Fundamentals of Accounting provides students with an understanding of the basic concepts and procedures necessary for accounting. It focuses on two accounting cycles: one for service businesses organized as sole proprietorships and one for a merchandising business organized as a partnership.

Among the activities students do in completing this subject are preparing a beginning balance sheet; recording transactions in a journal; posting from a journal to a general ledger; preparing an income statement, an eight column work sheet and financial statements; and reconciling a bank statement. These activities require a solid knowledge of arithmetic and the application of the basic accounting conceptsand procedures which students learn in this subject.Fundamentals of Accounting contains 7 examinations.

Gilbertson et al., Fundamentals of Accounting, Course 1, South-Western/CengageLearning.

Algebra 1 is a comprehensive first-year course in basic Algebra. It stresses a knowledgeof mathematical concepts and structure and the application of this knowledge to solving problems. Beginning with an explanation of variables and equations, the course covers such topics as solving linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, algebraic fractions, functions and their graphs, rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic equations.

Among the activities students do in completing this subject are solving equations in one and two variables, solving quadratic equations; translating word problems into equations and solving; solving and graphing inequalities; and using the Pythagorean Theorem to solve geometric problems. Students must demonstrate to their instructors how they have solved problems and carried out operations. Algebra 1 contains 12 examinations.

Brownet al.,Algebra: Structure and Method, Book 1, McDougal Littell.

ALGEBRA 2 AND TRIGONOMETRY

Algebra 2 is an advanced math course for the student seeking a strong background in this area. Beginning with a review of some of the concepts and principles introduced in Algebra 1, Algebra 2 deals with topics such as linear and quadratic relations, irrational and complex numbers, polynomial functions, logarithms, trigonometric functions and identities, statistics.and matrices.

Among the activities students do in completing this subject are graphing relations, using systems of linear equations to solve problems, solving polynomial equations and inequalities, solving equations containing radicals, graphing parabolas and quadratic functions, using exponential and logarithmic functions to solve problems, finding specific terms of arithmetic and geometric sequences,writing equations for conics,determining the values of trigonometric functions, using periodicity and symmetry to graph functions, finding the probability that events will occur, and solving problems using matrices.

Students will need to supply and use a scientific calculator for some problems in this course, but although a calculator may be used, students must show their work and demonstrate to their instructors how they have solved problems. Algebra 2 contains 12 examinations.

Brown et al., Algebra andTrigonometry, Structure and Method, Book 2, McDougal Littell.

ART—HOW TO DRAW

Drawing Animals is a ½–unit course which introduces students to the basic skills needed to render animals realistically in pencil. Attention is paid to proportion, texture, shading and perspective with the goal of helping students capture through drawing whatever it is that they find interesting about an animal.

Perardet al., Drawing Animals, Putnam.

Drawing Landscapes is a ½–unit course which introduces students to the basic skills needed to render realistically in pencil outdoor scenes which do not include people or buildings. Attention is paid to mastering the use of a pencil, proportion, shading, aerial and linear perspective, rendering 3-dimensional forms and composition. The goal is to help students capture through drawing whatever it is that they find interesting in a landscape.

Blake, Landscape Drawing: Step-by-Step, Dover Publications.

Drawing People is a ½–unit course which introduces students to the basic skills needed to render realistically in pencil the human figure and face, full and in profile. Attention is paid to mastering the use of a pencil, proportion, shading,and perspective with the goal of helping students capture through drawing whatever it is that they find interesting about a person. The textbook for this subject contains sketches of unclothed figures to demonstrate techniques, but students are not required to sketch such figures as part of this course.

Perard, Drawing People, Putnam.

In each subject students are supplied with the appropriate drawing pencils and paper to complete the sketches and drawings needed for completion of the subject. These sketches and drawings require students to devote time and effort to mastering the basic drawing skills. There are 4 examinations in each of these subjects.

Automotive Systems introduces students to the how and why of the design, construction, and operation of all makes and models of modern automobiles. It begins each discussion of a major automotive system with basic theory and then proceeds to examine the major components until the entire system has been explored. Relevant areas from math, physics, chemistry, electricity, magnetism and hydraulics are introduced as appropriate. This course also stresses the proper use of tools and safety precautions.

In completing this subject, students demonstrate an understanding of the functions of the basic components of the major automotive systems by answering objective questions and providing written responses. Students are also required to view an actual engine and describe its ignition and fuel system. Students show their knowledge of the formulas used in measuring engine performance by performing various calculations such as engine displacement and the force of a piston. There are 8 examinations in Automotive Systems.

Stockel, Stockel and Johanson, Auto Fundamentals, The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

AUTOMOTIVE: KNOW YOUR CAR

Know Your Car is a ½–unit subject designed to provide the average driver with a basic understanding of how a car works and what should be done to keep it working—whether as a do-it-yourself project or by the mechanics at the local service station. It explains trouble signs to watch for and how to avoid potential problems by preventive maintenance. If a breakdown should occur, it tells what is involved in getting the repairs made and gives a reasonable idea of the repair costs. The course also deals with the issues of deciding whether to keep or replace an old car and buying a new car.

In completing this subject students demonstrate their understanding mainly through objective questions. There are 4 examinations in Know Your Car.

Haefner, The Car Care Book, Delmar Learning.

Biology introduces students to the study of living things, both plants and animals. Students learn about the basic chemistry of life, cellular processes, genetics and evolutionary theory in addition to tracing similarities and differences between the major kingdoms and phyla, from the simpliest to the most complex. There is an alternate unit on ecology for those students whose religious beliefs preclude studying the unit on evolution.

