)

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in AP US History (339), or a 90+ average in Adv. US History II (382), and recommendation of Junior year history teacher.

Credit: 1

Description: AP European History (330) is an in depth study of European history from the Renaissance to the present time. This course concentrates on a wide range of topics beginning with the Renaissance and Reformation, and continuing through the Age of Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, and finally reaching World War I, the rise of the Dictators, World War II and the Era of the Cold War. The analysis and interpretation of primary source documents and the use of college level text constitute an integral part of the course.

Course Requirements: This course will use a college level textbook and rely heavily on the interpretation and analysis of historical documents pertaining to European history from the Napoleonic Era to the modern Era. All students taking this course will be required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY (349)

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor

Credit: 1

Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. This course will begin with the make-up of the neuron and will end with a discussion of abnormal behavior and therapies. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub-fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in science and practice.

Course Requirement: Mastery of the text material as well as all handouts is required. Unannounced quizzes, tests (with the appropriate flash cards), and written homework will be used to determine course grades. Each semester will have a project. First semester is a mouse conditioning project and second semester is a diagnosis/therapy project. Students will take the AP Psychology exam at the end of the course.

ADV. PSYCHOLOGY (341)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: This course is intended to be a general survey of contemporary psychology. The discipline will be approached from a holistic viewpoint using materials currently available in the field. Some topics to be examined are psychology as a science, theories of psychology, sensation, perception, cognition, memory, learning behaviors, and abnormal behavior and personality theories.

Course Requirements: Readings from the text and supplementary materials from which quizzes and tests will be drawn will be required. Written homework from each chapter is also required. The students may elect to do a mouse conditioning project.

ADV. SOCIOLOGY (352)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: The course is designed to give the student an understanding of the patterns of recurring social behavior and social change. The student will learn to appreciate the roles played by age, race, and gender concerning globalization as well as the importance of culture and language in the process of human socialization.

Course Requirement: Class discussion, readings from the text, homework, quizzes, tests, and a final project will be required.

ADV. ECONOMICS (361)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Recommendation of present year Social Studies teacher

Credit: 0.5

Description: Economics is an introduction to the principles of economics. The course examines the overall operation of the American economy and presents the basic concepts of macro/micro economics. Specific units of the course deal with the forms of business, supply and demand, money and banking, the Federal Reserve System, government taxing and spending, the Gross Domestic Product, international trade and related topics.

Course Requirement: The ability to do math, and approval from Junior year history teacher.

ADV. COLD WAR AND BEYOND (372)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This one-semester course focusing on America’s role in the global community since 1950, and the major political, economic and social development in American history during the past sixty years. Topics ranging from the Korean and Vietnam Wars to the civil rights movement and social changes will be some of the topics addressed in this course. It will incorporate documentary film footage from the past fifty years along with the analysis of primary source material from the era. Emphasis will be placed on geography. Students will be expected to analyze and interpret documentary and video evidence drawn from the time period 1950-2006.

Course Requirements: Students will be using a college level text and should have an interest in history. Written homework, take-home essays and a minimum of two outside reading books will be required.

ADV. STREET LAW (381)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This is a one-semester course that provides students with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and, in some situations, resolve legal disputes. Topics include the definition of law; lawmaking; settling disputes; the court system; lawyers; crimes against people and property; defenses, proceedings before trial, trial process; juvenile court; torts and contracts; housing and consumer rights; marriage and divorce; foster care and adoption; and rights, freedoms and discrimination.

Course Requirements: A variety of activities are used to develop concepts and skills relative to law: readings from the text, case studies, vocabulary, use of the newspaper where appropriate, visits by a lawyer and police officer, and, if possible, a visit to court.

ADV. NATIVE AMERICAN SEMINAR (358)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course will be a combination of History, Literature, Religion, Linguistics, and the Arts of the Native American Indians. Research will be done on the living, ceremonies, games, wars and European influence on Native Americans. Guest speakers, research, and field trips to museums will comprise much of this course.

Course Requirements: Research papers, oral presentations, projects, class participation, tests, and the ability to go on field trips.

ADV. PERSONAL FINANCE (283)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of personal finance. The course covers career planning, budgeting and cash-flow management, credit use, planned borrowing, taxes, and managing expenditures and housing.

