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Core Courses and Electives

A Few Things to Consider when Selecting Courses:

Based on one or more of the following criteria, the Administration of the school reserves the right to grant or not grant final approval for a student's course selection.

• Course availability based on student interest

• Course availability based on teacher availability

• Past academic performance of the student

• Testing that may be required to determine a student's potential for success

• Teacher recommendation

Elective choices will be scheduled after a student's core courses are given priority.

Occasionally, a course will not be available due to lack of student interest...a course must have a minimum of 8 students enrolled in order to maintain availability for the school year.

It is the responsibility of students and their parents/guardians to select courses that will meet the graduation requirements of the student's diploma program.

Core Courses

BIB112: Understanding the Times

Credits earned: 1

Description: This course aims at helping 12th grade students outline the differences between Christianity and the other prominent worldviews vying for allegiance in Western culture: Islam, Postmodernism, Secular Humanism, Marxism, and New Age. In a time when more than half of all Christians lose their faith in college, no other curriculum so effectively prepares students to defend the Christian worldview against all its competitors. As a senior year course, it is assumed that each student has a foundational understanding of the story and main themes of the Old and New Testament, a general flow of Christian History, and basic understanding of critical thinking from a Christian perspective.

BIB112A: Advanced Biblical Interpretation and Application

Prerequisites: Grade of 90% or better in BIB111 or previous Bible course, as well as instructor approval.

Credits earned: 1

Description: This course is an advanced study of the principles of biblical interpretation, an introduction to the major resources available for biblical interpretation and the application of those resources to various passages of scripture. The major focus of the course is practical...the course goal is that the students develop sound methods of interpretation and application of biblical texts as well as integrating it into these skills into their daily life.

ENG212: British Literature/Senior Research Paper

Credits earned: 1

Description: In this course, students will study English literature across the time periods of England's history. They will study the cultural influences that impacted the British writers. Prominent English authors will be selected for an in-depth study of their lives and works. Mastery of research, writing and language skills is expected. These skills will be used extensively throughout the course. The Senior Research Paper is a requirement of this course and will be completed during the second semester.

ENG212AP: AP British Literature/Senior Research Paper

Prerequisites: Grade of 90% or better in ENG211 or the equivalent non-honors English course, or 85% or better in ENG211H; Must complete summer reading and related assignments. Transfer students must pass a writing test and score at or above the 85 percentile in reading comprehension.

Credits earned: 1

This senior option will focus on critical thinking skills and literary analysis through an intensive study of literature from various periods and cultures including a chronological survey of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon era through the 17th century. The course will show students the relationship between the literature and its historical and/or philosophical context and encourage mastery of the elements of fiction, poetry and drama. Students will write a variety of multi-paragraphed essays based on literature studied in class. Special emphasis will be given to the structure of comparison and contrast essays and the writing of essay test answers. The students will write a 10-page literature based research paper and deliver a 10-minute oral presentation. Students who wish to receive AP credit must take the AP exam. Students who do not take the exam will receive "honors" credit for the course.

MTH311: ALGEBRA II

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Algebra I and Geometry. Transfer students must demonstrate their potential for success by the results of their math placement test.

Credits earned: 1

Description: In this course the student will build on the algebraic foundation developed in Algebra I by studying high powered equations in more than one variable, irrational and complex numbers, coordinate geometry, exponential function, conic sections, matrices and rational expressions. The student will also be introduced to Analytic Geometry and basic Trigonometry functions, identities and graphs.

MTH312H: HONORS PRE-CALCULUS

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Geometry and Algebra II. Transfer students must demonstrate their potential for success by the results of their math placement test.

Credits earned: 1

Description: This course is a bridge between Algebra II and Calculus. It serves as a pre-calculus course through emphasis on developing the manipulative skills necessary to be successful in the study of calculus. The student will be encouraged to develop clarity of mathematical thought and expression in creative problem solving through a concentrated study of proofs, properties, identities and graphs. This course is also designed to integrate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry and Plane Geometry by the extensive use of two-dimensional graphs. A graphics calculator is required. The TI83 PLUS is recommended.

