Courses

Course Descriptions – 2007-2008

                                                            RELIGION

Religion I - Introduction to Catholic Christianity
Grade: 9
Credit: 1/2
The course provides an objective and comprehensive survey of Catholic Christianity and establishes the foundation for the entire school religion curriculum. The course includes material on the developmental tasks of adolescence, the influence of culture and the media, revelation and inspiration, the meaning of tradition in Catholicism, the definitions of doctrines and dogmas, the teaching authority of the bishops and the Pope, and explanation of the Liturgical year.

Religion I – Sacraments/Christian Sexuality
Grade: 9
Credit: 1/2
This course is a study of the way in which God shares his life and love with His people in specific known ways. We grow in our understanding of how we discern God in His creations, and we discover the symbols which make His power and presence known. We look at Jesus, the Church, and the seven Sacraments in action, the historical development of the Liturgy and Sacraments which we celebrate.

The second half of this course is designed to give the students the information they need to make the correct decisions about sex and subjects associated with sex. The class will be focused on group discussion and activities from the textbook.

Religion 2 - Hebrew Scriptures
Grade 10
Credit: 1/2
This is an in-depth course that covers all the books of the Hebrew Scriptures. It provides a comprehensive and practical discussion of the ancient writings of Israel, bringing them to life for today's students. This course explains the most important stories and passages containing profound prayers, wise teachings, and marvelous poems. It provides commentaries about the historical setting or the literary purposes out of which a particular book is developed. Reflective material relates the truths and themes of the Hebrew Scriptures to modern life and culture.

Religion 2 - Christian Scriptures
Grade 10
Credit: 1/2
This course presents basic Catholic doctrine based in the Christian Scriptures on the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. Students learn about the formation of the Gospels and the Church's Christological traditions.

Religion 3 - Church History
Grade 11
Credit: 1/2
This course has two primary goals: 1) to make the history of the Church come alive and 2) to help students see the hand of God in human history. This course discusses the main developments, people, and events that have shaped the Church, covering the sweep of history from the Apostle Paul to Pope John Paul II. Each unit focuses on one time period and includes brief highlights of the most important events in Church history.

Religion 3 - Moral Decision Making
Grade 11
Credit: 1/2
This course is designed to give students assistance and experience in making intelligent, logical, and compassionate moral decisions. It focuses on specific aspects such as the basis of morality, developing moral convictions, the problem of moral dilemmas, formation of conscience, and Christian moral principles.

Religion 4 - Social Justice
Grade 12
Credit: 1/2
This is a course intended for high school seniors, which explores the call to faith justice from the perspective of history, the Scriptures, and the Church, and then personalizes the message by examining six areas of concern. The course presents poverty, hunger, sexism, racial prejudice, ageism, and ecology as issues requiring our study and attention. The final section of the course links faith and justice with peace by examining the implications of peaceful responses to conflict. The course approaches the topic as one of concern to young people and proposes a positive, energizing, and hopeful response to the call to justice.

Religion 4 - Christian Lifestyles
Grade 12
Credit: 1/2
This is a comprehensive course that not only provides relevant information on the "states" of life that traditionally have been discussed in senior religion courses, but also addresses the key developmental tasks of young adulthood. These key issues--identity, autonomy, love, communication, sexuality, learning, work, money, and leisure--are approached from the Christian perspective and are foundational to any examination of the single life, marriage, religious life, and ordained ministry. Engaging activities throughout the textbook used in the course invite reflection, discussion, and journal writing.

LANGUAGE ARTS

English 9
Grade 9
Credit: 1
This course includes grammar and literature. In the first semester the parts of speech are examined in detail. Various short, informal essays are also required throughout the year. Informal creative writing is also begun including a short story. Literature units are based on major genres including poetry, short stories, essays, and drama. Students also will be responsible for weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required each quarter.

