Courses

RELIGION

Religion 1 - 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 1 – 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 an overview of grammar, literature, novels, AR, vocabulary, writing, projects, and presentations.  Grammar is taught both semesters.  Punctuation and sentence structure are stressed so as to prepare students for second semester’s research paper and poetry notebook.  Novels read by 9th grade include The Bean Trees, The Book Thief, Night, and Great Expectations.  This is a required course for first year students in language arts.

English 10
Grade 10
Credit: 1
This course includes the following: grammar, writing, vocabulary, projects, research paper, poetry notebook, projects related to AR, novels, literature, and presentations. Grammar will be taught both semesters.  Second semester, grammar will be incorporated in the students’ various formal writings. Novels and plays that will be read this year include The Crucible, To Kill A Mockingbird, Dawn, and Day.  This is a required course for second year students in language arts.

English 11
Grade 11
Credit: 1
The objective of Language Arts III is to promote processing and application of learned content and applying what they have learned through  creative writing, research paper, poetry notebooks and other various writing assignments.  This course also includes AR, vocabulary, novels, grammar, literature, presentations, and projects.  Novels and plays that will be read include Wuthering Heights, Hamlet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Canterbury Tales, and The Diary of Anne Frank.  This is a required course for third year students in language arts.

English 12
Grade 12
Credit: 1
The objective of Language Arts IV is to integrate reading, speaking, discussion, and listening skills with a proficiency development that will be essential to college or basic life experiences beyond high school.  They will accomplish this through creative writing, research paper and project, poetry notebook, literature, presentations, and AR.  Novels and plays that will be read and discussed are as follows:  The Lord of the Flies, The Road, Things Fall Apart, Othello, and Macbeth.  This is a required course for fourth year students in language arts.

Theatre
Grade 9-12
Credit: 1
“Theatre is a creative idea expressed in performance…art in action.”  Students will learn all aspects of theatre and production from choosing a play to the production of that play.  There are six productions at McAuley, yearly.  (The fall production, Veteran and Christmas productions, competitive one act, the spring production which is the community musical that we sponsor, and art’s night which is a showcase of their year’s work) Each student enrolled in a theatre class must work on each production either on tech. or on stage as an actor or actress.  Each production will take a certain number of evening rehearsals, depending on the size of the production.  Students that are acting in a certain production are required to attend rehearsals, unless excused from the rehearsal by the teacher. Those students in tech. are also required to attend a certain number of rehearsals, as well.  The Christmas and Veteran productions are rehearsed during school hours or class time. All after hour rehearsals begin at 7:00p.m.and end promptly at 9:00p.m. We rehearse one evening a week until closer to the productions.  We also rehearse some Saturday mornings.  Rehearsals are scheduled around whatever events that are going on at McAuley, such as practices and games.  We take two field trips a year: Avilla College in Kansas City and the William Inge Festival in Independence, Kansas.  We compete in District One Act competitions only and that is in February at Crowder College.  This is a one year course.

Speech/ Debate
Grade 9-12
Credit: 1
This is a basic speech course in which the emphasis is placed on oral communications.  First semester students will be introduced to the correct methods of developing, writing, and presenting various speeches in a public forum.  Second semester will emphasize all aspects of formal debate using the national debate topic as a reference.  Formal debates will be performed during class time as well as in   various public forums.  A debate team is a possibility and will be determined on a year to year basis.

Honors English: Intro to Literature and Grammar
Grade 9                      
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher Signature, Test, Middle School Recommendation
A college prep course for academically talented freshmen.  Expository writing is stressed throughout the year including a research paper, and two multimedia presentations.  Students will review parts of speech and the sentence and study usage and mechanics.  Literature studies will be a chronological study of genres in American Literature from the 1600s and various twentieth century works as a lead in to the AP Lit course.  Major focus will be on the Puritan tradition, including The Crucible, historical essays, transcendentalism, poetry, short stories, and The Book Thief.  Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given.  Monthly book projects will be required.

AP Literature and Composition
Grade 10        
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Honors 9 or Teacher Signatures, Test
A junior level advanced placement course.  Students will be expected to write several papers including several literary analyses, a research paper, poetry portfolio, and short fiction.  Students will do two multimedia presentations.  Literature units are centered on a chronological study of genres in the twentieth century American tradition including the writings of J.D. Salinger and A Separate Peace.  They will also begin a study of British literature.  Major works include Beowulf, Macbeth, and many poetical works.  Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given.  Monthly book projects will be required.

