Elective Class Descriptions
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Elective Choices
ARTS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
BEGINNING ART
UC/CSU Approved-F
Description: This is an introductory course providing experience in the fundamentals of the art
process. Students are introduced to the elements and principles of design: line, shape, form, value,
texture, color, balance, variety, and unity. This one-year course is structured to focus on the
rudimentary understandings of the three major components of visual art - form, subject matter, and
context. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement for graduation. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
INTERMEDIATE ART UC/CSU Approved –F Prerequisite: Beg. Art with a grade of C or better
Description: This course is a review with continuation and further development in the areas covered
in Beginning Drawing and Painting. New mediums such as scratchboard, acrylic, and airbrush are introduced. A sketchbook and written assignments will be required. This one-year course is
structured to take a more in depth look at the varying facets of visual form, subject matter, and
context. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement for graduation. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
GRAPHICS ARTS
UC/CSU APPROVED - F
Description: This course is designed to develop the fundamental principles of graphic arts by
connecting it with desktop publishing. Basic principles, materials and equipment used in the major
printing processes, as well as beginning skills in perspective drawing, desktop publishing,
typography, logo design, creation layout technique and pictorial drawing. Student will use design
principles and application knowledge to create unique projects that progressively develop their
skills. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or
CSU system.
ADVANCED GRAPHIC ARTS (MEDIA ARTS 2) UC/CSU Approved – F Prerequisite: Graphic Arts
Description: This course is designed to expand and reinforce upon skills learned in Graphic Arts and provide exposure to a variety of advanced digital media development skills.
FASHION PRODUCTION UC/CSU APPROVED - F
Description:: This year long course allows students to focus on the production side of the graphics industry. Students will run machines such as ink presses and embroidery equipment to create products for the local graphics market.
PHOTOGRAPHY
UC/CSU Approved - F
Prerequisite: Graphic Arts
Description: In this course, students will learn and use the photography process to develop
comprehensive skills of basic photography. . For students receiving a grade of C or better, this
course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
PUBLICATIONS
Prerequisite: Teacher approval required
Description: This yearlong elective course provides students with a foundation in principles and
techniques to facilitate their production of the North High School yearbook. Students function as
the yearbook staff in chronicling the year's activities and events. Students gain experience in
photography, writing, editing, and design and layout of yearbook pages.
CHAMBER SINGERS UC/CSU Approved – F Teacher approval is required
Description: This is an advanced class, which requires an audition for enrollment. The class will
involve an in-depth study of choral literature of all types and styles. An extensive performance
schedule is required. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for
acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
MIXED CHOIR UC/CSU Approved – F This class is designed for freshman and beginning level sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. Singing and music reading fundamentals will be emphasized in class, and one concert will be performed each quarter. This class is ideal for students with limited or no high school choir experience. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
ADVANCED TREBLE ENSEMBLE UC/CSU Approved – F Prerequisite:Director’s permission required.
scription:This class is designed for sophomores through seniors singing soprano or alto. Music experience is required, and admission to this class must have director approval through interview or audition. Singing and music reading fundamentals will continue to be emphasized in class, and one concert will be performed each quarter. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
MARCHING BAND
UC/CSU Approved - F
Description: Marching band is a fall semester course. Participation in related activities such as halftime
performances, parade marching, and rallies are required. . For students receiving a grade of C
or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
JAZZ BAND
UC/CSU Approved - F
Description: This is a performing instrumental ensemble of advanced musicians who work with
artistic and technical aspects of contemporary jazz and big band music. Musical styles include Latin,
Swing, Bebop, Rock, Funk, Fusion, and other popular musical styles. . For students receiving a
grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
WIND ENSEMBLE
UC/CSU Approved - F
Description: Membership is based on audition and advanced musicianship. This group will perform
at concerts, festivals, and other related events. . For students receiving a grade of C or better, this
course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
PERCUSSION
UC/CSU Approved - F
Description: This course is available for all types of percussionists: mallet, cymbals, tritons, tympani,
snare and bass drum. The group will rehearse music arranged specifically for percussion, and
perform for the public with concert groups. . For students receiving a grade of C or better, this
course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
BEGINNING GUITAR UC/CSU Approved-F
Description: This course is designed for students with little to no experience of the guitar. Instruction includes music theory, strumming and picking techniques, sight reading, performance decorum, and performance techniques. Enrollment is open to all students on campus. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement.