Activities are included to introduce students to various topics and to expand their understanding and experience of what is being discussed in the written course materials. For each exam, students are asked to carry out and report on one of the unit's activities. The examinations contain a wide variety of questions that ask students to apply what they have learned to understanding the natural world. For a nominal fee students may receive a laboratory kit and manual to perform and report experiments in conjunction with the exams submitted. There are 9 examinations in Biology.

Biggs, Alton et al.,Biology: The Dynamics of Life, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

BLUEPRINT READING 1, BUILDING TRADES

This ½–unit course introduces students to the fundamentals of printreading, particularly as it relates to residential construction. Students begin by learning about the various types of graphic information used to communicate construction ideas and information. They then are given the necessary background to read plot plans, floor plans, elevations, sections and details. In addition, students are introduced to building trades information. Two sets of plans are included with the course, one of which is also on the accompanying CD-ROM, which provides supplemental reference material.

In completing this subject students take competency exams included as part of the textbook materials. There are 10 examinations in Blueprint Reading 1.

Proctor and Toenjes, Printreading for Residential Construction, Part I, American Technical Society.

BLUEPRINT READING 2, BUILDING TRADES

This ½–unit course provides printreading experience in residential and light commercial construction. The text/workbook is designed to reinforce concepts regarding elements commonly found on prints. The course provides a detailed description of various construction materials and explores the typical use of working drawings and written specifications by building trades for various types of construction. Real world building plans for a brick veneer residence, condominium, commercial building, bank, and restaurant are examined in detail. Written specifications for both the brick veneer residence and restaurant are studied, as are building codes. Five sets of plans are included with the course, many of which are also on the accompanying CD-ROM, which includes supplemental reference material.

In completing this subject students take competency exams included as part of the textbook materials. There are 10 examinations in Blueprint Reading 2.

Proctor and Toenjes,Printreading for Residential and LightCommercial Construction, Part 2, American Technical Publishers.

Build Your Writing Skills 1 (Units 1-4) is the first half of a full year course intended to improve students' ability to use written English. In pursuit of this goal, Build Your Writing Skills 1 (Units 1-4) combines the teaching of grammar witha variety of writing assignments, and exposes students to many examples of good writing, both fiction and non-fiction, by a wide variety of authors to serve as models. There are 4 examinations in Build Your Writing Skills 1 (Units 1-4).

Berlatsky, Build Your Writing Skills 1 (Units 1-4), American School.

This ½–unit course expands on the writing skills students have developed in Build Your Writing Skills I (Units 1-4). It focuses on writing with coherence and unity as well as proofreading and the revision process. Like the first half of the course, it provides numerous writing assignments and exposes students to a wide variety of writing, both fiction and non-fiction, by a wide variety of authors. There are 4 examinations in Build Your Writing Skills 1 (Units 5-8).

Berlatsky, Build Your Writing Skills 1 (Units 5-8), American School.

BUSINESS, INTRODUCTION TO

The primary focus of Introduction to Business is on understanding the basic economic and organizational principles underlying a market economy and how individuals in their roles as workers, citizens and consumers influence our economic life. The course particularly stresses the consumer role and includes sections on making wise buying decisions, using the banking system and credit, purchasing insurance, saving and investing, and establishing a financial plan.

In completing this course students apply the concepts they have learned to scenarios similar to those they might encounter in real life. For example, students present a plan on how to fund the repair of a local highway system, compare a brand-name-item to its generic equivalent, balance a checkbook, and compare the costs of insurance. There are 8 examinations in Introduction to Business.

Eggland, et al., Intro to Business, South-Western/Cengage Learning.

Planning Your Career is designed to help individuals to make decisions about their career now and in the years to come. It begins with helping students explore how their interests, abilities, values and personality relate to choosing a career and ends with practical advice on how to get a job. Along the way, topics such as sources of career information, training and educational options, financial aid for going to college or vocational school and many more are covered.

As part of this course students complete objective questions which test their knowledge of the concepts and factual information to which they have been introduced, and then they apply this knowledge to their own situation by, among other things, analyzing their interests, abilities and values; identifying occupational clusters which contain jobs which interest them; taking the Self-Directed Search®; and completing a sample job application form. There are 5 examinations in Planning Your Career.

Allen, Planning Your Career, American School.

Carpentry provides a systematic overview of the most common tools, materials and procedures used in residential construction, from laying a foundation to finish work.
In this subject students calculate board feet, interpret labeling information, identify components in drawings as well as complete objective questions which test their knowledge of the basic tools, materials and procedures.There are 6 examinations in Carpentry

Koel, Carpentry, American Technical Society.

The course introduces students to the basic principles of Chemistry. Although students are required to have completed Algebra I to take this subject, the focus of the course is on the conceptual foundations of Chemistry, rather than on computation.

In completing this course students demonstrate their understanding through a wide range of types of questions, many of which require students to apply the concepts they have learned in specific contexts. There are 8 examinations in Chemistry.

A lab version of Chemistry is in development.

Suchocki, Conceptual Chemistry, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings. A DVD is included which help guide students through each chapter by providing video lectures and experiments on important concepts and principles.

In Child Care students study the care and guidance of children from infancy through adolescence. The focus of the course is on the physical, intellectual, and emotional/social development of the child at each stage of his or her life as well as on the role of the caregiver in promoting the child's well-being at each stage.

In completing this course students are asked, among other things, to apply what they have learned to determine appropriate actions that a caregiver might take in a wide range of situations. There are 6 examinations in Child Care.

Brisbane, The Developing Child,Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Social Civics is the study of how our government is organized and run at the national, state and local levels. Beginning with a look at how government developed, this course covers such topics as our federal constitution, political parties, and government policy and involvement in various areas of our lives, including the economy, education and foreign affairs. The course stresses the importance of citizen involvement.

