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Honors Courses: Listing

Course Themes
English & Writing Courses - GLL: 09-10 Honors/AP Monthly Enrollment
Course Title Grades Description
Creative Writing Honors 6 - 12 Good reading makes for good writing.  Creative Writing Honors invites students to investigate their ideas and opinions about the world and then express them in powerful, effective language. Students read poetry, plays, drama, short stories and essays to familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the various literary forms, using these genres as models for their own original compositions. Individualized instruction, online discussions, peer editing and collaboration enhance the development of the student as a writer.
High school credit: 2 semesters.
English Vocabulary I Honors: An Etymological Approach 6 - 12 Students who seek success in advanced academics need the Latin and Greek foundation of advanced English vocabulary.  These words are not learned from normal reading, but they are acquired from a strong foundation in ancient prefixes, stems and suffixes that pervade academic English words. This course gives students a powerful foundation of hundreds of Latin and Greek elements, making it possible to understand, remember and appreciate thousands of English words. This is key to advanced vocabulary in all subject
areas and to achievement tests. The course focuses not only on cognitive knowledge of words, but also on the appreciation and enjoyment of words.
High school credit: 2 semesters

English Vocabulary Notes:
• The texts for English Vocabulary I, II and III Honors are The Word Within the Word, written by Michael Clay Thompson.
• These texts should be purchased directly from the publisher, Royal Fireworks Press at http://www.rfwp.com/series4.htm or by calling 845-726-4444.
• Volume 1 is for English Vocabulary I
English Vocabulary II Honors 6 - 12 This second course maintains, incorporates and extends the foundation of Latin and Greek stems that were established in English Vocabulary I Honors. Students are exposed to rigorous vocabulary, concentrating on the Latin/Greek system by which such words are constructed. It is designed to be an exceptionally challenging vocabulary program that prepares students for academic success in the most demanding high school and university courses, as well as for the most challenging vocabulary questions on achievement tests. The course emphasizes the comprehension and the appreciation of words and the system in which they have been created.
High school credit: 2 semesters

English Vocabulary Notes:
• The texts for English Vocabulary I, II and III Honors are The Word Within the Word, written by Michael Clay Thompson.
• These texts should be purchased directly from the publisher, Royal Fireworks Press at http://www.rfwp.com/series4.htm or by calling 845-726-4444.
• Volume 2 is for English Vocabulary II


Requirements:
Prerequisite: English Vocabulary I Honors
English Vocabulary III Honors 6 - 12 This course maintains and extends the knowledge introduced in the first and second courses, and provides students with a strong foundation in the Latin and Greek etymology that underpins English vocabulary. Latin and Greek stems are the basis of the advanced vocabulary that permeates higher education and professional diction.  Knowledge of the stems not only equips students for higher grades in every class and for successful vocabulary skills in all contexts, but it also is the key to spelling, poetic insight, comprehension and retrieval of thousands of advanced words.
High school credit: 2 semesters

Requirements:
Prerequisite: English Vocabulary II Honors
Journalistic Writing Honors 6 - 12 Take a journey into the world of news reporting! As students learn and use strategies for effectively gathering news and the specialized formats and styles that define straight news and feature stories, they develop an understanding of techniques for ensuring objectivity in reporting.  Participants gain exposure to legal and ethical issues faced by journalists. They refine their critical thinking, writing and editing skills as they author articles that can be submitted for publication.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Literary Analysis Honors 6 - 12 Students explore universal themes through reading and analyzing major works of literature in a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, essay and drama. By engaging in intellectual inquiry through dynamic discussions and written responses, students expand their critical reading and writing skills. This course culminates in a self selected written presentation that illustrates each student’s ability to think critically and express him/herself with purpose and clarity.
High school credit: 2 semesters
World Literature Honors 6 - 12 This course engages students in a comparative study of literature from around the world and throughout history. Selections include classic and contemporary novels, plays, short stories and poetry. Students explore multicultural literature through critical reading, online discussions and writing assignments that include creative expression. By expanding their cultural boundaries, students study diversity and prejudices while recognizing their roles as global citizens.
High school credit: 2 semesters

