High School Course Descriptions
Hume Lake Charter School Courses
Your high school career is very instrumental in building your future. Hume Lake Charter School offers two paths that a student can take in order to plan for their future and higher education needs. Each plan offers opportunities for students to go on to pursue a job, a vocational school or community college, or apply to a UC/CSU or four-year university. Hume Lake Charter School encourages students to go on to some level of higher education.
The purpose of the course catalog listed below is to provide parents and students with information regarding high school course offerings, graduation requirements, and college admissions guidelines. This catalog is designed to assist students in planning the most appropriate program for the next school year as well as the remainder of their careers at Hume Lake Charter School.
ENGLISH COURSES
The English curriculum offers a balanced and academically rigorous program based on the California English/Language Arts Content Standards. Every course incorporates reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students who plan to attend UC/CSU institutions need to have 40 units of UC/CSU accepted English courses.
English 9 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: b
English 9 is a course that is designed to provide an introduction to advanced literature analysis, multiple modes of writing, and various forms of literary genres including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, as well as classical and contemporary works. The course is intended to put rich texts in the hands of students rather than relying on excerpts from an anthology for the entire reading program. It provides rigor and experiences in the nature of writing while providing an emphasis on vocabulary enrichment and grammatical proficiency. Students will analyze the intentions of authors as well as the skills and tools that make communication powerful and directed. This is a comprehensive course, designed to create independent thinking, comparative text analysis skills, solid foundations in reading and writing skills, grammar, and self-analytical skills.
English 10 Grades: 9,10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: English 9 Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: b
English 10 is designed to incorporate reading and writing strategies which enhance the student’s communication skills and abilities. The course outline combines reading, writing, speaking, and listening strategies that are rigorous and challenging for the student. Through real-world works of literature, the student will experience study and analysis of the written works and be able to understand culture and history while experiencing the struggles and triumphs of others around the world. This course looks at the mechanics of language and focuses on vocabulary development in order to bring understanding and knowledge to the advancing reader. A varied course outline of writing styles and strategies will help prepare the student for college and other experiences in higher education.
English 11 American Literature Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: English 9, 10 Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: b
This course will provide a survey of selected works in American literature from the Pre Colonial to the Contemporary Period. Students will consider cultural context, historical background, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works in their historical and cultural contexts and employ various critical theories for analyzing the text.
Various literary devices and figurative language elements are studied and practiced throughout the year in various forms. Conventions such as spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation are all practiced in a writing context. Vocabulary is studied within the context of the text we are reading, Latin and Greek roots are reviewed, and the SAT word list is also utilized. Language study in this course is designed to fulfill the requirements for the California State Standards for grades 11 and 12.
English 12 British Literature Grades:11, 12
Prerequisite: English 9, 10 Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: b
This course will provide a survey of selected works in British Literature from the Anglo Saxon to the Victorian Period. Students will consider cultural context, historical background, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and dramas. Students study the historical and biographical context of the literary texts as well as the key literary terms and concepts, vocabulary, and etymology. They expand their vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills within the context of literature and produce a variety of writings including: journal entries, short stories, scripts, poems, and reflective, persuasive, cause and effect, and compare andcontrast essays as well as research presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works in their historical and cultural contexts and employ various critical theories for analyzing the text. This course is designed to meet the California Academic Content Standards for 12th grade English.
Social Science Courses
The History-Social Science curriculum offers a balanced and academically rigorous program based on the California History-Social Studies Content Standards. The courses are sequential so that mastery of skills at one level will prepare students to succeed at the next level.
World Cultures and Geography Grades: 9.10.11.12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: a
This comprehensive course allows the student opportunities to study the global community and their place in the world. Through studying geo-political regions, students will be able to understand the role of cultures and the people who live, work, and make up the world we live in. Areas of study will include The U.S. and Canada, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the former Soviet Union. Through gaining an understanding of the global community, students will be able to understand cultural civilizations around the world.