Examples of tasks students complete in this subject include describing actions in the process of lawmaking, distinguishing among the various powers vested in the three branches of government,developing a position on the appropriate means of funding local services, and drafting a letter outlining a proposed solution for a current issue of the student's own choosing. There are 8 examinations in Social Civics.

Munro, Kennelly and McCarthy,Social Civics, American School.

Clothing is about how to make the most of your looks and how to get the most for your clothing dollar. It is also about the basic steps in making your own clothes. Students learn about the basic principles of color and design and how to apply these in choosing clothes which flatter their figure, the cloth-making process and fabric selection, planning their wardrobe, taking proper care of their clothing, how to use a pattern, how a sewing machine operates, and how to do simple hand stitches.

In completing this subject students complete a wide range of projects including determining their figure proportions and body shape, doing an inventory of items in their wardrobe, identifying techniques used in advertisements, drafting a complaint letter, describing how they could redesign or recycle items in their wardrobe, and providing samples of basic hand stitches. For the last exam in the course students submit a completed sewing project from a kit provided. Access to a sewing machine is recommended, but not required. There are 7 examinations in Clothing.

Liddell and Samuels, Clothes and Your Appearance, The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

Introduction to Computers is a course for both students who are experienced computer users and those who have had little or no experience in using a computer. The aim of the course is to give students a general overview of how computers operate and, given the proper software, what they can do, including word processing, spreadsheets, graphics and online photoediting. Students also develop skills in using the Internet to obtain useful information and learn how to protect their privacy and their computers from outside threats. Access to a computer and to the Internet is required in this course.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students demonstrate the ability to do online research, outline a plan for backing up data on their computers, do basic character and paragraph formatting, and describe how a firewall protects a computer. There are 5 examinations in Introduction to Computers.

Norton, Peter Norton's Introduction to Computers, McGraw-Hill Technology Education.

The goal of this course is to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to make wise choices as consumers. In Consumer Economics, students learn about the roles of consumers, producers and the government in our economic system, the decision-making process, how to budget, and managing consumer credit. In addition, students study available options and how to get the most for their money in specific areas of spending, such as food, transportation, housing and insurance.

In completing this subject students do activities such as discussing steps to protect against identity theft, calculating the net worth of an individual, reconciling a bank statement, deciding what type of life insurance would best suit a particular situation, and interpreting the information on a nutrition label. There are six examinations in Consumer Economics.

Lowe et al.,Consumer Education and Economics, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Basic Draftingis a general drafting course. Students are introduced to basic drafting tools and skills, including sketching, drawing, dimensioning, architectural drawing, and every other important drafting practice. Though Computer-Assisted-Drafting is not covered in depth, it is discussed, and students whohave access to CAD are encouraged to use a computer to complete some of their assignments. Students are required to purchase on their own or through the School the necessary drafting tools for completing the required drawings.

In completing this subject students are required to demonstrate their ability to use appropriate drafting tools; to perform basic geometric constructions; to draw an object as a multiview; to prepare sectional, auxiliary and pictorial views; to properly dimension figures; and to complete working drawings that describe how a product is made. There are 9 examinations in Basic Drafting.

Walker and Mathis, Exploring Drafting: Fundamentals of Drafting Technology, The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

Walker, Exploring Drafting Worksheets, The Goodheart-WillcoxCompany, Inc.

ELECTRICITY, FUNDAMENTALS OF

Fundamentals of Electricity gives students a basic understanding of electrical principles and their real world applications. From an introduction to the basic concepts of work, energy and charge, students proceed to a study of various types of circuits and the use of electromagnetism, capacitors, inductors and transformers. No previous knowledge of electricity is assumed. Students are required to have completed Algebra I as a prerequisite for taking this course. The math required for solving electrical problems is explained in detail with examples.

In completing this subject students are required, among other activities, to calculate the efficiency of a motor and of a transformer, determine resistance, read circuit diagrams and determine circuit values, conduct a loop analysis of a circuit, use standard theorems to analyze circuits, and calculate voltage across a capacitor. There are a total of 7 examinations in Fundamentals of Electricity.

Fowler, Electricity: Principles and Applications, McGraw-Hill.

ENGLISH 1: COMPOSITION AND GRAMMAR

English 1: Composition and Grammar is the first in a series of ½–unit courses which stress a positive interest in language and training in speaking and writing. In English 1: Composition and Grammar, students concentrate not only on correct usage and organizational skills, but also on varying and broadening their writing style. Students are introduced to different modes of writing and forms of composition, including the essay.

In completing this course, among other activities, students are required to identify and correct grammatical and mechanical errors; diagram sentences; brainstorm and freewriteideas for essays; write personal essays as well as essays which describe, narrate, explain and persuade; and write a business letter. There are 6 examinations in this English 1: Composition and Grammar.

Macmillan English 9: Thinking and Writing Processes, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

ENGLISH 2: COMPOSITION AND GRAMMAR

English 2: Composition and Grammar is the second in a series of ½–unit courses which stress a positive interest in language and training in speaking and writing. In this course, students build on the understanding of vocabulary, grammar, writing and speaking acquired in English 1: Composition and Grammar. They develop their communication skills through expanding their vocabulary, analyzing sentence structure, and writing themes and letters.

In completing this course, among other activities, students are required to identify and correct grammatical and mechanical errors, edit paragraphs for clarity and consistency; engage in prewriting activities; write spatial order, compare and contrast, and cause and effect essays as well as essays which describe, narrate, explain and persuade; and write a business letter. There are 6 examinations in this English 2: Composition and Grammar.

