Our online high school honors level courses provide students with a variety of options to develop critical thinking skills and analytical prowess. These courses allow students flexibility in order to accomplish their learning goals more independently than in a traditional classroom. Students must be highly motivated and self-driven to be successful in a distance learning experience.

Successful completion of coursework (grade of C or better) qualifies for high school credit from Center for Talent Development, which is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students desiring this option should check with their local schools to see if credit will be accepted.

Each of the courses listed below is equivalent to a high school course. Prerequisites for each are listed above the course descriptions.

The number of credits that can be earned is listed below each class, along with any materials that may be required in addition to books, which are purchased by the students.

Student Expectations for Independent Study

While independent learning allows students the flexibility of working distance learning study time around both their academic interests and personal schedules, students must be able to:

•  Devote 4 to 6 hours per week to studying course material;

•  Plan ahead and meet all assignment and test deadlines;

•  Follow and complete instructor directions.

Students are expected to follow the course syllabus unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Gifted LearningLinks has fall, winter, and summer sessions. All courses run for nine months from the starting date, but students can accelerate their learning to finish in a shorter period of time if desired . (Requests to accelerate the course or change assignment deadlines must be made to the instructor at the start of the course.) All requests for extensions are reviewed and granted on an individual basis in conjunction with the instructor and Gifted LearningLinks coordinators. A fee is assessed for each month of the extension (see Policies & Fees). No extension may go beyond three months.

HUMANITIES HONORS

Latin Notes
Students who begin Latin I with the Wheelock text must continue Latin II with the Wheelock text. Latin I Ecce Romani students should continue Latin II with the Ecce Romani text.

50. Latin I Honors/textbook Wheelock
Latin is the basis for 60% of all English words and 90% of words with more than two syllables. The rigorous curriculum covers the first 22 chapters of Wheelock’s Latin Grammar and the accompanying Workbook and Latin Stories. Students study basic grammar and vocabulary as they read selections from Roman mythology and history. Mastery of these materials leads to analytical perspicacity and an increased appreciation for language and culture. The Romans, who originally spoke this lan­guage, influenced our civilization linguisti­cally, technically, and culturally from ancient times through today. Note: Exceptional students may be invited to participate in the National Latin Exam.
High school credit: 2 semesters

51. Latin I Honors/textbook Ecce Romani
Latin I emphasizes grammar and vocabu­lary as keys to understanding and appreci­ating this language. The structure of language is important to understanding the basis of new vocabulary. Students read works based on mythological themes and adaptations from primordial authors. Emphasis in this class is on applying gram­matical knowledge to adapted Latin stories and being able to translate Latin discourse with ease. English classical etymology, Roman history and ancient culture are also addressed in this course.
High school credit: 2 semesters

52. Latin II Honors/textbook Wheelock
Prerequisite: Latin I Wheelock
Latin II is an intermediate course that completes the study of basic Latin gram­mar and vocabulary. As students read increasingly difficult selections from the Roman authors, they reinforce grammar and vocabulary they learned in Latin I and expand their knowledge base. New materials 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.
High school credit: 2 semesters

53. Latin II Honors/textbook Ecce Romani
Prerequisite: Latin I Ecce Romani
Latin II is an intermediate study of Latin grammar, vocabulary and foundational texts. Students reinforce what they learned about declensions and conjugations, as they learn new vocabulary and new verb forms. Introduced this year are subjunc­tive, gerunds and gerundives and an understanding of tense sequence. Latin II students read authentic works of historic writers as they develop key understandings of times past. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible for Latin III Honors: Literature.
High school credit: 2 semesters

54. Latin III Honors: Literature/textbook Ecce Romani
Prerequisites: Latin I and Latin II; either Wheelock or Ecce Romani and instructor’s permission
Continue to be a part of the revival of what was, not so long ago, thought to be a dead language. Latin III is a translation-based survey course of Latin prose, intro­ducing students to unabridged Latin texts of Caesar, Augustus, Cicero and Eutropius. Selected readings emphasize a variety of themes and genres, giving students a diverse exposure to Latin materials. Students read and translate these works and then, using their knowledge of Latin grammar, discuss the political and cultural importanceof both the author and the subject matter contained therein. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take AP Latin: Vergil (course #85).
High school credit: 2 semesters

