Section II: Course Descriptions by Department

English Department

Each student must enroll in an English course each of the four years of high school. Twelve English credits are required for graduation. Freshmen are required to take English 9 and one trimester of Fundamentals of English Grammar. English 10, American Literature(for juniors) and English 12 are required courses. College bound seniors are encouraged to take A.P. English in place of English 12.

Sophomore 10-1, Junior American Literature 1 and English 12-1 are designed to offer challenge and to meet the needs of the academically motivated, college bound student.

Sophomore 10-2, Junior American Literature 2 and English 12-2 are designed with approaches to provide additional support to help students meet their reading and writing needs.

English teachers will make individual level recommendations for all students to be considered in selecting sophomore, junior and senior English courses.

(119) Grammar Fundamentals (1 credit)
This course will provide reinforcement of basic English grammar in order to facilitate the study of foreign language and English composition. Elements to be presented are parts of speech, parts of a sentence, capitalization, and punctuation.

(110) English 9 (3 credits)
This heterogeneous class is structured to meet the needs of all students, offering a variety of suitable materials for readers of varying abilities and allowing students choices in independent reading books (two per trimester) and projects. Students will develop their language arts skills through units on the short story, world mythology, poetry, and the novel. Intertwined with this content are the writing process, building of vocabulary, critical reading and note taking skills, and the research process. Class discussions and group activities are integral to the development of students' communication and teaming skills. Students will be encouraged to challenge themselves intellectually and socially throughout the year.

(113) English 10-1 (3 credits)
(114) English 10-2 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: English 9
Sophomore English is designed as an extension of freshman English, refining and expanding knowledge, skills and learning habits. Literary studies include a variety of fiction and nonfiction from a selection of genres and world writers. Expository writing skills and style are emphasized.

(115) American Literature-1 (3 credits)
(130) American Literature-2 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: English 10
Junior English is based in American literature and advances knowledge and skills acquired in freshman and sophomore English courses. Each trimester will include an analytical, research-based project.

(128) English 12-1 (3 credits)
(129) English 12-2 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: American Literature
A significant focus on British literature positions the American works studied during the junior year in the context of the larger English/European tradition. Beyond this generalist foundation, however, is the flexibility to present specialized topics.

(117) Advanced Placement English (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
This course will challenge students to read widely and deeply within the domain of literature in order to develop accurate, critical insights and an ability to express a particular point of view in clear, concise English. Students taking this course must agree to sit for the A.P. English Literature Examination. Please note that there is a fee for taking this exam, which is the responsibility of the student (scholarships are available for students with demonstrated need). Students scoring well on the A.P. English Literature Examination may receive freshman English credit at many colleges.

English Electives (May be taken in addition to required English; does not meet graduation requirement):

(123) Creative Writing (1 credit)
A one trimester elective with a focus on writing and editing poetry, short fiction, and personal essays, as well as reading selections from contemporary writers in a variety of genres. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.


Music/Performing Arts Department

Each student must take 3 credits of Fine Art during the four years of high school; this requirement can be satisfied through the visual arts or the music/performing arts programs.
An appreciation of music and an exploration of several musical disciplines are offered by the music program.
Three trimesters of Chorus, Band, Intro. to Drama, or Drama will satisfy the fine arts requirement for graduation.

(81) Band (3 credits -year long)
Open to all those wishing to play an instrument in an ensemble situation. Students should have or be able to acquire an instrument. May be retaken for credit.

(83) Chorus (3 credits- year long)
All types of literature will be explored: pop, music theater, jazz, classical. May be retaken for credit.

(82) Intro to Drama (3 credits- yearlong)
Three trimesters of this course is required before any other drama course can be taken. It introduces many theatrical concepts from theater history to improvisation. It is the building block for subsequent courses. The class will produce a murder mystery dinner theater in trimester two. This course may be retaken for credit.

(84) Drama (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Intro to Drama (or permission of instructor)
The emphasis of this course is to produce a play each trimester. May be retaken for credit.

Visual Arts Department

The fine arts requirement can be met by earning 3 visual arts credits during the four years of high school.

(811) Introductory Art (3 credits)
This basic one year course will deal with various elements of drawing, two dimensional design/painting and three dimensional design/sculpture. Students will make art work to create a social message, to express emotions as well as tapping into their imaginations! Additionally, they will draw and sculpt from observation. A multitude of interesting materials and techniques will be explored!

(820) Intermediate/Advanced Art (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Intro. Art or equivalent
Second, third and fourth year art students may choose to take this course. Many tools, techniques and materials will be used to address drawing skills, two dimensional design/painting, three dimensional design and sculpture. Third and fourth year students may choose to take this class as an advanced course and as a tool to build and create a portfolio to use for application to art, design and architecture colleges/universities. Art history and appreciation will also be included.

