Course Catalog

Grades: 9
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

English I is a foundational course in the elements of communication through reading, writing, and speaking. Students will practice close reading and writing, learning how to critically read a variety of texts (nonfiction, poetry, short stories, novels) and how to communicate their ideas in writing and through speech. Students will engage in the writing process to create writing (descriptive, expository, analytical, and argumentative) with a clear purpose and a clear audience. Students will learn vocabulary and grammar in the context of reading and are required to complete a summer reading assignment.

Grades: 9
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

English I Honors is an accelerated foundational course in which students will pursue inquiries through research, reading, writing, and discussion. Students will read and synthesize a range of texts, including nonfiction, poetry, and fiction to develop critical and comparative analysis skills. Guided by the writing process, students will write with clarity, audience, and purpose. Students will learn vocabulary and grammar in the context of reading and are required to complete a summer reading project. Within this class, and through cross-curricular collaborations with other disciplines, students will be invited to reflect on the establishment of cultural and individual identities in contemporary and historical contexts.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

English II will explore essential questions about prejudice and identity through reading, writing, research, and discussion. Students will work on honing their media awareness and write journalistic pieces. The first semester explores the genre of the short story. In the second semester, students read Othello and To Kill a Mockingbird. Students will write in a variety of modes - narrative, descriptive, expository, and analytical, with a focus on audience, organization, clarity, and purpose. Students will complete a research paper in the second semester. Students are expected to contribute to classroom discussions, participate in journal writing, and work collaboratively in groups. This course invites students to develop their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills to empower them in their ability to communicate with others.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

English II Honors is an exciting, fast paced course designed to broaden students’ literary and historical perceptions of the world around them. Students will read texts from around the globe and from 20th Century U.S. writers of color. Themes will include Identifying Heritage; Overcoming Intolerance and Oppression; The Power of the Imagination; and Tragedy and Redemption. The literature will include novels, poetry, short stories, philosophy, news articles, and documentary films. Literary focus will be on plot, characters, themes, and extracting meaning from text through reasonable analysis of the readings. Because good writing comes from reading good writing, composition is literature based. As this course is a work in progress, as all creative endeavors are, students will make many choices of readings as they go along. Close reading and complete reading is essential to learn to write well. Students will write extensively about the material they read: analytical mostly, as well as personal responses, all in MLA format.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A in English I or B or better in English I Honors; 2); a minimum overall GPA of 3.75; and 3) recommendations from their English teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the Department Chair.

Grades: 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

English III is a two-semester course which surveys American literature from Native American writers, Romantic, Naturalist, and Modernist American writers, all within their specific historical contexts. Analytical skills and terms are emphasized, with a primary focus on the correlation between religious and philosophical thought and literary expression of the particular periods. There is an on-going reinforcement of understanding literary genres. Because good writing comes from reading good writing, composition is literature based. Expository writing is emphasized, and creative writing is introduced at this level, along with a mask making project after reading The Scarlet Letter. Classroom discussion is strongly emphasized.

Grades: 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP English Language and Literature focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, and the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts. Through close reading and frequent writing, students develop their ability to work with language and texts with a greater awareness of purpose and strategy, while strengthening their own writing abilities. Students will read contemporary and historical essays, letters, speeches, images, and imaginative literature in this course, and they will write expository, analytical, personal, and argumentative pieces. As this is a college level course, performance expectations are high and the workload is challenging. AP English Language and Composition is a course approved by the College Board to prepare high school students to successfully handle the AP exam in May and earn college credit.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A in all English courses; 2) a minimum overall GPA of 3.75; and 3) recommendations from their English teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the Department Chair.

Grades: 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

English IV is a two-semester course in which students explore key elements of narrative and rhetoric across a variety of nonfiction texts and literary genres in order to develop skills for effective, college-level, composition, and critical discourse. This senior level English course is based on the Expository Reading and Writing curriculum (ERWC) from the California State University system. Students will demonstrate a command of standard American English and research, organize, draft, and revise papers of at least fifteen-hundred words each. In addition to both formal and extemporaneous presentations, class discussion is essential for student success. Semester One examines prose, poetry, and nonfiction in order to support and strengthen skills required for college and post-secondary reading, writing, and oral communication. Students also explore creativity, design thinking, and teamwork in a variety of projects this semester. In Semester Two, students dive deeper into critical thinking, academic reading, and the writing process. A culminating student portfolio is required in May to demonstrate mastery and proficiency of essential learning standards and fulfillment of class requirements.