Macmillan English 10: Thinking and Writing Processes, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

ENGLISH 3: COMPOSITION AND GRAMMAR

English 3: Composition and Grammar is the third in a series of ½–unit courses which stress a positive interest in language and training in writing. In this course, students concentrate on writing paragraphs for different purposes using vivid language and varied sentence patterns. Students also expand their familiarity with using library resources and are introduced to the documented research paper.

In completing this course, among other activities, students focus on strengthening their prewriting skills and writing well-organized paragraphs using varied vocabulary, structures and rhythms. They then write longer personal narratives as well as expository and persuasive essays and a business letter. They end the course by writing a short research paper. There are 6 examinations in English 3: Composition and Grammar.

Macmillan English 11: Thinking and Writing Processes, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

ENGLISH 4: COMPOSITION AND GRAMMAR

English 4: Composition and Grammar is the last in a series of ½–unit courses which stress a progressive mastery of language and writing. In this course, students review some of the material on form and usage which was presented in previous courses. English 4: Composition and Grammar, however, places particular emphasis on encouraging students to develop a sense of style in their choice of words, sentence structure and organizational techniques when writing for a variety of purposes.

In completing this course, among other activities, students focus on strengthening their prewriting skills and writing essays which use a variety of sentence structures and techniques for engaging the reader. Students complete personal narratives as well as compare and contrast and argumentative essays. They end the course by writing a short research paper. There are 6 examinations in English 4: Composition and Grammar.

Macmillan English 12: Thinking and Writing Processes, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

ENGLISH, BUSINESS

Business English stresses the writing of effective business communications. Students learn how to write request, response, transmittal, and confirmation letters and memos; letters to customers, prospective customers, and suppliers; administrative and public relations communications; and human resources communications. There are also assignments dealing with employment letters, résumés, and business reports.

As students are required to complete numerous writing assignments in this course, students should have a solid foundation in English grammar and mechanics before taking this subject. There are 8 examinations in Business English.

Poe and Fruehling, Business Communication: A Case Method Approach and EMCParadigm.

ENGLISH GRAMMAR, BASIC

Basic English Grammar is a ½–unit subject whichdeals with the basic fundamentals of grammar. It provides a review of sentence types and structure, punctuation, forming plurals, agreement of subject and verb, use of possessives and connecting words, common ungrammatical expressions, paragraphing and writing friendly letters.

In completing this course students are expected to write sentences, paragraphs and personal letters using proper grammar. There are 8 examinations in Basic English Grammar.

Hoffman, Basic English Grammar, American School.

ENGLISH, PRACTICAL

The basis of good writing is writing good sentences and paragraphs. This course emphasizes correct usage of basic grammar, spelling, punctuation and commonly misused words in writing well-organized sentences and paragraphs. By the end of the course, students are making practical use of what they have learned by preparing a report, complaint letter, job application letter and a résumé. There are 8 examinations in Practical English.

Sigband, Practical English for Everyday Use, American School.

UNDERSTANDING ENGLISH 1

Understanding English 1 gives students an in-depth knowledge of how sentences are organized. Through this knowledge, students learn to recognize and use good sentences. The first half of the course concentrates on sentence types, parts of speech, punctuation and verb forms. The second half of the course concentrates on phrases, clauses, conjunctions and the diagramming of sentences

In completing this subject students do activities such as writing original examples of types of sentences and writing well-organized, focused paragraphs on a wide variety of topics with sufficient detail to engage the reader. Student are expected to proofread their work before submission. There are 8 examinations in Understanding English 1.

Understanding English I, Assignments 1-4 and Understanding English I, Assignments 5-8 American School.

UNDERSTANDING ENGLISH 2

Understanding English 2 builds on the foundation in grammar and usage provided in Understanding English 1. In this course students concentrate on improving their style and writing with clarity and precision for a variety of purposes, including themes, biographies, reviews and letters.

In completing this subject students do activities such as writing original sentences correctly using specified words and constructions; writing well-organized, focused paragraphs on a wide variety of topics with sufficient detail to support the main idea; developing paragraphs using specific techniques to achieve clarity and good style; and writing a biographical sketch, a review of a book, TV show or movie, various types of letters and a résumé. There are 8 examinations in Understanding English 2.

Understanding English 2, Assignments 1-4and Understanding English 2, Assignments 5-8, American School.

FOOD STUDY

In Food Study students focus on the principles of nutrition and the relationship of good nutrition to our well-being. Students learn how to plan diets appropriate for their age and lifestyle as well as how to find and evaluate information on nutrition. In addition, they are introduced to the fundamentals of food preparation for all the major food groups as well basic cooking tools, microwave cooking, and safety precautions in preparing and handling food.

In completing Food Study students do activities such as identifying the nutrient content of food prepared in various ways, describing how to prevent foodborne illnesses, reading and understanding the information on a can of food and on a meat label, identifying nutritious and easy to fix snacks from the major food groups, and describing how to prepare food to preserve the nutrients. There are 8 examinations in Food Study.

Byrd-Bredbenner, Adventures in Food and Nutrition!,The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

FRENCH 1

French 1 provides an introduction to grammatical principles and vocabulary. Their correct usage is emphasized in numerous exercises and dialogues. The course includes the study of the present and passé composétenses of regular and irregular verbs, pronouns, adjectives, idiomatic expressions and sentence structure. A CD to help students with their pronunciation is provided at no additional charge.

In completing this subject students complete numerous exercises requiring the use of appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures for a wide variety of everyday scenarios. In addition, students read passages in French and answer questions about the passages using complete French sentences. Translation from English to French is also a skill developed in this course. There are 9 examinations in French 1.

Valette and Valette, Discovering French, Bleu, McDougal Littell.

