Upper School Course Descriptions 2008-2009

Mathematics

Algebra 1

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.

Geometry

The geometry skills and concepts developed in this discipline are useful to all students.  Aside from learning these skills and concepts, students will develop their ability to construct formal, logical arguments and proofs in geometric settings and problems.

Algebra II

This course will develop essential mathematical skills in the following areas: properties of numbers, operations on numbers and order of operations, linear equations and inequalities, graphs of inequalities, absolute value equations and problem solving, variation linear equations, graphs of linear equations in two and three variables, systems of inequalities, polynomials and factoring quadratic equations, solving rational expressions and equations with imaginary and complex numbers with graphing, conic functions with graphing, and exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions.

Prerequisite: C or better in Geometry and Algebra I

Pre-Calculus

This course will develop essential mathematical skills in the following areas: solving rational expressions and equations with imaginary and complex numbers with graphing, conic functions with graphing, the use and graphs of functions of different types (exponential, trigonometric, logarithmic, polynomial, reciprocal, polynomial, radical), logical reasoning, applications of geometry, statistics, limits, and convergent and divergent series.  Since the application of the material is what we are most interested in, word problems will be visited frequently.

Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra II

Calculus/AP Calculus

AP Calculus is a rigorous college-prep course that will explore such topics as (but not limited to) finite and infinite limits, the development of a derivative, tangent lines, rules of differentiation, area under curves, hyperbolic functions, slope fields and simple differential equations, integration rules, volumes of curved objects, arc length, center of mass, L'Hopital's Rule and improper integrals.  Since the application of the material is what we are most interested in, word problems will be used frequently.  Students enrolled in this course should have the goal of taking the advanced placement test in May.

Prerequisite: C or better in Pre-Calculus/Instructor's approval

Note: Will be offered depending on student interest.

ENGLISH

Honors English 9

Honors English 9 is an introduction to higher-level English which covers two semesters.  The course will cover literature from the Ancient Myths to the twentieth century using various genres.  Students will partake in “close readings” of the literature in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the authors, their works and their messages.  Students should be prepared not only for extensive reading, but extensive writing as well during in-class time writings, journal entries, creative writing projects, and formal essay.  Students should expect to have a reading and/or writing assignment due each day.

Honors English 10

Honors English 10 is a continuation of exploring higher-level English and covers two semesters.  The course will cover literature from the fifteenth century to the twentieth century using various genres.  Students will partake in “close readings” of the literature in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the authors, their works and their messages.  Students should be prepared not only for extensive reading, but extensive writing as well during in-class time writings, journal entries, creative writing projects, and formal essay.  Students should expect to have a reading and/or writing assignment due each day.

AP English 11

AP English 11 is an intense higher-level English course with an emphasis on American Literature.  This course covers literature from the seventeenth century to the twentieth century using various genres over the span of two semesters.  Students will partake in “close readings” of the literature in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the authors, their works and their messages.  Students should be prepared not only for extensive reading, but extensive writing as well during in-class time writings, journal entries, creative writing projects, and formal essay.  Students should expect to have a reading and/or writing assignment due each day.

AP English 12

AP English 12 is a rigorous advanced course designed to replicate and prepare seniors for their first year of college.  This course covers literature from the fifteenth century to the twentieth century using various genres over the span of two semesters.  Students will partake in “close readings” of the literature in order to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the authors, their works and their messages.  Students should be prepared not only for extensive reading, but extensive writing as well during in-class time writings, journal entries, creative writing projects, and formal essay.  Students should expect to have a reading and/or writing assignment due each day.

Associated Student Body (ASB)

The TPS ASB represents the entire TPS student body.  Their main goals are to enhance their leadership skills, plan and organize student events, and to support the TPS administration whenever needed.

ASB positions consist of:

1 President                                                       1 Vice-President

1 Secretary                                                       1 Treasurer

1 Publicity Officer                                             1 Activities Director

1-2 Senior Class Representatives                       1 Junior Class Representative

1 Sophomore Class Representative                    1 Freshman Class Representative

Each position has individual responsibilities, but the overall objective is to do what is in the best interest of the TPS student body.  Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Prerequisite: Students must be elected by the student body into their respective positions.