55. Ancient Greek I Honors
Ancient Greeks were the originators of democracy, the Olympic Games, and the artistic Classical Canon. Their literature, which includes epic and lyric poetry, histo­ry, drama and philosophy, has influenced the cultural development of nations around the world. This course teaches the Greek alphabet and mastery of basic ancient Greek vocabulary and grammar. Such mastery leads to improved writing, speech and analytical skills. Students learn the derivations or history of those new words, as well as previously known words in addition to the logic of language. The main focus is on life and literature of the fifth century BCE, a period known as the Golden Age of Athens. Additional read­ings cover material ranging from the early epics through the later New Testament.
High school credit: 2 semesters

56. Ancient Greek II Honors
Prerequisite: Ancient Greek I Honors
This is an intermediate course that will complete the study of basic Greek gram­mar and vocabulary. Students develop and reinforce concepts in Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek, Book II, and their understanding of Greek grammar and life during the Classical Period is increased. New grammatical constructs include the perfect tense, the subjunctive and optative moods and various pronouns. The story line, pertaining to the adven­tures of Dikaiopolis and his family in the early years of the Peloponnesian War, draws on materials from the ancient histo­rians, poets, and dramatists.
Additional readings include selections from the philosophers and New Testament authors. By the conclusion of this course, students have learned all the basic gram­matical structures necessary for continuing to Advanced Greek.

High school credit: 2 semesters

57. English Vocabulary I Honors: An Etymological Approach
The word “triple” was first used as a verb around 1375. In 1428 it became accepted as a noun, and in 1880, became a term used in baseball. Complex, demanding, erudite and witty describe the first level of this vocabulary-building curriculum. The class focuses on etymology, the origin and progression of the word. Words are presented as a system of thinking, which is key to spelling, poetic insight, compre­hension and retrieval of thousands of advanced words. Students learn the way words and their meanings are created over time through the varying combinations of stems.
High school credit: 2 semesters

58. English Vocabulary II Honors
Prerequisite: English Vocabulary I Honors or instructor’s approval
Did you know that the English word “posthumous,” as in posthumous award, contains a portrait of tragedy? A posthu­mous award is only granted after (post) its
recipient has been buried in the ground (humus). Take the next step in this etymo­logical approach to building a cumulative vocabulary. Using word prefixes, suffixes and roots from Greek and Latin, students dissect and construct words based on their meanings. The course reinforces, builds on, and continues the work begun in English Vocabulary I and increases stu­dents’ vocabulary extensively.
High school credit: 2 semesters

59. English Vocabulary III Honors
Prerequisite: English Vocabulary II Honors or instructor’s approval
Are you a lover of words? Are you prepar­ing for the ACT or SAT? Through the use of synthesis, divergence, analysis, eval­uation, intuition and analogies, students expand their vocabulary and appreciation for the English language. This course takes the previous curricula to a new, higher level, bringing together how modern English words are the embodiment of ancient Latin and Greek elements and how knowledge of these ancient elements aids in our understanding and appreciation of English vocabulary.
High school credit: 2 semesters

60. Literary Analysis Honors
Become a more discerning reader and a more skillful writer.  Students study major works of literature in this literary analysis class. This course focuses on the nature and function of myths and the theme of the human journey, as expressed in a vari­ety of genres. Writing exercises are based on readings by major authors and focus on improving students’ abilities to think criti­cally and to write with purpose and clarity.
High school credit: 2 semesters

61. Introduction to Theatre Honors
Travel through the world’s history of theatre origins beginning in ancient Greece. This broad overview of theatre chronicles performance from its ancient origins to present times and includes a dis­cussion of non-Western theatre. Topics include art and entertainment, comparing the stage to other media, considerations of cultural diversity and audience, critique, ensemble, playwriting, acting, directing and design. Critical reading and writing skills are enhanced while students explore this genre of writing and performance.
High school credit: 2 semesters

