Lutheran High School Jacksonville, FL

ACADEMICS

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH I (Freshman)

PREREQUISITE: NONE

This course covers all aspects of language arts including important works of literature, grammar, essays and papers, and oral presentations. The literature covers all genres and writing will be emphasized. The goal of this course is to help freshmen become better equipped in the area of language arts and become better communicators both orally and on paper. Students will come away from this course with increased analyzation and reasoning skills. The students, through different novels, poems, short stories, and essays will also become better readers.

ENGLISH I HONORS (Freshman)	PREREQUISITE: Approval of Placement Committee
This is an advanced course reinforcing basic grammar, composition, and writing skills. All literary genres are explored with special attention given to novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and essays. Emphasis is on outside reading and independent projects.

ENGLISH II (Sophomore)

PREREQUISITE: ENGLISH I

This course is a continuation of topics covered in English I and is designed to help sophomores become better equipped in all aspects of language arts. This course covers important works of literature, reviewing grammar, writing in various forms, and making oral presentations. The literature spans all genres. Students will continue to work on their analyzation, reasoning, and reading skills. Writing will be emphasized.

ENGLISH II Honors (Sophomore)	PREREQUISITE: ENGLISH I Honors or Approval of Placement Committee
This course reviews basic principles of English grammar, but emphasizes composition, creative writing, and world literature. Significant outside reading and independent study and projects are emphasized.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

ALGEBRA 1

PREREQUISITE: NONE

This first-year course in algebra is designed for students who have completed a pre-algebra course. Students study the structure and properties of real numbers, order of operations, polynomials, factoring, linear and quadratic functions and relations. As each new concept evolves, critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning and problem-solving strategies are developed. In-depth problem-solving skills are developed, and critical-thinking skills are stressed throughout the course.

GEOMETRY

PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA 1

This course is designed for the student who has completed Algebra I. It is a first year course in Euclidean geometry. Critical-thinking skills are stressed throughout this course, with an emphasis on applying definitions, postulates and theorems. This course develops students' ability to reason logically through problem solving and proof writing. It integrates algebraic skills and concepts while exploring the geometric relationships of congruence and similarity. Concepts of geometry involving parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons and circles are studied. Formulas are used to find areas of plane figures and volumes and surface areas of various solids. A brief introduction to right triangle trigonometry and transformations conclude the year.

ALGEBRA 2

PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1 and Geometry

This is a second year course in algebra that begins with a review of first year algebraic concepts. These topics are studied in greater depth, with application of the concepts emphasized by studying word problems. New topics introduced include, but are not limited to, the study of polynomial functions, rational functions, radical functions, exponential functions and logarithmic functions. In addition, a unit on probability and statistics is covered. Some topics of analytic geometry are also covered, including conic sections. Students use the graphing calculator to reinforce the concepts taught in class.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PREREQUISITE: NONE

The physical education class educates students about the various benefits of physical activity, including health and fitness, recreation, and character development. All course work is designed to provide the knowledge and experiences that will allow students to value and participate in physical activity throughout life. God created the amazing human body and we are called to be stewards of His wonderful gift. All students are required to take one half credit of physical education in a variety of individual, team, and dual sports in order to receive a diploma.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE	PREREQUISITE: NONE
This course is the fundamental precursor to all other science classes at Lutheran High School.

BIOLOGY

PREREQUISITE: EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE

Students will apply an understanding of cells to the functioning of multicellular organisms, explain how cells grow, develop, and reproduce and what happens when normal cell function goes awry; explain how epidemiology is used to track infectious disease, study real and simulated epidemics and the microbial pathogens responsible, and evaluate modern disease prevention and vaccination programs, describe how proteins, fats and carbohydrates, basic molecular structure, pH, and enzyme activity relate to the biochemistry of living things; compare and contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration, investigate and explain the genetic basis for the transfer of biological characteristics from one generation to the next, apply an understanding of molecular biology to inheritance through study of meiosis, karyotypes, linage, and the dynamic relationship between DNA and RNAs, address issues and problems resulting from our increasing self-knowledge and ability to manipulate hereditary material with genetic engineering and other biotechnological methods; explain the relationship between human anatomy and physiology, and investigate population and evolution concepts needed to understand the dynamics of groups of organisms and variables that influence and change them. Projects include Mini-Medical School, cell cartoon, biochemistry food product engineering projects, and many other hands on activities.

CHEMISTRY

PREREQUISITE: EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE; Teacher Approval

This course is a comprehensive study of the composition of matter and the energy contained within atomic particles and molecules. The more we study God’s great creation, the more readily we see the love he has for us by the design and function of everything around us working together in unison the way He designed it. Attention is given within this course to higher level thinking and problem solving as well as the use of technology. Topics include chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, heat exchange, bonding, atomic structure, acid – base reactions, and types of mixtures used in chemistry.

THEOLOGY

THEOLOGY I

PREREQUISITE: n/a

This course provides students with a foundation of the Christian faith. Students will study the Bible, including the Holy Trinity, salvation, man, sin and the church to gain confidence and readiness to present biblical beliefs intelligently and effectively to others. Christian values, adolescence, adversity, prayer, and developmental assets and strategies for success will be topics of study and life application.