English 10
Grade 10
Credit: 1
The parts of speech and the parts of the sentence are emphasized this year. Creative writing is stressed first semester while expository writing becomes the focus second semester. Students are expected to practice note taking and essay test skills. Literature units are focused on a chronological study of genres. Studied are essays, short stories, biographies, poetry, drama, and the novel. Major literary studies are from the field of American literature including the beginnings of the American tradition, historical essays, transcendentalism, and modern poetry and fiction. Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required every quarter

English 11
Grade 11
Credit: 1
The parts of speech and parts of the sentence are reviewed as necessary this year as well as other grammar and usage issues. Students will write, direct, produce, and star in their own one act play first semester. Second semester, they will complete a research project on family genealogy and present their findings to their class. They will also complete a poetry portfolio. Literature will focus on a chronological study of British works from the Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, and modern ages. Major works include Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Angela’s Ashes. Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required every quarter.

English 12
Grade 12
Credit: 1
Grammar, mechanics, usage, and sentence structure are reviewed as needed. Major emphasis is placed on expository and research skills. Each student writes a research paper. Units in literature will include the standard genre. Works studied will be from world authors starting from ancient history to contemporary society. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required every quarter.

Honors English 9
Grade 9
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Signature, Test
A college prep course for academically talented freshmen. Expository writing is stressed throughout the year including a personal narrative, a research paper, and two multimedia presentations. Students will review parts of speech and the sentence and other grammar as necessary. Literature studies will be a chronological study of genres in early American literature from the 1600s through the 1800s. Major focus will be on the Puritan tradition, including The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter, historical essays, and transcendentalism. Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required every quarter.

Honors English 10
Grade 10
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of Honors English 9, teacher approval
A college prep course for academically talented sophomores. Both expository and creative writing are stressed including a character sketch, a research paper, a short story, and two multimedia presentations. Students will review parts of speech and the sentence and other grammar as necessary. Literature units are centered on a chronological study of genres in the twentieth century American tradition. Major works include works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Salinger, and A Separate Peace. Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required every quarter.

Honors English
Grade 11
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: teacher approval
A junior level college prep class. Students will be expected to write several papers including a research paper, memory paper, poetry portfolio, and literary analysis. Students will do two multimedia presentations. English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the twentieth century will be studied. Major works include Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales. The works of William Shakespeare will be emphasized including poetry, Macbeth, Hamlet, and Much Ado About Nothing. Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given. Fifteen accelerated reader points are required every quarter.

Dual Credit English
Grade 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: 3.0 gpa, pass entrance exam, teacher approval
A college level introductory class in composition. This course mirrors Freshman Composition 101 and 102 offered by Missouri Southern State University, and upon successful completion, earns the student six hours of college credit. Students are expected to follow the MSSU syllabus, which requires 10 papers throughout the course of the year. First semester focuses on non-source based writing. Second semester emphasizes research and source-based writing resulting in a large argumentative essay. Students will also be asked to study vocabulary, and earn 20 accelerated reader points each quarter.

Mass Media
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
In this course, students will produce the school newspaper, McAuley Times. They will be responsible for photography, reporting, editing, proofing, and page layout. Students will be asked to attend events, conduct interviews, and do out of school work. They will learn about style, laws involving the media, and responsible journalism. The areas of broadcast journalism will also be addressed with the production of newscast. Grades will be based largely on meeting deadlines with assigned work.

SPEECH

Speech
Grade: 9-12
Credit: 1/2
Principles of oral communication include speaking and listening competencies and skills. Primary emphasis is on presenting various types of speeches and improving listening ability. Research, organization, reasoning, language and evaluation skill development are included. Required class.

MATH

Basic Algebra
Grades 9 - 10
Credit: 1
Introduces basic skills needed for Algebra I. Areas covered include basic operations with numbers, surface area, volume, powers and roots, linear equations, percents, graphing inequalities, scientific notation, and word problems.

