Western Christian High School

(Courses not listed below may be available upon request.  Contact WCHS with questions.)

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

The AP® Computer Science A course is equivalent to the first semester of a college level computer science course. The course involves developing the skills to write programs or part of programs to correctly solve specific problems. AP® Computer Science A also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and when appropriate, reusable. At the same time, the development of useful computer programs and classes is used as a context for introducing other important concepts in computer science, including the

development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications. In addition an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course.

Prerequisites: Algebra I & II

AP MACROECONOMICS

You have been called upon to assist the leader of the Macro Islands who is running for reelection next year. The economy is in shambles, and you need to come up with some feasible solutions. This will not only help the people of the Macro Islands but will also ensure a victory for your employer. You were hired over the Internet and received a first class ticket to the Macro Islands where you can learn firsthand about the situation. You arrive at Pineapple Airport in the middle of the day and are met by a man with a briefcase who is holding a sign with your name on it. You approach the man and introduce yourself. “I’m Mr. Scarcity,” he says. “I’ll be your guide as you learn about the economic situation of the islands. You need to

learn everything you can about both macroeconomics and our Macro Islands for your presentation to our island leader in May.” (Your AP Exam.)

Prerequisites: None. Students will be exposed to a college-level learning experience.

AP MICROECONOMICS

You traveled to the Macro Islands to assist the leader in winning re-election. You came for a job, but you realized as you were working that you loved the islands and wanted to make your home there. Because you are adept at giving economic advice to the leader, you have been appointed as the new President of the Sunny Seas Shell Company.

As part of your role in assuming the leadership duties of the company, you will need to brush up on microeconomics. The Board of Directors has appointed Ms. Equilibrium to act as your personal assistant and advisor as you transition into your new role. You will be learning all you can about microeconomics and will be required to exhibit your knowledge in May at the annual Board of Directors’ meeting (the AP Exam).

Prerequisites: None. Students will be exposed to a college-level learning experience.

AP WORLD HISTORY

AP World History covers the history of the world from 600 C.E. to the present with an introduction unit on the period before (covering around 8000 B.C.E. to 600 C.E.). The course emphasizes ―patterns of change‖ and the connections between the various world cultures throughout the time period being studied. Students will gain an understanding of the global experiences of humanity and be able to apply that knowledge to their growth and development as ―citizens of eternity.

The class has two major goals: (1) to prepare students to be successful on the AP World History exam and (2) to provide students with an understanding on why the world developed the way it did.

ENGLISH 9 (International Students Only)

This is one course in which what students see and what students say really matters. No two people experience books, plays, or community events in exactly the same way, and no two people describe their experiences with the same words. How clearly can students see what is happening before them? How compellingly can they describe what they saw to others? In this course, students find out. Great books, short stories, poems, and plays convey messages and feelings that make them great. In this course, students learn how to look for the message. They learn how to trust their feelings about that message and how to express clearly and convincingly what they think. The purpose of this course is to give students the tools to see and

hear with real understanding and to communicate with real conviction.

Prerequisites: None

ENGLISH 10  (International Students Only)

In English II, students learn how the human experience—real life—is the foundation of the best stories, plays, poems, films, and articles. In each unit of the course, students explore a specific aspect of the human experience such as laughter, obstacles, betrayal, fear, and transformation. Through the study of literature, nonfiction, and life, students explore what it means to be human, what it means to be fulfilled, triumphant, empowered, and transformed.

As in life, students have many choices in the English II course. They choose the order in which they complete the units. Students also choose some of the works they read and have countless choices when it comes to demonstrating what they have learned. Whether reading a poem or a novel, writing a story or an analysis, or studying a Shakespearean tragedy or a modern suspense film, students explore what it means to be human, a subject on which they are already experts!

Prerequisites: English 1

ENGLISH 11 (International Students Only)

“Extra, extra, read all about it!” It’s all right here in black and white, in the pages of The Virtual Times newspaper. Published at key periods in American history, The Virtual Times takes us right into the action. The writing is clear and concise. The stories and opinions give us perspective. The sports and entertainment sections give us the color and flavor of the times.