THEATER 1: THEATER & FILM
UC/CSU Approved-F
Description: This course offers basic instruction in theater techniques of improvisation, mime,
characterization, and impromptu speaking. Some play reading is required as well as viewing and
critiquing performances. . For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for
acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
THEATER 3: DRAMA PERFORMANCE UC/CSU Approved-F Prerequisite: Drama I with a grade of B or higher or instructor approval
Description: This college preparatory course is designed to teach experienced drama students techniques
to further develop their acting skills through participation in basic acting exercises, classroom
scenes, one-act plays, and competitions. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course
counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system.
MARKETING SALES & SERVICE
WEB DESIGN
Description: This course is designed to instruct students in the construction and maintenance of
web page programs. Students will design and maintain the North High School Web Page.
INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO GAME DESIGN Description: This is a one year course comprising two semester offerings.
Semester 1 will focus on teaching the components and the programming skills that go into building games. Students will subsequently use those skills to build multiple games that test and enhance various coding skills. Additional learning targets include: Learning the components of how gaming is used in the real world, learning what seperates good games from bad games, how physics and math apply to gaming, how color theory is used, the application of game theory, the gaming and engineering design cycle, how to create sprites and animation and moe. Students will create their own game-developing their unique concept from “idea- to - production”. Semester 2 will feature game design and development that engages students in real life game development companies to craft a game. In addition, students will build teacher-guided games that build on some of the functionality required in their own unique team game. After completing the guided games, students form teams and dive into how a real game development company comes up with a and actually develops it. The focus is not simply in building games, but rather the process of actual game development. Teams are required to form an idea, come up with a marketing plan, outlining various roles, develop a proposal, provide weekly status reports, and much more.
FINANCE & BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
UC/CSU Approved - G This course will provide students the skills needed to effectively organize, develop, create, and manage a business. Students will learn the significance of math, reading, writing, and communicating to their future within the framework of operating a small business. They will understand how the market economy and ownership leads to wealth creation. Students will learn not only the skills necessary to become a successful business person but also the attitudes, characteristics, and techniques needed to succeed. They will learn to be able to save and make future investments in order to meet their financial goals in life. Students will build analytical skills through solving complex problems and making sound decisions in order to produce a viable business. Emphasis is placed on the functions of business management: organization, management, finance, marketing, information technology, product/service management, distribution, promotion, and selling. Additional topics to be addressed are the government's role in a business, the assessment of personal skills, the components of the free enterprise system and its place in our global economy, human relations and interpersonal skills, career planning, the importance of business ethics, and the role quality and service play in business.
VIRTUAL BUSINESS UC/CSU Approved-G Description: Virtual Business is a two-hour class designed to expose students to a real life business experience. Students will create, construct, promote and manage a virtual business that is connected to a worldwide organization.
BUILDING/TRADES & CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION 1
Description: Construction 1 is a class designed for the student to explore the uses of wood.
Students learn to plan, layout, measure, cut, fit, fasten, assemble, and finish a completed wood project, and gain the ability to identify quality construction in wood furniture. Critical thinking, problem solving, communication, listening, and employability skills will be developed throughout the course.
CONSTRUCTION 2 Prerequisite: Construction 1
Description: This course is the second in a series of three courses designed to provide students with competencies necessary to enter courses specializing in the construction industry (or related fields) or to enter the job market. This course is intended to give the students an in-depth study of design practices and construction elements/procedures. Students will apply critical thinking skills and knowledge learned from class units to projects such as the construction and framing of a model of a residence. Knowledge learned in construction 1 and new skills learned in Construction 2 will be used on various projects that enhance student skills on machine hand tools.