Course Requirements: A text to be decided, quizzes, tests and class notes.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mrs. Nicole Nelson

The Science Department at Saint Bernard School offers courses that introduce students to the concepts, laws and processes of the physical and life sciences. All courses involve lab work. The Science Department matches a program of study that is appropriate for each student.

Some science courses have concurrent mathematics prerequisites that identify the minimum performance skills used in that course. Students are not allowed to sign up for certain science courses unless the prerequisite math course is completed or is taken concurrently. Please refer to the Science Course Table for course descriptions and the prerequisite requirements. All science courses close after two weeks of classes

All students attending Saint Bernard are required to complete three (3) years of Science; Freshman science, one year of biology, and one year of chemistry.

The table below shows the progression of courses that we offer to each level of student.

SCIENCE COURSE TABLE

Grade

Honors

Advanced

College Prep

Electives

Conceptual Physics

Integrated Science

Biology

Chemistry

AP Biology; AP Physics,

Adv. Anatomy & Physiology,

Adv. Athletic Injury Management,

Adv. Environmental Science,

Adv. Physics

Electives

AP Biology, AP Physics,

Honors Physics, Adv. Physics,

Adv. Anatomy & Physiology,

Adv. Athletic Injury Management,

Adv. Introduction to Organic Chemistry,

Adv. Forensic Science

Some electives require completion of junior year classes. Please refer to the individual course descriptions for prerequisites.

HONORS CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (442)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Scored in the 80th percentile or higher on the math section of the placement exam, and permission of the Department Chair.

Credit: 1

Description: Designed for students with a good background in math and who may be interested in pursuing a career in medicine, engineering, or the sciences. Students will learn about energy, forces, momentum, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Students will begin to understand how math is used to describe the world around us and appreciate its importance to modern science, engineering, and medicine.

Course Requirement: Homework, worksheets, quizzes, tests, and lab work based on concepts presented in class and written lab assignments.

ADV. INTEGRATED SCIENCE (412)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: This course is designed to encourage a student’s awareness of science in the world around them. It is geared toward college bound students with emphasis on career- related fields of study. Chemical, physical, and biological concepts will be integrated to offer a broad base knowledge of the sciences, and will include key concepts, principles, and theories in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science. Science as a process based on inquiry will be emphasized.

Course Requirements: Homework, worksheets, quizzes, tests, and lab work based on concepts presented in class, and written lab assignments.

Grade: 10

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: Similar in scope to course 421, this course includes a basic survey of living organisms from the simplest to the most complex forms. Topics include the cell, genetics, viruses, bacteria and disease, fungi, plants and animals. Labs include dissections. Special topics will be included.

Course Requirements: Homework, quizzes and tests, lab work and written lab assignments.

HONORS CHEMISTRY (430)

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors Biology (420) or 90+ average in Adv. Biology (421) and have taken or currently taking Honors Algebra II (230)

Credit: 1

Description: Honors Chemistry is recommended for anyone interested in a science, pre-med or engineering career. It is designed to develop analytical and critical thinking. The course covers such topics as the atomic theory, stoichiometry, the periodic table, the gas laws, formulas and equations, equilibrium acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions. This provides adequate preparation for further scientific study. Strong math skills are required.

Course Requirements: Lab work based on concepts presented in class will be performed and lab reports are required. Grades will be based on labs/lab reports, homework, worksheets, quizzes and unit tests. Scientific calculators are needed. TI-83 series or higher calculators are suggested.

ADV. CHEMISTRY (431)

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Adv. Biology (421) and have taken or currently taking Algebra II

Credit: 1

Description: This course is designed to develop analytical and critical thinking. It covers such topics as the atomic theory, the periodic table, the gas laws, formulas and equations, stoichiometry, equilibrium, acids and bases and oxidation-reduction reactions. This provides adequate preparation for further scientific study. It is class-oriented, with lectures and laboratory periods. Students are expected to be proficient in math.

Course Requirements: Lab work based on concepts presented in class will be performed and lab reports are required. Grades will be based on the labs/lab reports, homework, worksheets, quizzes and unit tests. Scientific calculators are needed. TI-83 Calculators are suggested.