Grades: 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP English Literature is a course that focuses mainly on American and British Literature with an emphasis on close reading, historical movements and periods, and AP Test Practice. The class follows the arc of development of Western Literature, politics, religious, and philosophical thinking from the axial age (600 – 800 BCE) to contemporary times and includes study of world mythology, poetry, prose, and drama. Course objectives combine the learning of analytical and critical skills with writing about literature using the tools of analysis and criticism. In AP English Literature, students discover precisely how authors use imagery, figures of speech, symbols, tone, diction, style, theme and structure to convey the meaning of their work. Students will be challenged to write persuasive essays and papers of various lengths as they wrestle with literary interpretation in preparation for the AP exam in May.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) a B+ or better in all English courses; 2) a minimum overall GPA of 3.75; and 3) recommendations from English teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 10-12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Creative Writing is designed to teach self-expression and provide a connection to others through the written word, and it will cover several creative genres, including fiction, poetry, playwriting, and the short story. A workshop oriented course, students will also learn the skills of editing, constructive peer evaluation, and literary analysis. Written assignments will be completed on a regular basis and drawn from a variety of exercises, observations, and discussion points. Writing exercises will help students develop writing resources such as voice, imagery, characterization, dialogue, and narration. Students will create a portfolio of their own creative pieces and they will also serve as the editors and staff of the school’s literary magazine.

Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU Approved

The purpose of ESL I is to ease the transition for newly arrived international students into the English speaking classroom environment. Special emphasis will be placed on developing and refining speaking, pronunciation, listening, and comprehension skills. Students will also be exposed to American cultural mores and idioms that will enhance their comprehension of written and spoken material, as well as introduce them to American school culture.

Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU Approved

The purpose of ESL II is to expand and enhance the reading, writing, and editing skills of second-year international students. Special attention will be devoted to reading more content-based materials reflective of their current academic classes, and more emphasis will be placed on improving writing, editing, and proofreading skills. This second-level ESL course should aid international students in their ability to converse successfully with native English speakers during content-area instruction.
Prerequisite: One year of American high school English or a grade of C or better on the English Placement test.

Grades: 9
Credit: 10 units

Introduction to Algebra is intended for those students whose background in math needs strengthening. Basic mathematical operations are reviewed and incorporated into introductory algebra and geometry, preparing students to succeed in Algebra I. Topics such as order of operations, factoring, scientific notation, and Pythagorean Theorem will be covered. This course strengthens the student’s computation skills and prepares them for Algebra I.

Grades: 9 & 10
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Algebra I is a first year course in algebra covering a wide range of introductory mathematical topics.  Students learn the use of the variable as a practical and theoretical tool through its use in operations, equations, functions, and graphing.  Students are introduced to group and discovery-based learning.  This course allows the student to strengthen their problem solving and thinking skills while giving them the mathematical background needed for other disciplines, e.g., science.
Prerequisite: A satisfactory grade in 8th grade mathematics, as well as a satisfactory grade on the entrance examination, or a C- or better in Introduction to Algebra. 
 

Grades: 9
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This is an accelerated course that offers Algebra II to incoming freshmen who meet prerequisites.  Topics such as exponential and logarithmic functions, quadratics, and higher-order polynomials and conic sections will be taught.  A review of Algebra I concepts such as solving equations, factoring, functions, inequalities, graphing, rational expressions, and radicals will also be covered. This advanced course will build on the previous objectives described under Algebra I and prepare students for more advanced mathematics courses.
Prerequisite: Score 90% or above on  Salesian Math Placement Test (required).
 