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Humanities & Social Sciences Courses - GLL: 09-10 Honors/AP Monthly Enrollment
Course Title Grades Description
Economics Honors: Principles & Policies 6 - 12 Students seeking to understand our world’s current events and future prospects find knowledge and understanding of the U.S. economy in the 21st century to be indispensable. The laws of supply and demand, the relevance of “Big Business” and federal regulations, the role of the Federal Reserve and our money supply, as well as a consideration of how our taxes are structured, are topics covered in this course. While this class has many elements of the AP® Micro and Macro Economics courses, it is designed for students who are not interested in preparing for the AP® Economics exams at this time.
High school credit: 2 semesters.
International Relations & Conflicts Honors: 20th & 21st Centuries 6 - 12 Are you interested in becoming a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations? Take your first step by signing up for this course that explores the historical origins of conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students examine the concepts of democracy, ethnicity, global poverty, nationalism, religion and resource scarcity as they analyze current and past conflicts in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. Students consider individual, national and international responses to global events with an emphasis on individual empowerment and the role of citizens as “peace-makers.”
High school credit: 2 semesters
Introduction to Philosophy Honors 6 - 12 Learning to think conceptually may be the most valuable skill a person can possess in our information-based society. Ethics, religion, knowledge, politics and metaphysics form the foundation for this study of Western philosophy ranging from pre-Socratic to contemporary times. Students develop and refine their critical-thinking and writing skills while analyzing concepts and expressing their opinions.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Logic Honors: Critical Analysis of Argument 6 - 12 Everyone needs to be able to argue effectively
for, or against, a point of view. This
course presents the basic methods used to
analyze arguments critically as they occur
in daily life and in traditional areas of the
humanities. A consideration of the essential
rules of good judgment enables
students to sharpen their critical thinking
skills, while learning to recognize and evaluate
ambiguity, rate the strengths and
weaknesses of an argument and come to
an informed conclusion. Upon completion
of this course, students are able to construct
sound arguments and to assess the
reasoning of others.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Psychology Honors: From Freud to Pharmacology 6 - 12 Do you wonder how the mind works? If so, sign up for this class and study the development of modern psychology as a behavior science, theories about personality and whether biological factors affect behavior, learning, memory, disorders and therapy. Students don’t just learn from books and articles they find on the web; they design and conduct experiments, analyze the data and write reports about what they discover from their research on the mental and emotional processes that take place in the mind.
High school credit: 2 semesters
U.S. History Honors: Past, Present & Future 6 - 12 Students become S.P.I.E.S. of U.S. history as they examine the Social, Political, International, Economic and Skills components of the past, employing techniques to analyze relevant people and events. This course covers the major areas of American history ranging from exploration and colonization up to current times. Critical reading, writing and research skills are emphasized as students develop an understanding and appreciation for the United States of America.
High school credit: 2 semesters
World History Honors: The Road to Global Interdependence 6 - 12 Examine world cultures from the rise of civilization through the beginning of the current century. This course emphasizes the use of the universal themes of politics, economics, religions, social traditions, intellectual developments and aesthetics in order to analyze and uncover patterns in world societies. Skills related to critical reading and writing, historical comprehension and analysis, chronological thinking, interpretation and geographical literacy are enhanced through the use of a variety of multimedia resources, including primary source documents and other historical materials.
High school credit: 2 semesters
World Religions Honors: An Exploration of Belief Systems Around the Globe 6 - 12 What is the meaning of life? Why are we on Earth? What is sin? Is war justifiable?  Throughout the ages, religious practitioners have struggled to make sense of questions like these (and their answers). In this course, students study symbols, myths, doctrine, ethics and ritual as they learn about the religions of the world and how each approaches the study of universal “truths.”
High school credit: 2 semesters
World Theatre Honors 6 - 12 Travel through the history of theatre and performance from the ancient Greeks to the present, including both Western and non-Western theatre. Topics include art and entertainment, comparison of the stage to other media, considerations of cultural diversity and audience, critique and free speech, ensemble, playwriting, acting, directing and design. Students gain background in some of the best plays ever written as they study pieces that are representative from around the world. This course also explores the history of American musical theatre from the mid-1800s through the present. Both critical reading and writing skills are enhanced as students become both appreciative and critical of theatre in general.
High school credit: 2 semesters

