Course Descriptions
English Department
- Research and Reading focuses on developing and improving two of the most basic skills for success in high school and college. This course will lead students from the basic steps of information gathering to the creation of a sophisticated end product: a purposeful, focused, and in-depth research paper. While learning and developing these skills, students will also be taught close reading strategies – methods that will help build success in reading in all content areas – not just English.
- English 9 includes developing writing processes and skills. This course is designed to focus on the composition of a number of different essay styles including personal, narrative, descriptive, literary analysis, and learning how to write for essay tests. Grammar will be studied and practiced in daily journals, and vocabulary will be emphasized weekly in textual reading as well as through written means. Students will also study several literary classics, poetry, and short stories accentuating the themes and purpose that derive from the works.
- English 9 Honors includes developing writing skills and processes. The course will mainly concentrate on the composition of a plethora of essay motifs. It includes such essays as personal and expressive, observation / descriptive, narratives, expository, writing about literature, and learning how to write for essay tests. Grammar will be studied as needed and vocabulary will be emphasized in textual reading and weekly/biweekly lessons. Students will also study several literary classics, an epic poem, poetry, and short stories accentuating the themes and purpose that derive from the works.
- English 10: Literature and Composition is a course that encompasses various literary works and genres. By utilizing analytical reading, critical thinking, and research skills, students will present and support their thesis statements through both oral and written communication. Students will develop their writing skills as we explore the various genres studied throughout the year. Members of this class will be expected to accept the challenge of taking their work to the next level by engaging more challenging literature and poetry, and honing their written and verbal expression to demonstrate an increased knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
- English 10 Honors Literature and Intermediate Composition is a course that encompasses various literary works and genres. By utilizing analytical reading, critical thinking, and research skills, students will present and support their thesis statements through both oral and written communication. Students will develop their writing skills as we explore the various genres studied throughout the year. Members of this class will be expected to accept the challenge of taking their work to the next level by engaging more challenging literature and poetry, and honing their written and verbal expression to demonstrate an increased knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
- English 11: American Literature and Advanced Composition is based on American Literature and is designed to educate students in literature, composition, vocabulary, oral presentation, and critical thinking/writing skills. The literature selections are presented thematically in order to build an awareness of past and present American customs and literature. Quarterly grades will include the successful completion of writing assignments. A research paper consisting of five to seven typewritten pages and five sources quoted throughout the paper is required to pass the second semester of this course. Three required novels are to be read throughout the year as well as 300 pages per quarter of student selected/teacher approved outside reading. Writing assignments, study guides, guided class discussion, and objective tests ensure students have thoroughly read and studied these novels. Individual student/teacher book talks confirm outside reading.
- Advanced Placement English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to the effectiveness of writing. Students will demonstrate their progress in accomplishing these skills through extensive reading of a variety of works, with an emphasis on non-fiction and close reading; through various writing assignments including journaling, paragraphs, timed writing, formal essays, and a research-based persuasive essay; and through oral and group presentations and debate.
- English 12: Literature and Advanced Composition is a course designed to prepare students for college in the areas of literature, vocabulary, oral presentation, research, reading, and writing skills. The course will begin with Anglo-Saxon literature and proceed through the literature and poetry of the late twentieth century.
- Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: AP English Literature and Composition is one of a pairing of capstone accelerated English courses. It has been designed to apply the skills acquired and developed in AP English Language and Composition to the study of Literature. The course will teach students how to read carefully and contemplate written texts, to express themselves precisely and logically through critical writing, to develop a personal sense of place within the literary tradition, and to acquire necessary skills that will maximize their capacity to pass the AP Examination. AP Literature is intended, in terms of work, to mimic a first-year college general education course (as any credit earned through success on the exam will apply to such a requirement), and the student’s commitment to an increased volume of work and a more rigorous grading rubric is assumed.
- British Literature and Advanced Composition is a course designed to prepare students for college in the areas of literary studies, vocabulary, oral presentation, research, and writing. The course will begin with the Anglo-Saxon period and proceed through the major literary movements, ending the year with twentieth-century Modernism. Students will develop their abilities in analytic writing through periodic essays and corresponding workshops.
- Yearbook is a great way to blend various disciplines into a unique student creation. It requires the application of many subjects: writing, reading, computer technology, art, and mathematics, and provides students with a forum to express this learning concretely. The class incorporates a certain business perspective to the mix, which requires budget and accounting skills. The use of these tools helps students to evaluate design and desire within the confines of cost. Students will learn how to design the layout of a page from picas to photography to the proofing stage. They will also learn concepts of journalism to bring exciting copy and word drama to our pages. This is an experience which forces students to THINK because their pages only come together when they apply all of the concepts in the class and work together as a team.
Social Science/History Department
- Geography/World Cultures World Cultures integrates geography, culture, twentieth century history and current events to enable the student to grasp the essence of a country’s culture. Emphasis is placed on Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America as God’s world is examined as it exists today. All course content will be consistent with the California standards for history-social science. Additionally, all course content is taught within a Biblical World View. Biblical integration will be inserted where appropriate.
- Advanced Placement Human Geography is a challenging course designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college Geography course. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ special concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills and be willing to devote substantial time to study and the completion of class assignments. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, class discussion, use of primary sources, and critical reading. Students engage in a variety of activities, such as debates, simulations, and trials of historical figures.
- World History This course examines the essential concepts relating to Modern Western History. Looking at the development of the modern world beginning with the roots of democracy in ancient Greece and Rome, we then examine Western Europe from the Renaissance to the present day. All course content will be consistent with the California standards for history-social science. All course material will be presented with a Biblical World View.