62. Dramatic Literature and Playwriting Honors
Share your ideas and talents through the medium of dramatic literature. This course delves into the creative process and craft necessary in writing dramatic text. By studying such playwrights as George Bernard Shaw, Arthur Laurents, Edward Albee and Thorton Wilder, students devel­op their insights while they explore this powerful genre. Monthly assignments culminate in the writing of a 15-page one-act play. Playwriting offers a depth of exposure to this art form that is not often explored.
High school credit: 2 semesters

63. Musical Theatre Honors
Prerequisite: a high school level theatre course or extensive production experience
Discover the development of American musical theatre, from the mid-1800s to the present. A focus on musicals from the Golden Age (1940 to1970) develops stu­dents’ understanding of more contem­porary productions. Through the reading of historical texts, listening to original cast albums and viewing videos of musical performances, students become both appreciative and critical theatre attendees.
High school credit: 2 semesters

64. Shakespeare Honors
Celebrate the Bard of Avon and learn the origins of many of the neologisms that Shakespeare created that have become a part of today’s vernacular. This accelerated study focuses on four plays: two comedies and two tragedies. Students become famil­iar with both the style of Shakespearean language and the Bard’s thematic content. Through challenging assignments that require independent reading and analysis of the plays, students scrutinize the growth of individual characters and the universal truths that they reveal. Students write 10 to 15 pages of response per month. The discussion board format allows peer review of each other’s work and an opportunity to engage in dialogue about the plays.
High school credit: 2 semesters

65. Nonfiction Writing Honors
Jonathan Krakauer, Jeanette Walls and David McCullough are three of the best­selling nonfiction authors today. Students refine their writing skills by learning to plan, draft and revise their work in accor­dance with standards of clear communica­tion and logical thinking. Through writing assignments, students master powerful rhetorical strategies including classifica­tion, definition, comparing and contrast­ing, cause-and-effect relationships, process, argumentation and persuasion. This course emphasizes research and cul­minates with a research project.
High school credit: 2 semesters

66. Journalistic Writing Honors
Blogs, magazines, radio, and television are all parts of today’s news scene. Learning strategies for effectively gather­ing the news and the specialized formats and styles that define straight news and feature stories helps students develop an understanding of the techniques that ensure objectivity in reporting. As they gain exposure to the legal and ethical issues faced by journalists, students refine their critical thinking, writing and editing skills while authoring articles suitable for publication.
High school credit: 2 semesters

67. US History Honors
Students become S.P.I.E.S. of US history as they examine the Social, Political, International, Economic and Skills aspects of the past and employ techniques to analyze relevant figures and events. This course covers the major areas of American history from exploration and colonization up to the 1980s. US History Honors is designed for students who desire a rig­orous experience. This course incorporates higher-level thinking skills that far surpass the basic facts of US history.
High school credit: 2 semesters

68. World History Honors
Examine world cultures from the rise of civilization through the beginning of the 21st century as a historian. This course emphasizes critical reading, historical comprehension, chronological thinking, historical analysis, interpretation and geo­graphical literacy, while also employing multimedia sources. Using primary source documents, additional historical materials and enrichment activities, students develop an enhanced understanding of politics, economics, religion, social traditions, intellectual developments and the aesthet­ics of the cultures studied. This course takes students beyond the mainstream curriculum.
High school credit: 2 semesters

69. Economics Honors
Students seeking to understand our world’s current events and future prospects find knowledge of the US economy in the 21st century indispensable. Topics include, but are not limited to, the laws of supply and demand and the roles of land, labor and capital. Understand the relevance of “Big Business” and its regulation by the federal government. The Federal Reserve is studied as to the role it plays in a pro­ductive (or nonproductive) economy, as well as a consideration of how taxes are structured.  While this class has many elements of the AP Micro and Macro Economics courses, it is designed for stu­dents who have not yet taken advanced mathematics courses or who are not inter­ested in preparing for the AP Economics exams at this time.
High school credit: 2 semesters