ADV. ACTIVE CHEMISTRY (438)

Grade: 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Biology Teacher

Credit: 1

Description: This course is an alternative for a traditional chemistry class. It covers most chemical concepts (balancing equations, the periodic table, chemical reactions, etc.) but uses practical applications for investigation and analysis. Student-centered activities and problem solving are utilized.

Course Requirements: Laboratory investigations with written reports, homework quizzes and tests.

ELECTIVES

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (419)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and 85+ average in Honors Biology (420) and Honors Chemistry (430) or 90+ average in Adv. Biology (421) and Adv. Chemistry (431). Concurrent or previous enrollment of Anatomy & Physiology is recommended.

Description: The two main goals of AP Biology are to have students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The primary emphasis of this course is to develop an understanding of concepts rather than memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding: an appreciation of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. Accordingly, goals are set for percentage coverage of three general areas: molecules and cells, 25%; heredity and evolution, 25%; and organisms and populations, 50%.

Course Requirements: Homework, quizzes, tests and labs are required by the College Board, and individual research. A summer reading assignment is required, and the AP Biology Exam must be taken in May.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (449)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor AND

85+ average in Honors Biology (420) or Honors Chemistry (430), or 90+ average in Adv. Biology (421) or Adv. Chemistry (431) AND

85+ average in Honors Pre-Calculus (240) or Honors Algebra II (230) (must be taking Honors Pre-Calculus or higher with AP Physics)

Credit: 1

Description: The two main goals of AP Physics are to have students develop a conceptual framework for physics and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The primary emphasis of this course is to develop an understanding of concepts, express physics problems mathematically, and solve. Essential to this conceptual understanding: an appreciation of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; and the ability to express this understanding mathematically. Accordingly, goals are set for percentage coverage of five general areas: Newtonian mechanics (35%), fluid mechanics and thermal physics (15%), electricity and magnetism (25%), waves and optics (15%), and atomic and nuclear physics (10%).

Course Requirements: Homework, quizzes, tests and labs are required by the College Board, and individual research. A scientific calculator (TI-83 or better) is needed. A summer reading assignment is required, and the AP Physics B Exam must be taken in May.

ADV. PHYSICS (441)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Adv. Algebra II (231)

Credit: 1

Description: This course is intended to present a background in physics for the college-bound student. The course covers such topics as motion, force, energy, sound, light and electricity. The program involves class lectures, demonstrations, computer labs and many hands-on labs. Students must have a thorough understanding of Algebra II.

Course Requirements: Lab work based on concepts presented in class will be performed and lab reports are required. Homework, worksheets, quizzes, unit tests and semester exams are used to assess student progress. Scientific calculators are required.

ADV. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (429)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisites: Biology & Chemistry (juniors must be taking Chemistry concurrently)

Credit: 1

Description: This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles of ecology and the impact of human actions on the environment. The course covers Earth’s land and water, the biosphere, environmental interaction between organisms, ecosystems and their effects on ecological succession, standing water ecosystems, soil and water analysis and the formation and mismanagements of soil conservation.

Course Requirements: Homework, worksheets, quizzes, tests, lab work based on concepts presented in class, lab reports and field studies with a required portfolio.

HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (460)

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisites: 85+ average in Biology, 85+ average in Chemistry

Credit: 1.0

Description: This course is a detailed study of the systems of the human body. Anatomical, physiological, cellular and chemical processes of the systems of the body will be covered in detail. Lab activities correlate with lecture. A cat dissection will be performed along with computer analyses of physiological processes.

Course Requirements: Homework, quizzes and tests, cat dissection/related labs, computer simulated labs, and written assignments.

ADV. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (451)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (juniors must be taking Chemistry concurrently)

Credit: 1

Description: This course is a detailed study of the systems of the human body. Anatomical study and physiological processes of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems will be examined. Lab work correlates with lectures. A cat dissection will be performed.

Course Requirements: Homework, quizzes and tests, cat dissection, other related labs, computer assignments and written assignments.

ADV. ATHLETIC INJURY MANAGEMENT (401)
Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semesters

Prerequisites: Health and Biology; Preference will be given to students who have completed or are taking Anatomy and Physiology.