- Advanced Placement European History is a challenging course designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college Western Civilization survey course. The course begins with the birth of civilization and goes up to the present day. All areas of history are covered, including religious, social, political, economic, intellectual, cultural, and art history. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills and be willing to devote substantial time to study and the completion of class assignments. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, class discussion, use of primary sources, and critical reading. Students engage in a variety of activities, such as debates, simulations, and trials of historical figures.
- United States History This course examines the essential concepts relating to U.S. History by looking at the development of the North American continent discovered by Columbus through the present. Biblical integration will also be included where appropriate. All course content will be consistent with the California standards for history-social science. Students will also be required to participate in current event assignments that will bridge the past with the present.
- Advanced Placement United States History is a comprehensive course equivalent to college freshman American History at the University of California or any other reputable university. The course covers political, diplomatic, military, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from 1492-present.
- Economics is designed to acquaint students with the economic aspects of modern society, to familiarize them with techniques for the analysis of contemporary economic problems and to develop in them an ability to exercise judgment in evaluating public policy.
- Government and Politics of the United States is designed to teach the foundation, organization and implementation of the American governmental system in order to help the student gain a better understanding and appreciation of the government and political philosophy of the United States of America.
- Advanced Placement Government and Politics of the United States is designed to teach the foundation, organization and implementation of the American governmental system in order to help the student gain a better understanding and appreciation of the government and political philosophy of the United States of America.
Math Department
- Algebra 1 The California Content Standard for Algebra 1 has 25 objectives, all of which are covered in this course. A summary of these objectives is: “Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.”
- Honors Algebra 1 The California Content Standard for Algebra 1 has 25 objectives, all of which are covered in this course. A summary of these objectives is: “Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.” Students must pass the California State Algebra Readiness Exam with a score of 85% or higher to enter this class.
- Geometry For thousands of years, people have studied Geometry as a way of understanding the world around them. Through this course, students will join in that great tradition as they learn to think logically, express their observations with precision, and to understand more fully the vast and ornate world that God has created. In keeping with those goals, students will develop an understanding of foundational geometric principles, will learn how to apply these concepts to practical problems (including those on national standardized tests like the SAT/SATII exams), and will cultivate their thoughts about how the study of Mathematics can aid them as servants of Christ.
- Algebra 2 continues the study of functions begun in Algebra 1. It builds upon Algebra 1 in developing a precise mathematical language and understanding of mathematical structure. Algebra 2 includes such topics as Polynomial, Rational, Inverse, Logarithmic and exponential functions. The Real number system is expanded to include imaginary and complex numbers, and graphing is expanded to include curves called conics. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual understanding of a problem, and how an answer is arrived at, not just on whether a given answer is correct.
- Precalculus is the study of periodic and cyclical functions. Precalculus will study these and the advanced algebra skills used in advanced mathematics. It will include such topics as: Rational, Polynomial, Inverse, Logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their related graphs. Angle and analytic trigonometry. Students will be using skills developed in all their previous math courses, and will be expected to integrate previous coursework into a united whole. The primary instructional method is lecture.
- Honors Precalculus is the study of periodic and cyclical functions. Students will study these and the advanced algebra skills used in advanced mathematics. The course will include such topics as: Rational, Polynomial, Inverse, Logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their related graphs. Angle nd analytic trigonometry. Students will be using skills developed in all previous math courses, and will be expected to integrate previous coursework into a united whole.
- AP Calculus is the mathematical study of relationships when there is change taking place. It is a very important component of modern science. A variety of different ideas can be studied using calculus such as the orbits of satellites and spacecraft, predicting population sizes, estimating how fast the price of a particular commodity is rising, measuring the cardiac output of the heart and many others. In this course, the student is introduced to the concepts of calculus not only algebraically, but also graphically and numerically.
Science Department
- Health is designed to teach the fundamentals of health with a Christian perspective and philosophy. The course will cover such issues as proper nutrition and exercise, understanding diseases, dealing with emotional well being, and the Christian way to handle life’s daily situations. Students will become more familiar with the basic elements of how the body works and how to make it work more efficiently. Basic first aid techniques will also be examined. The purpose of this course is to help equip each student to be in control of his/her physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
- Introduction to Lab Science will teach students scientific principles and the details that support them. The course of study will be developed through classroom lecture, laboratory exercises, in-class assignments, homework, tests and quizzes. The course of study will be reinforced through classroom emonstration, hand-on lab experiences that will be completed in both the classroom setting and as out-of-class projects. Labs will include the dissections of preserved organisms and specimens. Much of the class time will be used to reinforce science principles through lab experiences. Therefore, students MUST make the extra-effort outside of class to grasp concepts and learn the meaning of course terminology as presented in their textbook and in lectures.
- Biology is the study of living things and their interaction within the world around us. The two main goals of this course are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The course presents a wide range of topics including but not limited to: chemical composition, cell structure and function, metabolic and biochemistry processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration, heredity and genetics, plant structure and function, oology, marine biology, environmental science and human biology. The course will also expose students to the scope of Biology, with special emphasis on subjects and concepts that will affect their decisions about themselves and their spiritual standards.
- Honors Biology is the study of living things and their interaction within the world around us. The two main goals of this course are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The content will survey all levels of biology in greater depth than regular biology courses. The course presents a wide range of topics including but not limited to: chemical composition, cell structure and function, metabolic and biochemistry processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration, heredity and genetics, plant structure and function, zoology, marine biology, environmental science and human biology. The course will also expose students to the scope of iology, with special emphasis on subjects and concepts that will affect their decisions about themselves and their spiritual standards.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college biology course usually taken by biology majors. The two main goals are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The content surveys all levels of biology in much greater depth than previous biology courses. The course presents a wide range of topics including, but not limited to; chemical composition; cell structure & function; metabolic and biochemistry processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration; heredity & genetics; plant structure and function; zoology; marine biology; environmental science; and human biology. The major emphasis will be to assist students in recognizing and appreciating the application of science to everyday living, all the while, resenting them with detailed aspects of each specific subject so as to prepare them for the AP Biology Exam and in order to better understand College or University studies in science and medicine.