Dual Credit English 109/125
Grade 11
Credit: 1 (6 college hours)
Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA, acceptance at Crowder, teacher approval
A college level introductory class in literature.  First semester, Introduction to Literature (109) focuses on a study of works within literary genres.  Works include Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, short stories, and poetry.  Students will write at least two literary analyses, and a poetry portfolio. Students must take a pre and post test provided by Crowder.  Second semester, Masterpieces in World Literature (125), focuses on literature from China, France, England, Germany, Russia, and more.  Major works include, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Candide, Monkey, and poetry by Yeats and Eliot.  Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given.  Monthly book projects will be required.

Dual Credit English 101/102
Grade 12                    
Credit: 1 (6 college hours)
Prerequisite: 3.5 GPA, pass MSSU 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 required 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 monthly book projects will be required. 

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 media, and responsible journalism.  The area of broadcast journalism will also be addressed with the production of a monthly newscast.  Grades will be based largely on meeting deadlines with assigned work.

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 1A/1B
Grades 9 – 12
Credit: 1 per year
Prerequisite: Teacher approval, Algebra 1A before 1B
Algebra 1A and B is a comprehensive Algebra 1 program that is a two year program. Algebra 1A/1B uses many detailed examples and straightforward narration that make Algebra 1 topics inviting and Algebra 1 content understandable.  The two year program will cover all of the concepts covered in Algebra 1.

Algebra I
Grades 9 - 11
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 equations, 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.

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 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. 

Consumer Math
Grades 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Basic Algebra and teacher permission
This course is intended for students who want to improve on those math skills necessary to make intelligent decisions as both discriminating consumers and thoughtful citizens.  Areas covered include the four basic operations of arithmetic, estimating, averaging, calculating percents, using rates, comparing values, budgeting, reading tables and charts, and filling out simple forms.

SCIENCE
Biology I   
Grades 9
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
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.

Environmental Science
Grade 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1
Environmental Science is a study of the available land, water, and energy resources, and the demand for these resources.  Students are placed in the role of environmental scientists where they investigate environmental challenges and make recommendations for addressing these challenges through sustainable uses of resources.

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.

BUSINESS
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.

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.

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).

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
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.

Sports/Entertainment Marketing
Grades 11 & 12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: one completed business course

This class will utilize marketing skills to promote school events such as the dodgeball tournament and 5k run.  This class is also responsible for producing the school newsletter quarterly.  Outside of those productions, the class will organize FBLA events such as weekly meetings.  The class will also focus on reaching out to other FBLA members to help them prepare for competition. 

Introduction to Business
Grade: 9
Credit: 1Intro to Business is an introductory course and provides an overview of business and the role that business plays in economic, social, and political environments. In addition, it will provide exposure to the functional areas of business such as management, operations, marketing, and finance. There will be opportunities throughout the course to discuss current events in business as they apply to the topics being covered.

FINE ARTS

Painting
Grades 9 - 12
Credit: 1
A studio experience in painting, with emphasis on color theory and compositional problem solving. Various media will be explored (acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil). Individual expression and imagery will be encouraged.

3-D Art
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1
Studio experience in 3 dimensional art with an emphasis on the “Art Elements” and the “Principles of Design.” Various media will be used to produce sculptures, jewelry, fashion, and crafts.

Drawing
Grades 9-12
Credit: ½
Students will learn the “Elements of Art” and the “Principles of Design” as they journey through the world of 2-dimensional art.  Various media will be used including graphite drawing pencils, colored pencils, chalk, charcoal, and pastels.

Printmaking
Grades: 9-12
Credits: ½
A studio course in transferring images from one format to another.  Monotype, Polaroid transfers, Linoleum, wood cut, and Photography will be explored.

Ceramics
Grades 9-12
Credit: 1
A studio course in hand-building clay forms using the coil, slab, and pinch methods. Students will also works on the pottery wheel. Introductory lectures on the history of clay, glazes, wheels, and kilns. 

Introduction to Art
Grades 9-12
Credit: 1
This introduction to art is designed as a “freshman/entry level” course; however, it is open to all grades.  Projects will be assigned based on time periods.  The course begins with prehistoric art and ends with the “Modern Art” era.

Yearbook
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1
Yearbook students are responsible for the finances, production, and distribution of the McAuley High School yearbook.

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.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Health
Grades 9
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 9-12
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.