Credit: 0.5

Description: This class will introduce students to the anatomy of the human body including bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and some major organs and organ systems key to athletes. Students will also have a brief introduction to the physiology of the body in conjunction with commonly injured body parts. Using their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, the students will learn about how these body parts react with one another and outside factors to cause damage, including common sports injuries. Students will also learn about how to take a medical history, assess an injury, treat the problem, and prevention techniques to help reduce the reoccurrence of injury. Students will learn about forms of treatment for the common injuries as well as different therapeutic modalities commonly used along with adhesive taping and progressive resistance exercises. This class will include both lecture and laboratory time.

Course Requirements: Homework, worksheets, quizzes, tests, lab work based on concepts presented in class, lab reports and field studies with a required portfolio.

ADV. INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (434)

Grade: 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisites: Chemistry

Credit: 0.5

Description: This class will introduce students to Organic Chemistry, the chemistry of life. Organic molecules contain both carbon and hydrogen. Just as there are millions of different types of living organisms on this planet, there are millions of different organic molecules, each with different chemical and physical properties. Students will learn about the fundamentals of nomenclature, structures, mechanisms and syntheses. This course is suggested for those students going on to study in the science/medical fields. After learning the fundamentals, students will be challenged to synthesize basic organic compounds in the laboratory.

Course Requirements: Lab work based on concepts presented in class and prior chemistry knowledge will be performed and lab reports will be required. Homework, worksheets, quizzes and unit tests will be used to assess student progress.

ADV. FORENSIC SCIENCE (402)

Grade: 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course is for students interested in forensic science, chemistry and criminal justice. Using a step-by-step approach, students will try to solve criminal cases involving drug deals, theft of property and homicide/suicide as laid out in mock crime scenes in the lab/classroom. This will involve collecting evidence and analysis of data using scientific methods learned in Biology and Chemistry classes. This course will be designed to develop the students cognitive skills; skills like working memory, visual processing and logic reasoning that will aid in contributing to academic and occupational success.

Course Requirements: Homework, worksheets, quizzes, tests, lab work based on concepts presented in class, lab reports and possibly field studies with a required portfolio.
WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mr. John Ayres

Studying the language of another country or society provides many benefits for students in addition to the ability to communicate in another language. As they study the language, they come to understand the way of life, customs, values and cultures of people from different countries. Students who study another language also improve their first language skills. They become more aware of the world around them and they learn to appreciate diversity. Language skills also are an asset in a variety of careers.

All students attending Saint Bernard are required to complete a minimum of two (2) years of the same language to graduate. The only exceptions will be students enrolled in the two-year College Preparation Skills sequence. Some colleges require a three-year sequence of the same language. Students and their families should research these requirements when planning language classes with their guidance counselor. All World Language courses close after two weeks.

WORLD LANGUAGES COURSES TABLE

Suggested Sequence

Grade

Honors

Advanced

College Prep

Honors French II,

Honors Spanish II

Adv. French I,

Adv. French II

Adv. Spanish I,

Adv. Spanish II

Honors French II, Honors French III,

Honors Spanish II, Honors Spanish III

Adv. French I,

Adv. French II,

Adv. French III,

Adv. Spanish II,

Adv. Spanish III

CP Spanish I,

CP Spanish II

Honors French III, Honors French IV, Honors Spanish III, Honors Spanish IV

Adv. French I,

Adv. French III,

Adv. Spanish II,

Adv. Spanish III

CP Spanish I,

CP Spanish II

Honors French III, Honors French IV,

AP French V,

Honors Spanish IV,

AP Spanish V

Adv. Spanish III

CP Spanish II

HONORS FRENCH II (560)

Grade: 9, 10

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Adv. French I (551)

Credit: 1

Description: This accelerated course proves students with an opportunity to expand upon the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. More extensive vocabulary, new verbs forms, and more in-depth grammatical structures are studied. Students will be expected to speak more frequently, to write more thoroughly, and to read selections of greater length. Additional cultural topics related to the Francophone world will be examined.

Course Requirements: Daily homework assignments, both written and study are given to reinforce the material learned in class. Guided and free composition activities are assigned, as well as occasional projects, some involving Internet research.

ADV. FRENCH I (551)

Grade: 9, 10. 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Freshmen must score in the top 50 percentile on the language arts section of the Placement Exam; 70+ average in the last English course taken.