Algebra I
` Grades 9 - 10
Credit: 1
Foundation for all future secondary mathematics courses. Areas covered include basic operations with numbers, linear and quadratic equations, system of equations with two variables, uniform motion and mixture problems, lines, surface area, volume, probability, rational expressions, rational equations, factoring, and radical expressions.

Geometry
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Designed to develop inductive and deductive reasoning skills. Areas covered include the rectangular coordinate plane, triangles, quadrilaterals, and transformations, areas of regular polygons, surface areas and volumes of three dimensional figures, probability, parallel lines, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, circles, and proofs.

Applied Statistics and Critical Thinking
Grades 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Graphing calculator needed
Introduces basic statistical concepts. Areas covered include data collection, sampling techniques, descriptive statistics, probability, discrete probability distributions, normal probability distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing with one sample, hypothesis testing with two samples, correlation and regression.

Algebra II
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: C in Algebra I or Geometry
Areas covered include linear and quadratic equation, simple functions, uniform motion and chemical mixture problems, plane geometry, rectangular and polar coordinates, addition of vectors, systems of equations, and simple right triangle trigonometry.

Advanced Mathematics
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: C in Algebra II
This is an elective course that covers a review of topics in Algebra II and Geometry plus additional algebraic topics such as alternative methods of solving systems of equations. It introduces students to logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions and identities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, and arithmetic and geometric series.

Pre-Calculus
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Algebra II/Instructor Approval
This is an elective course to prepare students for calculus. It covers a review of topics in Algebra and Geometry. The student will solve and graph logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions. Students will work with trigonometric identities, conic sections, and both arithmetic and geometric series.

Advanced Placement Physics AB Calculus
Grade 11-12
Credit: 1
This is a two semester, elective course for which the student earns one honors credit. This course is to prepare the student to do college level work and take the AP Test for AB Calculus. To take this course the student must have at least a 90% in Pre-Calculus and the permission of the instructor. This course covers everything listed in the current AR Calculus Topic Course outline including functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, integration, and the application of their use in modeling and solving the types of problems that might be encountered in the student’s future professional like.

Advanced Placement Physics BC
Grade 11-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Signature and an A in Algebra II
This is two semester, elective honors course. It is the study of the relationship between matter and energy. Students explore areas of kinematics, dynamics, conservation of energy, wave phenomenon, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. This is an algebra-based physics course. Students completing this course may take the advanced placement test and earn college credit for their work. Students wishing to enroll in this course must have the permission of the Math teacher.

SCIENCE

Integrated Physics and Chemistry
(10th Grade Recommended)
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1
Physical Science is the study of energy and matter. Physical Science will offer an introduction to Physics and Chemistry. The course is designed to introduce the student to the scientific method, the metric system, force, motion, energy, and atomic structure. Laboratory experiments are offered to aid in understanding.

Biology I

Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1
This is an overview of life on Earth. The course discusses the basic units of life, cellular composition, and organization. Invertebrates and plants are discussed as well. Laboratory includes specimen dissection, biochemical experiments, and use of the microscope. The student will be able to use scientific terminology.

Chemistry
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Prior science course, completion of Algebra I, Algebra II
(Algebra II may be taken concurrently with teacher approval)
Chemistry is an in-depth study of the structure and composition of matter. The course involves principles of chemistry including measurements, mathematical computations, atomic structure, The Periodic Table and Periodic Properties, elements, chemical formulas, the mole, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, molecular structure, reaction rates, gas laws, acids and bases, and introduction to organic chemistry. Laboratory procedures are an integral part of this chemistry course. Students perform a variety of laboratory experiences (some micro-scale) that serve to reinforce the principles of chemistry.

Advanced Biology
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Biology I - Grade B or higher
Physical Science or Chemistry
Advanced Biology is designed to continue topics discussed in Biology I. The course discusses cell chemistry, vertebrates, microbiology, and the human body. The course promotes a good understanding of terminology and practical application. Laboratory will include specimen dissection, use of microscope, and biochemical analysis. This course is writing intensive, student will be required to do research topics.