- **One important difference between the AP Biology course and previous biology courses is that students MUST assume responsibility for their learning. While conference time is available and students are encouraged to seek additional assistance when necessary, students in AP courses are expected to be independent learners, studying the material in much greater detail than in previous biology courses.
- Chemistry is the study of substances and the changes that substances can undergo. Two goals of this course are for the student to gain an appreciation for the material world that God has created and to develop math application skills. A strong background in algebra is strongly recommended.
- Physics is the study of the physical laws that act in our universe. It includes topics such as motion, energy, ight, electricity, and magnetism. The student will gain an appreciation for the precision of the rules that God has put into the workings of his universe and will develop math application skills.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous course designed for those students who have interests in the biological sciences, health, and medical related fields. The course features the structures and their function within the human body. The course of study covers all aspects of the human body including, but not limited to; chemical composition, cells and tissues; body protection, support & movement; communication; systems of transport; metabolic processing; and the cycle of life. The course also includes the understanding of disorders and diseases of the human body. The major emphasis will be to assist students in recognizing and appreciating the important functional concepts of the body and how they apply to everyday living. The course also introduces, develops, and prepares a foundation for understanding ore detailed concepts in biology and other health-related fields.
Bible Department
- Bible 9: Old Testament Survey offers an overview of early Hebrew literature with an emphasis on key people and events as well as the historical, cultural, and literary background. Students will learn to be clear thinkers with an introduction to basic logic. Students will focus on the eleven historical books to gain an overall understanding of the storyline of the Old Testament. Students will also learn to think critically by studying logical fallacies.
- Bible 10: New Testament survey offers an overview of the key people, events, and themes of the twenty-seven New Testament books. Through discussions, class projects, and lecture, students will gain a general understanding of the New Testament. There will be a unit on the reliability of the New Testament so students see the archaeological, textual, and historical evidence that the New Testament can be trusted. Students will also learn to think critically this year through study of basic logic.
- Bible 11: Juniors will be studying Basic Christian Doctrine (Theology), Introduction to the Cults, and Comparative Religions. This class is primarily discussion based where students are challenged to think critically about their theological convictions. Students have frequent take-home case studies where they teach their parents basic theological truths.
- Bible 12 : Apologetics and Worldview Studies focuses on equipping students to understand their faith and to defend it. This class begins with an understanding of the prominent worldviews in our culture through film analysis. Then students also learn to understand intelligent design, the case for pro-life, and spend the second semester dissecting Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis.
- Bible SDAIE Bible SDAIE (Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English) is a course for students whose first language is not English and who may not have had prior instruction in Bible. It will survey the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments so that students will be familiar with key events and characters in the Bible. Student will gain an understanding of how the Bible fits together and of basic principles in the Bible. Finally, students will understand that the Bible has a message which is relevant for all people, even today’s generation. With this basic Bible knowledge, students can know that the Bible explains a choice all people have about belief and faith in God.
- New Testament Survey The goal of the New Testament Survey is to help each student grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. The High School has established a four-year curriculum designed to build students’ Christian Faith in both logical and systematical ways. This class will focus on the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels and the formation of the Church as expressed in the Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. Students will investigate such foundational questions as “Who is Jesus?” and “What does it mean to live as a Christian?” Students will also briefly study Church History, Christian disciplines, and practical topics concerning romance and dating.
Foreign Language Department
- Spanish I is the beginning high school Spanish course offered at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools. In Spanish I, the students utilize the present tense in frequent reading, writing, listening, and speaking assignments. They are also introduced to the preterite tense in the second half of the book. The focus of the class is on learning and recalling basic Spanish vocabulary words and phrases and learning the core grammar on which the other levels of Spanish introduction are built. Spanish is spoken by the instructor for approximately 98% of the class time in order to allow students to become familiar with common words and phrases; however, grammar and more technical explanations sometimes need to take place in English. Repetition and review of concepts is a key to helping students master the grammar and content in the 18 chapters in this book.
- Spanish II concentrates on mastering the use of the present tense, the two past tenses, preterite and imperfect, and the future tense. In addition, the students will also learn the uses and forms of the subjunctive mood used after expressions of emotion, doubt and influence. They will have two major oral presentations, one each semester. The first presentation deals with their daily routine and the students should be able to answer simple questions about their routine. The next presentation is at the end of the school year. This consists of a 200-word essay about their future and an oral presentation with a collage of pictures depicting their future lives. Students will also learn about different Latin American countries and their culture in each unit of the textbook.
- Spanish III is the subsequent level that follows the Spanish II class. In Spanish III, the students utilize the present, future, conditional, preterite, and imperfect indicative as well as the present and imperfect subjunctive in reading, writing, listening and speaking assignments. The focus of the class is more academic as the students are asked to focus on their reading comprehension skills, and correct use of Spanish in oral and written assignments. Spanish is spoken by the instructor for the majority of this class; however, grammar and more technical explanations may take place in English. Weekly viewing and discussion of the video series “La Catrina” also occurs. Each chapter in the text should require approximately two weeks of study. Regular vocabulary and grammar quizzes and chapter tests are given to ascertain that the students are learning the material. Students will also be assigned nightly homework to practice structures and vocabulary learned in class. The students are encouraged to immerse themselves in language study by reviewing past chapters, attending Spanish church services, helping with Missions projects, and /or writing letters in Spanish to pen pals.