Credit: 1

Description: The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Particular stress will be placed on vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension and speaking. In addition, students will learn grammatical structures necessary for communicating. The culture of the Francophone world will be examined as well.

Course Requirements: Daily homework assignments, both written and study are given to reinforce the material learned in class. Occasional projects, several involving Internet research, are also assigned.

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors French III or 90+ average in French III

Credit: 1

Description: The goal of this course is three-fold: first, to enhance the student’s ability to understand and speak correct fluent French; second, to provide advanced readings about various aspects of contemporary French life; and third, to provide continuity in the study of advanced French grammar and composition. French is spoken as often as possible, and students will explore a variety of ways to express themselves in the French language.

Course Requirements: Frequent readings, phonetic drills, listening exercises, vocabulary study and free composition are required. Access to the Internet is needed to complete many activities.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH V (590)

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors French IV; teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: This course will prepare students with excellent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to take the Advanced Placement French Language examination. Students will continue to study the readings of multicultural texts from a variety of Francophone writers to discuss social issues, such as cultural habits, human rights, equality between sexes, emigration, discrimination, science/technology in France and Francophonie. Advanced grammar topics will further competency in writing. The PBS/Annenberg French in Action videos will be used to improve listening skills.

Course Requirements: Daily active participation in speaking and listening, regular reading assignments, frequent compositions, oral reports and dialogues.

ADV. SPANISH I (511)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Freshmen must be in the top 50% of Language Arts section of Placement Exam. 70+ average in last English course taken.

Credit: 1

Description: In this initial course, the student will be introduced to the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Particular stress will be placed on vocabulary acquisition, listening comprehension and speaking at the same time. An understanding and appreciation of other cultures, as well as necessary grammar structures, will be taught.

Course Requirements: Daily homework assignments, both written and study, to reinforce the material learned in class.

CP SPANISH I (517)

Grade: 10, 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Freshmen who fall below 50% on the Language Arts section of the Placement Exam and Sophomores who took College Prep Reading as Freshmen.

Credit: 1

Description: This introductory course is designed for students who have experienced difficulty in English language arts. Vocabulary acquisition skills will be taught through listening and speaking exercises. Stress will be placed on speaking and comprehension skills through the study of greetings, family life, leisure activities, school life, Hispanic celebrations and geography. Applicable grammatical structures will be taught. This course continues and ends with CP Spanish II (527).

Course Requirements: Daily homework, both written and study will be expected.

HONORS SPANISH II (520)

Grade: 9, 10

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Adv. Spanish I (511)

Credit: 1

Description: This accelerated course provides an opportunity to expand the student’s mastery of the basic skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking acquired in Spanish I.

Vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, culture etc. and more intensive study of grammatical structure and verb tenses form the core of this course.

Course Requirements: Regular homework assignments are required. Students will be expected to read longer selections in the Spanish language.

ADV. SPANISH II (521)

Grade: 9, 10, 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 70+ average in Adv. Spanish I (511)

Credit: 1

Description: This course provides an opportunity to expand the students’ knowledge of the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing acquired in Spanish I. Vocabulary, new verb forms, and more in-depth grammatical structures are studied within the course.

Course Requirements: Regular homework assignments are required. Students will be expected to read longer selections in the Spanish language.

CP SPANISH II (527)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: CP Spanish I (517)

Credit: 1

Description: This class will continue the CP Spanish I (517) class with a focus on speaking and listening. Useful vocabulary will be expanded, as reading is introduced, through contemporary sources, i.e. newspapers, magazines, etc. these sources will also provide a basis for continued knowledge of Spanish speaking countries and culture. First level grammatical structures will be reviewed and expanded. Students in this class are not eligible to go on to take Spanish III.

Course Requirements: Daily homework, both written and study will be expected.

HONORS SPANISH III (530)

Grade: 10, 11

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors Spanish II (520), or 90+ average in Adv. Spanish II (521) and teacher recommendation.

Credit: 1

Description: In this accelerated course, students are expected to read longer passages with more extensive vocabulary, to speak with fluency on a variety of subjects, and to write frequently and clearly. The units are themed on topics such as travel, food, art, music and literature.

Course Requirements: Daily homework, independent study and active participation in Spanish.