Art Electives:

(814) Hand Building with Clay (1 credit;)
Prerequisite: Intro. Art
Various methods of creating sculpture and functional pottery (coil, slab and pinch) will be demonstrated and used in this course. Clay works will be fired in the kiln and students will also have opportunities for glazing and other surface decoration.

(815) Jewelry/Metals (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Intro. Art
This course will include design problems addressing form and function. Materials and methods used will include the manipulation (sawing, cutting, bending, piercing) of various types of metal (both wire and sheet), as well as pewter casting. Students will experiment with color, line and texture, creating imaginative jewelry.

(822) Sculpture (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Intro. Art
Students will be given opportunities to work three-dimensionally in various interesting materials (traditional and non-traditional). Additionally, the sculpture forms created will vary in size and scale (large and small). Assignments will address both the subtractive (carving) and additive methods of making sculpture.

Foreign Language Department

The Foreign Language program is open to all students. College bound students are encouraged to take four years of a foreign language. Many college bound students elect to take two language programs. Students enrolled in French, Spanish or German will have the opportunity to visit countries where those languages are spoken during their high school experience.

(511) French I (3 credits)
This beginning program is designed to develop the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary and grammar are introduced and practiced with a focus on daily life topics. Culture, history and geography of the French speaking world are introduced.

(512) French II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: French I
This course builds upon skills acquired in French 1. The focus continues to be on daily life topics. French is used as a communication tool to learn the language, history, geography, and culture. Students will communicate with French pen pals via letters and electronic media.

(513) French III (3 credits)
Prerequisite: French II
Students continue to build oral and written communication skills in French and to enlarge the scope of discussions about history and culture. Grammar and vocabulary are more advanced and there is an introduction to literature. The focus remains on relevant daily life topics. Students will communicate with French pen pals via letters and electronic media.

(514) French IV (3 credits)
Prerequisite: French III
Students explore French literature, history, and culture. Grammar and vocabulary are more advanced. While the focus of vocabulary and grammar remain on daily life, the genres of literature studied include short stories, poetry, humor, and recent news reports. Students will communicate with French pen pals via letters and electronic media.

(530) German I ( 3 credits)
Introduces the student to speaking, listening, reading and writing. Vocabulary is appropriate for high school level students and deals with such subjects as school, hobbies, sport, music, shopping, family life, household chores, traveling, and socializing. German culture, music, history, and geography are also introduced. Dialogs
and play acting are emphasized. Materials include a textbook, a reader, videos and games.

(531) German II ( 3 credits)
Prerequisite: German I
Speaking, listening, writing, and reading continue to be an integral part of the course. Writing, particularly journal keeping is emphasized. Readings and dialogs deal with subjects of interest to the students. Some of the topics covered are: vacationing, living healthy, celebrations, and the environment. Students will also be reading a few short stories. Students are encouraged to answer and ask questions in German. German culture, history, music, and geography continue to be a vital part of the course. Materials include a textbook, a reader with fairy tales and short stories, videos, music, and games.

(532) German III (3 credits)
Prerequisite: German II
This course continues to emphasize skills acquired in German I and II. Speaking, reading and writing in the target language will receive equal attention. Reading topics will include preferences as to where people choose to live, fashion, preferred vacation spots, diverse interests, getting your driver's liscence, etc. In German I and II culture, history-particularly modern history, music, and geography play an important part of the course. Students will be preparing for a cultural bowl at "Sprachfest". Materials include a textbook, a workbook, videos, movies, as well as games. Songs, short stories and legends will be used in addition to the textbook

(533) German IV (3 credits)
Prerequisite: German III
This course continues to build on the skills acquired in German I,II and III. There will be equal emphasis on reading, writing and oral skills. Topics include: German history, current events, modern short stories, Grimm's fairy tales, music, and select poetry. Students are expected to participate in writing a script and producing a video for "Sprachfest". Materials include textbooks, readers, magazines, movies, videos, and games.

(540) Latin I ( 3 credits)
Latin is the basic language from which all Romance languages come(French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian). 60% of all English words come directly from Latin. Therefore, the study of Latin is an exceptional tool in learning derivation of English vocabulary and produces higher verbal scores on the SATs. It is also a must for those students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences or languages. Emphasis is on vocabulary and grammar (English and Latin) with equal units on Roman mythology, architecture, history, and culture.

(543) Latin II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Latin I
Students will continue the study of grammar and vocabulary with the objective to read intermediate Latin passages, e.g. “Labors or Hercules” and Aesop’s Fables. Historical and cultural units will complement the readings of Homer's Odyssey in translation. The culminating activity will be to plan, coordinate, and execute (along with Latin I students) an authentic Roman banquet in May.

(541) Latin III (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Latin II
Latin III utilizes the grammar and vocabulary learned in Latin I and II in order to read the masters of Latin literature--Caesar, Cicero, Vergil, Ovid, and Pliny in the original language. Classical word origin study will continue, and individualized projects and reports aligned with students' interests will be planned.