- Spanish IV students utilize the present, the present perfect, the pluperfect, the progressive, the future, the future perfect, the conditional, the preterite, and the imperfect as well as the subjunctive and indicative moods in the present and the past in a variety of listening, reading, writing, and speaking assignments. The focus of the class is to prepare the students for the AP Spanish language examination. The entire class period is conducted in the Spanish language. Weekly viewing of the video series “La Catrina – el último secreto” also occurs. Each chapter or unit in the textbook or grammar book should require approximately two weeks of study. Regular vocabulary and grammar quizzes, unit tests, compositions, and oral presentations are required to ascertain that the students are learning the material. Students will also be assigned daily homework in all three books in order to practice the structures and vocabulary learned in class. The students are encouraged to immerse themselves in language study by reviewing past chapters, attending Spanish church services, learning Spanish Bible verses, helping mission projects, reading Spanish language newspapers, exploring Spanish language internet activities, and/or writing letters in Spanish to pen pals.
- Chinese 1 Chinese I is a beginning level course in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) for students with none or minimum prior experience in the language, which can also prepare students to move up to the higher level of Chinese language learning. Reading and writing the Chinese characters, phrases and sentences will be introduced and practiced throughout the entire course. PinYin – the standard way of pronunciation, will be emphasized through daily training. Listening comprehension, simple grammar and conversational vocabulary usage, especially the often-used conversation in various situations, will be one of the main focuses of the course. In addition, Chinese history and culture will also be introduced as it relates to each language lesson.
International Student Department
- English SDAIE instructs the ELD student in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to help prepare then for future English classes and eventually college.
- ELD Intermediate Reading and Writing instructs the intermediate ELD student in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to help prepare them for future English classes and eventually college. However, the class is specifically designed to cater to the application of intermediate reading and writing skills.
- TOEFL Preparation- This course is intended to prepare student for the iBT (internet based TOEFL) test. It is based on the most up-to-date information available on iBT. The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. There are two formats for the TOEFL test. The format you take depends on the location of your test center. Most test takers take the Internet-based Test (iBT). More than 7,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. Other organizations rely on TOEFL scores as well. And each year, nearly a million individuals of all ages take the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. More than 24 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test since it was first offered. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.
Computer Department
- Computer Graphics and Animations allows students to use Macromedia Fireworks to create vector graphics, edit bitmap graphics, optimize images, and create and assign rollover effects for the Web graphics. The instructor will teach you powerful techniques for creating and editing web graphics and pages. You will learn advanced skills for working with vector graphics, photographic images and effects, slicing and rollovers, symbols and animation, and exporting to HTML. Around the beginning of the second semester, you’ll explore the basics of Macromedia Flash, the most powerful and industry standardized software application, including tools and features, and then create different types of animations including motion tweening, shape tweening, color tweening and movie clips. Finally, you’ll examine how to publish Flash movies. And then you’ll work with symbols and instances, create extensive timelines with independent animations, build more complex navigation controls, work with sound, and optimize your movies for viewing by your intended audience.
Visual and Performing Arts Department
- Art I develops the students’ observational skills with a variety of drawing projects. After spending time working with color theory, students will choose one of Van Gogh’s 850 painting as their first acrylic project. They will create an impressionist painting choosing from the styles of any of the artists of the Impressionistic Period. Students will then create a modern painting and a personal choice painting. Students will study face and body proportions using manikins and student models. They will also be doing a clayboard, as well as encaustic wax painting using small irons.
- Art II starts the year with pen and ink projects teaching the students the seven basic strokes. Their acrylic painting choices include a still life, a landscape, and a people picture all chosen from their favorite periods of time and styles. The fourth painting is a free choice. Students are welcome to do as many paintings as they have time for beyond the fourth required painting. Charcoal and pastel work, as well as mixed media are options that they may explore. The year will conclude with a clay board project.
- Art III is an Art History class where students will learn about the five artists of the Italian Renaissance, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. They will also study three Spanish masters and two of England’s finest painters, including El Greco and John Constable; four French painters, including Delacroix and Manet; five familiar Impressionists, Cezanne, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and Chagall, followed by two American greats. Students will also study seven modern painters and sculptors, including Wyeth and Calder. Additionally, Art III students will be creating four paintings in acrylics and mixed media. Students will create a cityscape, an animal painting, and a Biblical scene focused on people. They will also have a fourth which is a free choice. The year will conclude with a clay board project.
- Art IV is the year for students to show more maturity, finding their own personal style. They will be encouraged to create original projects. They will be required to create a painting that has water as its main focus. They will be illustrating a Bible story depiction strong on human form. A detailed animal painting will be done with mixed media. There will be a free choice painting as well as a clayboard project. Students will be required to complete a short research paper on an artist not previously studied in Art III History of Art, such as Norman Rockwell, Kincaid, Miro, Klee, or Degas.
- Choir High School Choir is a performance based class. Performances will include singing the National Anthem at a CVCS football game, the Christmas performance, the ACSI Musicale taking place in Pasadena in March, a possible performance at Disneyland, Spring Showcase, and graduation. Classes will be held during zero period. Attendance and independent practice is very important.
- Musical Theater is designed to build strong performers in all aspects of musical theatre. Students will be introduced to various styles of music, dance, and dramatics. All students are expected to participate in all class and school performances. These opportunities are there to provide a well-rounded structure to mold the student into the best performer he/she can be.
- Physical Education is designed to give a general overview of sports, physical conditioning, stretching, and overall health. The goal is to incorporate this knowledge into the everyday lives of students. The course will cover a number of games and activities that enhance the student in this area. Some of the units are: basketball, soccer, football, running, and strength and endurance training. The Physical Education Department desires and works to incorporate as much as possible, with limited resources. Students who do not wish to play on school or outside sports teams, should consider P.E. for their needed credits.