ADV. SPANISH III (531)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 70+ average in Adv. Spanish II (521)

Credit: 1

Description: The third year provides an opportunity for the student to speak in sentences with a degree of creativity. Readings from contemporary material will serve as a basis for listening discussions, writing and vocabulary. Complex grammatical structures are introduced and cultural awareness is further expanded.

Course Requirement: Regular homework assignments including practice composition are required.

HONORS SPANISH IV (540)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors Spanish III (530) or 90+ average in Adv. Spanish III (531) and teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: Students’ conversation and composition skills are polished with a thorough review and refinement of grammatical structures and a major expansion of vocabulary. Spanish is spoken as often as possible. The PBS/University of Illinois Destinos video program is used to improve listening skills, especially dialect variations. Authentic literary selections from Spain and Latin America are read and analyzed.

Course Requirements: Regular daily homework, vocabulary, short essays, oral reports and daily participation in Spanish in class.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH V (550)

Grade: 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: AP Spanish V (550) uses Latin American and Spanish essays and short stories as the basis for expanding vocabulary in context, analyzing style and themes, and writing subjective essays. An advanced grammar text is used to further competency in writing. The Destinos program is continued for listening practice, as are materials from the Advanced Placement Examination and the SAT Spanish Achievement Test.

Course Requirements: Daily active participation in Spanish in all skill areas: regular reading assignments, frequent compositions, oral reports and dialogues, regular practice of written structures. Students are required to take the AP exam issued by the College Board in May.

READING DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mrs. Deborah Fitzgerald

The Reading program at Saint Bernard School is designed to help students who need reinforcement in basic reading skills and students who wish to improve their higher level, critical reading skills. Students who test low in reading on the placement exam will be assigned to a College Prep class to improve their skills. The department has a reading consultant on staff to direct the placement of these students. The entire program is designed to ensure that all students are brought up to the reading standards established by the department so that they can succeed in Advance College Prep classes in their Junior and Senior years. Students taking CP level classes must be in the College Preparation Skills class. Students who take reading as a freshman will not take a foreign language but are expected to begin the study of language in their sophomore year. Taking College Learning Strategies I and College Learning Strategies II will fulfill the language requirement. All Reading courses close after two weeks.

READING COURSES TABLE

College Learning Strategies I	College Learning Strategies II	SAT Prep-Speed Reading
Grade 9	Grades 10, 11, 12	Grades 11, 12

CP COLLEGE LEARNING STRATEGIES I (911)

Grade: 9

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Below the 50 percentile on the Reading and Language Arts sections on the Placement Exam or counselor recommendation.

Credit: 1

Description: This course stresses the skills needed to raise the level of comprehension, vocabulary, critical reading and thinking, and listening. It is hoped that better work habits, study habits, note taking, outlining and concentration will be acquired. Individual help will be given in skills needed and tutoring will be encouraged. Study groups will be organized for help

Course Requirements: Students will use two workbooks and in-class materials plus content area textbooks. Each student will read a book of his choice each marking period and a book report will be assigned. Daily work will be graded as well as an end-of-marking period test. These, along with the book report, will constitute the grade for the class.

CP COLLEGE LEARNING STRATEGIES II (921)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Credit: 1

Description: This course is a follow-up to the first year for those who have not reached Advance College Prep potential in English, History, Theology and/or Science. Students will continue skills of the first year and emphasize skills needed in content area and will be in CP level classes. Individual help is given in subject matter where needed. Reading materials will be assigned according to class need and individual need. Study groups will be organized for help in content area subjects.

Course Requirements: All work will be done in class. Consultation with content area teachers will determine what students need to work on each week. Students will also read one book of their choice each marking period, after which a book report will be assigned. Daily work, end-of-marking period test and the book report will constitute the grade for the class.

ADV. SAT PREP-SPEED READING (951)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Description: In this course work will be done to improve the critical reading skills needed in college, speed of reading and comprehension, and verbal S.A.T. preparation. Work is done with machines, exercises and practice S.A.T. tests, designed to improve speed, comprehension, vocabulary and thinking skills needed for the verbal part of the S.A.T. and college reading. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary (Greek, Latin, Anglo-Saxon roots), sentence completion, analogies and critical reading. The Speed Reading portion of the course includes the reading of various novels and paperbacks. These are student selected, within the assigned genres of Mystery, Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Romance, etc.