(542) Latin IV (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Latin III
Students will continue translating the works of Cicero and Vergil at an advanced level. A portfolio demonstrating the influence of Vergil on British literature and readings from the Aeneid in translation will be assigned.

(550) Spanish I (3 credits)
This is a full year introductory course in the language, culture and geography of Spain and Latin America. Students learn practical and useful vocabulary in such a manner as to be able to start communicating almost immediately. Emphasis is placed on the mechanics of grammar, speaking,
listening and understanding so that students may become effective communicators. Some basic writing and reading in the Spanish language are also introduced.
Text: Juntos Uno with workbook (supplementary materials added)

(551) Spanish II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Spanish I
This course continues with the basic development of the mechanics of Spanish, focusing on more grammatical structures and vocabulary. The verb system is covered more thoroughly, and also students do research to plan a trip. Short readings and more emphasis on written exercises are done in the target language. In class, the teacher speaks more Spanish and students are encouraged to do the same.
Text: Juntos Dos with workbook (supplementary materials added)

(552) Spanish III (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Spanish II
This course stresses the development of conversational skills and the control and use of the verb system.
Students write and converse on practical, everyday themes in longer and more complex context. A complete study of the verb and pronoun system is covered. In addition, a Hispanic country is researched. Occasional cooking is also done in Spanish.
Text: Juntos Tres with workbook (supplemental materials added)

(553) Spanish IV (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Spanish III
This course is a refinement of grammar skills and an increase in language proficiency. The year may start with the completion of the Juntos Tres text, if necessary. Then literary selections are read on a variety of subjects via periodicals, short stories, and essays. A novel by a major Hispanic author may also be read. Writings also include essays, research projects, journals, stories and letters. Occasional cooking is done in Spanish again as well as movies in Spanish and an end of the year immersion weekend may be planned. Text: finish Juntos Tres, if necessary, various periodicals and works from contemporary and classic Hispanic authors as well as an additional grammar workbook, Repaso.

Health Department

Health is a required course for all students. Each student must take two trimesters of health in order to meet the graduation requirement. Health 1 and Health 2 may be taken in any order and must be taken by all freshmen.

(801) Health 1 (1 credit)
This required health class includes units on mental health, social health, human development, and nutrition.

(802) Health 2 (1 credit)
This required health class includes units on fitness, substance abuse, disease prevention, and environmental and community health.

Mathematics Department

Students will be required to successfully complete 9 credits of math during the four years of high school.

(220) Accounting I (3 credits):
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
Students in Accounting I will learn basic accounting skills. At least one year of accounting is recommended for any student interested in business. Accounting I satisfies a math requirement. Students planning to attend Bath Vocational in business education should take Accounting I as Sophomores.

(200) Introduction to Algebra (3 credits)
This course is designed to give students a review of fundamental mathematical concepts and to develop the necessary proficiency to enable students to advance to Algebra.

(201) Algebra I (3 credits)
The major objective of this course is to help students gain an understanding of higher order math skills. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of Algebra.

(203) Geometry (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Geometry is a college preparatory course in plane, analytical, and solid geometry with emphasis on formal proof as well as algebraic manipulation of geometric situations.

(202) Algebra II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Geometry
The emphasis in Algebra II is on developing the skills and concepts necessary to work on a set of complex numbers. Students will be encouraged to become flexible thinkers.

(204) Advanced Math (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Advanced Math is a college preparatory course designed for the motivated student. The course will review and expand the student's background in algebra and trigonometry.

(205) Calculus (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Advanced Math
Calculus requires that the student have a thorough knowledge of college preparatory mathematics. The student is offered the chance to do college level work in calculus and analytic geometry.

(211) Advanced Placement Calculus-BC (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Calculus
This is a challenging course covering the first full year of college calculus and culminating in the Advanced Placement test. this course requires approximately fifteen hours of homework weekly.
All students are expected to take the A.P. exam and pay the appropriate fee. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, applications of calculus to the natural sciences, infinite series, Taylor and Maclaurin Series, and elementary differential equations.

(212) SAT Prep (1 credit)
(offered trimester 1 & trimester 2)
Prerequisite: sophomores and juniors
SAT Prep is a course designed to prepare students for the mathematics section of the SAT that all students must take in their junior year.

Physical Education Department

(800) Physical Education (1 credit )
In physical education the major emphasis will be on cardiovascular health, bodybuilding, leisure and lifetime sports, and nutrition. Each trimester of PE taken is worth 1 credit. Students who successfully complete an athletic season may be granted one trimester of PE credit, up to 3, but only for each athletic season completed.

(806) Advanced Weight Training (1 credit)
Prerequisite: sophomore, junior or senior status
This will be a rigorous training program for those athletes who wish to increase their strength and stamina. Beginning with the class of 2009, this class will not meet the PE requirement. This class is NOT open to freshmen.