70. Introduction to Philosophy Honors
Learning to think conceptually may be the most valuable skill a person can possess in our contemporary information-based society. Ethics, religion, knowledge, politics and metaphysics form the basis for this study of major trends in Western philosophy from pre-Socratic to contem­porary times. Students develop and refine critical thinking and writing skills in the spirit of inquiry as they both analyze concepts and express their opinions. Philosophy offers students the opportunity to study and question ethics, metaphysics, knowledge and logic.
High school credit: 2 semesters

71. Logic: Critical Analysis of Argument Honors
Everyone needs to be able to argue rea­sonably for, or against, a point of view. This course presents basic methods to ana­lyze arguments critically as they occur in
daily life and examines the traditional role of argument in the humanities. A consid­eration of essential rules of good judgment enables students to sharpen their critical thinking skills, while learning to recognize and evaluate ambiguity, the strengths and weaknesses in an argument and come to informed conclusions. Students enhance their critical reading and analytical writing skills in this class.
High school credit: 2 semesters

72. Psychology Honors
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and of mental and emotional processes. The latest research in this field provides the basis for this study of human behavior. Students design and conduct experiments, analyze data and write reports on the results of their own research projects. Topics investigated include, but are not limited to, the follow­ing: development, heredity vs. environ­ment, group behavior, perception, learning, memory, personality, intelligence, emotions, and stress management. Psych­ology Honors provides an opportunity for students to receive an overview of this fas­cinating topic and pursue information rel­evant to their own areas of interest in psychological studies.
High school credit: 2 semesters

CREATIVE WRITING HONORS

73. Creative Writing Honors
Creative Writing Honors invites students to investigate their ideas and opinions about the world and then to express them in powerful, effective language. Students read poetry, plays, short stories and auto­biographies in order to familiarize them­selves with the characteristics of the various literary forms. Using these genres as models and accompanied by individual­ized instruction, students go on to create outstanding works of their own by incor­porating their ideas and opinions using powerful, effective language.
High school credit: 2 semesters

74. Advanced Creative Writing Honors
Prerequisite: CTD Creative Writing Honors or a high school level creative writing course
Students read, analyze, respond to and question the features and characteristics of published poetry, short stories, fiction and drama.  Additionally, students are asked to discover their own voices within the context of these genres.  Subsequently, students select once genre for a creative focus.  The instructor develops and tailors reading and writing assignments to the particular interests, talents and expertise of each student.  Students work to produce a polished, professional piece of creative work, suitable for submission for publication.
High school credit: 2 semesters

SCIENCE HONORS

75. Biology Honors
This class introduces students to the fundamental concepts upon which modern biology is built.  Student biologists learn about the nature of scientific inquiry, the limitationsof science and the scientific method, the diversity and interrelations among organisms and environmental issues while exploring energy, matter, cells, and heredity.  Readings, problems and laboratory exercises facilitate this challenging course.  Among other things, students learn to identify major structures of plants and animals and how they work together to maintain life.
Notes:

• Some basic lab equipment and household supplies are required.

High school credit: 2 semesters

76. Chemistry Honors

Prerequisite: one year of a lab science
Scientific method, chemical foundations, measurements and calculations, chemical composition, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding and oxidation-reduction reactions are among topics included in this introductory course.  The advanced applications of chemistry in nuclear, biological and organic forms are alos studied.  Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce and elaborate on key topics.  Students learn to discern patterns from data and to draw defendable conclusions from it.
Notes:

• Some basic lab equipment and household supplies are required.
• Additional fee of $50 for online labs.

High school credit: 2 semesters

77. Physics Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I & II
This class emphasizes an understanding of the fundamental principals of nature.  In this demanding course, students cover a variety of topics in physics including Newtonian physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optic, as well as early modern physics.  Through hands-on experiments and investigation, students come to appreciate the applications of the universal principles of physics, gain an appreciation of mathematics and develop their understanding of the major concepts in physics.  This class is designed for very motivated and independent students who wish to prepare for more advanced physics classes.