FRENCH 2

French 2 expands on the grammatical principles and vocabulary students learned in French 1. It emphasizes correct usage in context and thinking "in French" through the use of visuals and dialogue formats. Verb tenses covered include the passé composé (review), the imperfect, the future, the conditional, and the present subjunctive.

In completing this subject students complete numerous exercises requiring the use of appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures for a wide variety of everyday scenarios. In addition, students read passages in French and answer questions about the passages using complete French sentences. Translation from English to French is also a skill further developed in this course. There are 10 examinations in French 2.

Valette and Valette, Discovering French Nouveau: Blanc, McDougal Littell. A supplementary CD and video are available at a small additional cost.

GEOGRAPHY, WORLD

Geography is the study of the spatial distribution of physicaland cultural features, including the interaction between the physical characteristics of a place and human endeavor. These physical and cultural features affect the globalsimilarities and differences in economic, political and social activities. This course gives students basic knowledge about the major geographic regions, particularly as it relates to contemporary developments.

In this subjects students read and interpret maps and various types of graphs and charts and apply the knowledge and concepts they have learned to explain historical and contemporary developments in regions around the world. This they do through writing both short responses and longer essays, including compare and contrast, cause and effect, descriptive and position essays. There are 9 examinations in World Geography.

Finkelsteiet al.,Global Geography,Amsco School Publications, Inc.

Quick Reference World Atlas, Rand McNally.

GEOMETRY

Geometry introduces students to mathematics as a deductive science.It shows how a few simple assumptions about points, lines, etc., can lead to a substantial body of geometric theorems. In this course, students learn to follow a line of reasoning and construct their own proofs. Students are also introduced to the basic geometry of two- and three-dimensional space and figures.

In this subject students use the knowledge and reasoning strategies they learn to determine attributes of 2- and 3-dimentional geometrical figures, both informally and formally through proofs in traditional and paragraph form. Students also do constructions and are introduced to coordinate geometry. There are 10 examinations in Geometry.

Jurgensen, Brown and Jurgensen,Geometry, McDougal Littell.

HISTORY, UNITED STATES

Starting with an overview of Native American settlement of the New World, this course traces the major events and trends in United States History down to the present. In the process it seeks to develop various skills involved in comprehending, analyzing and interpreting the past.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students complete a series of Skill Modules designed to progressively build their skills in comprehending, evaluating and
synthesizing historical documents and information. Students are also assigned to write various types of essays typically used in social studies, such as cause-and-effect and compare-and-contrast essays. There are 8 examinations in United States History.

Roberts and Franklin, Comprehensive United States History, Custom published for the American School by Amsco School Publications.

HISTORY, WORLD

To truly understand developments in today's interdependent world, we need to know their historic roots. World history provides a survey of political, social, economic and cultural trends from the Stone Age to the present. Its focus is global, emphasizing the interactions among various regions of the world.

In completing this subject students are asked to apply what they have learned to further understand and analyze historical developments, including primary source material and artistic productions. Students also work with maps and write a variety of essays typically found in social studies, including compare-and-contrast and cause-and-effect essays and essays taking a position on an issue. There are 8 examinations in World History.

Brunet al.,Global History and Geography: The Growth of Civilizations, Amsco School Publications, Inc.

HOME PLANNING AND DECORATING

Home Planning and Decorating provides a comprehensive look at how to plan for your housing needs--from budget considerations to designing the interior. In this course students learn about such things as the elements and principles of design, house and furniture styles, evaluating the structural soundness of a building, and making the best use of natural resources and the environment in meeting our need for shelter.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students apply what they have learned to real life scenarios, including their own situations. There are 7 examinations in Home Planning and Decorating.

Sherwood, Homes Today and Tomorrow, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

HOME REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Home Repair and Maintenance is for those students interested in doing their own home maintenance and repair work. Students learn the basic information and techniques necessary to use the major tools and various building materials required for routine repair and maintenance of a residential structure and its systems, including exterior and interior walls, roofs, windows, heating and cooling systems, and insulation.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students identify components of systems on illustrations, read lumber grade markings, estimate the number of square yards of carpeting required for a room, and provide the dimensions for standard cabinets for a layout.There are 7 examinations in Home Repair and Maintenance.

Landers, Home Repair and Maintenance, The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

INTEGRATED ALGEBRA

Integrated Algebra is a comprehensive course in first-year algebra that integrates algebra with elements of geometry and probability. It stresses a conceptual understanding of algebraic techniques and using these techniques as tools for problem solving. Beginning with a discussion of problem-solving strategies and estimation, the course covers such topics as solving linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, algebraic fractions, functions and their graphs, rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic equations.

Integrated Algebra breaks the topics of a first-year algebra course into small segments that can more easily be approached by both the college and non-college bound student. It covers more topics in geometry than Algebra I, but does not discuss probability.

Among the activities students do in completing this subject are systematically analyzing, translating into equations, and solving various types of word problems, including problems involving geometric figures and problems involving ratio and proportion. Students also perform operations on polynomials, solve quadratic equations using a variety of methods, graph inequalities and functions and solve systems of equations and inequalities using a graph and using algebra. There are 11 examinations in Integrated Algebra.

Dressler et al., Algebra I: An Integrated Approach, AMSCO School Publications.

JOURNALISM

Journalism introduces students to the world of the professional newspaper reporter. Students learn how news is gathered, how various types of news stories are handled, and how to write such stories using good journalistic style. Professional responsibilities and the editing process are also covered.

Among the activities students do in completing this subject are writing short news and feature stories, writing various types of other stories including personal interview, accident, and crime stories as well as a critical review. Students also learn about proofreading and editing. As students are required to complete numerous writing assignments in this course, students should have a solid foundation in English grammar and mechanics before taking this subject. There are 8 examinations in Journalism.