In English III, the writing and insights of authors throughout our history are collected in the fast-paced pages of The Virtual Times. Students gain an appreciation of American literature and the ways it reflects the times in which it was written. They discover how people thought and lived and wrote about their experiences. Students are also asked to observe, investigate, and report on stories of today. The goal is for students to be thorough, accurate, and compelling in their writing.

Prerequisites: English 1 & 2

ALGEBRA I

Algebra I is the foundation—the skills acquired in this course contain the basic knowledge needed for all future high school math courses. The material covered in this course is important, but everyone can do it. Everyone can have a good time solving the hundreds of real-world problems algebra can help answer. Each module in this course is presented in a step-by-step way right on the computer screen. Hands-on labs make the numbers, graphs, and equations more real. The content in this course is tied to real-world applications like

sports, travel, business, and health. This course is designed to give students the skills and strategies to solve all kinds of mathematical problems. Students will also acquire the confidence needed to handle everything high school math has in store for them.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 7th grade mathematics with a grade of C or better.

ALGEBRA II

This course allows students to learn while having fun. Interactive examples help guide students’ journey through customized feedback and praise. Mathematical concepts are applied to everyday occurrences such as earthquakes, stadium seating, and purchasing movie tickets. Students investigate the effects of an equation on its graph through the use of technology. Students have opportunities to work with their peers on specific lessons.

Algebra II is an advanced course using hands-on activities, applications, group interactions, and the latest technology.

Prerequisites: Algebra I

GEOMETRY

Observe the principles of geometry at work in God‘s world. Investigate and discover why the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed and the Great Pyramids of Giza did not.

Geometry is everywhere, not just in pyramids. Engineers use geometry to build highways and bridges. Artists use geometry to create perspective in their paintings, and mapmakers help travelers find things using the points located on a geometric grid. Throughout this course, you will be taken on a mathematical highway illuminated by spatial relationships, reasoning, connections, and problem solving.

Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or its equivalent.

PRE-CALCULUS (Math Analysis)

Students, as mathematic analysts, will investigate advanced mathematics concepts and use them to solve problems encountered in operating national parks. Throughout the course, students will be exploring the

mathematical design of God‘s creation and how their lives should reflect His glory. The core components of the course include the study of functions and the development of skills necessary for future success in calculus. In addition, a detailed examination of trigonometry and elements of analytical geometry are incorporated in the curriculum.

Prerequisites: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry

American History (US History)

American history is full of big questions that grab our attention. In this course, you will look at some of the most profound questions that thoughtful Americans still debate. You will research many important events throughout the history of America. In the process, you will witness the development of America from its first settlers to today’s superpower status.

Questions about slavery, regulation of business, religious freedom, and how to maintain a stable world order have always been part of the American experiment. Most of the time, the answers are not so simple, but we want to know what you think. To develop your personal beliefs, you will use verified sources, including original documents and the writings of people contemporary with the events. Equally important, this course will challenge you to apply your knowledge and perspective of history to interpret the events of today. The questions raised by history are endlessly fascinating. We look forward to your participation in the debate.

Prerequisites: This course is recommended for students in 11th grade. Successful completion of English 1 is strongly recommended.

World History

Whether they lived 3,000 years ago or 100 years ago, people are always making history. It does not matter if they lived in medieval Europe or ancient Egypt, the people who came before us are responsible for nearly all that we have today. In this course, you will have the job of “curator” of the Windows of the World Museum. You will be learning about the many wings of the museum and will have the opportunity to speak with your Director about the exhibits.

World History gives students the opportunity to visit the past, connect with the present, and look to the future. Join others in the exploration of ancient and modern civilizations, their impact, and their contributions to today’s global society. The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand their connections to the development of civilizations by examining the past to prepare for their future as participating members of a global community. Students will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social, and employment settings.

Prerequisites: None

Be Sociable, Share!

•