High school credit: 2 semesters

MATHEMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY HONORS

78. Algebra I Honors
Algebra is a system of mathematics that uses symbols to generalize certain arith­metic operations and relationships. Topics covered in this course include 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 C++.
High school credit: 2 semesters

79. Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Algebra is the gatekeeper to all higher-level mathematics courses as it lays the foundation for understanding variables, formulas and the interpretation of graphs in addition to logical thinking. These skills form the underpinning for college and the workplace, in addition to everyday life with computers, cell phones and other technological advances. The completion of Algebra II/Trigonometry helps ensure success for students as they progress in their math sequence. This course includes a review of concepts from Algebra I and expands on inequalities, polynomial equations, rational expressions, complex numbers, variation, analytic geometry, exponents, logarithms, statistics, probabili­ty, matrices and trigonometry including basic concepts, graphs, equations and inequalities, and applications. Success in this course, along with Geometry Honors, gives students the foundation needed to take Pre-Calculus Honors.
Note: A graphing calculator is required.
High school credit: 2 semesters

80. Geometry Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Did you know that there are 72 approach­es to proving the Pythagorean theorem? That it’s of fundamental importance in Euclidean geometry where it serves as the basis for the definition of two points? Other topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to, basic con­cepts and proofs, congruent and similar polygons, lines in a plane and in space, surface area, volume and coordinate geometry. By the end of the course stu­dents have honed their reasoning skills and see more clearly the axiomatic structure of this branch of mathematics that includes measurement, properties and the relation­ships among points, lines, plane figures as solids, as they focus on the development of reasoning and proofs. Algebra II/Trigonometry is the next step to take.
High school credit: 2 semesters

81. Pre-Calculus Honors
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II/ Trigonometry, Geometry
Are you able to match equations with parabolas? Are you able to find the prod­uct of complex numbers? Students find the answers to these problems and more in Pre-Calculus, a high-level branch of math­ematics that deals with the way relations between certain functions are affected by very small changes in one of their variables as they approach zero. Pre-Calculus Honors prepares students for the study of both differential and integral calculus. Students solve application problems involving linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonomet­ric functions. Students add comprehension of vectors, sequences, series and matrices to their mathematical problem-solving skills. Advanced topics in functions and graphs, trigonometry, discrete mathemat­ics, combinatorics and, of course, pre-cal­culus are also covered. This course prepares students for the study of calculus.
High school credit: 2 semesters

82. Programming C++ Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Are you ready to learn to write a game plan? This course provides students with a solid foundation in the program language that professionals use to create games, develop music programs, generate business and finance programming and design sta­tistical analysis programs. Students demonstrate their newly mastered skills by combining major concepts they have stud­ied to produce a computer game suitable for multiple players. Get ready to master the basics of C++ — while having fun. Notes:
Student must be able to navigate the Internet proficiently.
Students must have access to a PC and a printer.
High school credit: 2 semesters

83. Robotic Explorations Honors
Did you ever want to build a better robot? In this hands-on, self-paced course, stu­dents learn engineering, building, and pro­gramming using the VEX Robotics Design System. Participants create their own remote control and autonomous robots as they apply what they learn about project planning, systems design, engineering, electronics, and programming in Easy C. Intrigued by engineering? Dream of work­ing for NASA? The world is yours when you are adept at using this technology.
Notes:

• Windows 2000 Pentium 4 personal computer or newer model is required.
• Students must have a starter kit, power pack and programming kit that can be ordered from http://www.vexlabs.com/ vex-robotics-standard-parts.shtml
• Common household tools plus a solder­ing iron are required.
• Students must have access to a Web cam and/or digital camera to facilitate com­munication with instructors.

High school credit: 2 semesters

84. Java Honors
What is Java besides an island in Indonesia? Java Honors presents the basics of Java programming including keywords, operators, and control statements, loops and data types. Assignments include command-line programs, basic graphics and simple games. By the conclusion of the class, students have a solid base in programming, are able to use basic Java coding to solve problems, and use readable and efficient code to satisfy the problem descriptions. This course is designed for students with some previous computer experience, but little or no experience with Java.
Notes:

• Access to a printer is absolutely necessary.
• Macintosh or Windows operating systems are recommended.
• A Java compiler is required. Information on free compilers is available online and is included in the course syllabus.

High school credit: 1 semester