- Research and Reading focuses on developing and improving two of the most basic skills for success in high school and college. This course will lead students from the basic steps of information gathering to the creation of a sophisticated end product: a purposeful, focused, and in-depth research paper. While learning and developing these skills, students will also be taught close reading strategies – methods that will help build success in reading in all content areas – not just English.
- English 9 includes developing writing processes and skills. This course is designed to focus on the composition of a number of different essay styles including personal, narrative, descriptive, literary analysis, and learning how to write for essay tests. Grammar will be studied and practiced in daily journals, and vocabulary will be emphasized weekly in textual reading as well as through written means. Students will also study several literary classics, poetry, and short stories accentuating the themes and purpose that derive from the works.
- English 9 Honors includes developing writing skills and processes. The course will mainly concentrate on the composition of a plethora of essay motifs. It includes such essays as personal and expressive, observation / descriptive, narratives, expository, writing about literature, and learning how to write for essay tests. Grammar will be studied as needed and vocabulary will be emphasized in textual reading and weekly/biweekly lessons. Students will also study several literary classics, an epic poem, poetry, and short stories accentuating the themes and purpose that derive from the works.
- English 10: Literature and Composition is a course that encompasses various literary works and genres. By utilizing analytical reading, critical thinking, and research skills, students will present and support their thesis statements through both oral and written communication. Students will develop their writing skills as we explore the various genres studied throughout the year. Members of this class will be expected to accept the challenge of taking their work to the next level by engaging more challenging literature and poetry, and honing their written and verbal expression to demonstrate an increased knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
- English 10 Honors Literature and Intermediate Composition is a course that encompasses various literary works and genres. By utilizing analytical reading, critical thinking, and research skills, students will present and support their thesis statements through both oral and written communication. Students will develop their writing skills as we explore the various genres studied throughout the year. Members of this class will be expected to accept the challenge of taking their work to the next level by engaging more challenging literature and poetry, and honing their written and verbal expression to demonstrate an increased knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
- English 11: American Literature and Advanced Composition is based on American Literature and is designed to educate students in literature, composition, vocabulary, oral presentation, and critical thinking/writing skills. The literature selections are presented thematically in order to build an awareness of past and present American customs and literature. Quarterly grades will include the successful completion of writing assignments. A research paper consisting of five to seven typewritten pages and five sources quoted throughout the paper is required to pass the second semester of this course. Three required novels are to be read throughout the year as well as 300 pages per quarter of student selected/teacher approved outside reading. Writing assignments, study guides, guided class discussion, and objective tests ensure students have thoroughly read and studied these novels. Individual student/teacher book talks confirm outside reading.
- Advanced Placement English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to the effectiveness of writing. Students will demonstrate their progress in accomplishing these skills through extensive reading of a variety of works, with an emphasis on non-fiction and close reading; through various writing assignments including journaling, paragraphs, timed writing, formal essays, and a research-based persuasive essay; and through oral and group presentations and debate.
- English 12: Literature and Advanced Composition is a course designed to prepare students for college in the areas of literature, vocabulary, oral presentation, research, reading, and writing skills. The course will begin with Anglo-Saxon literature and proceed through the literature and poetry of the late twentieth century.
- Advanced Placement Literature and Composition: AP English Literature and Composition is one of a pairing of capstone accelerated English courses. It has been designed to apply the skills acquired and developed in AP English Language and Composition to the study of Literature. The course will teach students how to read carefully and contemplate written texts, to express themselves precisely and logically through critical writing, to develop a personal sense of place within the literary tradition, and to acquire necessary skills that will maximize their capacity to pass the AP Examination. AP Literature is intended, in terms of work, to mimic a first-year college general education course (as any credit earned through success on the exam will apply to such a requirement), and the student’s commitment to an increased volume of work and a more rigorous grading rubric is assumed.
- British Literature and Advanced Composition is a course designed to prepare students for college in the areas of literary studies, vocabulary, oral presentation, research, and writing. The course will begin with the Anglo-Saxon period and proceed through the major literary movements, ending the year with twentieth-century Modernism. Students will develop their abilities in analytic writing through periodic essays and corresponding workshops.
- Yearbook is a great way to blend various disciplines into a unique student creation. It requires the application of many subjects: writing, reading, computer technology, art, and mathematics, and provides students with a forum to express this learning concretely. The class incorporates a certain business perspective to the mix, which requires budget and accounting skills. The use of these tools helps students to evaluate design and desire within the confines of cost. Students will learn how to design the layout of a page from picas to photography to the proofing stage. They will also learn concepts of journalism to bring exciting copy and word drama to our pages. This is an experience which forces students to THINK because their pages only come together when they apply all of the concepts in the class and work together as a team.
- Geography/World Cultures World Cultures integrates geography, culture, twentieth century history and current events to enable the student to grasp the essence of a country’s culture. Emphasis is placed on Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America as God’s world is examined as it exists today. All course content will be consistent with the California standards for history-social science. Additionally, all course content is taught within a Biblical World View. Biblical integration will be inserted where appropriate.
- Advanced Placement Human Geography is a challenging course designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college Geography course. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ special concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills and be willing to devote substantial time to study and the completion of class assignments. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, class discussion, use of primary sources, and critical reading. Students engage in a variety of activities, such as debates, simulations, and trials of historical figures.
- World History This course examines the essential concepts relating to Modern Western History. Looking at the development of the modern world beginning with the roots of democracy in ancient Greece and Rome, we then examine Western Europe from the Renaissance to the present day. All course content will be consistent with the California standards for history-social science. All course material will be presented with a Biblical World View.
