All students eligible to take electives MUST choose six during the selection process.
*In order to take an AP class, all prerequisites should be met. Students who are interested in taking an AP course, but who might not meet requirements should meet with their counselor to discuss options.*
MATH COURSES SHOULD ALSO BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUR TEACHERS BEFORE SELECTION.
PLEASE HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR TEACHERS AND COUNSELORS DURING THE SCHEDULING PROCESS
ELECTIVES
Advanced Placement African American Studies Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisites: B or above in CP English II and US History I
AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. Given the interdisciplinary character of African American Studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora.
Air Force ROTC Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
The course is a combination of leadership education and physical education. The program will introduce the students to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program, while instilling elements of good citizenship, the program will develop informed citizens, character education, study habits, and time management skills The students will wear the Air Force uniform and practice Air Force customs, courtesies, and drill skills. Additionally, Students will be taught the fundamentals of Drill and Ceremonies. Students will also learn the importance of AFJROTC history, mission, purpose, goals, and objectives. They will understand military traditions, the importance of maintaining a high standard of dress and personal appearance, as well as learning the importance of attitude, discipline, and respect.
Advanced Placement RESEARCH Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Seminar
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
App Inventor Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce the concepts of coding, logic, and algorithms to build programming skills. These skills will then be used in the AppInventor development. Students will continue OOP development as they work through building user interfaces and applications for the Android platform. Students will understand what a mobile application is and how mobile applications came to be and where they are headed in the future. Students will learn about the various mobile platforms and how to prepare and work towards a career in mobile applications while learning how to think like a programmer. Students will expand their knowledge of programming using the AppInventor Environment while developing several Android projects.
Art I Grades 9-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course is an overview of art, artists and techniques. Students will be creating artworks based on the Elements and Principles of Art. Projects will include line drawings, positive/negative shape artworks, value drawings, texture drawings and or mixed media projects, projects using color theory and a final project including all the Elements and Principles of Art. Media include graphite, pen, mixed media, watercolor and acrylics.Students will improve drawing skills through the application of several drawing methodologies and critique significant artworks throughout history as they relate to the Elements and Principles of Art. Finally, you will participate in portfolio development and self and peer critiques to further develop your own aesthetic and skill set. A project and fully written critique is part of the final course evaluation.
Art II Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Art I
Visual Art will give students a solid foundation in printmaking and painting. The course will expand students’ creative abilities and self expression. By the end of the course, students will gain the visual and technical abilities of objective drawing and receive a foundation in printmaking, including monoprints, relief, collograph, and intaglio. Students will expand their foundation skills in painting including watercolor, gouache, and acrylic. Additionally, students will gain exposure to eras in art history as they relate to the elements and principles of art. Students will culminate their work through the development of a digital portfolio and the completion of several artworks prepared for exhibition.
AS 121 Private Pilot Operations Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Students are encouraged to enroll in this course only if they possess a true desire to learn about Private Pilot operations and want to work towards the accompanying certification. Coursework provides rigor and accelerated pacing. This course provides the basic knowledge and skills to establish a firm foundation of flight through the practical applications of basic aerodynamics, aircraft performance, regulations, and flight planning in single pilot, single-engine aircraft. This course also provides a foundation and understanding of the essential elements of resource management and teamwork as required by the aviation industry. Topics include regulations, safety, pre-solo operations, cross country planning, airspace, chart use, communications, weather, performance, weight and balance, aerodynamics, and decision- making. Industry Certification: Students will be prepared to take the FAA Private Pilot Ground School exam.
This is a full year course taken on alternating days.
Athletic Training Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce students to athletic training and will teach the students basic anatomy, injury prevention, injury types, treatment protocols, rehabilitation techniques, first aid procedures, and taping techniques. It will allow the students to become familiar with the field of athletic training and all the responsibilities associated with being an athletic trainer. It will also provide the students with the basic skills an athletic trainer utilizes on a daily basis and will allow them to experience it first hand in an athletic setting. At the conclusion of the course the students will have a general knowledge of the athletic training profession and the basic skills necessary to achieve and maintain overall wellness and good health.