Grades: 10 & 11
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This is a discovery-based course in Euclidean geometry.  It provides an inductive approach to the principles of geometry, including line and angle relationships, congruency, similarity, polygons, circles, coordinate geometry, area, volume, constructions, logic, and proofs. This course will develop the student’s deductive and inductive reasoning skills as well as allow the student to see the interrelation between algebra and geometry, and to use algebra as a tool to solve geometric questions.
Prerequisite: A passing grade in Algebra I or a grade of B or better in Algebra I Second Semester (summer course) or equivalent. (Summer school is highly recommended for students receiving a D in Algebra I.)

Grades: 10
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Geometry with Trigonometry is a course designed to meet the needs of students continuing in our Honors Math Program. These students will be taking Geometry in an accelerated fashion with Trigonometry at the end of the year. The course will cover all of the requirements of Geometry by exploring lines, circles, polygons and solids and their properties, constructions, how to formulate conjectures and proofs, and how to develop formulas for area, surface area, and volume, etc. On top of the trigonometry explored when studying triangles, right triangles, and the Pythagorean Theorem, students will be presented with all six trigonometric functions. They will be expected to know radian and degree measure, use a unit circle and a calculator to find the values of the regular and inverse trigonometric functions, graph them in a coordinate plane, and prove trigonometric identities.  Students will learn how to use the properties explored in Geometry and Trigonometry and further their abilities in arguing their findings through proofs and mathematical statements.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Accelerated Algebra
 

Grades: 11 & 12
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

In this course, students study algebra in greater depth, reinforcing concepts from Algebra I, while introducing additional ideas. The main topics covered are polynomials, rational expressions, real and complex number systems, conic sections, systems of equations, exponential and logarithmic functions and a brief survey of trigonometry. 
Prerequisite: A passing grade or better in Algebra I and a passing grade in Geometry. (Summer school is highly recommended for students receiving a D in Algebra I.)
 

Grades: 11 & 12
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Pre-Calculus is a college preparatory course that integrates algebraic and geometric concepts, while additionally covering advanced algebra concepts, analytic geometry, trigonometry, exponents, logarithms, higher order polynomials, and an introduction to differential, and integral calculus. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for college level calculus.   
Prerequisite: A grade of C+ or better in Algebra II and the recommendations of previous mathematics teachers.
 

Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This is a college preparatory honors course that integrates algebraic and geometric concepts, while additionally covering advanced algebra concepts, analytic geometry, trigonometry, exponents, logarithms, higher order polynomials, matrices, sequences, and series.  Aside from learning the basics of Calculus, students will begin coursework from the AP Calculus AB program in that they will complete work on limits, continuity, derivatives and their applications.
Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry with Trigonometry or equivalent course
 

Grades: 11 & 12
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Calculus covers the materials presented in the first semester of college calculus for mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. Students are presented with new concepts and given the opportunity to assess and reinforce their understanding through practice problems. The main topics covered in this AP course are functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students will also work with functions represented graphically, numerically, analytically, or verbally, and should understand the connections among these representations. This course allows students to qualify for college credit through the AP Calculus test in May.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in Pre-Calculus, or a grade of B or better in Algebra II and the recommendation of previous mathematics teachers. A summer school course covering pre-calculus topics may be required.

Grades: 12
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP Calculus BC covers material presented in the second semester of college calculus for mathematicians, scientists and engineers. In addition to covering the same topics from the AP Calculus AB course, the BC course covers polynomial approximations and series.  Students work independently to prepare themselves for the AP Calculus BC exam which gives students both a Calculus BC score and a Calculus AP subscore.  
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in Advanced Placement Calculus AB and the recommendation of the Calculus teacher.  

Grades: 12
Credits: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Introduction to College Math is a course designed for seniors who are looking to take the Liberal Arts track in college but would like to reinforce and maintain their mathematical skills. These students will review key topics from their Algebra and Geometry courses as well as learn many new concepts that can be applied to their daily lives. The students will continue to apply mathematical concepts in order to solve real world problems by exploring topics such as statistics, consumer math, probability, number theory, and voting methods.

