The Learning Post Courses

ENGLISH

Every student must complete 40 credits in English to meet graduation requirements.

ENGLISH 9 A/B (Required)
Credit 10
The major objectives of this course are the development of competence in the writing of clear, coherent, correct sentences and paragraphs, and the development of critical thinking and reading skills, as they are demonstrated in discussion and writing. The curriculum is literature based and includes short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and essays.

ENGLISH 10 A/B (Required)
Credit 10
This course expands upon the critical reading, thinking, and writing skills attained in the preceding class by examining challenging short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. The essential difference between English 9 A/B and English 10 A/B will be found in the levels of difficulty in the materials read, discussed and written about and 10 A/B prepares students for the 11th and 12th grades.

ENGLISH 11 A/B (Required)
Credit 10
This course is designed to familiarize students with American literature from the Native Americans and explorers to the modern and contemporary ages through the study of the novel, the short story, and poetry. First semester covers the literature of the Native Americans through the Civil War, while the second semester covers the literature of the late nineteenth through the twentieth centuries.

ENGLISH 12 A/B
Credit 10
English 12 emphasizes the reading and analysis of essays and other forms of non fiction. It also seeks to develop expository writing and the exploration of a variety of ideas, opinions, and cultural expressions from the U.S. and abroad.

SCIENCE FICTION
Credit 5
Science Fiction is a literary form which looks at tomorrow in terms of today, the future in terms of the present. It presents possible futures (and pasts) based on current scientific knowledge. Space explorations, alien intelligence, robots, space cities, time travel, and UFO's are only a few of the topics explored.

CREATIVE WRITING A/B
Credit 10
Creative Writing is a course, which allows fledgling poets and storytellers the chance to develop their skills through clear, concise, and entertaining writing skills.

BRITISH LITERATURE A/B
Credit 10
Students will be required to do daily reading assignments. Grades will be based on quizzes, paragraphs, essays, and various projects. Part A begins with the Anglo-Saxon period and ends around the Restoration period. Part B begins with the Romantic Age and concludes with the Twentieth Century.

MYTH AND FOLKLORE
Credit 5
This course is designed to expose students to myths and legends from around the world and to examine historical and cultural differences expressed through this literature.

CAREER ENGLISH (elective)
Credit 5
This is a highly practical course, which deals with “saleable” English skills. Writing experiences such as letter writing, job applications, resumés, interviews, and career research make up the content of this course.

ENGLISH IS (LIT I & II)
Credit 10
Literature I concentrates on the short story as a form of literature. Students learn about the elements of fiction, plot structure, characterization, mood, tone, point of view, and conflict. Students continue to improve their writing skills. Literature II is the study of the novel as a form of literature. Twenty-five different novels are explored.

ENGLISH INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

MATHEMATICS

Every student must complete 20 credits of math, including a completed algebra sequence, to meet graduation requirements.

CONSUMER MATH A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisites: None
This practical math course offers basic math survival skills to be used in life including review of basic operations, job-related income, banking, buying homes, car insurance and other major purchases. The second semester goes in depth into figuring income; commissions, basic recordkeeping, purchasing and other business related topics. It is designed to survey topics of interest to students entering the business field.

ALGEBRA IA/B; ALGEBRA A/B/C; ALGEBRA S1 – S3 and C (Required)
Credit 10-20
Open to: Grades 9-12
Algebra I A/B, Algebra A/B/C, Algebra S1-S3 & C are courses in math utilizing a formal approach to the development of algebraic skills and concepts. These skills are necessary for students who plan to continue in Geometry and other advanced college-preparatory courses. Concepts of directed numbers, sets, linear equations, and inequality solving and word problem solving are expected to be mastered. Additional concepts will include graphing, systems of equations, quadratic equation solving, algebraic fractions, and word problems. Universities view Algebra ABC as the equivalent of one year of Algebra I.