- Advanced Placement European History is a challenging course designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college Western Civilization survey course. The course begins with the birth of civilization and goes up to the present day. All areas of history are covered, including religious, social, political, economic, intellectual, cultural, and art history. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills and be willing to devote substantial time to study and the completion of class assignments. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, class discussion, use of primary sources, and critical reading. Students engage in a variety of activities, such as debates, simulations, and trials of historical figures.
- United States History This course examines the essential concepts relating to U.S. History by looking at the development of the North American continent discovered by Columbus through the present. Biblical integration will also be included where appropriate. All course content will be consistent with the California standards for history-social science. Students will also be required to participate in current event assignments that will bridge the past with the present.
- Advanced Placement United States History is a comprehensive course equivalent to college freshman American History at the University of California or any other reputable university. The course covers political, diplomatic, military, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from 1492-present.
- Economics is designed to acquaint students with the economic aspects of modern society, to familiarize them with techniques for the analysis of contemporary economic problems and to develop in them an ability to exercise judgment in evaluating public policy.
- Government and Politics of the United States is designed to teach the foundation, organization and implementation of the American governmental system in order to help the student gain a better understanding and appreciation of the government and political philosophy of the United States of America.
- Advanced Placement Government and Politics of the United States is designed to teach the foundation, organization and implementation of the American governmental system in order to help the student gain a better understanding and appreciation of the government and political philosophy of the United States of America.
- Algebra 1 The California Content Standard for Algebra 1 has 25 objectives, all of which are covered in this course. A summary of these objectives is: “Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.”
- Honors Algebra 1 The California Content Standard for Algebra 1 has 25 objectives, all of which are covered in this course. A summary of these objectives is: “Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the study of algebra, a student develops an understanding of the symbolic language of mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.” Students must pass the California State Algebra Readiness Exam with a score of 85% or higher to enter this class.
- Geometry For thousands of years, people have studied Geometry as a way of understanding the world around them. Through this course, students will join in that great tradition as they learn to think logically, express their observations with precision, and to understand more fully the vast and ornate world that God has created. In keeping with those goals, students will develop an understanding of foundational geometric principles, will learn how to apply these concepts to practical problems (including those on national standardized tests like the SAT/SATII exams), and will cultivate their thoughts about how the study of Mathematics can aid them as servants of Christ.
- Algebra 2 continues the study of functions begun in Algebra 1. It builds upon Algebra 1 in developing a precise mathematical language and understanding of mathematical structure. Algebra 2 includes such topics as Polynomial, Rational, Inverse, Logarithmic and exponential functions. The Real number system is expanded to include imaginary and complex numbers, and graphing is expanded to include curves called conics. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual understanding of a problem, and how an answer is arrived at, not just on whether a given answer is correct.
- Precalculus is the study of periodic and cyclical functions. Precalculus will study these and the advanced algebra skills used in advanced mathematics. It will include such topics as: Rational, Polynomial, Inverse, Logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their related graphs. Angle and analytic trigonometry. Students will be using skills developed in all their previous math courses, and will be expected to integrate previous coursework into a united whole. The primary instructional method is lecture.
- Honors Precalculus is the study of periodic and cyclical functions. Students will study these and the advanced algebra skills used in advanced mathematics. The course will include such topics as: Rational, Polynomial, Inverse, Logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their related graphs. Angle nd analytic trigonometry. Students will be using skills developed in all previous math courses, and will be expected to integrate previous coursework into a united whole.
- AP Calculus is the mathematical study of relationships when there is change taking place. It is a very important component of modern science. A variety of different ideas can be studied using calculus such as the orbits of satellites and spacecraft, predicting population sizes, estimating how fast the price of a particular commodity is rising, measuring the cardiac output of the heart and many others. In this course, the student is introduced to the concepts of calculus not only algebraically, but also graphically and numerically.
- Health is designed to teach the fundamentals of health with a Christian perspective and philosophy. The course will cover such issues as proper nutrition and exercise, understanding diseases, dealing with emotional well being, and the Christian way to handle life’s daily situations. Students will become more familiar with the basic elements of how the body works and how to make it work more efficiently. Basic first aid techniques will also be examined. The purpose of this course is to help equip each student to be in control of his/her physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
- Introduction to Lab Science will teach students scientific principles and the details that support them. The course of study will be developed through classroom lecture, laboratory exercises, in-class assignments, homework, tests and quizzes. The course of study will be reinforced through classroom emonstration, hand-on lab experiences that will be completed in both the classroom setting and as out-of-class projects. Labs will include the dissections of preserved organisms and specimens. Much of the class time will be used to reinforce science principles through lab experiences. Therefore, students MUST make the extra-effort outside of class to grasp concepts and learn the meaning of course terminology as presented in their textbook and in lectures.
- Biology is the study of living things and their interaction within the world around us. The two main goals of this course are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The course presents a wide range of topics including but not limited to: chemical composition, cell structure and function, metabolic and biochemistry processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration, heredity and genetics, plant structure and function, oology, marine biology, environmental science and human biology. The course will also expose students to the scope of Biology, with special emphasis on subjects and concepts that will affect their decisions about themselves and their spiritual standards.
- Honors Biology is the study of living things and their interaction within the world around us. The two main goals of this course are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The content will survey all levels of biology in greater depth than regular biology courses. The course presents a wide range of topics including but not limited to: chemical composition, cell structure and function, metabolic and biochemistry processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration, heredity and genetics, plant structure and function, zoology, marine biology, environmental science and human biology. The course will also expose students to the scope of iology, with special emphasis on subjects and concepts that will affect their decisions about themselves and their spiritual standards.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college biology course usually taken by biology majors. The two main goals are to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to gain experience and appreciation of biology through experimentation and inquiry. The content surveys all levels of biology in much greater depth than previous biology courses. The course presents a wide range of topics including, but not limited to; chemical composition; cell structure & function; metabolic and biochemistry processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration; heredity & genetics; plant structure and function; zoology; marine biology; environmental science; and human biology. The major emphasis will be to assist students in recognizing and appreciating the application of science to everyday living, all the while, resenting them with detailed aspects of each specific subject so as to prepare them for the AP Biology Exam and in order to better understand College or University studies in science and medicine.