Grades: 9, 10
Credit: 10 units

The Physical Education course will cover a wide variety of team and individual sports. Special emphasis will be placed on lifetime fitness and setting personal fitness goals. This course teaches and improves the fundamental skills associated with various sports activities. Students will participate in enjoyable and challenging physical activities that develop and maintain the five components of physical fitness.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 10 units

Basketball Conditioning and Weight Training course consists of weightlifting and cardio-respiratory workouts. Instruction on weight lifting to increase strength, build muscle, and/or lose weight will be included. The course will include various exercises including walking, jogging, jumping rope, and other aerobic activities. The focus of the class will be on lifelong fitness activities.
Enrollment in the course is subject to Department Chair approval. Students may take the course more than once.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 10 units

The Football Conditioning and Weight Training course consists of weightlifting and cardio-respiratory workouts. Instruction on weight lifting to increase strength, build muscle, and/or lose weight will be included. The class will include various exercises including walking, jogging, jumping rope, and other aerobic activities. The focus of the class will be on lifelong fitness activities.
Enrollment in the course is subject to Department Chair approval. Students may take the course more than once.

Grades: 9
Credit: 5 units

In the first semester, students will cover the essential beliefs of Catholic Christianity by analyzing the creed of the Catholic faith. By looking at the creed line by line, students will discuss a range of topics including: God, creation, human nature, sin, salvation, and the sacraments. This course will also introduce the Salesian Spirit of Don Bosco, and the four pillars of the Salesian school: home, playground, church, and school.

Grades: 9
Credit: 5 units

In the second semester, students will discover and discuss the stories of the Old Testament. The semester will begin with the Bible and its origins, the historical foundations, and its spiritual message. After learning several Biblical stories, students will teach these stories to local grade school children using public speaking skills they learned throughout the year.

Grades: 10
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU Approved

This course will examine New Testament literature from a critical, historical and theological perspective. The course will study the life and thought of the early church as reflected by the authors of the four gospels. The early Jesus movement in its social and historical setting will be covered. Ethical ramifications and moral implications of the New Testament and the early Christian church in today's society will be examined.

Grades: 10
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU Approved

This course presents an overview of the history of Christianity and the Church, especially in light of its profound influence on the world. The message of Jesus and the actions of the Church in the past 2,000 years that shaped western civilization are explored. The course gives students a deeper awareness of the present age by reflecting on the past, and a better understanding of how to respond to contemporary problems and events by focusing on the cyclic action of history.

Grades: 11
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU Approved

The Ethics course examines the question at the heart of human behavior: “What is right and wrong?” The course first explores various philosophical ethical traditions, and then reviews Christian ethics. While dealing with deep philosophical theories, the course will consistently involve self-reflection and application to our lives. This reflection will provide not only intellectual development, but also moral and spiritual formation.

Grades: 11
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This Social Justice course presents a Catholic perspective regarding many issues related to justice in our world today. The general goals of this course are to increase student awareness of justice issues, develop critical thinking skills on specific issues, challenge social responsibility, create a sense of solidarity, and learn to act on behalf of justice.

Grades: 12
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

In the World Religions course, students are introduced to the major religions found in the world today: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Students will identify differences and similarities between religions. Textbooks, articles (newspaper and magazine), and videos are used in the course. Students are taught through lecture, discussion, group work and group presentations. By understanding world religions, students will be able to better understand the people and cultures in which they are found.

Grades: 12
Credit: 5 units

The goal of the Senior Synthesis course is for students to reflect on their daily lives and their relationships with others through the lens of their Salesian education. Through discussion, reflection activities, and the creation of a Senior Synthesis project, students will examine family and friendship, relationships, self identity, effective communication in relationships, and life vocations. The Senior Synthesis Project will be presented to other students in Faith Families.

Grades: 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Comparative Religions Honors will study the fundamental beliefs, practices, spiritual, and moral insights of some of the world’s most prominent religions and philosophies (Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Ancient Greek philosophy, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity). CRH will also cover some of the world’s primal and indigenous religions. This course is interdisciplinary in that it will employ skills and content learned in history, literature, geography, and religion. Aside from complex readings and texts, students will analyze cultural phenomena, artworks and artifacts, social and institutional patterns and traditions. This course differs from World Religions in its workload, expectations of work quality, and comparative methodology.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A in all religion courses; 2) a minimum overall GPA of 3.75; and 3) recommendations from religion teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 9
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This first year Project Lead the Way course is designed to grab students' attention and interest in the biomedical sciences through their investigation of the mysterious death of Anna Garcia. This course is a survey of many different areas of the biomedical sciences, from forensics and crime scene investigation, to the molecular biology of diabetes, to understanding the cardiovascular system, to the genetics and heredity of sickle cell anemia, to the microscopic identification of bacteria and infectious agents.
Prerequisites: Incoming 9th grade students must meet the following criteria: HSPT score in the top 25% of the incoming class, an official transcript that verifies a 3.75 GPA or higher throughout 7th AND 8th grades, earned a B or higher in Science in 7th AND 8th grades and expressed an interest in taking a Biomedical Science Course.