Biology II
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Biology I
Biology II designed to continue topics discussed in Biology I. The course discusses cell chemistry, vertebrates, microbiology, and the human body. The course promotes a good understanding of terminology and practical application. Laboratory will include specimen dissection, use of microscope, and biochemical analysis.

Advanced Placement Physics BC
Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Signature
This is an elective course, which is the study of the relationship between matter and energy. Students explore areas of kinematics, dynamics, work energy, wave phenomenon, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. This is an algebra-based physics course. Students completing this course can take the advanced placement test and earn college credit for their work. Students must have completed Chemistry and Algebra III, or be enrolled in Algebra III. Students wishing to enroll in this course must have the permission of their Chemistry teacher and Math teacher.

Science – Independent Study
Grade: 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
Maximum of 2 Students per year (this is not a semester course)
The student must have all science credits fulfilled prior to enrollment. The student must have a “B or higher” in previous science classes. The student will be responsible for setting up laboratories and maintaining a neat laboratory. The student will be responsible for mixing chemicals and any additional preparations required for science laboratories. The student must have a strong work ethic and be able to follow instructions. The Independent Study is designed to give the student a good understanding of laboratory procedures.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography
Grade 9
Credit: 1/2
This course in introductory geography will focus primarily on physical geography with secondary emphases on cultural and environmental geography. It will use a multimedia approach including the text, PowerPoint presentations, DVD’s and videos, and the internet. The mechanics of the earth and each region of the earth will be covered during the semester. We will work extensively with maps.

World History
Grade 10
Credit: 1
This is a complete course of World History which covers the time periods from prehistoric to the present. The class will study the record man has left in government, science, the arts, and all other aspects of human endeavor.

American History
Grade 11
Credit: 1
This is a complete history course of the United States from prehistory to the present. The course not only covers historic developments, but also emphasizes social and cultural developments.

American Government
Grade: 12
Credit: 1/2
The focus of this required course is the institutions and political activities of American government at the national, state, and local levels. While taking this class, the students will pass the United States and Missouri Constitution tests, which are required by the State of Missouri.

Sociology
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1/2
This course includes topics on social behavior. Topics will range from sociology of marriage, adolescent behavior, religion, etc. The course involves substantial student participation.

Psychology
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1/2
This course will focus on human behavior. Topics will include mental disorders and therapies, dreams and what they mean, child rearing, the psychology of sexuality, etc. This course involves substantial student participation.

Economics
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
This course in economics will introduce the fundamental concepts of economics and will then study economics with an emphasis on Microeconomics. We will learn practical applications of economics in student’s daily lives involving such things as savings, bank accounts, investment options, loans, income, government regulation, taxes, expenses and much more. Through the Missouri Council on Economic Education, we will participate in the state/national stock market investment competition “The Stock Market Game.”

Current Events
Grades 11-12
Credit: 1/2
The goal of this course is for the students to develop an understanding of the current events affecting the world in which they live. It will focus on the political, economic and social events and issues of the day. Student discussion will be an important part of the class as we relate the contemporary happenings to our lives in Joplin. The text will be the weekly magazine Time.

Entrepreneurship
Grades 9-12
Credit: 1/2
The purpose of the Entrepreneurship class is to educate the student in small business ownership. They will work in groups to create a business. They will learn how to set up books, find a site, understand merchandising and inventory, interview perspective employees, legal issues, advertising, payroll, and technology of smaller businesses (web site design).

BUSINESS

Word Processing
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1/2
Keyboarding is the manipulative skill required and used in completing a task on a keyboard. It is essential for the development of document formatting and processing skills. This class will address the changes in concepts, terminology, and processes that have come about from the new world of this electronic age.

Computer Applications
Grades 9 – 12
Credit: 1/2
This class will be individualized to teach students different programs and accommodate their level of computer skills and knowledge of various programs.