World History Grades: 9.10.11.12
Prerequisite: World Cultures Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: a
World History 10 is a course that engages students in rigorous thought and understanding of events that have shaped the world we live in. Through chronological studies of The World Before Modern Times 3000 B.C. through events of the 20th Century, students are able to learn more about the world they live in and grasp an understanding of the global community. Topics of study include: Legacies of the Ancient World, Revolution and Enlightenment, Era of European Imperialism, War and Revolution, The Twentieth Century, and Understanding of the Global Community for the Past, Present, and Future. Through exercises in research writing, group cooperative activities, reading and analysis, maps and geography studies, and project based activities, students will be able to communicate their knowledge of the areas of study and share an appreciation for the world we live in
United States History Grades: 9.10.11.12
Prerequisite: World Cultures, World History Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: a
This course introduces students to the major ideas, events, and people that have shaped the United States from the pre-revolution colonial period through the modern era. Students will study the history, politics, economics, culture and diplomacy of the United States over the period of its history. Students will practice critical thinking skills, learn to analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret graphs and maps, and learn that a single event can be seen from more than one person or culture’s perspective.
Principles of American Government Grades: 11.12
Prerequisite: World Cultures, World History, American Hist. Duration: 1 Semester UC/CSU: a
This course is designed to present essential information about the history of government systems and the American Government and in so doing help prepare our students to be active and informed members of our nation. Students are asked to think critically about the events and issues that have both shaped the U.S. political system and affected its place in the global community.
Principles of Economics Grades: 11.12
Prerequisite: World Cultures, World History, American Hist. Duration: 1 Semester UC/CSU: a
This course is designed to give students an overview of the subject of both macro and microeconomics. Students will look at economics from the perspective of an individual, a business and a government. The course will include such topics as supply and demand, market structure, inflation, scarcity, diminishing return, the global economy, and personal finances.
Mathematics Courses
The mathematics curriculum offers a balanced and academically rigorous program based on the California Content Standards. All students must pass Algebra I in order to receive a high school diploma.
Algebra I Grades: 8. 9. 10. 11.12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: c
This is a first year Algebra course in which students will learn to reason symbolically. The key content involves writing, solving, and graphing linear systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. The course also includes study of monomial and polynomial expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions, rational expressions, ratio, and proportion. This course will challenge students to extend their experiences with tables, graphs, and equations and solve linear equations and inequalities and systems of linear equations and inequalities. Students will extend their knowledge of the number system to include irrational numbers, generate equivalent expressions and use formulas. Students will simplify polynomials and begin to study quadratic relationships. An emphasis will be on the use technology and models to investigate and explore mathematical ideas and relationships and developing multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations.
Algebra II Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: c
This course is designed to build on the basic algebraic concepts involved in solving equations and inequalities (both individually and in systems), graphs (both of functions and other equations), manipulating polynomials (including long division and factoring by multiple methods), exponents, complex numbers, and solving quadratic equations. In addition, the course examines quadratic, logarithmic, trigonometric, and exponential functions as well as their applications to real-world problems in a variety of areas.
Geometry Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: c
It is based on the Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools. The following topics are included in instruction: geometric proofs and theorems; inductive and deductive reasoning; perimeter, area, volume and construction of two- and three-dimensional figures; effects of rigid motion and size transformation; properties of special right triangles and Pythagorean theorem; special triangles; and basic trigonometric functions.
PreCalculus with Trigonometry Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: g-c
Precalculus with Trigonometry takes what the students have learned in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II and focuses it on solving practical problems. The applications to which they put their skills are more complex, and as such an emphasis is placed on connecting the numbers in the equations and answers to the structure or phenomena being described. The course covers the analysis and use of functions (linear, absolute value, polynomial, rational, power, root, inverse, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric), conic sections, trigonometric identities, vectors, series, sequences, probability, and the basics of limits, derivatives, and definite integrals.
Science Courses
The science curriculum offers a balanced and academically rigorous program based on the California Content Standards
Environmental Science Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: Physical Science, Life Science Algebra I Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: d
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the area of environmental science. The course is divided into two sections, with the first being foundations of environmental science, and the second, environmental issues and the search for solutions. In the foundations section, the focus is on how our world functions, including overviews of biology and chemistry, environmental ethics, economics, environmental policy, environmental systems and ecosystem ecology. During the second section, the focus shifts to current environmental issues (such as population growth, biodiversity loss, global climate change, energy sources, etc) and the search for solutions, both on an intergovernmental level, a governmental level, and a personal level.