Science Department

Students are required to complete three years of science in order to meet graduation requirements. Those planning to apply to a four year college are stongly encouraged to take four years of high school science. Those planning to enter the allied health fields are also strongly encouraged to complete four years of high school science. All students are required to complete Freshmen Science, a biology class, and one year of either physics or chemistry to complete their three-year graduation requirement.

(301) Freshmen Science (3 credits)
This is a year long activity-based course required of all freshmen. The course will emphasize data collection, analysis, and interpretation in the physical sciences. The course will provide an introduction to the fields of chemistry and physics at the high school level. In addition, the course will develop mathematical and writing skills needed in all of our science courses.

(340) Biology (3 Credits)
This course is designed for the student who will be a non-science major in college. Concepts covered will be identical to College-Prep Biology but at a slower more in-depth pace with guided learning and discovery through lab application. Homework should be expected. All sophomores are required to take Biology or CP Biology.

(321) College Preparatory Biology (3 credits)
This course follows a rigorous academic schedule. Students will study in-depth biological concepts with an emphasis on scientific reasoning, scientific inquiry, application of knowledge to real-world situations, and communication using various methods. This course is designed to allow students the time and experience to develop the critical skills necessary for continued success at the college level. All sophomores are required to take Biology or CP Biology.

(304) Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)* Offered 2008-2009
Prerequisite: Junior/ Senior Status /College-Prep Science
This course provides advanced studies in the systems of the human body. Students need to be prepared to follow a rigorous academic schedule involving lengthy lectures, fast paced learning of large amounts of medical information, and taking college level tests. Application of medical knowledge is expected. Animal dissection is part of the final exam. A college text is used.

(326) Advanced Placement Biology (3 credits)* Offered 2009-2010
Prerequisite: Junior/ Senior Status/ College-Prep Science/ Signature of Instructor
Students taking this course will be preparing for the Advanced Placement Test. The guidelines provided by the College-Board are as follows. There are twelve in-depth labs covered in the program to ensure student conceptual understanding of biological concepts. A college text is used and student purchase of the text is recommended. Summer work prior to class meetings should be expected. All students are expected to take the A.P. exam and pay the appropriate fee.

(308) Physics (3 credits)
Basic concepts in physics will be taught with an emphasis on conceptual understanding. An introduction to mechanics, waves and electromagnetism will constitute the most of this yearlong laboratory class.

(323) College Preparatory Physics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Algebra II ; Junior/Senior status
This is a college preparatory course. A strong foundation in algebra is required. This is a challenging course with an emphasis on the application of mathematics to real problems. Students will leave this laboratory course with a strong foundation in mechanics.

(311) Advanced Physics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: College Preparatory Physics; must be enrolled in Advanced Math or Calculus
This is a rigorous physics course designed for the student planning to pursue science or engineering. Advanced Physics will focus on content not covered in College Preparatory Physics.

(305) Chemistry (3 credits)
This course is designed for students desiring a less mathematical approach to the study of chemistry. Applied Chemistry focuses on the role of chemistry and chemicals in the modern world.

(322) College Preparatory Chemistry (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Algebra II
This course is designed to meet the needs of all students planning a science related career. This academically demanding course will provide a solid foundation in the basic principles and methods of chemistry, and emphasizes theory and problem solving.

(309) Ecology and Environmental Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Freshman Science
This course will study the interrelationships between humans and the environment. The course will emphasize the science of ecology while assessing human impacts beginning locally and progressing to global issues. Web based data sources and real world research will be the primary vehicle to introduce environmental issues. The course is open to anyone who has completed freshman science.

Social Studies Department

Boothbay Region High School has a three-year social studies expectation. All students must take World Cultures and the two-year sequence of U.S. History. Beyond this, students will have electives to choose from.

(400) World Cultures (3 credits; Required of all freshmen)
Introduces students to social studies skills, cultural systems, and perspectives (i.e. belief, social, political and economic systems) of the world regions. Students will study cultures from ancient to contemporary times.

(401) U. S. History I: World and America (3 credits; Required of all sophomores)
This course will take students from the Age of Exploration and Discovery through the American Reconstruction.
Trimester I: Age of Exploration and Discovery through the Constitution.
Trimester II: Constitution through the Antebellum period.
Trimester III: The Antebellum period through Reconstruction.
The economic, political and social development of the American nation will be stressed and explored.

(402) U. S. History II: America and the World ( 3 credits Required of all Juniors )
Prerequisite: U. S. History I and junior status
This course leads students from the Industrial Revolution to today.
Trimester I: Industrialization through Progressives.
Trimester II: Progressives through The Great Depression.
Trimester III: World War II through postmodern World.
The economic, political and social development of the American nation will be stressed and explored.