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Mathematics Courses - GLL: 09-10 Honors/AP Monthly Enrollment
Course Title Grades Description
Algebra I Honors 6 - 12 Algebra is a system of mathematics that uses symbols to generalize certain arithmetic operations and relationships. Topics covered in this course include the rules of algebra, signed numbers, equations, inequalities, graphing formulas and functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportions and rational equations. Problems and solutions are presented and discussed throughout the session. Success in this course allows students to take Geometry Honors, Algebra II and Trigonometry Honors and/or Programming C++ Honors.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors: On the Road to Pre-Calculus 6 - 12 Algebra II/Trigonometry includes a review of concepts from Algebra I and expands on inequalities, polynomial equations, rational expressions, complex numbers, variation, analytic geometry, exponents, logarithms, trigonometry (basic concepts, graphs, equations and inequalities, applications), statistics, probability and matrices. Students should already have experience with graphing and solving linear and quadratic equations. Success in this course and completion of Geometry Honors provides students with the foundation needed to take Pre-Calculus.
High school credit: 2 semesters


Requirements:
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Geometry Honors: The Study of Shapes 6 - 12 Did you know that the Pythagorean theorem is important to Euclidean geometry or that there are 72 approaches to proving it? Geometry Honors includes, but is not limited to, the structure of plane and solid geometry, coordinate geometry and calculating the area and volume of geometric figure. Problem solving, mathematical proofs and deductive reasoning are introduced as students gain an understanding of the basic concepts of synthetic and coordinate geometry.
High school credit: 2 semesters


Requirements:
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Pre-Calculus Honors 6 - 12 Are you able to match equations with parabolas or to find the product of complex numbers? Students discover how to find the solutions to these questions and others in Pre-Calculus, a high-level branch of mathematics that deals with the study of change. Students solve application problems involving linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and add the comprehension of vectors, sequences, series and matrices to their mathematical problem-solving skills. Advanced topics in functions and graphs, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, combinatorics and pre-calculus are also covered. This course prepares the student for the study of calculus.
High school credit: 2 semesters


Requirements:
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Geometry

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Science Courses - GLL: 09-10 Honors/AP Monthly Enrollment
Course Title Grades Description
Astrophysics Honors 6 - 12 Astrophysics Honors contains everything you always wanted to know about black holes, neutron stars and supernovae. Participants combine math, physics and astronomy as they uncover the secrets of the universe. Students in Astrophysics Honors explore a wide range of subjects ranging from celestial mechanics to the history of astronomy, from nuclear fusion and fission to the birth and death of stars and from the Big Bang model to theories on the fate of the universe. Students learn about the basic structures in the universe
and how these structures have evolved over time. Activities include readings, online class discussion, problem solving and laboratory activities, in addition to an individual project on an astrophysical phenomenon.
High school credit: 2 semesters


Requirements:
Prerequisites:  Algebra I & II
Biology Honors: Living Organisms 6 - 12 Student biologists learn about the nature of scientific inquiry, the limitations of science and the scientific method, ethical issues in science, the diversity and interrelations among organisms and environmental issues. Students explore energy, matter, cells and heredity. Readings, problems and laboratory exercises provide the basis for this challenging science course. Successful completion of Biology Honors prepares students for more advanced biology courses, including AP® Biology.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Chemistry Honors: Concepts and Applications 6 - 12 Scientific method, chemical foundations,
chemical compositions and reactions,
modern atomic theory, and electrochemistry
are among the topics covered in
Chemistry Honors. Advanced applications
of chemistry in nuclear, biological and
organic forms are also examined. Handson
experiments requiring easily attainable
household/scientific supplies in combination
with virtual laboratory experiences
reinforce comprehension and elaborate on
key topics. Students develop effective written
and oral communication skills as they
learn to transmit complex technical information
in a clear, concise manner while
discerning patterns from data and drawing
conclusions.
High school credit: 2 semesters

Requirements:
Prerequisite: one year of a lab science
Environmental Science Honors: A Case-Based Approach 6 - 12 What tensions have existed between human demands for resources and the requirements of ecosystems? This course uses a systems approach to understanding environmental processes. Presented with case studies, students use a variety of activities to develop skills as they participate in direct experiences with scientific content and analysis of authentic data. Targeted laboratory and hands-on activities are integral to this class. Content-specific readings and online discussions support student learning. Participants reflect upon and evaluate their experiences by developing a final project that has practical applications.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Physics Honors 6 - 12 What are the fundamental principles of nature? How does the universe behave?  This demanding course strives to address questions such as these while students cover a variety of topics including Newtonian physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics as well as early modern physics. Through hands-on experiments, virtual simulations and investigations, students learn to appreciate the applications of the universal principles of physics, gain an appreciation of mathematics and develop their understanding of the major concepts of this topic. This course is designed for very motivated and independent students who wish to prepare for more advanced physics courses.