Biology with a Lab Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: Physical Science, Life Science Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: d
This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of the life sciences for students, in particular ecology, cytology, genetics, evolution and its contrasting ideas with creation, microbiology, botany, zoology, anatomy and human biology. The focus of the course is on investigation, analysis, and critical thinking of content through labs, research, media, and various established organizations.
Chemistry with a Lab Grades: 11. 12
Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biology Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: d
This is an introductory course in the concepts and theories of modern chemistry. The course emphasizes the structure and composition of the atom, the nature of the Periodic Table and the elements, compounds and bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, the states of matter, solutions, reaction rates, and equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction reactions. The course also introduces students to electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. These subjects are linked to their real world applications as applicable. The laboratory work is designed to help students think critically about problems and how our world functions, as well as teach the students how to follow basic procedures including safety and common laboratory practices.
Physics Grades: 11.12
Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II Duration: 1 year/10 credits. UC/CSU: g
This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of the laws and principles of physics for students, in the areas of motion, energy, work, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, as well as atomic and subatomic physics. The focus of the course is on the investigation, analysis, and critical thinking of content through labs, research, media, and making connections with the world around us.
World Languages
The World Languages courses emphasize speaking and understanding and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. Students communicate in a language other than English, gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, connect with other disciplines, acquire information through a language other than English, compare differences between the languages and cultures of the student's native language and the target language, and participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.
Spanish I Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: e
This course serves as an introduction to the Spanish language and to the many and diverse cultures of Spanish speakers around the world. Spanish I emphasizes oral communication in a variety of topics at a basic level. It covers grammar and structure necessary for basic communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing exercises and instruction. The course also provides an understanding of the civilization, culture, and customs of Spanish-speaking people. A major emphasis of the course is on the development of vocabulary as well as speaking fluently with correct pronunciation and intonation.
Spanish II Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: Spanish I Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: e
This course is designed to further the student’s conversational skills in the Spanish language and build on the skills the student acquired in Spanish I. There will be great emphasis on strengthening the students' speaking ability as well as their oral and reading comprehension. Instruction will emphasize listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in preparation for advanced work in Spanish. Students will expand their vocabulary and grammar skills in order to further their communication in Spanish.
Visual and Performing Arts
The visual and performing arts curriculum is a balanced and rigorous program based on California Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards. Ten credits of Visual and Performing Arts courses fulfill the district’s Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement.
Elements of Color and Design 1 & 2 Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: f
Elements of Color and Design 1 (1st half) is an introduction to art in the areas of drawing, painting, conceptual design, and color theory. Assignments are created to focus on the elements of art and design which include line, color, shape/form, value, and space. Students will develop a portfolio that will include both class work and independent projects outside the classroom. Research and examples in art history will be an integral part of the course of study.
Elements of Color and Design 2 (2nd half) is a continuation of art theory and application in the areas of drawing, conceptual design, painting, and color theory as well as an introduction to three-dimensional arts. Assignments will continue to focus on principles of art and design including balance, contrast, dominance, emphasis, movement, repetition, rhythm, variation, and unity. Students will continue to develop individual portfolios containing both class and independent projects. Research in art history will again be an integral part of the course of study.
Drawing Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 Semester UC/CSU: None
Throughout this course, students will engage in the fundamentals, principles, and production of drawing. Through studies in shading, perspective, and still life, students are able to learn about elements and principles with an understanding of drawing and techniques. Through exercises in each of these areas, students will be able to communicate their knowledge of the areas of study and share through artwork their appreciation of graphite drawing.
Physical Education Courses
The Physical Education Curriculum offers a balanced and rigorous program based on the California Content Standards. Hume Lake Charter School Graduation Requirements state that a student must complete 3 years (6 semesters) of PE credits for high school graduation.
Physical Education Grades: 9. 10. 11
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: None
In this ninth – eleventh grade program students participate in and learn the skills and rules of team and individual sports activities. They develop lifetime fitness knowledge by assessing personal needs, interests, abilities and opportunities by participating in activities that contribute to the achievement of personal fitness goals. These include an active lifestyle that contributes to wellness and physical health.
Independent Physical Education Grades: 9. 10. 11
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 year UC/CSU: None
This physical fitness course is designed for the student who is unable to participate in the regular PE class for medical reasons. It is designed to help nurture and build up a desire within the student to exercise in an area of interest and build this as a lifestyle, even beyond high school.
The student will choose a sport or exercise/area of ability and participate in a regular workout routine. Activities must be rigorous and involve a physical workout which is challenging for the student. 50 hours of exercise per semester must be acquired in addition to a written report.
Elective Courses
Community College Courses Grades: 11,12
Prerequisite: Students must meet program eligibility requirements. Duration: 1 Semester
The Community College High School Enrichment program offers students in the 11th and 12th grades who meet program requirements an opportunity to enroll in college courses and receive college credit in addition to High School Elective Credit. Exceptions to this policy are outlined in the High School Enrichment application available on each school's website. Generally, courses of a remedial nature, courses for which failing grades were earned, and courses required for high school graduation do not meet the intent and spirit of the program. Students must meet all the necessary prerequisites for any course in which they wish to enroll. Students will be given the opportunity to work on each course during a class period within the daily academic/class schedule.
Driver Education Grades: 10.11. 12
Prerequisite: Students must be legal age w/ 55+ credits Duration: 1 quarter UC/CSU: None
This is an on-Iine, self-paced course. Students will understand the importance of developing positive attitudes and responsibilities toward safe driving in all types of vehicles and toward pedestrian safety. Students read and understand the California Vehicle Code sections concerning rules of the road, signs, signals, and other information required for safe operation of motor vehicles. Students learn to self-evaluate their progress using sample test questions from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tests. By studying and analyzing the consequences of hazardous driving, students learn defensive driving skills in relation to vehicle and pedestrian safety. Students develop skills related to traveling by automobile such as map reading, sign interpretation, and using road-condition reports. State requirements mandate that all driver education students must receive a minimum of 1800 minutes of classroom instruction.
Health Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 quarter/5 credits UC/CSU: None
In this course, students understand how one’s physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being is related to injury prevention, safety practices, proper diet, and good nutrition. Students learn the effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs on health and the costs to society of health problems related to their use. Students learn about sexuality and the reproductive process including birth control methods with an emphasis on abstinence. Sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B are also addressed. By studying the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of young adults, students understand various changes occurring in their own lives. This elective course is offered every other year and it is a requirement for graduation.
Education and Career Planning Grades: 9. 10. 11. 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 quarter/5 credits UC/CSU: None
This course is designed to reveal and explore resources in the field of Career and Education planning and to train/equip students to use those effectively both now and in the future search for a career or education choice. Students will engage in exercises, reading, interviewing, exploration and reflection to help an individual learn more about themself and the resources available to make wise and educated decisions for the future. Course content is developed to create a greater awareness of who each student is: their interests, values, experiences, and how those relate to a potential career choice. In addition, students will connect with people in the community in order to hear about and learn from the individual’s educational and career journeys, and gain valuable life skills from them. Time is given to pursue topics such as success, stamina, satisfaction, and how they relate to the career journey. This elective course is offered every other year and it is a requirement for graduation.
Career Pathways Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 semester/10 Credits UC/CSU: None
This course is designed to provide real-life career experiences for students. Career Pathways I allows senior students a chance to gain hands-on training, career tools, and exposure in a special field of interest that they choose. Through this internship experience, the students are challenged to pursue learning about a career path by working alongside a professional individual in the Hume Lake Community for a semester or more. This class is in addition to their regular academic courses and is a graduation requirement. Students will be required to acquire 100 hours of work time in total.
Community Service Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1-2 semesters/5-10 credits UC/CSU: None
Through our program classes of Community Service, students are able to learn about various aspects of our community, gain a greater understanding of the work that is being done around them, as well as spend time learning more about a specific trade or job. Students are able to experience many opportunities to learn through on-the-job practice, training, and supporting efforts being done throughout the community. Each student will be required to gain 50 hours of work time per semester, the work time must fit into the appropriate class period in the student’s academic schedule.
Independent Physical Education Grades: 12
Prerequisite: None Duration: 1 semester - 1 year UC/CSU: None
A senior student who wishes to participate in the planning of their physical fitness may take this course for elective credit. It is designed to help nurture and build up a desire within the student to exercise in an area of interest and build this as a lifestyle, even beyond high school. This is a 1 semester course. Students may take up to 36 weeks, two semesters.
The student will choose a sport or exercise area of interest and will participate in a regular workout routine. Activities must be rigorous and involve a physical work-out which is challenging for the student. 50 hours of exercise per semester must be acquired in addition to a written report.