Foreign Language

French I                                                                                                                      

This course is for true beginners or students who have not yet mastered the basic structures of French grammar. The textbook for this course is Discovering French Nouveau Bleu!, published in 2004 by McDougal Littell. The text furnishes the grammatical scope and sequence of the courses. Attention is paid to vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and spelling. Communication in French is emphasized and encouraged. English is used to explain grammar and when appropriate to ensure comprehension. Communication in French is facilitated by interactive and cooperative learning techniques to address all learning types.

Advanced French I                                          

This course is for students who have already mastered the basic structures of French grammar. The Textbook for this course is Débuts (1992 McGraw-Hill). Débuts is intended to be used in conjunction with Le chemin du retour, a film in French specifically designed for beginning language learners. The film introduces the students to French spoken by native speakers in an authentic and culturally rich context and prepares students to watch French language films at more advanced levels. Students are given opportunities to experience and acknowledge different patterns of thought and other value systems. Through the study of the French Language, students deepen their understanding of their own language and culture as well as develop a sense of responsibility and commitment as world citizens.

Prerequisite: B+ or better in 8^th grade French or equivalent

French II                                                         

The methodology of the course is centered on the core textbook: Discovering French Nouveau! Blanc, published in 2004 by McDougal Littell. The text furnishes the grammatical scope and sequence of the courses. Attention is paid to vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and spelling. Communication in French is emphasized and encouraged. English is used to explain grammar and when appropriate to ensure comprehension. French is used about 50% of the time. High-quality French films are integrated into the curriculum. By comparing and contrasting French society as portrayed in these films with the student’s own culture, students begin to develop an understanding of French culture that supports and enhances the French curriculum.

Prerequisite: C or better in French I

French III                                            

French III builds on the foundation set in French I and II. In addition to refining their grammatical skills, students begin to explore classic French texts and history with Trésors du Temps (Glencoe-McGraw-Hill, 1997). Emphasis is placed on developing students’ writing and communication skills.

Prerequisite: B or better in French II

Latin I

The Latin I course provides students with a solid foundation in basic Latin grammar.  It enables students to analyze the basic rules of syntactic and morphological structure needed to translate basic Latin texts into English.  The course textbook is Wheelock’s Latin: The Classic Introductory Latin Course Based on Ancient Authors.  By the end of the first year, students will be familiar with four of the five nominal declensions and four verb conjugations.   Additionally, the students will explore various aspects of ancient Roman life, including the founding of the empire, government arts, morality, and Roman satire.

Prerequisite:  Junior class standing

Latin II

The Latin II course briefly reviews the content of Latin I and continues on to more challenging concepts of Latin grammar and the reading of selected passages from ancient authors.  Students will acquire the last nominal declensions, the comparative and superlative of adjectives, regular and irregular forms, absolute constructions, tense sequencing in hypotactic constructions, use of the subjunctive, and all participles.  Wheelock’s Latin will be the textbook for the second year course.  Students will be expected to master sight translation at a higher level and will read several excerpts from Cicero’s speeches.  Students will further explore the history of the Roman world with emphasis on later philosophy, Roman historians, and the interaction of Greek and Roman culture.

Prerequisite:  Senior class standing

History

Honors World History, Grade 9

Course Description and Rationale:  Temecula Preparatory School is pleased to offer Honors World History to our ninth grade class.  This course is an in-depth study of the history of the modern world since the close of the first millennium A.D. to the year 1815.  In accordance with California State Standards, there is also an additional Geography component to this course.  Thus, we will regularly consider various aspects of the earth’s physical geography and evaluate the ways in which people a) are affected by their physical environment, b) change their physical environment, and c) affect each other around the globe.

A third component of this class is the Editorial.  Each week, students are required to write an editorial on a current event that they have recently learned about through any credible electronic, print, or broadcast media.  The editorial format includes the following:  1) an original paragraph summarizing the current event, 2) an original paragraph expressing the student’s viewpoint, and 3) citation of the source used.  Additionally, all students are required to orally present their editorials to the class and be ready to lead a discussion/debate on the topic they have chosen. 