Grades: 9 & 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Biology is a science course which introduces several key biological principles to students. This one-year laboratory course pays particular attention to the scientific method as a means to solving questions concerning the natural world. The aforementioned principles cover five areas: cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and animal systems. These principles are applied to the exploration of viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Students are guided through these topics by lecture, group work, laboratory observation and dissection, and school ground field trips. This is a required course for all sophomores.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Honors Biology moves at an accelerated pace in order to cover topics such as the chemistry of life, cellular energetics, cell communications, the cell cycle, cell structure and function, gene expressions, natural selection, ecology and heredity in greater depth than a basic biology course. Students are presented with new concepts and are then given the opportunity to investigate the course material through group discussion and problem solving. Students learn writing in the sciences through independent projects each semester. Laboratory work is coordinated with lecture material to illustrate the principles covered in class. At the completion of the course, students will be well prepared for an AP Biology course.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A- or better in Algebra I; and 2) and successful completion of the Principles of Biomedical course.

Grades: 10 & 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP Biology is a challenging biology course for the advanced student. The AP Biology curriculum is designed to introduce the student to molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. AP Biology adheres to an annotated course outline prepared to facilitate successful completion of the AP Biology examination. Presentation of material is through lectures, laboratories, demonstrations, group work, and field trips.
Prerequisites: 1) Completion of Biology and Chemistry course with a grade of B or better.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

In this second year PLTW course, students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.
Prerequisites: 10th grade students who earned a B or higher in the PLTW Year 1 course or 2) approval of the Science Department Chair if the Year 1 course was not taken.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Chemistry is the study of matter: its properties, structure, and interactions. This one-year laboratory course pays particular attention to the scientific method as a means to solving questions concerning molecular structure, stoichiometry, conservation of matter, atomic structure, equilibrium, redox reactions and acid/base chemistry. As a pure science, chemistry incorporates a laboratory program that is based on lecture material and provides students with hands-on experience in lab procedure and the correct handling of chemicals. Students incorporate writing in the sciences through independent projects during each semester. The instructional format of the course will be varied with lecture presentations, slides and charts, cooperative group learning, discussion groups for problem solving, using video and individual work.
Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in Algebra I, concurrently taking Algebra II (or higher) and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or better (or with instructor’s permission).

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college level course in chemistry typically taken by first year college students. The course is organized around four big ideas and is aligned with six science practices. The four big ideas are SPQ (scale, proportion, and quantity), SAP (structure and properties), TRA(transformations), ENE (energy). The six science practices include models and representations, question and method, representing data and phenomena, model analysis, mathematical routines, and argumentation. Students will cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore content such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, and thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Emphasis in this class is placed on application of chemical concepts with real-world applications. Laboratory experiments are conducted to compliment the material being learned.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A- or better in Algebra I and Algebra II; and 2) a minimum GPA of 3.75.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Environmental Science is designed to expose students to the fragility of our ecosystem. The student will analyze natural and human-generated environmental problems and investigate local, national and global scientific issues that are relevant in our modern society. Major themes examined include the greenhouse effect, renewable and nonrenewable energy, water treatment, invasive and endangered species, the earth, and pollution. Students are encouraged to read and analyze relevant environmental literature. New material is presented to students through lectures, laboratories, videos, on and off campus field trips, and guest speakers. Students learn to use the scientific method to solve environmental problems.