MTH313AP: AP CALCULUS AB

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Pre-Calculus. Transfer students must demonstrate their potential for success by their score on the math placement test.

Credits earned: 1

Description: AP Calculus is a college level class. It is a mathematical tool used to describe the processes of change in the world around us. This course includes a study of limits, functional continuity, derivatives and integrals with multiple variables, graphing and optimization. Students will be instructed in differential and integral calculus with emphasis on real world applications. Two limits are studied in detail: the derivative of a function and the definite integral. Both of these limits are developed through Analytic Geometry and both are systematically applied to the solutions of problems. To receive AP credit students must take the AP exam. Students that do not take the AP exam will receive an honors credit for the course. A graphics calculator is required. The TI83 PLUS is recommended.

MTH314: CONSUMER MATH

Credits earned: 1

Description: In this course, students will be given realistic, practical experience with mathematical situations they will encounter in real life. They will be taught basic skills in the areas of taxes, banking, investments, insurance and financial planning. The students will study Biblical principles for successfully handling money.

HIS512: INTRODUCTION TO WORLD VIEWS & POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

Credits earned: 1

Description: In Intro to Worldviews, students will discuss contemporary issues. After a brief review of how the American government operates students will deal with many of the problems faced by people in a large democratic society. Students are taught from a Biblical perspective how to understand the times in which they live.

Electives

Bible

BIB113: BIBLICAL FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES

Grade: 10-12

Credits earned: 1

Description: This course aims to provide students with a Biblical approach to managing finances while practicing good stewardship and learning investment skills for future planning. Concepts include handling debt, setting financial goals, building an investment portfolio, financing a college education, and health care.

English

ENG215: GREAT BOOKS

Grades: 10-12

Credits earned: 1

Description: Students will be exposed to a variety of classical works, determine what makes them 'great' and discuss if the message, meaning and method of writing are Biblical in nature. Grading is based on the student's ability to analyze characters, plot line, setting, word choices, and literary techniques as determined by literary circles and journaling.

ENG216: FILM & LITERATURE

Grades: 10-12

Credits earned: 0.5

Description: The purpose of this class is to examine literary works and their film counterparts in order to analyze the distinguishing techniques of each medium. The role of the 'hero' and 'antihero' in literature and film will also be examined.

ENG217: DIGITAL JOURNALISM

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Composition and Microsoft Office; Application, interview, and approval of advisor is required prior to scheduling

Credits earned: 1

Description: Students will learn concepts dealing with typography and photography, conducting interviews, writing, editing, and conceptualizing ideas, leading them to apply their creativity to innovate layouts and designs. Using new technology (digital photography and video) and software (Adobe Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat), students are also exposed to cutting edge production tools.

YBK920: MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Application, interview, and approval of yearbook advisor is required prior to scheduling

Credits earned: 1

Description: Students will be trained in creating a publication including computer skills, photo composition, layout design, copy writing, time and money management, and Christian thinking in relationship to journalistic choices. This course offers experience and credits in fine arts, computer technology and journalism. (Limited to 10 students; both the students and the yearbook are best served if interested students plan to take the class for at least two consecutive years.)

Foreign Language

GBCS offers the choice of two foreign languages: Spanish and French. Two credits in consecutive years of one foreign language are required for the General or Academic Diplomas. Students must take these courses in sequence. While in 8th grade, students may take either Spanish I or French I, and then take the 2nd level in 9th grade. Students wishing to graduate with an Academic Diploma with Honors in Foreign Language will need four credits of either language in succession.

A foreign language series begins with basic vocabulary and grammar. Students will acquire skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing the language through oral practice, written grammatical exercises and cultural lessons. The goal is fluency.