NOTE: Lab materials need to be purchased separately through Quality Science Labs by phone and are not included in the tuition fee. The basic lab manual and kit costs $120.00.  The full kit that includes equipment for 32 labs costs $200.00.  Call Quality Science Labs (1-800-700-1884) for more information and to order.
High school credit: 2 semesters

Requirements:
Prerequisites: Algebra I & II

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Technology Courses - GLL: 09-10 Honors/AP Monthly Enrollment
Course Title Grades Description
Java Honors 6 - 12 This introductory course to Java uses graphic programming environments to teach students to solve problems using objects. Students learn about flow of control, fundamental data types, variables, arithmetic expressions, classes, objects, constructors, fields, methods, inheritance, polymorphism, arrays and various forms of input and output. This course is designed for students with some previous programming experience (HTML, Javascript, LOGO, calculator BASIC, etc.), but little or no experience with Java. Upon successful completion, students are eligible for AP® Computer Science A.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Programming C++ Honors 6 - 12 This course provides students with a solid foundation in C++, the language professionals use to create games and develop programs for multiple uses including music and finance. Additionally, students work with programs involving statistical analysis. As students cover each programming concept, they create small games to demonstrate their newly mastered skills. In addition, students combine major concepts studied in order to produce three games of their own design suitable for multiple players. Get ready to enjoy and master the basics of C++ while having fun.

Requirements:
Prerequisite: Algebra I
• Students must have access to a Windows operating system
• Students need a C++ compiler; information on free compilers that are available online is included in the course syllabus.

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World Languages Courses - GLL: 09-10 Honors/AP Monthly Enrollment
Course Title Grades Description
Chinese I Honors 6 - 12 “If the 19th century belonged to Britain, and the 20th century to the United States, then the 21st century will surely belong to China. My advice: Make sure your kids learn Chinese.”—Jim Rogers, noted investment fund manager.
Chinese I Honors is an introduction to the Mandarin Chinese language and culture. The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are developed as students actively participate in online activities, engage in guided conversations and write, utilizing familiar vocabulary and structures. The geography of China, cultural information about daily life and social customs are integrated into the curriculum throughout the course. Students gain knowledge of the Mandarin Chinese language and culture as well as an ability to understand and communicate in Mandarin Chinese.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Chinese II Honors 6 - 12 Chinese II Honors continues the development of the four major language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The students and the teacher speak Mandarin Chinese as students develop conversational skills by participating in discussions and in role-playing activities. Writing skills progress to a level in which student writing includes descriptions, storytelling and the integration of extended vocabulary with sentence structure. Students gain knowledge of the Mandarin Chinese language and culture. Chinese II students demonstrate expressive interaction in the language, well-written and accurate writing, factual and interpretive reading comprehension and cultural knowledge of Chinese-speaking countries.
High school credit: 2 semesters

Requirements:
Prerequisites: Chinese I Honors or permission of the instructor
Classical Greek I Honors 6 - 12 The ancient Greeks were the originators of democracy, the Olympic Games and the artistic classical canon. Greek literature, which includes epic and lyric poetry, history, philosophy and drama, has influenced the cultural development of nations around the world. Beginning with the Greek alphabet, this course introduces the basics of classical Greek grammar and vocabulary as used by notable authors such as Plato, Xenophon and Thucydides. Students translate Greek sentences, build a basic Greek vocabulary and learn to understand grammatical inflection, sentence structure and terminology. Mastery of classical Greek leads to improved writing, speech and analytical skills. Students learn new words in Greek and English, cognates and derivatives and the logic of language. This course includes audio lessons that aid in pronunciation, as well as online exercises, quizzes, and reviews.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Classical Greek II Honors 6 - 12 Classical Greek II Honors is an intermediate course that continues the study of Greek grammar and vocabulary, reinforcing the material learned in Ancient Greek I Honors and advancing to original passages from the fifth and fourth centuries B.C.E., including selections from the philosophers Plato and Aristotle and the dramatists Sophocles, Euripides and
Aristophanes. This course includes audio lessons, exercises, reviews and quizzes. By the conclusion of this course, students have a comprehensive knowledge of grammar that allows them to study classical texts in original Greek.
High school credit: 2 semesters