- **One important difference between the AP Biology course and previous biology courses is that students MUST assume responsibility for their learning. While conference time is available and students are encouraged to seek additional assistance when necessary, students in AP courses are expected to be independent learners, studying the material in much greater detail than in previous biology courses.
- Chemistry is the study of substances and the changes that substances can undergo. Two goals of this course are for the student to gain an appreciation for the material world that God has created and to develop math application skills. A strong background in algebra is strongly recommended.
- Physics is the study of the physical laws that act in our universe. It includes topics such as motion, energy, ight, electricity, and magnetism. The student will gain an appreciation for the precision of the rules that God has put into the workings of his universe and will develop math application skills.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology is a rigorous course designed for those students who have interests in the biological sciences, health, and medical related fields. The course features the structures and their function within the human body. The course of study covers all aspects of the human body including, but not limited to; chemical composition, cells and tissues; body protection, support & movement; communication; systems of transport; metabolic processing; and the cycle of life. The course also includes the understanding of disorders and diseases of the human body. The major emphasis will be to assist students in recognizing and appreciating the important functional concepts of the body and how they apply to everyday living. The course also introduces, develops, and prepares a foundation for understanding ore detailed concepts in biology and other health-related fields.
- Bible 9: Old Testament Survey offers an overview of early Hebrew literature with an emphasis on key people and events as well as the historical, cultural, and literary background. Students will learn to be clear thinkers with an introduction to basic logic. Students will focus on the eleven historical books to gain an overall understanding of the storyline of the Old Testament. Students will also learn to think critically by studying logical fallacies.
- Bible 10: New Testament survey offers an overview of the key people, events, and themes of the twenty-seven New Testament books. Through discussions, class projects, and lecture, students will gain a general understanding of the New Testament. There will be a unit on the reliability of the New Testament so students see the archaeological, textual, and historical evidence that the New Testament can be trusted. Students will also learn to think critically this year through study of basic logic.
- Bible 11: Juniors will be studying Basic Christian Doctrine (Theology), Introduction to the Cults, and Comparative Religions. This class is primarily discussion based where students are challenged to think critically about their theological convictions. Students have frequent take-home case studies where they teach their parents basic theological truths.
- Bible 12 : Apologetics and Worldview Studies focuses on equipping students to understand their faith and to defend it. This class begins with an understanding of the prominent worldviews in our culture through film analysis. Then students also learn to understand intelligent design, the case for pro-life, and spend the second semester dissecting Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis.
- Bible SDAIE Bible SDAIE (Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English) is a course for students whose first language is not English and who may not have had prior instruction in Bible. It will survey the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments so that students will be familiar with key events and characters in the Bible. Student will gain an understanding of how the Bible fits together and of basic principles in the Bible. Finally, students will understand that the Bible has a message which is relevant for all people, even today’s generation. With this basic Bible knowledge, students can know that the Bible explains a choice all people have about belief and faith in God.
- New Testament Survey The goal of the New Testament Survey is to help each student grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. The High School has established a four-year curriculum designed to build students’ Christian Faith in both logical and systematical ways. This class will focus on the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels and the formation of the Church as expressed in the Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. Students will investigate such foundational questions as “Who is Jesus?” and “What does it mean to live as a Christian?” Students will also briefly study Church History, Christian disciplines, and practical topics concerning romance and dating.
- Spanish I is the beginning high school Spanish course offered at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools. In Spanish I, the students utilize the present tense in frequent reading, writing, listening, and speaking assignments. They are also introduced to the preterite tense in the second half of the book. The focus of the class is on learning and recalling basic Spanish vocabulary words and phrases and learning the core grammar on which the other levels of Spanish introduction are built. Spanish is spoken by the instructor for approximately 98% of the class time in order to allow students to become familiar with common words and phrases; however, grammar and more technical explanations sometimes need to take place in English. Repetition and review of concepts is a key to helping students master the grammar and content in the 18 chapters in this book.
- Spanish II concentrates on mastering the use of the present tense, the two past tenses, preterite and imperfect, and the future tense. In addition, the students will also learn the uses and forms of the subjunctive mood used after expressions of emotion, doubt and influence. They will have two major oral presentations, one each semester. The first presentation deals with their daily routine and the students should be able to answer simple questions about their routine. The next presentation is at the end of the school year. This consists of a 200-word essay about their future and an oral presentation with a collage of pictures depicting their future lives. Students will also learn about different Latin American countries and their culture in each unit of the textbook.
- Spanish III is the subsequent level that follows the Spanish II class. In Spanish III, the students utilize the present, future, conditional, preterite, and imperfect indicative as well as the present and imperfect subjunctive in reading, writing, listening and speaking assignments. The focus of the class is more academic as the students are asked to focus on their reading comprehension skills, and correct use of Spanish in oral and written assignments. Spanish is spoken by the instructor for the majority of this class; however, grammar and more technical explanations may take place in English. Weekly viewing and discussion of the video series “La Catrina” also occurs. Each chapter in the text should require approximately two weeks of study. Regular vocabulary and grammar quizzes and chapter tests are given to ascertain that the students are learning the material. Students will also be assigned nightly homework to practice structures and vocabulary learned in class. The students are encouraged to immerse themselves in language study by reviewing past chapters, attending Spanish church services, helping with Missions projects, and /or writing letters in Spanish to pen pals.