Leiteret al.,The Complete Reporter, Allyn and Bacon.

KEYBOARDING

Keyboarding is for the beginner as well as for the individual who has learned the keyboard but wishes to improve his or her technique. Efficiency, and speed are all emphasized in specially designed exercises. Students also learn how to type copy in the most commonly used formats. As part of thefocus on accuracy, students are expected to recognize and correct commonerrors in mechanics and grammar. Students must have access to a computer or typewriter to complete this subject.

In completing Keyboarding students demonstrate mastery of basic keystrokes and keystroke combinations in timed and untimed exercises. Assignments become increasingly complex as students progress in the course until by the end students are producing business letters and reports and formatting tables. There are 7 examinations in Keyboarding.

Hoggattet al.,Century 21 Computer Keyboarding, South-Western/Cengage Learning.

LATIN 1

Latin 1 introduces students to the basic vocabulary and syntax of Latin.Students learn to read and understand progressively more difficult sentences, dialogues and narratives that focus on Roman life and legends.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students complete numerous exercises demonstrating their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar, answer questions testing their comprehension of reading passages and engage in translation from Latin to English and vice versa. There are 12 examinations in Latin 1.

Ullmanand Henderson, Latin for Americans I, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

LAW, BUSINESS

Business Law focuses on the application of law to business operations and transactions in the United States. It covers such topics as contractual agreements, employment, commercial paper, insurance, personal and real property, partnerships, and corporate organization.

In completing this subject students apply the knowledge and concepts they have learned to new situations involving legal issues. There are 10 examinations in Business Law.

Brown and Sukys,Understanding Business and Personal Law, Glencoe McGraw-Hill.

LITERATURE 1

Using a wide range of poems, short stories, plays and non-fiction prose by authors from different time periods and different cultural backgrounds, Literature I introduces students to some excellent writing and helps them to become familiar with basic literary devices and how they are used in the works under discussion. In this way, the study guide and textbook lead students to an understanding of the structure and meaning of these literary works.

In completing this ½–unit subject, among other activities, students complete Skillbuilder exercises in the textbook which help prepare them for writing short answers and essays about the literary works they have read. There are 5 examinations in Literature 1.

The Interactive Reader, Level 9, McDougal Little.

LITERATURE 2

Literature 2 expands on the reading of literary works begun in Literature 1. As in Literature 1, students analyze plays, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction prose from a broad range of times and cultures to determine how authors convey their meaning.

In completing this ½–unit subject, among other activities, students complete Skillbuilder exercises in the textbook which help prepare them for writing short answers and essays about the literary works they have read. Students are required to do more extensive analysis in their writing than in Literature 1. There are 5 examinations in Literature 2.

The InterActive Reader, Level 10,McDougal Littell.

LITERATURE, AMERICAN

American Literature provides a survey of major American authors from the early 17th to late 20th centuries. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how authors convey their ideas and produce emotional effects in individual works as well as on understanding major trends in the development of American Literature.

The activities students are required to complete in this subject include discussing the use of various literary elements in the assigned works, comparing and contrasting literary elements in different works,and discussing historical influences on particular works. By the end of the course students are asked to analyze a novel that they have read on their own. There are 8 examinations in American Literature.

American Literature; a custom published textbook prepared for the American School by Globe Fearon using original texts.

Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea, Simon& Schuster.
(Students may substitute one of four other novels for The Old Man and the Sea, but they
are responsible for obtaining their own copy of the substitute novel.)

LITERATURE 3: SELECTED AMERICAN CLASSICS

This ½–unit course allows students to explore in-depth several classics of American Literature: Willa Cather's My Ántonia; Mark Twain's A ConnecticutYankee in King Arthur's Court; poetry by Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Robert Frost, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Langston Hughes and others; and short stories by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, O. Henry, Stephen Crane, Washington Irving, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ambrose Bierce, Henry James, Herman Melville, Edgar Allan Poe and Philip K. Dick among others. Emphasis is on reading for enjoyment and understanding through an analysis of the structure and themes of each work. In addition, the study guides for these works stress the development of specific writing skills, including writing synopses and descriptive sentences.

In completing this course, among other activities, students prepare a synopsis, paraphrase passages, identify techniques used in descriptive passages, identify the rhyme and rhythm schemes of poems,and write a critical essay. There are 4 examinations in Literature 3.

Cather: My Ántonia, Dover; Dickinson: Selected Poems, Dover;Great American Short Stories, Dover; 101 Great American Poems, Dover; Twain: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Dover.

LITERATURE, BRITISH

British Literature provides a survey of major British authors from the 7th through the 20th centuries. It emphasizes understanding the content and form of the readings as well as how they reflect the literary trends of their time. The reading assignments include short stories, poems, nonfiction prose, a Shakespearean play and a complete novel.

Among the activities students do in completing this course are comparing and contrasting literary elements in different works,taking a position on the interpretation of a literary work and supporting the position with relevant details, and writing a compare and contrast essay on the novel read for this course. There are 8 examinations in British Literature.

British Literature, Pearson Longman and Pearson Custom Publishing. Includes CD with
readings of various selections by professional actors.

Austen,Sense and Sensibility.
(Students may substitute one of three other novels for Sense and Sensibility, but they are responsible for obtaining their own copy of the substitute novel.)

LITERATURE 4: SELECTED ENGLISH CLASSICS

This ½–unit course allows students to explore in-depth four classics of English Literature: William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone. Emphasis is on reading for enjoyment and understanding through an analysis of the structure and themes of each work. In addition, the study guides for each work stress a different aspect of vocabulary development, including paraphrasing and analogies.