Grades: 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Anatomy introduces students to basic physiology as it covers the structure and function of the human body. The course material is first presented at the chemical level, progressing through cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and finally the body as a whole. The basic function of each organ system, nutrition and metabolism and the stages of growth and development of the human body is then covered. Students learn through classroom lecture, laboratories, and individual and group work.
Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in Biology and Chemistry.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Physics develops an intuition to physical phenomena. The areas studied are gravitation, motion with constant acceleration, forces, heat, sound, light, energy, matter, relativity, simple harmonic motion, radiation, electricity, magnetism and optics. Students learn writing in the sciences through independent projects during each semester. The teaching methods include lectures, classroom discussions, virtual simulations, and small group laboratory work. The course is designed to encourage students to think creatively to solve problems using the scientific method. Students learn to conduct independent research projects in physics during each semester.
Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in Algebra II, concurrently taking Pre-Calculus or Calculus and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Conceptual Physics offers the subject matter of a traditional physics course with a qualitative approach to problem solving. General areas of study include mechanics, motion, astronomy, heat, light, sound, magnetism, electricity, radioactivity, and atomic nucleus. The format includes lecture and discussion, problem solving, virtual simulations, field trips, a Science Fair Project, and small group laboratory work. Experiments will strengthen students’ mastery of course materials and their understanding of the scientific method.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU Approved

Students are introduced to the field of sports medicine with an emphasis on athletic training. Students will explore human anatomy and physiology as it relates to athletics, resulting in a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal system. Current techniques employed in the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries will also be discussed. Additional topics that will be covered in the course include first aid, concussions, injury identification, and basic emergency care and procedures. Hands-on activities in the class will include preventive taping techniques and first aid application.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU Approved

Computer Science is an introductory course for all tenth graders to nurture creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. Students will learn basic coding, writing and debugging programs, design strategy, and problem solving in a year long course. Through a variety of project based learning activities and authentic experimentation, students will deepen their understanding of the foundational ideas and concepts of computing. The course follows Code.org Computer Science Principles curriculum and prepares students for AP Computer Science Principles.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP Computer Science Principles is designed to develop students' computational thinking skills to analyze and study data. Students will be expected to work with large sets of data to analyze as well as visualize and draw conclusions from trends observed. The course is organized around seven “Big Ideas” which include creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and global impact. Students will be expected to perfect collaboration and communication skills as they design solutions, draw connections between different computing concepts, and produce computational artifacts. Students will specifically prepare for the AP Computer Science Exam as they review practice multiple choice test questions and complete their performance tasks for their digital portfolio.
Pre-requisites: 1) Completion of Computer Science course with a grade of B or better; 2) a grade of C or better in Algebra; 3) approval of the Computer Science instructor.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

World History is a two-semester course that traces the major historical events of the world from the Renaissance to the present. This comprehensive study of our global environment will investigate social, cultural, economic and political systems as they existed and affected the course of world history. Special emphasis is placed on the development of geography, research, and other basic study skills. Role-plays, simulations, historical videos, and cooperative learning techniques will be integrated into the daily classroom routine.

Grades: 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

World History Honors ia a two-semester course that traces the major historical events of the world from the Renaissance to the present. This comprehensive study of our global environment will investigate social, cultural, economic, and political systems as they existed and affected the course of world history. The World History Honors course will place a special emphasis on critical reading and writing skills with an introduction to Document Based Questions. Additionally, the refinement of geography, research and other basic study skills will be included. This course will prepare students for the AP U.S. History course in 11th grade in terms of essay writing, study skills, and critical analysis. Role-plays, simulations, debates, interactive projects, Google Suites, historical videos, and cooperative learning techniques will be integrated into the daily classroom routine.
Prerequisite: Placement in course based on GPA and High School Placement Test (HSPT) score.

Grades: 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

United States History is a topical approach to the study of this country's past. Attentive to the California Framework for Social Science, this course begins with a review of U.S. history before the Civil War in the first quarter, while the emphasis for the rest of the year focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries. This course examines the major turning points in American history through a multicultural perspective of the various social, political and economic factors, as well as individual personalities that influenced the course of our history.