Requirements:
Prerequisites: Classical Greek I or instructor’s permission
Classical Greek III Honors 6 - 12 Classical Greek III is a course in advanced readings that allows students to study original Greek texts. Readings are progressive and include classical authors such as Xenophon, Homer, Thucydides and Plato.  The course is designed to enlarge the student’s vocabulary, increase facility in reading continuous prose and solidify the grammar learned in Classical Greek I and II.
High school credit: 2 semesters




Requirements:
Prerequisites: Classical Greek I & II or instructor’s permission
 
Latin I Honors/Ecce Romani 6 - 12 Ecce! In pictura est puella, nomine Cornelia. Cornelia est puella Romana quae in Italia habitat...
Through adapted stories, this Latin I course begins by introducing the student to Cornelia, a young Roman girl, and her family living in Italy. These stories about the Romans, their mythology and historical characters help reveal the structure of the language and provide the basis for rich vocabulary development. Emphasis in this class is on applying grammatical knowledge to Latin stories and being able to translate Latin discourse with ease. To enhance this course, English classical etymology, Roman history and ancient culture are also included. Upon successful completion, students are eligible for Latin II Honors/textbook Ecce Romani.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Latin I Honors/Wheelock 6 - 12 Latine est gaudium – et utilis!
Latin is a delight – and useful. Latin is the basis for 90% of all English words that have more than two syllables. This rigorous curriculum covers the first 22 chapters of Wheelock’s Latin Grammar and the accompanying Workbook and Latin Stories. Students learn classical Latin by studying basic grammar and vocabulary as they read selections by some of the best ancient authors and participate in optional “real-time” class sessions. Mastery of these materials boosts students’ analytical judgment and increases their appreciation for language and culture. Upon successful completion, students are eligible for Latin II Honors/textbook Wheelock.
High school credit: 2 semesters
Latin II Honors/Ecce Romani 6 - 12 Ecce Romani! Look! The Romans! Latin II is an intermediate study of Latin grammar, vocabulary and foundational texts. As students continue to follow the life of a Roman family, they explore the multicultural traditions of the Roman Empire, tracing them throughout periods of history from ancient times to the present.  Students reinforce what they learned about declensions and conjugations while building their vocabulary and verb forms.  New topics include the subjunctive mood, indirect discourse, conditions, gerunds and gerundives, as well as an understanding of sequence of tenses. Additionally, students read adapted and original excerpts from ancient authors such as Martial, Pliny and Catullus. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible for Latin III Honors: Literature.
High school credit: 2 semesters

Requirements:
Prerequisite: Latin I Ecce Romani
 
Latin II Honors/Wheelock 6 - 12 Labor omnia vincit! Work conquers all!
Latin II is an intermediate course that completes the study of basic Latin grammar and vocabulary. As students read increasingly difficult selections from classic Roman authors, medieval and late Latin writers and participate in online discussions, they increase their grammar and vocabulary skills while expanding their knowledge base. New skills include the subjunctive mood and indirect discourse, gerunds and gerundives, and an understanding of tense sequence. Students completing this course are eligible to take Latin III Honors: Literature or AP® Latin: Vergil.
High school credit: 2 semesters



Requirements:
Prerequisite: Latin I Wheelock
Latin III Honors: Literature/Ecce Romani 6 - 12 Aude sapere - Dare to be wise.
Latin III is a translation-based survey course of Latin prose, introducing students to the wisdom found in unabridged Latin texts including those written by Sallust, Caesar, Cicero and others. Using their knowledge of Latin grammar, students read and translate these works of varying styles while exploring the authors’ political and cultural perspectives and the reported events spanning from the Monarchy Republic to the Principate. Consideration of grammatical, syntactical and semantic usages, in all their variant forms, necessitates continued application of critical thinking skills to produce structurally accurate and fluid translations.  Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take AP® Latin: Vergil.
High school credit: 2 semesters


Requirements:
Prerequisite: Latin I & Latin II: Wheelock or Ecce Romani, or instructor’s permission
 

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