In completing this course, among other activities, students discuss the use of various types of literary elements in the works, compare and contrast characters, and identify the rhyme and rhythm scheme of a poem. There are 4 examinations in Literature 4.

Austen,Pride and Prejudice, Dover; Collins,The Moostone, Signet Classic; Shakespeare,Twelfth Night, Dover; Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Classic Theater, Ltd. (C.D., selected excerpts); Shaw,Pygmalion, Dover.

LITERATURE, WORLD

World Literature introduces students to a wide range of literature from different time periods and cultures. Students study how writers from different backgrounds use similar literary elements and techniques to convey meaning in their short stories, plays, poems and non-fictional works. The aim is for students to appreciate the similarities and differences among the works they read for the course and to learn to analyze literature to enrich their own independent reading.

In completing World Literature students are required to discuss the use of various types of literary elements in the works they have read, compare and contrast literary elements in different works, and identify the rhyme and rhythm schemes of poems. By the end of the course students are asked to analyze short stories from selections that they have read on their own. There are 8 examinations in World Literature.

Christ (Ed.),The World of Literature, custom-published for the American School by AMSCO School Publications.

MATHEMATICS, BUSINESS

Businesspeople must add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers as they balance checking accounts, determine payroll taxes, calculate interest, and so on. Business Math, a ½–unit subject, deals with these basic math operations and how to use them in solving common problems involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and simple equations.

In completing this subject students do activities such as completing an expense form, computing freight charges, finding a current bank balance, computing overtime pay, finding the increase in value of an investment, computing the net price after a discount, preparing an invoice, and completing a payroll record. There are 5 examinations Business Mathematics.

Aufmanet al.,Business Mathematics: Brief Version, 2nd edition, Houghton Mifflin Company.

MATHEMATICS, ESSENTIAL 1

In our everyday lives we all must add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers as we buy things, balance our checking accounts, figure interest and so on. Essential Math I deals with these basic math operations and how to use them in solving common problems involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages. There are 6 examinations in Essential Mathematics 1.

Essential Mathematics I, Lessons 1-3; Essential Mathematics I, Lessons 4-6, American School.

MATHEMATICS, ESSENTIAL 2

When we paint a room, put up a fence, buy a rug, or wrap a present, we are using shapes. Essential Math 2 deals with the nature and property of shapes such as circles, triangles and squares. In doing so, this course provides an introduction to geometry and algebra. Essential Math 2 also acquaints students with the metric system of measurement. There are 4 examinations in Essential Mathematics 2.

Essential Mathematics II, Lessons 1 and 2;Essential Mathematics II, Lessons 3 and 4, American School.

OFFICE PROCEDURES

Office Procedures focuses on the needs of the modern office worker. It stresses communication and interpersonal skills, including proper handling of the telephone; the processing of information and managing of records in modern business organizations; common business documents and procedures; and efficient time and task management.

In completing this subject students apply the skills and concepts they have learned to
determine what to do and how to handle various business situations. Among other activities, they write emails, proofread and properly format business letters, prepare an invoice, work with a records retention schedule, properly prepare file folders, process mail and prepare an agenda for a meeting. There are 7 examinations in Office Procedures.

Oliverio, et al., The Office: Procedures and Technology, South-Western/Cengage Learning.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography introduces students to both the technical and artistic aspects of taking photographs. On the technical side students learn about such things as operating a camera, selecting film and what happens in a darkroom. On the artistic side students learn about vocabulary for discussing photographs, elements of composition and a brief overview of the history of photography. Students are required to submit examples of their work and therefore must have access to a camera, either manual or digital. Access to a darkroom is not required.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students complete several shooting assignments and conclude the course by creating a photo essay of their own work on a topic of their choosing. There are 6 examinations in Photography.

Foltset al.,Handbook of Photography, Thomson/Delmar Learning.

PHYSICS

Physics is the science which explores matter and energy in terms of motion and force. While Algebra I is a prerequisite for the course and solving problems involving mathematical computation is required, the focus of this course is on understanding concepts, rather than on numerical manipulation. Everyday examples and illustrations are used wherever possible, and students are encouraged to think through specific applications of the general concepts whichthey study.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students apply the concepts they have learned to explain the physics of actual situations. There are 11 examinations in Physics.

Hewitt, Conceptual Physics, Prentice Hall.

PHYSIOLOGY AND HEALTH

Physiology and Health approaches health education from the perspective of wellness. This means that it aims to provide the basis for wise decisions and choices that promote total physical, mental and social well-being The first half of the course focuses on physical fitness, nutrition, body systems, the life cycle, and mental and emotional health. The second half looks more specifically at issues such as drug abuse, infectious diseases, safety and first aid, violence prevention, healthy relationships and environmental issues related to health.

Among the activities students do in completing this subject are devising a plan to reach one of their goals, interpreting the information on a food label and on a medicine label, discussing ways to resolve a conflict peacefully, and identifying actions that can improve health. There are 9 examinations in Physiology and Health.

Bronson and Merki, Health, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

PRE-ALGEBRA

Pre-Algebra focuses on giving students the solid conceptual foundation andproblem-solving strategies necessary for first-year Algebra. It begins byconnecting arithmetic and Algebra and explores solving equations, graphsand data analysis, number theory, rational numbers, and ratio, proportion andpercent among other topics. Throughout there is an emphasis on understandingand applying mathematical principles and concepts rather than on solvingcomplex problems.