Grades: 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP United States History concentrates on factual knowledge, analysis, and interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and the development of an informed opinion through the use of the persuasive essay. With an emphasis on critical reasoning, the students research American history and gain proficiency in advanced testing skills as they prepare for the AP exam in the spring.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) B or better in all English courses; 2) A- or better in both semesters of World History; 3) minimum overall GPA of 3.75 or better; and 4) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

The U.S. Government course is designed to bridge the gap between the basic concepts of American government and the daily events that redefine the United States' political structure. The general structure of the U.S. Constitution will be outlined and reviewed with a special focus on citizen rights and responsibilities. Students will also study current events to examine how U.S. political institutions weather the challenges of the 21st century.

Grades: 12
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

The U.S. Government Honors course will examine the basic theories of government: the Constitution and the organization, powers, and principal processes of the congress, presidency, bureaucracy, media, and the federal courts as they function in the political system. Current event discussions will focus on an up-to-date examination of our American political institutions. U.S. Government Honors will move at an accelerated pace and focus on the development of persuasive essay writing skills, as well as the application of research skills in two projects during the course of the semester.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) B or better in United States History or B- or better in AP United States History; 2) a minimum overall GPA of 3.75 or better; and 3) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 12
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

The Economics course is designed to deepen the student's understanding of the economic problems and institutions of the nation and the world. This course will focus on the practical application of economic theory to personal economic choices, as well as broader economic policy. Economics will focus on an introduction to basic microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economic concepts.

Grades: 12
Credit: 5 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Economics Honors focuses on basic economic theory through an exploration of microeconomic, macroeconomic and international economic concepts. Honors Economics will move at an accelerated pace with more in-depth analysis of economic theory and policy directives.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) B or better in US History or B- or better in AP US History; 2) a minimum overall GPA of 3.75 or better; and 3) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

The Psychology course introduces students to psychology with a focus on the scientific study of human development, learning, motivation, and personality. Students develop basic concepts of psychology and a historical perspective on psychology as the study of individual behavior. Students will have opportunities to explore implications for everyday life of a scientific perspective on human behavior. The student will also develop an awareness of career opportunities in psychology.

Grades: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

The History through Film course is designed to enrich the study of World and U.S. History through the medium of film. Students will experience American films and select foreign films to provide different perspectives of history. Students will engage in class discussions, collaborative group work, write response papers incorporating the films and the study of associated events, and develop research papers. These activities will provide them with the opportunity to improve their critical thinking and writing skills.

Grades: 9 & 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French I introduces students to the French language and culture. Beginning students focus on understanding the language and speaking it in short conversations. As they advance, they learn to read and write French, but throughout the year, the focus remains on oral communication. Through the use of various media, students are aided in their study of French through music, art, and cuisine. To further increase their understanding of the French culture, students begin to correspond with young people in French-speaking countries.

Grades: 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

This course is a continuation of French I. French II students are able to communicate in French with one another and with their instructor with greater ease, and at this level the class is taught almost exclusively in French. Continued study of grammar and vocabulary aids the students in speaking and writing about events in the past, the present, and the future. Besides their textbooks, French II students will continue to use different media to increase their understanding and proficiency in the language. Students will complete a major art project that incorporates their knowledge of French history, French culture and, of course, the language itself. At this level, students can appreciate excursions to French movies, plays, and museum exhibits. French games, music, and cuisine continue to enhance their appreciation of French culture.
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in French I or a grade of C or better on Salesian’s World Language Placement exam.

Grades 9, 10, 11
Credit:  10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French II Honors is a rigorous intermediate level course for students who are considering the Advanced Placement French Language and Culture course. This course is also a prerequisite to taking French III Honors. In French II Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing which are incorporated into class every day. Besides their textbook, students regularly use workbooks, audio activities, and magazines. The culture, social customs, and geography of French-speaking countries are also included in this advanced second year of language.

Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A- or better in Spanish I; and 2) recommendations from their teachers.  Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grade: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French III offers students the opportunity to describe their lives entirely in French. The class is conducted primarily in French with opportunities for linguistic and cultural translation and comparison. Students utilize grammar from French I and II to help them learn and practice expressions of the future, of emotions, and of uncertainty. Besides their textbooks, French III students continue to use different media to increase their understanding and proficiency in the language. Students create analytical texts (spoken, written, visual) that reflect both their linguistic competence but also their symbolic competence, their way of personalizing and responding to the patterns of the French language.
Prerequisite: A grade of B- or higher in French II.