Course Requirements: All work is done in class. Students must bring in the various books they will read. These could come from home, the library or be purchased.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Department Chair: Mr. David Belval

Fine Arts courses should be taken in sequence; exceptions are possible with the permission of the instructor.

ART/THEATER/MUSIC

All students at Saint Bernard School must complete a Fine Arts requirement of one credit in either the Visual or the Performing Arts. Students may elect a four-year sequence in the Visual Arts or Performing Arts in preparation for continued study at the college level. It is strongly recommended that Fine Arts courses be taken sequentially (without skipping a year within the sequence) in order to maintain proficiency and meet portfolio requirements.

VISUAL ARTS COURSES TABLE

Grade	Honors/ AP	Advanced	Introductory
9			Fine Arts I
10, 11, 12	Honors Fine Arts III, Honors Fine Arts IV	Fine Arts II, Fine Arts III	Fine Arts I, Pottery, Painting, Photography, Studio Arts/ 3-D Art, Design/Graphics
11, 12	AP Art History	Fine Arts IV

VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT

Department Requirements:

All students in the Visual Arts Department will be graded for their attendance at the Annual Art Exhibit (last Sunday in April), and activities announced in advance. Students must come to class with their textbooks, sketchbook, notebook folder, #2 lead pencil and eraser. The required Visual Arts Department course for all Freshmen is Adv. College Prep Fine Arts I (618). All Visual Arts courses close after two weeks.

ADV. FINE ARTS I (618)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: This course is for all students who think they cannot draw and wish to pursue their art in an entry-level art course for beginners on the high school level.

This course is designed as an underclassmen foundation course with entry-level art projects, which serves for the sequential arts, programs for Visual Arts majors. Areas of importance are the development of knowledge of the principles and elements of design and the building of a foundation for the appreciation of the art of the past and its relationship to today. The prime area of importance is to develop skill, self -discipline and self-expression through an emphasis on drawing. Students may also be introduced to the process of printmaking and sculpture, and will be required to actively assist in all aspects of the visual arts department. Class participation and classroom critiques are essential.

Course Requirements: Regular daily homework, practice, projects, critiques, quizzes, worksheets, outlines, tests, and written and project exams are used to assess student progress and evaluate mastery of concepts, skills and subject matter covered. Readings from the text and supplementary materials will be required. Students are required to compile and develop an art portfolio of their own artwork, to actively participate with the mounting of work, to set up exhibits and presentations in the school and community, and will be graded accordingly.

Please see Department Requirements.

ADV. DESIGN/GRAPHICS (633)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 78 or above average in English; Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: This is an exploratory design/graphics course planned to provide students with another type of visual experience by introducing the computer as a new way to manipulate traditional media. The assignments and studios in this course are intended to develop students’ abilities to recognize, understand, appreciate and manipulate fundamental concepts in design and graphics. Students will be presented with the possibility of expanding artistic vision, of watching ideas grow, of arranging and integrating images with text. Emphasis is on graphic designing and will include some drawing. Students will research the history of graphic design as it affects current design trends.

More than this, the computer helps the student artist to see in a new way. It represents a new kind of problem-solving, a new kind of methodology.

This course does not count as a prerequisite for Fine Arts II.

Course Requirements: Class participation in discussions and critiques is essential. Testing will be given in the form of quizzes, critiques and exams. Some testing which involves demonstrations of understanding of Adobe Illustrator software and visual identification, conducted regularly during each marking period. Studios will be averaged in with test grades.

Please see Department Requirements.

ADV. FINE ARTS II (621)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 80+ average in Fine Arts I (618), Portfolio review with Art Department Chairman, and teacher and department recommendations

Credit: 1

Description: This course places continued emphasis on observational drawing as a skill and means of expression through a variety of media. Prime areas of study are anatomy and portrait sketching. This course is also designed to build a solid foundation of the principles of color and introduce students to the art of painting and calligraphy. Here, more advanced techniques of printmaking and three-dimensional design are encountered. Portfolio development and review is a vital component of this course.

Course Requirements: Regular daily homework, practice, projects, critiques, quizzes, worksheets, outlines, tests and department semester written and project exams are used to assess student progress and evaluate mastery of concepts, skills and subject matter covered. Readings from the text and supplementary materials will be required. Students are required to compile and develop an art portfolio of their own artwork, to actively participate with the mounting of work, to set up exhibits and presentations in the school and community, and will be graded accordingly.