GEOMETRY IA/B; GEOMETRY A/B/C
Credit 10-15
Prerequisites: Algebra IB/Algebra C with C or higher or teacher recommendation
Open to: Grades 9-12
This elective math course covers the basic concepts of two and three-dimensional geometry, inductive and deductive reasoning, formal logic, and proof are stressed in the development. Number and algebraic concepts are used extensively throughout the course by exposure to problem-solving skills and processes. An understanding of postulates, theorems, and definitions will be interwoven through all strands of the course. Universities view Geometry ABC as the equivalent of one year of Geometry.

ALGEBRA II A/B
Credit 10, UC/CSU approved
Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or above in an Algebra sequence and a Geometry sequence or teacher recommendation
This elective two semester course expands on concepts learned in algebra and geometry. Review of these concepts is integrated throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on abstract thinking skills, the function concept, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. This course does not cover trigonometry and therefore will not allow a student to move to pre-calculus.

SENIOR MATH
Credit 5
Prerequisite: Completion of an algebra sequence
This course is a review of high school mathematics designed to prepare seniors for math classes following high school graduation. Subjects include decimals, fractions, measurements and ratios.

SCIENCE

Every student must complete 20 credits in science to meet graduation requirements.

EARTH SCIENCE IA/B
Credit 10
This course includes the following physics topics: motion, work, energy, heat, sound and light waves, electricity and magnetism. Chemistry topics will include: atomic structure, chemical formulas, mixtures, compounds, reactions and nuclear energy.

BIOLOGY A/B
Credit 10
This course investigates life. It recognizes the recent advances made in the area of biochemistry and biotechnology and its contribution to the understanding of the life processes. Students study the five science kingdoms thoroughly.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY A/B
Credit 10
Prerequisite Biology A/B
Human Anatomy and Physiology A/B is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the human body from the cellular level to the whole organism.

SCIENCE INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

SOCIAL STUDIES

Every student must pass 30 credits of required social study courses to meet graduation requirements.

MODERN CIVILIZATION A/B (Required)
Credit 10
The primary purpose of studying this course is to introduce students to the major epochs, eras, events and turning points that have shaped human societies. The course includes the historical and geographical relationships of individuals and groups, follows chronologically the flow of events and the relationship they create between the past and the present.

UNITED STATES HISTORY A/B (Required)
Credit 10
U.S. History is designed to develop a better understanding of the United States through study of the nation’s social, political, economic and diplomatic history. U.S. History A emphasizes the areas of colonial experience, constitutional development, westward expansion, separation and reunion. U. S. History B focuses on industrial growth of the late 19th century, social and political change in the 20th century; World War I; the depression; World War II; involvement in international affairs and the new challenges facing the nation today.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Required)
Credit 5
Provides students with an overview of constitutional democracy, the structure, organization and operation of the federal, state, and local governments. Students also learn about the election process and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

ECONOMICS (Required)
Credit 5
Provides the student with an overview of general economic theories and principles that will enable them to understand the American economic system, their role in that system, and the impact in their daily lives.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Credit 5
Provides student with an overview of the physical and cultural aspects of the world. Students are expected to gain an understanding of the diversity on our planet.

PSYCHOLOGY
Credit 5
An introductory course on the general field of psychology, providing the student with a basic understanding of the principles and dynamics of human behavior.

CALIFORNIA HISTORY
Credit 5
Survey course on the people, places, and terms in the history of California from the exploration and Spanish settlement to statehood and present day. Students also learn about the organization of state government and the major personalities which have shaped our state.

SOCIOLOGY
Credit 5
This course examines human group behavior and relationships that make up different social environments and societies using the discipline of sociology. Culture, race, religion and class will be studied. Particular emphasis is placed on comparative societies and appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity.

LAW AND ORDER (Street Law)
Credit 5
Designed to help students gain a realistic understanding of the American legal system. Topics include reasons for laws, types of laws, victims of crime, the juvenile justice system, the courts, the police and the prison system. The rights and responsibilities of citizens are emphasized.

SOCIAL STUDIES INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

FINE ARTS

ART IA
Credit 5
This course is designed to explore concepts and techniques found in basic design and color and to provide exposure to various areas of basic design and color with hands on experience.

ART IB
Credit 5
This course is designed to explore concepts and techniques involved in basic drawing. The course exposes students to the complexities of drawing, to further help students develop their perception and drawing skills.