- Spanish IV students utilize the present, the present perfect, the pluperfect, the progressive, the future, the future perfect, the conditional, the preterite, and the imperfect as well as the subjunctive and indicative moods in the present and the past in a variety of listening, reading, writing, and speaking assignments. The focus of the class is to prepare the students for the AP Spanish language examination. The entire class period is conducted in the Spanish language. Weekly viewing of the video series “La Catrina – el último secreto” also occurs. Each chapter or unit in the textbook or grammar book should require approximately two weeks of study. Regular vocabulary and grammar quizzes, unit tests, compositions, and oral presentations are required to ascertain that the students are learning the material. Students will also be assigned daily homework in all three books in order to practice the structures and vocabulary learned in class. The students are encouraged to immerse themselves in language study by reviewing past chapters, attending Spanish church services, learning Spanish Bible verses, helping mission projects, reading Spanish language newspapers, exploring Spanish language internet activities, and/or writing letters in Spanish to pen pals.
- Chinese 1 Chinese I is a beginning level course in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) for students with none or minimum prior experience in the language, which can also prepare students to move up to the higher level of Chinese language learning. Reading and writing the Chinese characters, phrases and sentences will be introduced and practiced throughout the entire course. PinYin – the standard way of pronunciation, will be emphasized through daily training. Listening comprehension, simple grammar and conversational vocabulary usage, especially the often-used conversation in various situations, will be one of the main focuses of the course. In addition, Chinese history and culture will also be introduced as it relates to each language lesson.
- English SDAIE instructs the ELD student in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to help prepare then for future English classes and eventually college.
- ELD Intermediate Reading and Writing instructs the intermediate ELD student in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to help prepare them for future English classes and eventually college. However, the class is specifically designed to cater to the application of intermediate reading and writing skills.
- TOEFL Preparation- This course is intended to prepare student for the iBT (internet based TOEFL) test. It is based on the most up-to-date information available on iBT. The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. There are two formats for the TOEFL test. The format you take depends on the location of your test center. Most test takers take the Internet-based Test (iBT). More than 7,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. Other organizations rely on TOEFL scores as well. And each year, nearly a million individuals of all ages take the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. More than 24 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test since it was first offered. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.
- Computer Graphics and Animations allows students to use Macromedia Fireworks to create vector graphics, edit bitmap graphics, optimize images, and create and assign rollover effects for the Web graphics. The instructor will teach you powerful techniques for creating and editing web graphics and pages. You will learn advanced skills for working with vector graphics, photographic images and effects, slicing and rollovers, symbols and animation, and exporting to HTML. Around the beginning of the second semester, you’ll explore the basics of Macromedia Flash, the most powerful and industry standardized software application, including tools and features, and then create different types of animations including motion tweening, shape tweening, color tweening and movie clips. Finally, you’ll examine how to publish Flash movies. And then you’ll work with symbols and instances, create extensive timelines with independent animations, build more complex navigation controls, work with sound, and optimize your movies for viewing by your intended audience.
- Art I develops the students’ observational skills with a variety of drawing projects. After spending time working with color theory, students will choose one of Van Gogh’s 850 painting as their first acrylic project. They will create an impressionist painting choosing from the styles of any of the artists of the Impressionistic Period. Students will then create a modern painting and a personal choice painting. Students will study face and body proportions using manikins and student models. They will also be doing a clayboard, as well as encaustic wax painting using small irons.
- Art II starts the year with pen and ink projects teaching the students the seven basic strokes. Their acrylic painting choices include a still life, a landscape, and a people picture all chosen from their favorite periods of time and styles. The fourth painting is a free choice. Students are welcome to do as many paintings as they have time for beyond the fourth required painting. Charcoal and pastel work, as well as mixed media are options that they may explore. The year will conclude with a clay board project.
- Art III is an Art History class where students will learn about the five artists of the Italian Renaissance, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. They will also study three Spanish masters and two of England’s finest painters, including El Greco and John Constable; four French painters, including Delacroix and Manet; five familiar Impressionists, Cezanne, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and Chagall, followed by two American greats. Students will also study seven modern painters and sculptors, including Wyeth and Calder. Additionally, Art III students will be creating four paintings in acrylics and mixed media. Students will create a cityscape, an animal painting, and a Biblical scene focused on people. They will also have a fourth which is a free choice. The year will conclude with a clay board project.
- Art IV is the year for students to show more maturity, finding their own personal style. They will be encouraged to create original projects. They will be required to create a painting that has water as its main focus. They will be illustrating a Bible story depiction strong on human form. A detailed animal painting will be done with mixed media. There will be a free choice painting as well as a clayboard project. Students will be required to complete a short research paper on an artist not previously studied in Art III History of Art, such as Norman Rockwell, Kincaid, Miro, Klee, or Degas.
- Choir High School Choir is a performance based class. Performances will include singing the National Anthem at a CVCS football game, the Christmas performance, the ACSI Musicale taking place in Pasadena in March, a possible performance at Disneyland, Spring Showcase, and graduation. Classes will be held during zero period. Attendance and independent practice is very important.
- Musical Theater is designed to build strong performers in all aspects of musical theatre. Students will be introduced to various styles of music, dance, and dramatics. All students are expected to participate in all class and school performances. These opportunities are there to provide a well-rounded structure to mold the student into the best performer he/she can be.
- Physical Education is designed to give a general overview of sports, physical conditioning, stretching, and overall health. The goal is to incorporate this knowledge into the everyday lives of students. The course will cover a number of games and activities that enhance the student in this area. Some of the units are: basketball, soccer, football, running, and strength and endurance training. The Physical Education Department desires and works to incorporate as much as possible, with limited resources. Students who do not wish to play on school or outside sports teams, should consider P.E. for their needed credits.