Advanced Placement European History, Grade 10

Course Description and Rationale:  Temecula Preparatory School is pleased to offer Advanced Placement European History to our sophomores.  This course is an in-depth study that surveys major European events, people, and civilizations.  The threefold purpose of AP European History is to:

Another component of this class is the Editorial.  Each week, students are required to write an editorial on a current event that they have recently learned about through any credible electronic, print, or broadcast media.  The editorial format includes the following: 

Advanced Placement United States History, Grade 11

Course Description and Rationale:  Temecula Preparatory School is pleased to offer Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) to our juniors.  APUSH is an exciting course that takes an in-depth look at our unique American history and culture.  It is taught on a college level using college texts.  The threefold purpose of AP US History is to:

American Government, Grade 12

Course Description and Rationale:  Students in grade twelve pursue a deeper understanding and appreciation of the institutions of American government.  This includes a thorough examination of the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the current state of the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary branches of our government.  Students will increase civic literacy as they prepare to vote and participate as adults in American society.

Economics, Grade 12

Course Description and Rationale:  Students in 12^th grade explore major components of our economic system.  This includes analysis of the roles individuals, public and private organizations, and government play in our economy.  Additionally, students will develop various life-skills in areas of education, employment, and personal finance- all of which are crucial for success in American society today.

Science

TPS Honors Biology

Honors Biology is a yearlong college preparatory course that fulfills both high school graduation and UC college admission requirements as a lab science.  The text is “Biology, The Study of Life” (Shraer and Stoltze), which follows a fairly traditional “Cells to Ecology” theme of units.  Honors Biology at TPS is a rigorous course which meets the California State standards in biology, while offering a challenging curriculum that requires that students use critical thinking, investigation, writing, and technology skills which all have practical applications across the curriculum.  Students will document their work with detailed lab reports, and track their work closely throughout the semester in their biology notebooks. Honors Biology also blends the classical model of analysis, logic, and rhetoric with the current issues in science. This course is designed to prepare students for our state exams in the spring semester, as well as to lay the foundation for continued study in chemistry, and other science electives. 

Honors Chemistry 

Honors Chemistry will provide students with a solid introduction to the concepts of chemistry.  A study of the nomenclature of chemistry including binary compounds of the main group elements and transition metals as well as binary compounds of nonmetals will be explored.  Physical and chemical changes will be studied as well as separations of mixtures.  The mole is a central concept in chemistry.  The classification of chemical reactions as well as the balancing of equation will be mastered.  The numerical relationship of reactants and products or stoichiometery will be used by the students.  The solubility of compounds and the prediction of precipitation reactions will be numerically calculated.  The reactions of acids and bases and their equilibrium will be studied including ionization of a weak acid and buffer solutions and the hydrolysis of the salts of weak acid. The structure of the atom and the quantum states of the elections in atoms, ions, and molecules will be analyzed. The reactivity of different families in the periodic chart will be mastered by the students as the trends in atomic and ionic radius, ionization potential, electron affinity and electro negativity are explored.  Energy relationships including enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy will be taught.  Intermolecular forces will be discussed in terms of weak to strong forces or London dispersion forces to covalent network solids.  The states of matter as well as the energetics of phase changes and colligative properties will be examined.  The behavior of gasses, leading to the kinetic molecular theory, an understanding of the gas laws and the kinetics of chemical reactions will also be covered.  Students will also evaluate equilibrium calculations.  Students will need to be proficient in algebra and exponents.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1, concurrent enrollment in Geometry is recommended.

AP Chemistry

A more in depth approach to chemistry with a more quantitative approach.  Nomenclature, equations and stoichiometry are reviewed in the first month.  The gas laws with an emphasis on Kinetic Molecular Theory, Energetics with Enthalpy, Entropy and Gibbs free energy will be explored.  The fundamental of atomic structure and bonding will be mastered.  It provides a more in-depth approach to the phases of matter and intermolecular forces.  The collligative properties will be studied in depth.  Students will evaluate Kinetic data and be able to determine the order of a chemical reaction. Students will perform many equilibrium calculations.  The relationship of Gibbs free energy to equilibrium constants and electrochemical potentials will be explored.  Students need to be proficient in algebra and the use of a graphing calculator to process data.

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry or Conceptual Physics, Algebra 1 and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 is recommended.

