 |
Illinois Lutheran Schools High School Courses |
All courses are one year in length unless otherwise noted. ART DEPARTMENT BUSINESS & VOCATIONAL DEPARTMENT Computer Applications Integration of data bases, presentation software, spreadsheets, and word processing documents is explored through Microsoft Office products. All functions in the above areas are explained, demonstrated, and practiced. Additional experience is gained while working with scanners, digital cameras, and other media materials, as well as basic HTML programming. Study Skills This course is for freshman students
only and is designed to equip them with tools and techniques that will
assist them in their high school studies and beyond. Topics covered
include (but are not limited to): listening skills; time management;
taking notes from lectures; test-taking strategies; higher-order thinking
skills; using the library; paraphrasing; and writing paragraphs.<top> ENGLISH DEPARTMENT English 9 This ninth grade course stresses various genres of literature. Works studied include Romeo and Juliet, and various novels, which include A Christmas Carol, The Outsiders, Heroes, Gods, and Monsters of the Greek Myths, and Of Mice and Men. Vocabulary is studied formally and informally through novel and daily occurrences. Traditional grammar is studied throughout the year with an emphasis on incorporating learned grammatical structures into more mature writing. Writing strong expository paragraphs and themes is stressed. Writing skills are consistently refined and improved through the school year. English 10 This tenth grade course continues a survey of genres begun in the ninth grade course. Literary works are chosen from Our Town, Julius Caesar, a short story unit and six novels, namely To Kill a Mockingbird, A Separate Peace, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students write expository, comparison/contrast, persuasive, and descriptive themes. Grammar skills are strengthened and reviewed throughout the year. Students learn the fine points in research papers and demonstrate this skill through the completion of two short research papers. Weekly vocabulary quizzes are given. English 11 This eleventh grade course enables students to analyze literary contributions made by American authors from 1500 to the present. Novels, short stories, plays, speeches, biographies, and poems feature known and established American authors. Novels read include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Grapes of Wrath, The Great Gatsby, and The Old Man and the Sea. Writing skills will be practiced through various paragraphs evaluating authors and their writings. English 12 This twelfth grade course enables students to study literary contributions from primarily English authors. Units are studied from different eras and cover the Anglo-Saxon, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Age of Reason, the Romantics, the Victorians, and the twentieth century while studying major works chosen from Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, 1984, All Quiet on the Western Front, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, Jane Eyre, Pygmalion, The Scarlet Pimpernel, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Time Machine. Writing skills are strengthened by review and practice of descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and expository writing. A major research paper is constructed on a topic of choice. Weekly vocabulary quizzes are given. Speech & Composition This eleventh and twelfth grade class elective delves into both the verbal and written form of the communication process. Half of the year is spent sharpening and perfecting the writing skills learned in previous classes along with creative and business related writing. The second half of the year is spent learning how to transfer written material into effective oral presentations. The students will spend the majority of the time giving speeches in front of class.<top> FOREIGN
LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT Spanish 1 Spanish 1 is a freshman/junior two-semester elective. If students choose to take this course as freshmen, they are strongly encouraged to continue their language study for four years. Spanish 1 serves as an introduction to the basic skills of communication in the Spanish language and Latino culture through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students build a basic vocabulary and learn to communicate in the present and simple past tenses. This class is conducted primarily in Spanish and students are encouraged to use Spanish whenever possible to communicate their ideas. Spanish 2 Spanish 2 is a sophomore/senior two-semester elective. This course builds on the basic communication skills and cultural concepts presented in Spanish 1 through continued exposure to reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish. Students expand and enhance their Spanish vocabulary, increase their fluency in the present tense, and learn to give commands and communicate in the preterit, imperfect, progressive, future, and conditional tenses. This class is conducted primarily in Spanish and students are encouraged to use Spanish at all times. Honors Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 3 is a junior two-semester elective. This course serves to systematically review and increase proficiency in all grammatical concepts learned in Spanish 1 and 2 as well as to learn and use more advanced sentence structures in Spanish. Students continue to expand and enhance their Spanish vocabulary and knowledge of Latino culture, learn the perfect and subjunctive tenses, and develop practical reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through reading selections and short stories, written work, video and listening exercises, and situational conversations. This honors class is conducted entirely in Spanish and students are required to use Spanish at all times. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2 with a grade of B- or higher and/or instructor’s permission. Honors Spanish 4 Honors Spanish 4 is a senior two-semester elective. This course is a culmination of all grammatical skills learned in Spanish 1, 2, and 3. Students review previously learned concepts in greater detail and apply them to particular circumstances, learn the imperfect subjunctive tense, and increase fluency through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Short stories, reading selections, and longer written works serve to increase language proficiency. Conversation regarding reading selections and practical situational conversation is also a large part of this course as students strive to become more fluent in speaking and expressing ideas. Also integrated into the course are Bible stories in Spanish and the study of Latino culture. This honors class is conducted entirely in Spanish and students are required to use Spanish at all times. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3 with a grade of B- or higher and/or instructor’s permission.<top>
Pre-Algebra This course is designed as a transition course from arithmetic to algebra. It is designed for those students ready for algebra but not for the rigors of Algebra 1. Successful completion of this course insures total preparation for algebra. Algebra 1 Algebra is a branch of mathematics that is an important stepping stone to higher mathematics and very useful in today’s technological workplace. This course develops basic algebraic concepts in a problem solving and systematic way; turning arithmetic into Algebra by using letters to represent unknown numbers, and continue to find the unknown numbers through algebraic and graphical means. Topics include: A review of algebraic concepts, solving one variable equations, functions, finding and using linear equations and inequalities, to solve problems, finding and using quadratic equations, to solve problems, graphs of equations, solving systems of equations, rational and radical expressions and equations, studying polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations and their graphs, basic trigonometry, matrices, one and two variable statistics and probability. 2 semester course. Algebra 2 This course extends the content of Algebra 1 through the study of linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, the complex numbers, conic sections, matrices, the Binomial Theorem, relations and functions, including rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and trigonometric concepts and applications. Graphing calculators and mathematical modeling are used as tools throughout the course. Geometry This elective course is open to seniors. It is designed to present geometric concepts in an investigative and application-oriented format. It emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning geometric skills without the rigors of formal proof. Topics covered include points, lines, planes, measurement, triangles, parallels, quadrilaterals, similarity, polygons, circles, area, volume, coordinate geometry, transformations and trigonometry. Honors Geometry This honors course is an accelerated study of geometry with investigations, constructions, activities, and projects. Honors Geometry is an exploration of geometric relationships with a wide variety of tools, from compasses to computers, from patty papers to graphing calculators. The students perform constructions, measure figures, observe patterns, and discuss their findings to discover geometric ideas, write definitions, formulate geometric conjectures, and develop proofs. Study may include geometry in art, topology, and coordinate, projective, transformational, and spherical geometries. Students should be able to successfully work independently as well as cooperatively. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 with grades B- or higher and/or instructor persmission. Honors Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry An honors course for those who have completed Algebra II and Geometry. Pre-calculus blends together all of the concepts and skills that must be mastered for a college level calculus course. A functional and graphical approach provides for the study of functions—polynomial, rational, algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic—and their properties. Also included are a review of trigonometric concepts with extension to inverses, and more applications. This also includes two and three-dimensional coordinate systems—rectangular, polar, cylindrical, and spherical—and works with equations for curves and surfaces in those systems with concentration on parametric equations for lines and planes, matrices and determinants, vector equations, and the conic sections. Other topics include polar coordinates, the complex plane, proof by induction, series, and binomial expansion. Prerequisties: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Honors Geometry with grades of B- or higher and/or instructor permission. Honors Calculus This is an online/distance learning calculus course. The course will deal with rates of change, limits, derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions, a wide variety of applications of the derivative from many fields of study, indefinite and definite integrals with applications. Enrollment is subject to successful completion of pre-calculus and approval of the math chairperson and the guidance counselor. Consumer Math This elective course is open to juniors. It is designed to present real-life situations where students experience many facets of adult-world financial stewardship. After reviewing our number system, fractions, decimals, percents and algebra, students will encounter applications of basic and intermediate math skills in areas such as measurement (customary and international systems), income, taxes, borrowing money, personal banking, transportation, purchasing food and clothing, housing, operating and maintaining a home, and life and health insurance.