ESP610: SPANISH II

ESP611H: SPANISH III (Honors)

ESP612H: SPANISH IV (Honors)

FRE610: FRENCH II

FRE611H: FRENCH III (Honors)

FRE612H: FRENCH IV (Honors)

Science

SCI412H: HONORS ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Biology

Credits earned: 1

Description: Anatomy and Physiology is a fascinating and in-depth study of the human body. Its structure will be studied in the anatomy portion of the course. In the physiology portion of the course students will examine the functions and inter-relationships of the organs and systems of the body. Extensive lab work and college level class preparation is expected of all students.

SCI413H: HONORS PHYSICS

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Physical Science, Pre-Calculus; can also gain approval to take Physics and Pre-Calculus concurrently, based on teacher recommendation.

Credits earned: 1

Description: Physics is an honors level class in which students will study the physical world, specifically matter, energy and their interaction. The study of the relationship between matter and energy will involve extensive conceptual and non-calculus based mathematical problem solving along with hands-on lab investigations. Ultimately, the student will be challenged to analyze, diagram, and logically think in great detail about the physical world around them.

SCI414: FORENSIC SCIENCE

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Chemistry

Credits earned: 0.5

Description: This course is designed to help students become familiar with the history of the forensics and its place in popular culture. Students will examine the roles of different types of professionals involved in evaluating a crime scene and handling evidence, as well as the methodology of collecting and interpreting data. Finally, students will learn how to avoid contamination, preserve the chain of custody, and present evidence in a professional (courtroom) setting.

SCI415: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING (ROBOTICS)

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Completion of Geometry, concurrently enrolled in Algebra II

Credits earned: 1

Description: Introduction to Engineering allows the student to experience many aspects of engineering in an environment that is conducive to success. This course uses the basis of the STEM program to teach students how the engineering process is not only useful in everyday life but also every career. Students will be stretched to use their knowledge of math and science to design and build a robot that will navigate different game scenarios designed by VEX.

Social Studies

HIS515: ANTHROPOLOGY & ARCHAEOLOGY

Grades: 11-12

Credits earned: 1

Description: Students completing this course will be able to evaluate the origins of both fields, demonstrate methodology of field studies, explain the contemporary problems of Physical Anthropology and critique the elements of society and culture. They will use primary sources, including documentary materials, maps, statistical tables and historic artifacts. After they compare the results of historical digs and are fully acquainted with techniques and record keeping, the students will participate in an organized archaeological dig.

HIS516: GLOBAL AWARENESS

Grades: 11-12

Credits earned: .5

Description: This course will examine the modern revolution occurring in the Middle East. Students will assess the historical, political, and religious origins of the revolution as well as the lasting impacts of this movement. Students will consider world-wide effects of this movement through a Scriptural lens.

HIS517: INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS

Grades: 11-12

Credits earned: .5

Description: The latest studies suggest High School students are not involved as much as they should in economics education. This one semester introductory course will survey key concepts of Micro and Macroeconomics. Key concepts covered include resources, marketing, free enterprise, supply & demand, business cycles, the stock market and the Government's role in managing the economy. Students will be required to report on current trends throughout the semester and hopefully approach business courses in college with confidence.

Technology

TEC710: MICROSOFT OFFICE APPLICATIONS

Grades: 9-12

Credits earned: 1

Description: This course will introduce the student to MS Office Applications. The students will develop a working knowledge of Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.

TEC714: HTML5: BASICS OF WEB DESIGN

Grade: 9-12

Prerequisites: None, but Intro to Computer Science and/or MS Office is recommended

Credits earned: 1

Description: In this one credit course, students will become familiar with the basic principles of internet-based programming using HTML5, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3), multiple forms of imagery and multimedia, and a variety of respective concepts. Students will complete the design, coding, and debugging of solutions to all programming assignments and web-site based projects. Students will also interact with the specific tools that will exist in creating and editing single and multi-page websites.