2D ART B
Credit 5
Designed to provide technical skills on how to prepare cartoons for gags, comic strips, sports, advertising and drawing for television. In simple and practical terms, the student is taught how to draw different parts of the anatomy and the materials to use.

ART HISTORY A
Credit 5
Designed as an introduction to the history of art by exploration of major art movements. Included are biographies on some of the best-known artists in history as well as artists living today. Assignments include reading, writing, and projects.

ART HISTORY B
Credit 5
This course introduces and guides students through the world of art by providing the fundamentals needed to understand a piece of art through the elements and principles of art. Students also learn to critique artworks and are exposed to a variety of artwork and artists. Art traditions from around the world, as well as careers in art, are covered.

MUSIC APPRECIATION
Credit 5
Course surveys music and its role in our lives. Students are exposed to a variety of music from Renaissance to contemporary, as well as composers and musicians. Part of the course requires listening to, evaluating and describing musical performances.

ART INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable

PRACTICAL ARTS

KEYBOARDING IA (BEGINNING)
Credit 5
This course is designed to develop personal typing skills, emphasizing "touch" typewriting, proper typing techniques, and speed and accuracy development. Content: Introduction of Alphabetic, Numeric, and Symbol keys; Horizontal and Vertical Centering, Block Format Letters, Unbound Reports.

KEYBOARDING IB (INTERMEDIATE)
Credit 5
Prerequisites: Keyboarding IA with Technique grade of "B" or better, or Instructor Approval
This course is designed to develop formatting skills for vocational typing, emphasizing problem and production work, speed and accuracy building, and technique maintenance. Content: Keyboarding and Formatting Review, Lists and Outlines, Business Letters with Attention Line, Left-Bound Business Reports, Advanced Tables, Memos and Forms, Advanced Business Letters.

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS A/B
Credit 5-10
This course is designed to help prepare students to make decisions in their interrelated roles as consumers, wage earners and citizens. It examines basic economic principles and theories, and then encourages individuals to develop competency to apply this economic knowledge to practical ends.

BUSINESS LAW
Credit 5-10
Course acquaints students with the law as it relates to both business and personal activities. To show that law is a force in everyone’s life, such topics as contracts, consumer protection, insurance, property, wills and government regulations are covered.

LIFE MANAGEMENT A/B
Credit 5-10
Open to: Grades 9-12
This course is designed to help students understand their choices and decisions relating to personal development, family, career, and social relationships.

BUSINESS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Credit 5

NON-DEPARTMENTAL

ASB (Group Class)
Variable
In this class, students volunteer to provide service to both the school and community. Students may be asked to work at school functions like “Back to School” or “Open House”, attend District meetings as representatives from the Learning Post, come to meetings at school for a variety of projects. Students are also expected to volunteer their time in the community. For example, students spend hours helping at retirement centers, city functions, etc.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION
Credit 2.5
Designed to give the students an awareness of vehicle safety, the basic fundamentals of driving and to develop a good philosophy toward the motoring public. Course includes traffic laws, signs, signals, vehicle restriction and classes of license.

HEALTH (2.5 Required)
Credit 2.5
This course is designed to present students with facts and information concerning public and personal health issues. Topics include alcohol, drugs, tobacco, communicable diseases, mental and emotional wellness, diet, nutrition, physical fitness and hygiene.

HEALTH FOR LIVING
Credit 5
Expanded health course instruction in health topics mentioned above. May include information regarding human reproduction.

WORK EXPERIENCE (Group class)
Variable
Prerequisites: A job that qualifies for Work Experience and has the approval of the W.E. Coordinator. Must be 16 years of age.
Students earn credit for the learning they acquire working in our community. In the classroom they receive instruction that relates to their current employment, future employment and career exploration.

HART REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM (ROP)
ROP classes are open to high school students, 16 years of age or older, and adults. Priority is given to high school seniors and juniors. Credits earned in ROP classes are based on actual attendance. Many ROP classes are one-year long and most ROP courses are at least two periods.
Click Here to see the ROP schedule and courses offered.