CONSTRUCTION 3
Prerequisite: Construction 1 & 2
Description: Construction 3 is a third year class designed for the student to expand their knowledge and skills in the construction of projects and furniture-related items. The use of various species of wood, correct wood construction, wood finishes, and competence in the use of hand held tools and machines are covered. Students refine already learned skills of planning, layout, measurement, cut, fit, fasten, assembly and finishing to various completed wood projects and sharpen their ability to identify quality construction in wood furniture. Students will be required for the projects they want to keep. Critical-thinking, problem solving, communication listening, and employability skills will be developed throughout the course. Many other academic skills are also reinforced through course content.
ENGINEERING & DESIGN
PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING Description:Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. Students will learn to build various machines to solve different challenges. This class is the first course in the four year PLTW pathway.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (PLTW)
Prerequisite: Requires Instructor Approval
Description: Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.
COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING
Description: Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design and automation. Students will build different types of robots to solve various challenges. This class is open to students in 11th grade.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Description:
This course provides an overview of Civil Engineering and Architecture. Students develop problem solving skills by tackling real-world engineering and architectural problems. Through theory and practical hands-on experience, students address the emerging social and political consequences of technology and change.
TRANSPORTATION
INTRODUCTION TO AVIATION
Description: Intro to aviation is a two semester course that covers: Semester one: 1. engineering design process in aerospace 2.overview of commercial, military and general aviation, 3. intro to unmanned aircraft 4. Intro to space exploration 5. Early aviation innovations, 6. Modern aircraft design 7. Airspace Semester two: 1. Fundamentals of aviation safety 2. The FAA 3. Accident investigations and NTSB 3. Weather 4. Exploring careers in aviation and aerospace 6. Innovations and the future of aerospace
AVIATION 1
Description: Aviation 1 is a course which focuses on preparation for the ground school examination.
Students obtain hands on training which includes working with FAA approved flight simulators in
preparation for ground school.
AVIATION 2
Description: Aviation 2 is a course which focuses on further preparation for the ground school examination.
Students obtain hands on training which includes working with FAA approved flight simulators in
preparation for ground school.
AGRICULTURE
AG VET SCIENCE UC/CSU Approved - D The Veterinary Science course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to investigate different aspects of the animal health and care occupations, or to continue on in post-secondary education in the animal science field. This content of this course will include: job-search skills, comparative anatomy and physiology, animal reproduction, animal inheritance and selection principles, basic pet grooming skills, animal restraint, nutrition and housing, medical terminology, animal welfare concerns, production practices for large and small animals, production of small animals, how animal products and by-products are processed and marketed, species and breed identification, and disease control/management. This course will also combine fundamentals of academics to include communications, career planning and management, technology, problem solving and critical thinking, health and safety practices, ethics as well as legal responsibilities, leadership development and team work through active participation in the FFA, personal responsibility and flexibility as it applies to specific job skills.
ADVANCED ANIMAL SCIENCE Prerequisite: AG Vet Science Description: The major focus of the Advanced Animal Science course is to expose students to agriculture, animal science, and related career options. Students will have experiences in various animal science concepts with exciting hands-on activities, projects and problems. Student experiences will involve the study of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection, and marketing. Students will acquire skills in meeting the nutritional needs of animals while developing balanced, economical rations. Throughout this course, students will consider the perceptions and preferences of individuals within local, regional, and world markets. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of animal science and work on major projects and problems similar to those animal science specialists, such as veterinarians, zoologists, livestock producers, and industry personnel, face in their respective careers.
AG COMMUNICATION Description: Agricultural Communications course is designed to enhance leadership skills in students through written and oral communication. The course is intended for students in grades 9-12 and should be taken as a supplemental course to the established agriculture career pathway. Students enrolled in the course will have the unique opportunity to receive direct leadership training including public speaking and debate while working with local and state business men and women in the agriculture industry. The course will emphasize detailed knowledge of leadership through the use of local and state public speaking events, business management through computer applications and record keeping, industry networking, professional development, officer development workshops, career development events, as well as local, state and national leadership experiences. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education.