Band Grades 9-12 Credits: 5
Band is a large ensemble that performs concert and marching band music. Instrumentation includes wind and percussion instruments. Activities involve developing performance techniques, general musicianship and creative/critical thinking. Membership satisfies the participation requirement for county, regional and all-state honors ensembles. Course prerequisites: because the ensemble is focused on performing more challenging music, all students must be proficient at reading music and need to apply for a seat through an audition/selection process.
Botany Grades 11 or 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Ever wonder what the connection of the green world around you is to Science? In this course, students will investigate the world of plants. This course is designed for students who wish to continue in their studies of life science with a focus on botany. Botany is the scientific study of plants and their relationship to the environment around you. Topics include plant anatomy, seeded and seedless plants, adaptations, development, reproduction and plant behaviors. In this course, students will investigate the growth, reproduction, anatomy, genetics, and ecology of plants. This hands-on course will focus upon weekly projects that will help students gain an understanding of plants and their value to our community. Hands- on components will involve ACIT’s Laboratory/Greenhouse as well as many outdoor experiences. Spending time using nature as the classroom environment will be a major goal of this course.
Catering/Banquet/Restaurant Operations Senior Showcase-SLE Grade 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Open to enrolled culinary program students
This course is designed to encourage student learning experiences with work placement as well as assistance with catering operations throughout the school. Students will participate in catering functions aiding in special breakfasts, luncheons, as well as special events that occur throughout the year. The Senior Showcase attribute to this course showcases the students’ talents outlined in practical based assessments throughout the year, focusing on all student knowledge gained from all four years of culinary arts. Students will be graded based on plating design, cooking ability, originality and creativity, as well as time management and sanitation skills. Students will record digital portfolios of all products created during the year to show competency and mastery. At the conclusion of this course, students are required to take the National Restaurant Association ServSafe Food Manager Certification, establishing the ability to run a foodservice operation as a managerial expert in proper food safety and sanitation. This course focuses heavily on the ability for students to proactively start their careers in their respective culinary or baking industries.
Concert Choir Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Concert Choir (Elective) (no audition): This is an entry level course for anyone at ACIT. In this course you will learn the basics of singing, technique, theory, sight reading, and musicianship. Students will learn a variety of genres from pop, musical theater, to classical. Students will participate in two concerts per year and attend the Music in the Parks Trip (Hershey, Dorney Park, or Six Flags).
Culinary & Baking Basics Grades 11-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
The Culinary Arts and baking are hands-on exploration of basic cooking and baking skills. This class will enable the student to understand basic culinary and baking practices. They will have guided practice learning all cooking methods for all meals with emphasis on cooking and baking as a life skill. Students will explore menu planning and basic nutrition as related to planning a meal. By the end of the class the student will have an understanding of all cooking methods, basic knife cuts, menu planning , breakfast, lunch, sandwich and salad preparation , proper sanitation, kitchen safety, yeast doughs, cookies, cakes, puddings, custards, mousses and pies.
Dance Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Dance Fundamentals is an introduction to the genres of ballet, modern, tap and jazz dance presented in cultural and historical context. Learning the vocabulary, principles and elements of each style is important. The class focuses on students’ development of kinesiological body awareness, technical facility, spatial expressiveness, and personal creativity. Students will apply fundamental techniques to develop and perform dance works of art. Evaluation of student progress is continual, integrated into the daily teaching process, and made in three primary ways: teacher critique, student self-assessment, and peer response. Students learn to identify the essential elements of each skill or sequence performed by their instructor and to examine their own movements in terms of these elements. Skills learned in Dance are refined and reinforced in all upper level classes. Original dance works representative of various dance styles are created and performed in the annual Spring Dance Concert.