TEC716: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

Grades: 9-12

Credit earned: 1

Description: Students learn the fundamentals of programming in a procedural language for a console environment (Quick Basic and DOS) and a graphical interface environment (Visual Basic in Windows). Console topics include variables, numeric and string handling, flow control, sub-procedures and functions, and character and pixel graphics. Graphical topics include forms, controls, properties and subroutines used to design event driven programs.

TEC717: ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science and/or teacher approval

Credit earned: 1

Description: Students develop Object-oriented designs using the Java programming language. Java topics covered include Java applets, developing Java applications, control structures, methods, arrays, strings and characters. Object-oriented topics include the structure of Java programs, classes, function, automatic garbage collection, reusable libraries, object-oriented databases and GUI libraries/tools. This course provides preparation for AP Computer Science.

TEC719AP: AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Advanced Computer Science and/or teacher recommendation.

Credits earned: 1

Description: AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college level course in computer science. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using the Java programming language. Please be prepared for 5-7 hours of work a week. Students will be prepared to take the AP Computer Science A exam following the completion of this course. To receive AP credit students must take the AP exam. Students that do not take the AP exam will receive an honors credit for the course.

Fine Arts

FA810: ART I - INTRODUCTION TO THE ELEMENTS OF ART

Grades: 9-12

Credits earned: 1

Description: Art I is concentrated on learning and applying foundational skills and techniques in art. Within the curriculum, the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are emphasized as a basis for composition. Additional focus is on the development of drawing skills as foundational for more complex art compositions. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, and two & three-dimensional design. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is an important requirement, greater than the student's talent or previous experience.

FA811: ART II - ADVANCED ART & DESIGN

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Art I

Credits earned: 1

Description: Art II provides an opportunity for serious art students to expand on the concepts introduced in Art I at a more rigorous level with the goal of creating a portfolio. Emphasis is placed on experiences with design principles, drawing techniques and painting skills leading to the development of abilities that are necessary for more advanced art. Students are challenged to creatively engage in artistic complexities, becoming more adept in a variety of media and techniques. The culmination of the course will be a presentation of their portfolio.

FA813: THEATRE ARTS - PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE

Grades: 9-12

Credits earned: 1

Description: This course is an introduction to theatre. The class will discover foundational concepts of acting, such as improvisation, pantomime and mime, voice and diction, character development. In addition, this class will enjoy script writing and performance, stage building, sound, lighting, costuming, and makeup. The students will participate in the spring school drama production in some capacity.

FA814: WORK OF GRACE (HS Choir)

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Audition with Music Director

Credits earned: 1

Description: A ministry group using God-given music talents as a means of evangelism. Class will enhance, and stretch student's musical ability.

FA815: HIGH SCHOOL BAND

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Previous experience with a musical instrument.

Credits earned: 1

Description: This is a beginner and/or intermediate band. Students are taught the essentials of playing the band instrument of their choice. As the students gain proficiency, opportunities for performance will be provided.

FA816: ORCHESTRA

Grades: 6-12

Prerequisites: Previous experience with an orchestra-related musical instrument.

Credits earned: 1

Description: An instrumental course that develops the discipline of daily practicing in order to gain an intermediate level of performance proficiency. This

course will promote the use of intermediate and advanced mechanics while playing a musical instrument to enhance the overall performance of the student. The course will then focus on developing individual performance skills in order to achieve a quality group performance.

General Electives

SAT918F: SAT PREP SEMINAR

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Enrolled in or have completed Algebra II

Credits earned: .5

Description: SAT Prep Seminar is a one-semester course that focuses on preparing the student for taking the SAT. This is done through vocabulary enrichment, refreshment of math skills and enhancement of test taking skills. Using a curriculum developed by Method Test Prep, all students will be given a diagnostic test at the beginning of the course to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Students selecting this course are expected to take the SAT that is scheduled for the date nearest to the conclusion of the course. This course is offered in the fall semester for seniors.

If you have any questions regarding any of these courses and their descriptions, please contact the Education Office.