AG FlORAL DESIGN UC/CSU Approved - F Description: The Art of Floral Design is intended to introduce the student to theories and principles of artistic design and their influence on floral artistry. The course emphasizes the knowledge and skills needed to understand artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context(s); aesthetic valuing, and practical application of the visual arts. Students will analyze, interpret, create and judge various types of artwork and apply what is learned to floral art. Students will be introduced to the basic elements of visual art such as line, balance, color and form and apply this knowledge to floral designs as well as two dimensional projects using other art media. Through hands-on practice the student will become familiar with material selection, design mechanics, maintenance and design evaluation. Students will achieve this through creating, designing, identifying, explaining and evaluating their own work. Other projects will include two and three dimensional designs that serve to reinforce the students’ instruction in historical and cultural influence, color theory and creative expression. Concepts will be reinforced by using appropriate design vocabulary in conjunction with development of technical skills in floral art, cut flower identification and care and will serve as a foundation for more complex works such as multi-part floral design, design challenges and creating art based on client specifications. For students receiving a grade of C or better, this course counts for acceptance to the UC or CSU system, counts as an area F (Fine Arts) and is Dual Enrolled at Bakersfield College.
Ag Sales & Marketing-This class is a survey and basic understanding of the business of the agriculture industry with a specific emphasis on agriculture sales, marketing and advertising. It is an introduction to agriculture business and its impact on the agricultural producer, consumer and the food system, and how these concepts are applied to create, sell and market agriculture products. The management principles encountered in the day to day operation of an agricultural enterprise are stressed as they relate to the decision making process. This course is Dual Enrolled at Bakersfield College.
MISCELLANEOUS
PSYCHOLOGY/ SOCIOLOGY UC/CSU Approved-G
Description: Psychology: This course is an introduction to the study of human behavior.
Sociology: Sociology is a study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and culture of everyday life. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, acceptance, and change or social evolution.
VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SERVICE
Description: Community involvement service empowers students to collaboratively work beside and
with other groups and individuals within their community while building social empathy and civic
responsibility, and gaining valuable job-related skills. This course requires students to find a non-profit organization to volunteer a minimum of 75 hours during the semester. Instructor must approve volunteer placement.
LIBRARY SCIENCE
Prerequisite: Requires Instructor Approval
Description: Library Science is a class intended to provide experience which will enhance the
students ability to use the Library for both personal and school-oriented interests, to develop skills
in specified clerical activities in the Library, and to expose the student to experience in working with
the public, as represented by the student body and staff.
LINK CREW Prerequisite: Application Process. Requires Instructor Approval
Description: Link Crew is a high school transition program that is designed to welcome freshmen and make them feel comfortable throughout their first year of a high school experience. As positive role models, Link Leaders are motivators, leaders, and teachers who will guide the freshman to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school.
CAREER TECH
Description : This course focuses on the following topics: self-evaluation and assessment, goal
setting, career decision making, educational planning and North High School pathway
exploration. Course culminates with the completion of a student ten year plan incorporating
high school, college and/or career pathway.
STRONG BODY Description: Strong Body is an elective class, which is open to all Ninth through Twelfth Grade students who are interested in improving their level of fitness by using a variety of cross training activities.Through a variety of physical education activities, this course will continue to address and expand upon Movement Skills and Movement Knowledge, Self-image and Personal Development, and Social Development. In addition, these activities will be offered in a non-threatening and safe environment, so those students may be able to develop and achieve the objectives set forth in this course of study.The major emphasis of study is to develop a personalized fitness plan for lifetime fitness by selecting activities that contribute to the achievement of personal fitness goals, and analysis of movement. Additional activities that may include, but are not limited to, individual and dual sports, outdoor education, combatives and dance.
DANCE
Description: This course is designed to introduce and expose students to various dance forms including, but not limited to, jazz, ballet, and modern dance along with a study of dance history. This class will also develop basic techniques as well as acquaint students with the proper terminology of movement. Students will also create their own dance combinations.