<top> Concert Choir This elective course is a mixed choir that rehearses every other day. Membership is based not upon an inherent ability to sing well but upon the willingness to commit oneself to improving vocal skills, to performing in several school concerts, to memorizing music to be performed, to contributing positively and regularly toward the improvement of the group, and to using all musically-related gifts, abilities and talents to their fullest potentials. This elective may be repeated. Concert Band This elective course is open to any student who is able to play (or willing and able to learn) a band instrument. Membership is based not upon an inherent ability to play well but upon the willingness to commit oneself to improving individual instrumental skills, to performing in several school concerts, to contributing positively and regularly toward the improvement of the ensemble, and to using all musically-related gifts, abilities and talents to their fullest potentials. This elective may be repeated.<top> Freshman Physical Education: Freshman PE is a one semester required freshman course. It is designed to help each student develop good fitness habits. It also gives the students a basic knowledge of various lifetime sports which may include: soccer, basketball, softball, archery, floor hockey, aerobics, volleyball, badminton, bowling, track and field, tennis, football, tumbling, and golf. It includes skills tests, fitness tests, and written tests on rules and strategies. Physical Education This two-semester, elective course is designed to direct the student into sporting activities which help develop a physically fit body and a basic knowledge of various lifetime sports which may include: soccer, basketball, softball, archery, floor hockey, aerobics, volleyball, badminton, bowling, track & field, tennis, football, tumbling, weightlifting, and golf. It includes skills tests, fitness tests, and tests on rules and strategies. Health Health is a one semester Freshman course that gives students an awareness of different aspects of personal health. These aspects include: personal appearance, stress, nutrition, physical fitness, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and diseases. With increased health awareness, students will learn to adapt to situations that will improve their personal health.<top>
Old Testament Drawing from the Old Testament books of the Bible, this ninth grade course tracks the Lord’s Gospel - the promise to redeem man in Biblical history, chronologically. The first semester includes a study of the first five books of the Bible (Creation through the Hebrew exodus from Egypt). In the second semester, the students will study the following phases of Hebrew history: the Hebrew takeover and control of the land of Canaan; the Hebrew exile from the land in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities; the Hebrew return to the land of Israel, waiting for the promised Messiah. As times allows, there will also be a survey study of Jonah, Daniel, and Malachi. Outlines, worksheets, time-lines, and written tests are stressed throughout this course. There also may be written and oral reports. New Testament Drawing from the four gospels of the New Testament, this tenth grade course tracks the life of Christ with a basic theme in mind: Fulfillment. As students study the four gospels, they will see how Jesus fulfilled a number of Old Testament prophecies, written hundreds of years before He came in the world. In addition, Christ’s perfect life, His substitutionary death, and His victorious resurrection will be seen as a Christian’s assurance for eternal life and a Christian’s motivation to live for Christ in appreciation for all He has done for us. In addition to the study of the four gospels, there will be a study of the Book of Acts and selected New Testament epistles (James, Galatians, I Corinthians, Philippians, I/II Peter.) A study of angels and demons and a study on vertical and horizontal relationships are some of the topics that will be a part of this course. Outlines, worksheets, and tests are stressed throughout the course. There also may be written and oral reports. Church History This course is a survey of Church History, from Pentecost to the present. This course will cover the following eras of time: From the Apostles to Constantine (30-313 Ad) / The Growth and Development of the Roman Catholic Church to the Great Schism (313-1054 AD): Teachings of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy in the Light of Scripture / Pre-Reformation Reformers vs. the Papal Power (1054-1456 AD). Following a study of Paul’s Letter to the Romans (student reports), this course will take the students in the study of the Reformation (1517 AD) to the present. The focus of this portion of the course will be to compare and contrast beliefs of churches within the protestant world. There will be written and oral reports. Christian Living This course includes a variety of topics of concern to young people, including dating, marriage, suicide, drug use, and family life and the like. Students also examine many areas of their spiritual life such as God-pleasing decisions, managing the congregational life, managing their sexuality, and managing their vocation. Students also study the problems with evolution, cults, other religions, and the occult in light of God’s Word. In addition to the topical studies, there will be the following survey studies of the Bible: Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Hebrews, and Revelation. There also may be written and oral reports.<top>