One program will introduce students to Windows, Microsoft Works and Microsoft Word, XP, Excel and Access. It will introduce students to the internet and computer activities such as scanners. It will show new students to McAuley what is available for them to use for papers and research.

Computer Science
Grades 9-12
Credit: 1/2
The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to computers, computer programming, and computer concepts. It is intended to prepare you for entry level college courses in computer science. After the material on the introduction to computers and computer concepts is covered, class schedule will consist primarily of hands on instruction and programming in the computer lab.

General Business
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1/2
The purpose of general business is to improve economic citizenship through the study of the business and economic environment in which we live and work. Explore the various careers in business and how our talents would fit in various areas of business. We do units on advertising and marketing.

Business Law
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 1/2
The course is designed to introduce students to the broad world of law. They will learn rules and concepts that will be useful for the rest of their lives. They will broaden their legal vocabulary, study case law and study hypothetical case law applied to everyday life. Students will sharpen their abilities to think analytically and systematically. They will be better equipped than most citizens to recognize legal problems and know how to utilize professional counsel.

Personal Finance
Grades 9 – 12
Credit: 1/2
The course is designed to introduce students to personal record keeping and fundamentals of cash accounting. It will prepare students for the responsibility to handle financial decisions and organize financial records. We do hands on projects like buying a car, renting an apartment, opening a checking and savings account and filing income tax forms.

Accounting I
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
A presentation of the basic concept of double-entry accrual accounting following accepted practices and principles for non-corporate proprietorship of partnership service and merchandising business. It will also teach basic concepts of payroll accounting. Important for students attending college.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Spanish I
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1
The first year introduces the students to basic vocabulary and grammar. This includes the ability to read, write, listen and speak at the beginning level. The course covers present tense verbs as well as stem changing, irregular, and a start on preterit tense verbs. Also covered are major parts of speech including nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions and the formation of questions. Cultural concepts are incorporated in the text which are supplemented with reports and lectures. The class requires participation in oral and written exercises, paired and group work. Students will be expected to present a paper and oral presentations (in English) to specific guidelines.

Spanish II
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish I with a “C” or better
The second year of Spanish begins with a review of grammar and vocabulary. The curriculum introduces increasingly more complex sound and structural patterns, wider vocabulary and more demanding readings, as well as cultural and informational sections. This course includes extended study of irregular and preterit verbs and adds imperfect, future, conditional tenses. The students will increase their ability to read, write, listen and speak Spanish. They will be expected to present several oral presentations in Spanish over various topics. Each presentation is 45-60 seconds. Students will begin translating Bible verses.

Spanish III
Grades 10 – 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish II with a “C” or better, teacher approval
The third year of Spanish will reinforce all that was learned in Spanish I & II. New and useful vocabulary will be taught. The imperfect, subjunctive and present progressive, future will be expanded. Commands will be introduced. Chapters about traveling, shopping, illness etc. will be learned. Culture will be explored more extensively. At the end of the year students will use all of their acquired skills to read a novel in Spanish. Students will be expected to give several oral presentations in Spanish of 60-90 seconds and write a research paper (in English) about a current event in the Spanish speaking world.

Spanish IV
Grades 11-12
Credit: 1
Spanish IV builds on the 1st three years of Spanish. More usage of the verb tenses already learned will be most of the 1st semester. Practice with these tenses in reading and writing and oral presentations will be assigned. Readings in literature from Latin authors will be expected. The students will read (in English) a couple of biographies on influential Latin Americans. The students will spend some time on the history of Spain and South America. Most assignments will be lengthier and in Spanish at this level.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Health
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1/2
This is a required course for graduation. Areas of emphasis include emotional and mental health, alcohol, drug, tobacco, various diseases, and most aspects of the human body. The purpose of the course is to give the student important information so that they may lead as healthy a life as possible.