Conceptual Physics

Conceptual Physics is an introduction to the concepts of physics.  The concepts of motion including acceleration and force, Newton's three laws of Projectile motion will be analyzed.  The following areas will be covered:

Prerequisite: Students must be comfortable with ratios and rates.  Trigonometry will be introduced to analyze vector addition and multiplication.  Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 is recommended.

AP Physics

A rigorous science class which is the equivalent to a non-calculus-based physics survey class.  Students will study various physics concepts in preparation for the AP examination in the Spring.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Conceptual Physics or Honors Chemistry with a B or better and completion of Algebra 2.  Students need to be comfortable with trigonometric function and students should be able to use Algebra efficiently.

AP Environmental Science

A general education applied science class with less mathematical complexity than chemistry or physics, at the college level.  Various topics in environmental science will be covered in preparation for the AP examination in the Spring.

Prerequisite: Biology with a B or better and Honors Chemistry with a C or better or Conceptual Physics with a C or better. Students will need to apply algebra and utilize and understand the graphical representation of data be able to use statistics.

Fine Arts

Concert Choir

This course is open to any singers in grades 9-12 with the consent of the director.  This is a year-long course in basic vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading and choral literature for the intermediate ensemble.  Concert Choir performs at school events, Winter Concert and Spring Concert. 

Yearbook

Students will plan, create and sell the TPS yearbook, using online tools.  Utilizing the art of photography, graphic design, and computer imaging along with the business of marketing and sales, this course mixes the excitement of creative expression with real-life tasks of budgeting and deadlines.

Art I, Drawing and Painting

A studio art course beginning with observational drawing in various mediums and concluding with an introduction to painting in tempera, watercolor and acrylic.

AP Art History

This is a general survey of art history from pre-historic times to the present. Included are examples from non-western cultures. The course will follow AP guidelines and prepare the student to pass the AP Art History Exam.

AP Studio Art 

This class will replace Art II.  Students will develop a portfolio of work in a variety of drawing and painting mediums and styles. Advanced instruction in technique followed by peer critique

Prerequisite: Art I.

The following class(es) may be added depending on student interest and staffing:

Theatre (Drama)                        Journalism                    Chamber Choir

This would complete the triad of Art, Music, and Drama for a complete Visual and Performing Arts program.

Prerequisite: All courses - completion and passing grade of the previous level.

The following are courses offered in the TPS 2008-2009 school year:

AP Psychology

Students will be exposed to an overview of many introductory elements in psychology, including but not limited to: the history of psychology, research methods, sensation and perception, learning, child psychology, personality, psychological disorders and therapy practices, intelligence, memory and social psychology.  In this course, students will need to show an understanding of many concepts and theories/theorists, as well as be critical thinkers, able to apply the concepts of the material to everyday life.

Prerequisite: Instructor's approval

Speech and Debate, Grades 10-12

Course Description and Rationale:  The Rhetoric stage of the Trivium emphasizes student ability to express and defend original viewpoints on various subjects.  The Speech and Debate class is designed to help students refine those skills.  Students will examine and evaluate famous speeches in American history, compose and deliver speeches orally to their peers, formally debate various topics, and critique each other in public speaking skills.  This one-semester elective course will be open to qualified students in grades 10-12.

Life Skills, Grade 12

Course Description and Rationale:  This course is designed to prepare TPS seniors for adult life in the years immediately following high school.  Special emphasis is placed on management of time and finances during the college years.  Students will actively develop answers to questions that arise from issues such as the following:

1. Costs of tuition, housing, transportation, utilities, entertainment, etc.
2. Time management for working college students
3. Opportunity costs of working while attending college
4. General safety in various settings, such as work, school, and social events
5. Management of personal finances

TPS Physical Education (Core PE for 9^th-12^th Grades)

Physical Education is a year long co-educational class that fulfills the California State P.E. standards, as well as provides for a solid base for exploration in the related areas of  kinesiology (study of movement), and exercise and nutritional science.  The class is a college preparatory class that evaluates the academic as well as athletic elements of P.E., that also relates to other subjects across the curriculum.  The theme that represents this approach to physical education in the modern era is teaching students “the KNOW, as well as the DO”.  The year is based on five primary components: