elective catalog template

Non-Discrimination (BP 0410) 

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District Governing Board is committed to providing 

equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities, practices, 

and employment shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying 

based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, 

marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, 

gender, gender identity or expression,; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; 

or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or 

perceived characteristics. This policy applies to all acts related to school activity or 

school attendance within a school under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent. 

Participation in Academic Programs (BP 6164.2) 

Newport-Mesa Unified School District Governing Board recognizes that a comprehensive 

counseling program promotes academic achievement and serves the diverse 

needs of all district students. Academic programs and/or courses are available to all 

persons, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, 

age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual 

orientation, gender, gender identity or expression; the perception of one or more of 

such characteristics; or association with a person or a group with one or more of these 

actual or perceived characteristics. 

COSTA MESA HIGH SCHOOL 

Elective Catalog 

No Discriminación (BP 0410) 

La Junta Directiva del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Newport-Mesa esta comprometida 

a proveer igualdad de oportunidades en educación a todos los individuos. Los programas, 

actividades, prácticas y empleos en el Distrito estarán libres de discriminación, 

acoso, intimidación y hostigamiento basado en raza, color, ascendencia, origen nacional, 

identificación de grupo étnico, edad, religión, estado parental o marital, discapacidad 

mental o física, sexo, orientación sexual, género, identidad de género o expresión 

de género; la percepción de una o mas de estas características; o asociación con una 

persona o grupo con una o mas de estas características percibidas. Esta política aplica 

para todos los actos relacionados a actividades escolares o asistencia escolar dentro 

de una escuela, bajo la jurisdicción del Superintendente. 

Participación en Programas Académicos (BP 6164.2) 

La Junta Directiva Gobernante del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Newport-Mesa reconoce 

que un programa completo de asesoramiento promueve los logros académicos y 

sirve las diversas necesidades de todos los estudiantes del distrito. Programas y/o 

cursos están disponibles para todas las personas sin importar su raza, color, ascendencia, 

origen nacional, identificación con grupo étnico, edad, religión, estado parental 

o marital, discapacidad mental o física, sexo, genero, orientación sexual, identidad o 

expresión de genero; la percepción de una o mas de estas características; o asociación 

con una persona o grupo con una o mas de estas características percibidas. 

BUSINESS ACADEMY 

ENVIRONMENTAL MARINE 

ACADEMY 

REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL 

PROGRAM 

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY 

SOCIAL SCIENCE 

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS 

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS 

WORLD LANGUAGES

Business Academy 

Business Economics and Finance 

This course will give students a fundamental understanding of how businesses and the local, 

national, and international economy interact to produce a profit or loss. Economic, financial, 

and accounting concepts taught in this course will enable students to understand key elements 

involved in planning and managing business financial success. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: None 

Entrepreneurship 

Competition and the global economy have opened the door for many new businesses, and 

entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly vital to the economy. In this course students will 

learn skills that will enable them to start their own business as well as skills that are transferable 

to careers of the future. The course discusses fundamental small business concepts and 

leads students through the process of developing a detailed start-up business plan for the 

business of their choice. Students will also complete a variety of simulations regarding the 

operation of their start-up business. 


Senior Capstone Class- ROP Virtual Enterprise 

See ROP section for description 

EMA-Environmental Marine Academy 

Introduction to Environmental Studies 

Intro to Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary, project-based course which introduces 

students to the fundamentals of environmental and marine sciences through real-world projects, 

field work, and laboratory exploration. Students also build the foundation of their ePortfolios, 

explore careers, and develop critical thinking and communication skills. 


Green Urban Design 

This course is the second in a three year sequence of career technical education courses that 

prepare students to engage in environmental issues and become sound decision makers as 

the move into college and career pathways. This course guides students to an understanding 

of green urban design principles and the ways in which urban space is planned and constructed. 

Topics covered include geography, green building design, transportation, public space, 

green business, urban design, public health, and geographic information systems. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: G 

Environmental Field Studies 

Environmental Field Studies is a highly relevant interdisciplinary course that provides a platform 

for students to investigate environmental problems under the mentorship of local environmental 

agencies and professionals. An emphasis will be placed on students using critical thinking 

and analytical skills to make a positive impact on the environment. Projects are real world 

and geared towards current local and global topics. A strong emphasis will be placed on successful 

completion of internships in relevant fields and finalization of a ten-year career/ 

educational plan and professional portfolio. 


Optional Course for EMA 

Marine Science 

Students designed to examine the physical aspects of the oceans. Students will study the 

physical and chemical properties of sea water, geological processes that formed the ocean 

basins, sea floor and shoreline features. Students will learn the origin of the solar system and 

its water, the effects of moon and tides, waves and wave properties, Introduction to the major 

groups of marine organisms and their interaction with the physical and chemical aspects of the 

ocean will be stressed. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Life Science/Physical Science/Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: D 

MANDARIN 

Mandarin 1 

The course will begin with foundational elements to learning any language: mastering common 

vocabulary terms and phrases, understanding unique grammar patterns, developing 

conversational abilities within the language, reading, and writing speaking and listening within 

the language. Beginning students will acquire the basic skills necessary to function in a 

variety of real-life situations they may encounter in Mandarin-speaking contexts, interactions, 

and environments. Students will acquire and develop beginning reading, writing, listening, 

and speaking skills to communicate information about themselves, others, and relevant experiences. 

Students will utilize the appropriate vocabulary, linguistic components, and grammatical 

structures necessary to achieve desired tasks. Throughout the course students will 

be exposed to the various Mandarin- speaking cultures and peoples which will include: Geography, 

History, Art, Traditions, & Current Events. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities | A-G College Requirement: E 

Mandarin 2 

The goal of Mandarin 2 is to enable students to communicate accurately and appropriately in 

Mandarin at the second level. The program focuses on developing the receptive skills of 

listening and reading, developing the productive skills of speaking and writing and on emphasizing 

communication in Mandarin. Technology is integrated to immerse students in authentic 

language and culture through the use of video. 


Mandarin 3 

Mandarin Chinese 3 provides students a more in-depth study of Chinese language and culture 

and prepares students for AP Chinese during their fourth year of study. Students will 

continue to add to their knowledge of how to communicate in real life and authentic situations 

that include, but are not limited to extension of classroom language, survival, travel, 

relationships, going out, events etc. with the appropriate cultural response. Students will also 

be expected to learn supplemental vocabulary and will do regular reading from novellas. In 

addition, students will produce a combination of essays and oral reports to help them consolidate 

their mastery of characters, sentence patterns, grammar and cultural understanding. 


New addition to the World Languages will be one of the following course: 

Mandarin 4 

The course is designed to further develop students’ fundamentals of communicative competence 

and to enable them to develop higher level speaking, listening, reading and writing 

skills. Mandarin 4 will also focus on helping students be able to more fluently use their acquired 

vocabulary in daily dialogue and through short reading selections. Speaking and 

written materials will be expanded to expose students to social and practical topics in formal 

and informal settings. Students will be able to comprehend a non-technical lecture and discuss 

the information gained from the lecture. Students will also continue to explore Chinese 

cultural values and compare differences with those of United States by keeping abreast of 

current news stories and looking at important events in Chinese history. 


AP Mandarin 

Prerequisite: Teacher approval 

AP Mandarin prepares students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency across the 

three communicative modes (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational) and the five 

goal areas (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities) as 

outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. Its aim is to 

provide students with ongoing and varies opportunities to further develop their proficiency 

across the full range of language skills within a cultural frame of reference reflective of the 

richness of Chinese language and culture. This course focuses on language proficiency 

while interweaving level and age appropriate cultural content throughout the course. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities | A-G College Requirement: E

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 is a course developed to provide students with language-use 

experiences that meet the needs of heritage speakers. This course is structured to present 

language in an interesting, interactive and effective manner incorporating the knowledge, skills 

and experiences that heritage speakers bring to the classroom as well as a thematic approach 

that highlights Hispanic cultures within and beyond the United States; thus developing a strong 

sense of identity and a high level of self-esteem. 


Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 continues the preparation of the use of the language with 

academic and socio-cultural intention. This course adds importance in the developing of reading 

and comprehension, reflective and/or critical writing and refinement of the academic language 

through cultural investigation and introduction to literature. The course has been structured 

academically to produce effectiveness in the learning process of Spanish through 1) 

interpersonal, interpretative and persuasive communication; 2) a direct bonding with the perspectives 

and practices of various cultural groups; 3) acknowledging the importance of the 

relationship between language and culture in a multicultural society; and 4) the usage of the 

Spanish language to develop a better understanding of the world that we live in. 


AP Spanish Language 


AP Spanish Language is intended for students who wish to develop proficiency and integrate 

their language skills, using authentic materials and sources. Students who enroll should already 

have a basic knowledge of the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples and 

should have attained a reasonable proficiency in using the language. This course should help 

prepare students to demonstrate their level of Spanish proficiency across three communicative 

modes (Interpersonal [interactive communication], Interpretive [receptive communication], and 

Presentational [productive communication]), and the five goal areas outlined in the Standards 

for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century1 (Communication, Cultures, Connections, 

Comparisons, and Communities). 


AP Spanish Literature 


The AP Spanish Literature course has been designed to introduce students to the formal study 

of Spanish and Latin American literary texts. It provides them with a learning experience that 

matches that of a third-year course in Latin American and Peninsular literature. Literature is 

examined within the context of its time and place, as students reflect on the many voices and 

cultures present in the required readings. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural 

connections and comparisons, including exploration of various media (e.g., art, film, articles, 

and literary criticism). The extensive reading list introduces students to the diverse literature 

written in Spanish. 


PLTW-Project Lead the Way 

Introduction to Engineering/Design (9th Grade) 

Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering 

standards to hands-on projects. They both work individually and in teams to design solutions 

to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software and document their work in an engineering 

notebook. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: G 

Principals of Engineering (10th Grade) 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering/Design 

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. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: TBD 

ROP-Regional Occupational Program 

Sports Medicine 

Prepare for careers relating to sports medicine. This course is designed to provide students 

with an introduction in care, prevention and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Learn the basic 

skills and fundamentals of sports medicine, including how to prevent athletic injury and increase 

athletic performance. Study body mechanics, nutritional guidelines for maximizing performance, 

protective sports equipment, taping and bracing, psychological aspects of competition, 

and training and conditioning techniques. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: D 

Virtual Enterprise 

A Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set up and run by students to prepare them 

for working in a real business environment. With the guidance of a teacher (“consultant”) and 

real-world business partners, the students determine the nature of their business, its product 

and services, its management and structure, and engage in the daily operations of running a 

business. Emphasis is placed on using current business software, communications, and the 

Internet for business transactions. This program teaches entrepreneurship and practical skills 

that are essential to career readiness while promoting healthy competition to motivate students. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills/Elective | A-G College Requirement: G 

Music Technology 

Music Tech is a course in digital music recording and live sound reinforcement. The class is 

built around the Logic Pro and Garageband software running on Macintosh computers. 

Students spend their time recording live music, creating original digital music, mixing multi 

-track recordings, and learning the basics of live sound reinforcement. Equipment includes two 

soundproof recording booths, two 16 track Yamaha all digital mixers, and a large PA system 

with powered 18” subs, 15” mains, and 12” stage monitors. Equipment also includes a collection 

of high end condenser microphones, 35 Mac work stations, and numerous instruments 

(electric guitars, basses, keyboards). While musicians will find the studio and endless playground 

of possibilities, non-musicians are also welcome. The only prerequisite is a deep love 

of music and sound. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities/Applied Skills| A-G College Requirement: F 

Broadcast News 

Broadcast News Master the basics of three-point lighting, video camera techniques, teleprompting, 

research, script writing, basic computer graphics and titles, video editing and broadcast 

performance techniques. Students will serve in different roles, behind the camera or in 

front of the camera, and help produce the school site broadcasts programs, including daily 

programs and/or news magazine formats. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: None

Art of TV/Video Production 

Understand the history and development of the fi lm and television industry and study the techniques 

used by innovative filmmakers. Train for further study or entry-level employment as a 

production assistant through practicing the fundamentals of script writing, production planning, 

and editing, lighting, sound, video cameras, and video editing software. Create original video 

projects in various formats. Optional internship experiences available, TBA through instructor. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities/Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: F 

Film/Digital Media Studies 

Develop and apply knowledge of artistic principles and gain technical skill in film and video 

production. Students will study award-winning films and videos, learn the fundamentals of visual 

art as they apply to film, and produce their own original short video projects using industrystandard 

equipment and software. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: F 

Multimedia Communications 

Develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in the fundamental elements and principles of 

art design, and multimedia communications. Lear and apply basic skills in industry-standard 

digital media software programs including the Adobe Creative Suite in a variety of projects 

across different media formats: print, animation, and web design. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities/Applied Skills | A-G College Requirement: F 

Social Science 

AP Human Geography 

This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have 

shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ 

spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and 

its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers 

use in their research and applications. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: A 

AP Psychology 

This one-year course will examine in great depth topics in psychology; topics include research 

techniques and statistics, history of psychology, the neurobiological basis of behavior, sensation 

and perception, states of consciousness, learning and memory, thinking and language, 

intelligence and psychological tests, motivation and emotion, stress and health psychology, 

human development, psychological disorders and therapies, personality, and social 

psychology. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: G 

Specialized Programs 

Associated Student Body (ASB) 


A group of either elected or appointed students grades 9-12 that are responsible for all school 

activities (rallies, dances, tournaments, games etc), student clubs, student monies and mostly 

school spirit. Students in this class MUST either run or be appointed to a position therefore 

teacher approval is required. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: None 

Yoga 

Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle and encourages overall health 

and wellness. The practice of yoga allows students to be still in a world consumed with chaos. 

This course will teach students the basic postures of yoga, proper alignment, basic anatomy, 

and proper breathing in yoga. Additionally, students will be taught how to develop their 

own yoga sequence, which can be practiced at home or anywhere, as a life time fitness 

tool. Basic health education will also be incorporated into the curriculum. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Physical Education | A-G College Requirement: None 

Advanced Orchestra 


Students should have a year or more of previous experience, such as private lessons or 

CMMS string class. These students should have experience reading music as well. There 

will be 3-4 performances throughout the year. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities | A-G College Requirement: F 

World Languages 

SPANISH 

Spanish 1 

The purpose of Spanish I is to give students the ability to function in real-life situations that they 

might encounter in a Spanish-speaking environment. Students will learn to talk about themselves, 

their families, and their friends; to get around in towns and give directions; and to use 

appropriate language in a variety of social interactions. Emphasis will be placed on the four 

skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students’ cultural knowledge will include 

Mexico and a beginning exposure to the Spanish-speaking countries of the world. 


Spanish 2 

The purpose of Spanish II is to further develop the students’ abilities to function in situations 

they might encounter in a Spanish-speaking environment. Students will learn to describe people 

and things, know how to talk about their residence, interact with others about their leisuretime 

activities and talk about health concerns. Emphasis will continue on the four skill areas of 

listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students’ cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking 

countries of the world will expand to include varied customs, traditions, landscapes and points 

of interest. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities |A-G College Requirement: E 

Spanish 3 

The purpose of Spanish III is to further develop the students’ abilities to function in situations 

they might encounter in a Spanish-speaking environment. The study of the basic grammatical 

functions will be completed, and communicative competence will continue to be emphasized in 

the four skill areas. Students’ cultural knowledge of the countries of the Spanish-speaking 

world will be expanded to include varied customs and traditions, landscapes and points of interest 

in greater depth than in the previous course. 


Spanish 4 

The primary goals of Spanish IV are: (1) the refinement of communicative skills in the four skill 

areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing); (2) the enhancement of strategic competence 

(communicative strategies); (3) the enhancement of grammatical competence (review of previously-learned 

structures and acquisition of new structures and uses); (4) the refinement in understanding 

of Hispanic culture. Spanish IV builds on themes, structures, vocabulary and skills 

learned in Spanish I-III; however, the course aims at moving students to a more abstract level 

of language use. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities | A-G College Requirement: E

VAPA-continued 

Musical Theatre & Acting 


Spend a year studying current & classic trends in Musical Theatre. Learn a variety of historical 

and trending Broadway shows including Disney's Lion King, CATS, 42nd Street, West Side 

Story, Grease and more! Using props, sets and costumes to explore story-telling through 

dance. View professional productions and develop a critiques perspective on how stories are 

told through Musical Theatre. 


Concert Choir 


Concert Choir is open to all high school students. The course continues to develop music reading 

skills and vocal technique. This group rehearses various styles and genres of music and 

performs several times a year, both on and off campus. 


Vocal Ensemble 


Vocal Ensemble is open women in grades 9-12 by audition. Students work on sight reading 

music and vocal technique, as well as learning a repertoire of different genres and styles of 

music. The groups participates in the full concert season presented by the Choral Department, 

as well as other events throughout the year. 


Madrigal Choir 


Madrigal Choir open by audition to students in grades 9-12. Students continue to develop their 

sight reading ability and vocal technique. The Madrigal Choir performs multiple times throughout 

the year, and represents the school and many events both on and off campus. 


Piano 

The piano class provides instruction in beginning piano technique, music theory, and piano 

repertoire. Students learn the basics of reading music for the piano and practice individually 

during the class in our piano lab. 


Marching Band/Advanced Band 3 


Students should have at least 2 years or more of previous experience and be able to read 

music. This is a very active performing class. There will be approximately 30–75 performances 

throughout the year. Students sign up for 0 & 1st period classes. 


Color Guard 


This is a very active performing ensemble that incorporates dance with color guard equipment 

such as flags, sabres and rifles. The group is a part of the Marching Band in the fall and Winter 

Guard for the rest of the year. The group performs and competes throughout the 

year. Dance experience is beneficial, but no prior experience is required. Students sign up for 

0 & 1st period classes. 


Beginning Orchestra 

Students learn the techniques of playing a string instruments and reading music. This is a 

performance class. There will be 2-3 performances throughout the year. Previous experience 

is not necessary. 


AP Computer Science Principles 

AP Computer Science Principles introduces you to the foundations of computer science with a 

focus on how computing powers the world. Along with the fundamentals of computing, you will 

learn to analyze data create technology that has a practical impact; and gain a broader understanding 

of how computer science impacts people and society. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: TBD | A-G College Requirement: TBD 

Yearbook 

In this course students will gain skills in one or more of the following areas: page design, copy 

writing, editing, photography, social media, and marketing while producing a creative, innovative 

yearbook which records school memories and events. Participants gain useful, real world 

skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles. 

Note: Yearbook requires in class and out of class work, including attending school activities. 

In addition, we will have after school sessions during which we will be able to spend extended 

periods of time finalizing deadlines. These "deadline crunches" will be announced throughout 

the course of production of the yearbook. 


Journalism 

This course provides the student with the skills needed to produce an audience directed publication. 

The course emphasizes the research, writing and publishing of a variety of highinterest 

material for a specific audience. The student will become familiar with the various 

types of journalistic writing: news, editorials, opinion, features, sports, narratives, columns, 

reviews, advertising copy, captions/cutlines and headlines. The student will produce material 

for publication by researching, interviewing, writing, and editing stories designed to inform, 

persuade or entertain. The student will engage in production work in the areas of design, advertising, 

photography and electronic publishing. 


MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) 

The MESA Schools Program fosters early interest in math and science and prepares California 

middle and high school students for college in science, technology, engineering and math 

(STEM) majors. MESA provides a unique combination of enrichment activities, hands-on 

competitions, academic support, industry involvement and a supportive community environment. 

MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development 

program for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. 


Library Science 

The Library Science student is in the unique position of being in a working/graded situation. 

Students receive training and experience in all phases of research methodology and 

library operations, including work with computer-based circulation and research systems; instruction 

in the alphabetical and numerical arrangement of books, periodicals, and microforms; 

and general clerical skills associated with front office business settings. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: None 

Teacher’s Assistant 

Prerequisite: Staff member approval 

Teacher Assistants work under the direction and supervision of the assigned classroom teacher 

or staff member, to help with daily activities such as tutoring and clerical responsibilities. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective| A-G College Requirement: None 

Work Experience 

Prerequisite: Counselor approval 

This elective course is designed to give students a realistic view of the working world. The 

business and industrial community provides the classroom for instruction. Work Experience 

Education is an elective program which provides students the opportunity to gain on-the-job 

practical learning experiences. The experience of work allows the learner to develop new 

skills, put skills learned into practice, to investigate employment opportunities and to cope with 

different and changing work environments. This course is repeatable for credit (8 semesters). 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: None

VAPA-Visual & Performing Arts 

ACADEMY OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION (ACE) 

Signature Academy Course 

Fundamentals of Creative Expression 

This introductory course is for freshman entering into the Academy of Creative Expression 

(ACE). Students will study the development of American culture through the visual & performing 

arts and identify influences that have helped shape our identity. Students will also produce 

& critique works of art in various mediums as a way of expressing an understanding of the 

subject matter. 


VISUAL ARTS 

Art 1 

Art 1 is a one-year introduction to the world of visual art. Inquiry-based instruction challenges 

the student to make aesthetic decisions based on solid design principles, knowledge of art 

history and personal meaning. The student will become adept at understanding art from the 

past as well as from other cultures in order to give depth to his/her own creative expression. 

Arts skills required by business and industry will be addressed as well as the exciting work of 

contemporary artists who have explored new aesthetic territory. 


Art 2 

Prerequisite: Art 1 

Advanced students will refine their technical skills of drawing and painting through various 

studies that they create. They will develop their portfolios for review and their individual progress. 

Their artwork will be on display throughout the year, and invited to enter contests district 

and statewide. Two gallery or museum visits are required. Introduction to mural painting at site 

level. 


Ceramics 1 

A fine art course focusing on an understanding of the fundamental elements of art, principles 

of design and how they apply to creating, critiquing, and exhibiting handbuilt, wheelthrown, and 

sculpted works of ceramic art. This course covers basic hand construction pottery techniques, 

as well as an introduction to using the potter's wheel. Sculpting or otherwise creating works of 

art in clay as a means of developing ones abilities in artistic perception, creative expression, 

understanding historical and cultural context, and aesthetic valuing will be emphasized. Student 

research and intellectual study will also contribute to these objectives. The student will be 

encouraged to connect and apply experiences in this course to learning in other art forms, 

subject areas, and careers. The student will be required to describe, analyze, interpret, and 

make judgments about their art and other art through written and oral critiques. 


Ceramics 2 

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 

The student will demonstrate an advanced level of technical knowledge and motor skills in 

handling clay. The student will use basic skills in varies combinations to produce more interesting 

and complex products. Given information about the critical criteria used in judging sculpture, 

the student will demonstrate the ability to make artistic judgments of his/her own. 


Photography 1 

Photography 1 is an introductory, entry-level course designed for all students. Students will 

discover their interest and talent levels are such that they will pursue their photographic studies 

in both high school and college. Traditional black and white photography as well as digital photography, 

basic camera handling, and darkroom procedures will be highlighted. 


Digital Art 

Digital Art is an introduction to the computer as an art-making tool. It is designed to acquaint 

students with powerful, industry-level programs in a manner that is not intimidating and empowers 

and challenges students to make aesthetic decisions based on solid design principles. 

Students will become adept at understanding art from the past as well as from other cultures in 

order to give depth to their own creative expression. Digital Arts skills required by business and 

industry will be addressed as well as the exciting work of contemporary artists who have ventured 

into the digital realm. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Elective | A-G College Requirement: F 

AP Studio Art: 2-D Design 


Students are required to have a minimum of 2 years of High School level arts classes. Students 

must submit a portfolio with a minimum of six student works. This portfolio is intended to 

investigate the creation of artworks whose main basis is a sense of design. Design issues include, 

but are not limited to, Movement, Repetition, Contrast, Positive/Negative Space, Abstraction, 

Non-Objective, Color Theory, Proportion/Scale, Unusual Perspective, Distortion, 

Mood, and Conceptual Work. Students are required to investigate and complete all three aspects 

of the portfolio, which include Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. Forms include, but 

are not limited to drawing, painting, graphic design, illustration, digital imagery, photography, 

and collage. From these total works, a Quality section is configured to demonstrate overall 

excellence in 2-dimensional Design. 


AP Studio Art: Drawing 


Explore drawing issues including line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, 

surface manipulation, the illusion of depth and mark-making through a variety of means, such 

as painting, printmaking or mixed media. Develop technical skills and familiarize yourself with 

the functions of visual elements as you create an individual portfolio of work for evaluation at 

the end of the course. 


PERFORMING ARTS 

Dance 

Students will develop skills and vocabulary related to the following dance styles: ballet, choreography 

jazz, hip-hop, historical/cultural, prop, lyrical and musical theatre. Using choreographic 

principles, students create dances that communicate meaning. Students assess and critique 

live dance performances, describing performance elements, dance technique and defending 

personal preferences. Students develop appreciation of dance through, discussion, performance 

activities, viewing of live professional dance, reading assignments, and dance on video. 

Students learn about dance as it related to fitness for life. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Physical Education | A-G College Requirement: F 

Dance Team 


This dance course is our most advanced dance group at CMHS and focuses on performance. 

This course is by audition only. Students create their own choreography, perform 

famous professional dance works, take master classes by professionals, participate in 

"Dancing with the Teachers" and the "District Dance Festival", perform at all Rally assemblies, 

and much more. Students study all types of dance styles and view professional productions, 

developing a critiques perspective on how stories are told through dance. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Physical Education | A-G College Requirement: F 

Drama 

The student will develop a more thorough understanding of theatrical performance and production. 

The student will participate in a number of short productions during the course of the year. 

The student will produce plays from beginning readings to finished product. The student will 

demonstrate aspects of directing, stage management, house management, and all production 

situations. 

Credit: 10.00 | Graduation Requirement: Humanities | A-G College Requirement: F

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