In completing this course, students do activities such as using a table to find a function rule; graphing a function;solving problems in one unknown;using the four-step plan to solve word problems; determining range, mean, median and mode; drawing bar and line graphs;graphing expressions on a number line; creating a frequency table; interpreting scattergrams; and computing probability. There are 10 examinations in Pre-Algebra.

Gardellaet al., Mathematical Connections, McDougal Littell.

PSYCHOLOGY FOR LIFE TODAY

Psychology is the study of how and why we behave as we do. In this course, students study factors which affect behavior—such as habits, attitudes, emotions and personality—and how they are developed. It also includes discussions of how we learn and how to get along with others.

In completing this course students do activities such as give an example of a learned behavior, identify good study habits, recognize types of propaganda, describe how to handle anxiety, describe qualities which make for a good leader and discuss ways of getting along on the job. There are 6 examinations in Psychology for Life Today.

Foster, Psychology for Life Today, American School.

SCIENCE, EARTH

Earth Science is the study of the Earth—its internal structure, its changingsurface, its oceans, its atmosphere and weather and its place in the universe. So Earth Science is really made up of four different sciences: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. In this course students view the Earth as a dynamic system and investigate such topics as the movements of land, air and water, rock formation, and how the Earth is affected by the sun and moon as well as its place within the universe itself.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students label features on a representation of the Earth, describe properties that identify minerals, provide examples of conservation and recycling of resources, use the concepts and knowledge gained to explain natural phenomena, interpret a weather map, explain why the world's oceans are important to our environment, and express and support an opinion on whether the planet Mars could support life. There are 6 examinations in Earth Science.

Spaulding and Namowitz, Earth Science, McDougal Littell.

SCIENCE, GENERAL

General Science provides an introduction to four major areas in science—energy and matter, the living world, planet earth, and space. Students thus become acquainted with the basic ideas upon which a number of sciences are built, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science and Astronomy. Selected readings and science activities are suggested so that students may further their understanding.

Activities students do in completing this subject include using the concepts and knowledge gained in the course to explain new situations, interpreting information on maps and graphs, using the metric system of measurement, and summarizing the content of a current article on a scientific development. There are 7 examinations in General Science.

Goldsmith,General Science, American School.

SCIENCE, PHYSICAL

Physical Science introduces students to the study of matter and energy. It, therefore, includes topics from both Physics (such as acceleration, light, and electrical current) and Chemistry (such as states of matter, chemical reactions, and nuclear decay). The emphasis in this course is on a conceptual understanding of the fundamental forces and processes at work in the world around us. Each assignment starts with a brief activity to introduce students to the topic under discussion.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students use the concepts and knowledge they have learned to determine and explain what happens in new situations.
There are 8 examinations in Physical Science.

Hewitt et al.,Conceptual Physical Science—Explorations, Addison Wesley/Prentice Hall.
A DVD is included which helps guide students through each chapter through the use of interactive tutorials and videos of lectures and demonstrations.

SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is the study of how people behave in groups and how these groups interact with each other. This course investigates the process of socialization—how individuals learn to be part of the groups around them, including the family and larger organizations which make up their society and culture. It also discusses why sociology developed, its research methods and some of the major sociological studies. In addition, this course focuses on recent trends in three major areas of social concern—the family, crime and urban development.

In completing this subject, among other activities, students use the concepts and knowledge they have learned to analyze and explain social phenomena, give examples of
concepts from their own experience, identify aspects of American symbolic culture in advertisements, and develop questions for a survey on a public policy issue. There are 7 examinations in Sociology.

McKeown,Sociology, American School.

SPANISH 1

Spanish 1 introduces the student to the basic grammatical concepts and structural characteristics of the language. It emphasizes using Spanish in a cultural context through the use of visuals, scenarios and dialogue formats.

In completing this subject, students focus mainly on translation from English to Spanish, writing sentences in Spanish using correct constructions and comprehending passages in Spanish. By the end of the course students are asked to write a short letter in Spanish to their instructors. There are 10 examinations in Spanish 1.

Da Silva, Persona a Persona 1, Macmillan.

SPANISH 2

Spanish 2 expands on the grammatical principles and vocabulary students learned in Spanish 1. It emphasizes the correct usage of time and place through a detailed study of verb tenses which includes the use of visuals and dialogue formats.

In completing this subject, students focus on writing original sentences and paragraphs in Spanish in response to prompts and on comprehending extended passages in Spanish. There are 8 examinations in Spanish 2.

Da Silva, Persona a Persona 2, Macmillan.

SPEECH, HOW TO TALK MORE EFFECTIVELY

The challenge to persuade others is one we face everyday. How to Talk More Effectively is designed to help students meet that challenge. It takes apart the process of preparing and delivering speeches and tells students how to master the ability to talk on a one-to-one basis as well as before large audiences. Among the topics covered are giving different types of speeches, leading conferences and meetings, expressing oneself on the telephone, and successful interviewing. A CD with examples of speeches and a listening exercise is supplied with the course and students have the option of submitting their speeches on CD or cassette tape for evaluation by an instructor.

In completing this ½–unit subject, among other activities, students analyze speeches to evaluate techniques used by the speakers and prepare their own speeches for a variety of situations. By the end of the course students are asked to prepare a three-minute talk on a subject of their own choosing. There are 6 examinations in Speech.

Bordeaux and Allen,How To Talk More Effectively, American School.

SPELLING

Being able to spell correctly is an important part of communicating clearly and
of making a good impression. This 1/2 unit course focuses on both sounding out and visualizing the spelling of words, as appropriate. Topics covered include dictionary usage, common spelling rules and their exceptions, and the use of prefixes and suffixes. There are 4 examinations in Spelling.

Milanovic and Cox,American School Spelling, American School.

Webster's New World Dictionary, Pocket Books.