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

WORLD HISTORY

PREREQUISITE: NONE

This course is a study of human history in chronological time beginning with prehistoric times to the present. Emphasis is placed on the progression of civilization and cultural development. Extensive map work is included so students can more clearly understand the changing shape and relationships of the world. This course helps students develop their own perspectives on historical events through reading, data analyzation, research projects, simulations, discussion of primary documents and use of multimedia.

WORLD HISTORY HONORS	PREREQUISITE: n/a
n/a

ELECTIVES

JOURNALISM

PREREQUISITE: Teacher Approval

This year-long course educates students to the basics of yearbook publication with an emphasis on photography, graphic art and design. Students who take this course need to be self-motivated, able to meet deadlines and work outside of school hours, and must possess strong writing skills. They will also learn to write and edit effective captions, headlines and copy as well as learn how to take well-composed photographs, crop them correctly and insert them into layouts in an appealing manner. Students with an interest in art will enjoy the computer layout aspect of the course in which they will learn Adobe Photoshop and InDesign programs.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

PREREQUISITE: n/a

This course exposes students to a variety of music and musical experiences through lecture, discussion, and listening. We will address music not only in its own terms, but also its place in the world when it was written (socially, philosophically, politically). By the end of the course, students will have acquired a general knowledge of musical styles and a vocabulary with which to describe music. A major component of the course is learning basic musical vocabulary that allows the student to understand, evaluate, and express informed ideas about music. The student will be introduced to the fundamental components of traditional music (such as melody, harmony, rhythm, forms, etc.) and the distinguishing ways these components are used by composers throughout history.

PERFORMING ARTS

PREREQUISITE: n/a

The purpose of this course is to increase students' understanding, appreciation, and critical perceptions of the Performing Arts, including drama, theatre, dance, Broadway, etc. Readings, lectures, and other forms of media will focus on the elements of performance practices; artists and innovators of performance art throughout history; and on performance as an art form and a social phenomenon; participation in class discussions and sharing of critiques and short reports will offer avenues to explore students' individual interests.

ONLINE COURSES

We have established a partnership with Lutheran High School of Orange County (LHSOC) and will be able to offer a selection of online courses, designed to allow students to broaden their academic experience. Courses designed by LHSOC instructors, are offered in Social Studies, Communication, Business Law/ Accounting, Health, Math, English, Science, Spanish, Theology, and a selection of AP courses that can be taken throughout the school year and in summer months. Courses taken online will challenge, engage, and stimulate learning as the students participate in readings, lectures, discussion, research and have high-frequency online interaction with the instructors.

For an online overview and explanation of participation in these online classes, please visit http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/day-in-the-life/olo/aditl_OLO.html

Spanish I and II	PREREQUISITE: n/a
These courses focuse on developing language skills through listening, speaking, reading, memorization, and acquisition of vocabulary, as well as written exercises. Each week covers thematic subjects pertinent to students’ lives. The themes are incorporated into grammatical lessons.

ONLINE ELECTIVES

ASTRONOMY

PREREQUISITE: n/a

A science elective designed for students with an interest in learning more about the sky and the earth. It seems almost everyone is fascinated by the images our modern telescopes are able to produce. Astronomy is an opportunity to explore the reaches of space while actively working on the most powerful tool science has ever produced; the computer and the internet. Most modern astronomers spend significantly more time at the computer than at their telescope. Astronomy online offers a view into the amazing complexity of God’s handiwork.

Communication in an Electronic Age

PREREQUISITE: n/a

This course introduces students to learning in an online environment. Students will develop strategies for successful distance learning, time management, and online communication. Students will also explore the appropriate use of information found on the Internet in an academic environment. Specific topics for the course include using search engines, time management, Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

Digital Photography

PREREQUISITE: n/a

Cameras, equipment, composition, digital retouching/edition, visual elements of photos, photojournalism, photo shoots, and scanners are covered in this photography class. Preparing photos for publications and websites will be included. Each student is required to have a digital camera, flash storage appropriate for the camera, a means of reading that memory via a USB port on the lab computers. Each student will prepare a portfolio for review. The most current version of Photoshop Professional is the primary post shoot tool that is used.

Geology

PREREQUISITE: n/a

Geology involves the study of important mineral and rock types, interpreting geological maps, and the study of the continental drift theory. The beauty of our universe is all around us, even in our own backyard. Yosemite’s Half Dome and England’s white cliffs of Dover are just two examples of the immense power and careful timing God has fashioned into Earth. To understand the processes that nature undergoes and the delicate balance that enables life to exist on this plant is to see our home in a unique light. Geology is your chance to explore the farthest reaches of the planet’s surface and interior as we travel high and low to unlock the secrets of our dynamic planet.

Introduction to Music – (A,B) – Available Spring 1 (A), Spring 2(B) – must take both

PREREQUISITE: n/a

This course will explore the progression of musical styles, instruments, and composers throughout the ages. The reflection of the world’s social and political condition on the evolution of the various artistic styles will be examined. There will also be a focus on developing listening skills that sharpen the listener’s perception of music and its elements. Specific topics and activities for the second semester include: music achieving its emotional freedom during the Romantic era, the expansion of music during the 20th century, and American popular music.