Biology This required course is a survey of life. Laboratory activities are included. Specific topics of study include: the cell and its functions, heredity, plants, various representative animals, the human body, and ecology. Introduction to Chemistry This class is a one-semester introduction to the basics of chemistry with special emphasis on changes in matter, writing chemical formulas and writing balanced chemical equations. Students will experience safe laboratory procedure training, correct data collection and analysis techniques and proper use of basic laboratory equipment. Incidental topics include energy changes, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry and basic organic chemistry. Introduction to Physics This class is a one-semester follow-up to Introduction to Chemistry. Topics include motion, heat, electromagnetism, waves, sound and optics. Special emphasis will be placed on solving simple physics problems related to the various topics. Students will experience safe laboratory procedure training, correct data collection and analysis techniques and proper use of basic laboratory equipment. General Chemistry General Chemistry is full-year laboratory-based course for college preparation that introduces students to chemical concepts and phenomena. Specific topics include: atomic structure, compounds and mixtures, chemical reactions, gases, acids and bases, thermochemistry and reaction mechanisms. Special emphasis is applied to stoichiometric relationships in chemical reactions. Honors Chemistry Honors Chemistry is a full-year laboratory-based, introduction to chemical phenomena with emphasis on problems and methods in chemistry. This class is designed as a first-year university chemistry class in terms of topics covered, lab experiences and academic rigor. The goals of the course are: 1) to introduce students to concepts required for solving problems in chemistry and understanding chemical reactivity; and 2) to develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Topics include stoichiometry; properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions; chemical equilibrium; chemical thermodynamics; atomic and molecular structure; chemical kinetics; periodic properties; nuclear chemistry; electrochemistry; organic chemistry and descriptive chemistry of elements. Physics This college-prep elective class emphasizes the concepts of physics rather than mathematics. The goal of the course is to allow the students to comprehend the main ideas of physics without the impediment of extensive mathematics. Students will engage in a three-part learning process: exploration, concept development and application. Laboratory experiences will be utilized both as means to spark interest and apply what has been learned. Topics include tradition physics topics of mechanics, heat, waves, electromagnetism and modern physics. Honors Physics In this elective course, students perform laboratory activities to reinforce topics learned in lecture. This class is designed after an algebra-based university physics class in terms of depth of topics, lab experiences and academic rigor. Topics in the class include data collection and organization, Newtonian mechanics, heat and kinetic theory, waves and optics, electromagnetism and modern physics. This course is also offered as an Advanced Placement course. Students may complete the course and take a rigorous exam developed by The College Board. Students who score satisfactorily on the exam are eligible for college credit, advanced placement or both at over 2,900 colleges and universities. Algebra 2 is a prerequisite.<top>
Ancient History This ninth grade course covers cultures and civilizations as related to the historic cycle beginning with the Creation, the ancient river valley civilizations, and , later, the classical civilizations. It covers the political developments as well as the social, structural, and cultural developments from the Middle Ages up to and including the Renaissance. European History This tenth grade course covers political, social, and cultural developments from the Age of Exploration to Imperialism from a European point of view. It continues from Imperialism to post-World War II from a world point of view. American History This eleventh grade course covers the period from discovery and exploration through the Civil War during the first semester. The second semester begins with Reconstruction and ends with an emphasis on the events of the twentieth century. Geography This junior/senior elective establishes a sound base of geographic skills and the knowledge necessary to comprehend local, regional, and world issues. Western Geography will be a region-by-region approach covering the historical, physical, and cultural aspects of Western Europe, The United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica. Eastern Geography will be a region-by-region approach covering the historical, physical, and cultural aspects of Russia, Asia, and Africa. Current Events For seniors, this course gives students important information about the present administration, Congress and The Supreme Court. It then takes a look at ten domestic policy issues and ten foreign policy issues that are currently facing our society. Economics This one semester class for seniors covers the basic principals of economics, while preparing the student to live in a world in which they work, buy, sell, and actively participate as citizens. Government The
major objective of this one semester class for seniors is to help the
student develop a basic understanding of the workings of the various
units of the federal government. In this way, the student will be better
prepared to take an active role in the government process. The Constitution
is thoroughly covered.<top> |