Please see Department Requirements.

HONORS FINE ARTS III (631)

ADV. FINE ARTS III (632)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Fine Arts II (621), Portfolio review with Art Department Chairman, and teacher and department recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: The goal of this course is to further develop advanced drawing and design skills and to help each student develop self-motivation work as a means of original personal expression with some creative problem solving through the exploration and use of advanced techniques in observational drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, and to be introduced to commercial art and graphic design. Portfolio preparation and review is a major requirement of this course. The course will provide each student with the opportunity to explore the history of art from the Renaissance to Impressionism. Local museum and exhibit visitation is required. Students must complete an approved observational drawing course for admission to this class as an Honors Class.

Course Requirements: Regular daily homework, practice, projects, critiques, quizzes, worksheets, outlines, tests, and written and project exams are used to assess student progress and evaluate mastery of concepts, skills and subject matter covered. Readings from the text and supplementary materials will be required. Students are required to be self- motivated, compile and develop an art portfolio of their own art work, to actively participate with the mounting of work, to set up exhibits and presentations in the school and community, and will be graded accordingly. Please see Department Requirements.

HONORS FINE ARTS IV (641)

ADV. FINE ARTS IV (642)

Grade: 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: 85+ average in Honors Fine Arts III (631)/Adv. Fine Arts III (632), portfolio review with Art Department Chairman, and teacher and department recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: This is a highly individualized course which provides each student with the opportunity for concentrated study and exploration in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, commercial art and computer graphics. Students will also continue to explore the history of art from the Renaissance Period to the 20^th Century. Local museum and exhibit visitation is required. More intensive portfolio preparation for majoring in this field is emphasized in this course for those who plan to continue their art experience on a college level. Students are strongly urged to meet the criteria for the Advance Placement Program. Students must complete an approved Observational Drawing Course for admission to this course as an Honors class.

Please see Department Requirements.

ADV. POTTERY (612)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 1 semester

Prerequisite: Adv. Fine Arts I (618); Teacher recommendation

Credit: 0.5

Description: This course is for the craft-oriented student and will introduce them to basic hand building techniques of pinch, coil and slab. Students are taught to throw cylindrical forms on the potter’s wheel and to combine techniques to produce functional and sculptural clay pieces. Exposure to a variety of ceramic art, both historical and contemporary is emphasized. The components of art education: production, criticism, history, and aesthetics will be the areas of importance in this course.

Readings from the text and supplementary materials will be required. Students are required to compile and develop an art portfolio of their own artwork, to actively participate with the mounting of work, to set up exhibits and presentations in the school and community, and will be graded accordingly.

Please see Department Requirements.

ADV. POTTERY (613)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Adv. Fine Arts I (618); Teacher recommendation

Credit: 1

Description: This course is for the craft-oriented student and will introduce them to basic hand building techniques of pinch, coil and slab. Students are taught to throw cylindrical forms on the potter’s wheel and to combine techniques to produce functional and sculptural clay pieces. Exposure to a variety of ceramic art, both historical and contemporary is emphasized. The components of art education (production, criticism, history, and aesthetics) will be the areas of importance in this course.

Course Requirements: Students are expected to develop the technical skills of building in clay. Students will need an apron, or casual clothes to wear in class. Regular daily homework, practice, projects, critiques, quizzes, worksheets, outlines, tests and department semester written and project exams are used to assess student progress and evaluate mastery of concepts, skills and subject matter covered. Readings from the text and supplementary materials will be required. Students are required to compile and develop an art portfolio of their own artwork, to actively participate with the mounting of work, to set up exhibits and presentations in the school and community, and will be graded accordingly. Please see Department Requirements.

ADV. PHOTOGRAPHY BLACK & WHITE (619)

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Duration: 2 semesters

Prerequisite: Adv. Fine Arts I (618) with 80 or above average; Portfolio review and teacher recommendation.

Credit: 1

Description: This course is designed to introduce photography as a medium for creative expression, to develop awareness of the artist’s sense of sight. Providing students with guidelines for composition and evaluation of photographs will reinforce this prime area of importance. They will begin to utilize deta