Grades 10, 11, 12         
Credit:  10 units 
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

French III Honors is an advanced level course that will further prepare the student for real-life interactions in the French language. This course is also a prerequisite to taking the AP French Language and Culture course the following year. In French III Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students read newspapers and magazine articles, short stories, poems, excerpts from plays and examine them critically. The use of music, films, games, and celebration of Francophone holidays enhances the French III Honors student’s appreciation and understanding of the French and Francophone cultures.

Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A  in Spanish II or a B+ or better in Spanish II Honors; and 2) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the Department Chair.

Grade: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP French challenges students to describe world issues entirely in French, with a goal of taking the AP French examination in May. AP French students engage in French with the themes of health, technology, urban living, careers, ecology, and the arts. The class is conducted exclusively in French with opportunities for linguistic and cultural translation and comparison. Students are expected to read, write, and speak French consistently and in a variety of ways. Besides their textbooks, AP French students will use different media to present their learning to their classmates. Students create analytical texts (spoken, written, visual) that reflect both their linguistic competence but also their symbolic competence, their way of personalizing and responding to the patterns of the French language. There is a focus on linguistic variation and cultural differences in the French-speaking world.
Prerequisite: A grade of B or higher in French III.

Grades: 9 & 10
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish I provides a basic introduction to Spanish. The goal of Spanish I is for students to acquire a strong foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the language. The main focus, however, will be on facilitating daily conversation among all students. Beyond the study of the language and its structure, this course will promote an appreciation and understanding of the Latin culture throughout the world. Aids to cultural awareness include Spanish music, films, magazines, and celebration of Hispanic holidays.

Grades: 9, 10, & 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish II will build upon the knowledge that students acquired during their first year. In Spanish II students will continue to focus on oral and written comprehension. The four major skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are incorporated into class every day. Besides their text, students regularly use workbooks, audio, and magazines. The culture, social customs and geography of Spanish-speaking countries are also included in this pivotal second year.
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish I or equivalent, or a grade of C or better on Salesian’s World Language Placement exam.

Grades: 9, 10, & 11
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish II Honors is a rigorous intermediate level course for students who wish to continue into the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course. This course is also a prerequisite to take Spanish III Honors. In Spanish II Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing which are incorporated into class every day. Besides their textbook, students regularly use workbooks, audio activities, and magazines. The culture, social customs and geography of Spanish-speaking countries are also included in this advanced second year of language.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A- or better in Spanish I; and 2) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the department chair.

Grades: 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish III is an advanced level course for students who wish to continue beyond the required two years of study. In Spanish III students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The students' skills will be reinforced through a wide range of activities that include cooperative learning and auditory and written exercises. The use of music, films, games, and celebration of Spanish holidays enhances the Spanish III students' appreciation and understanding of the Hispanic culture.
Prerequisite: A grade of B- or better in Spanish II and permission from the instructor.

Grades: 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

Spanish III Honors is an advanced level course that will further prepare the student for real-life interactions in Spanish language. This course is also a prerequisite to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture course the following year. In Spanish III Honors, students obtain a more advanced degree of communicative competence and greater proficiency in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students read newspapers and magazine articles, short stories, poems, excerpts from plays and examine them critically. The use of music, films, games, and celebration of Spanish holidays enhances the Spanish III Honors student’s appreciation and understanding of the Hispanic culture.
Prerequisites: Students should have: 1) an A in Spanish II or a B+ or better in Spanish II Honors; and 2) recommendations from their teachers. Teacher recommendations will be obtained by the Department Chair.

Grade: 11 & 12
Credit: 10 units
UC/CSU/NCAA Approved

AP Spanish is an honors level course for those students who have completed Spanish III and have chosen to increase their mastery of Spanish in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Building on previously learned concepts, students broaden their communication skills through written assignments and speaking situations. This course also focuses on the multi-faceted history, literature, and culture of the Hispanic world. At the end of the year, students will take the AP Spanish Language exam.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and a grade of B (86%) or better in Spanish III Honors.