Physical Education
Grades 9 & 10
Credit: 1
The McAuley physical education curriculum offers students an opportunity to enhance their quality of life by participating in a complete physical exercise program. It will also give the students essential knowledge which will help improve and maintain their health. Students will learn that physical education covers a wide variety of physical fitness activities, developmental games and sports. These activities offer each student social and recreational benefits which will be useful throughout their lives. Areas of instruction include volleyball, modified soccer, speedball, basketball, floor hockey, physical fitness, softball, weight training and circuit training.

Lifetime Sports
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
The lifetime sports class will meet daily throughout the entire school year. The class is divided into activity sessions as well as classroom sessions. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes a day for six to eight weeks. The sessions are designed to be a basic introduction course covering areas emphasizing lifetime sports and activities that promote life-long physical fitness. Areas of instruction include volleyball, basketball, golf, bowling, softball, weight lifting and fitness, etc. The course may require a minimal student expense for fees.

Weight Training

Grades 9 – 11
Credit: 1
A balanced fitness training program designed for beginner to advanced. This includes the development of personalized weight training and cardiovascular routine designed for growth in muscle endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

FINE ARTS

Painting
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1/2
Requirements: $20 Art Fee
Studio experience in painting, with emphasis on color theory and compositional problem solving. Various media will be explored. Individual expression and imagery will be encouraged.

Sculpture
Grades 9 – 12
Credit: 1/2
Requirements: $20 Art Fee
Studio experience in sculpture emphasis on the art elements and principles of design as they relate to 3-dimensional art. Various media, methods, and techniques will be explored.

Crafts
Grades 9 – 12
Credit: 1/2
Requirements: $20 Art Fee
An exploration of various materials, processes and their use in contemporary crafts. Students will experience such media as batik, sewing, weaving, tie-dye, metal-tooling, paper-craft, fashion design, etc.

Jewelry Design
Grades 9 – 12
Credit: 1/2
Requirements: $20 Art Fee
A basic course in metalsmithing, emphasis placed on design, sawing, piercing, construction, soldering, and minimal casting. Students will design non-traditional jewelry as well as using the newer processes of precious metal and polymer clays.

Ceramics
Grades 10, 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Requirements: $20 Art Fee
Studio experience in hand building clay forms using the coil, slab, and pinch methods, as well as throwing pots on the wheel. Introductory lectures on the history of clay, glazes, wheels, and kilns.

Photography
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1/2
Requirements: $20 Art Fee and a 35 mm film camera, (digital camera optional)
The photography student will be introduced to photography as an art form. Students will experience “lens-less” imaging, learn developing and printing techniques and research the role of photography in art history. Digital photography will be introduced second semester. Students will combine both techniques using photo shop, paint, and other software programs.

Drawing/Printmaking
Grades 9 -12
Credit:  1/2
Requirements:  $20 Art Fee
Students will learn the “Elements of Art” and Priciples of Designs” as they journey through the world of 2-dimensional art. Various media will be used.

Theatre/Drama Not offered 2007-2008
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1
An introduction to theatre: Methods of acting, script analysis, designing and play production. This consists of One Act and Readers Theatre productions and competitions. An introduction of cross-examination debate will also be taught. Work on the major school production is required. Students are also introduced to an overview of theatre history and playwrights from the Greeks to present day.

ELECTIVES

Publications
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
The Publications class is responsible for the yearbook and the three Joplin Area Catholic Schools Newsletters. The students are responsible for the finances, production, and distribution of the yearbook. They are responsible for the production and distribution of the newsletter. The JACS Board financially supports the newsletter, but whenever possible, the class solicits sponsors.

International Relations
Grades 10 – 12
Credit: 1
The goal of this course is for the student to develop a basic understanding of the nations, politics, and issues involved in the potential flash points in the world. The course will start by introducing the theory of the various forms of government. Next the theory and role of various international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Court will be examined. Then, using this knowledge, the nations, politics, and issues involved in potential areas of conflict, such as the Middle East, India/Pakistan, and Korea will be analyzed. It is planned that the class will participate in the model UN program at MSU.