Digital Photography I Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Digital Photography I is a year-long course in which students are introduced to photographic compositional elements, principles of design, layout and lighting. Students will learn basic camera techniques, editing workflow, and creative thinking. They will explore the history of photography, learning about technological developments, important innovators in the field, and relevance within the digital world. Using industry-standard Adobe software, students will learn how to edit and organize images, as well as create graphic based designs using the images they have created. Students will learn to manage and maintain a workflow consisting of multiple projects simultaneously, preparing them for life after graduation. Focusing on time management and self-motivation to help cultivate a disciplined student who will possess the motivation to succeed in the educational journey. With a strong emphasis on learning to manage their workflow, upon completion of the course, students will possess the skill set and creative energy to enter into Photography II as a beginner level photographer!
Digital Photography II Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Photography I
Photography II is a year-long course where students will explore the next level of Photography. This course will allow students to expand photographic competency and aesthetic sensibility while learning techniques to improve their work and build a greater understanding of advanced functions of the digital camera. Using their knowledge of time management, workflow, DSLR camera techniques and creative thinking students will complete various projects in an instructional environment. This course offers students an opportunity to extend their skill set upon prerequisite knowledge covered in Photography I. Students will take the foundational skills covered in Photography I and advance into the world of artificial lighting, Industry standard workflow techniques, and Industry based projects. Working with the Academies at ACIT, students will learn to function as entrepreneurs through a variety of cross-curricular projects. This course will prepare students for opportunities available throughout the photography industry. Students will leave this course with the knowledge and confidence of a young photographer!
Drawing & Painting Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course is an in-depth, hands-on exploration of the media and techniques of drawing and painting. Students will communicate ideas and meanings through visual literacy using achromatic and chromatic drawing media, watercolor, gouache and acrylic. Students will critique historical masterworks in each of the given media in the developmental pursuit of their own personal aesthetic. Methods and techniques include contour drawing, comics/manga, perspective, Right-Brained drawing, value and color drawing. Painting in sumi-e, and western watercolor techniques, and watermedia sketching. Gouache painting using fine and illustration techniques. Painting in acrylics using traditional and mixed media techniques. Students will culminate their work through the development of a digital portfolio and the completion of several artworks prepared for exhibition.
Drone Operations / Uncrewed Aircraft Systems - Part 107 Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to prepare students to operate a small-uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS). Topics include but are not limited to the Code of Federal Regulations 14 part 107, airspace classifications, aeronautical chart reading, emergency procedures, conditions affecting flight, and aeronautical decision-making. This course requires a flight laboratory where students will operate a sUAS as a recreational pilot. The coursework also prepares students for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Knowledge Test. Upon successful completion of the test, students may be eligible to seek their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Rating. This certification is needed to operate drones for compensation. Ideas for application include: video shooting / editing for events and real estate sales, agricultural monitoring, etc.
Dual Enrollment Introduction to Oceanography (DE) Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: 93 average in Honors Biology or teacher recommendation
Are you curious how the ocean affects the world around us? This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to oceanography focusing on biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes. It covers topics such as origins and structure of planet Earth and its oceans, co-evolution of Earth and life, plate tectonics, liquid water and the hydrologic and hydrothermal cycles, salinity and elemental cycles, waves and tides, ocean circulation, primary production and nutrient cycles, plankton and nekton, life on the seafloor, nearshore and estuarine communities, and future environmental problems our oceans face. This course is Dual Enrollment with Stockton University. Students enrolled in this course have the option to also be enrolled in a dual enrollment program available through Stockton University.
EGR101 (Engineering 101/ Dual Credit/ Gaetz ERAU) Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: none, but it is advised that students have successfully completed Algebra and Trigonometry-based courses or higher. It also is recommended that students be enrolled in Calculus while enrolled in EGR 101.
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary aspects of the engineering of aerospace systems. It is a project-based course, demonstrating how the engineering profession is a multidisciplinary field. Students are involved in an array of conceptual exercises, simple design activities, and projects dealing with engineering in aerospace-related areas.
Entrepreneurship & Ethics Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the critical role entrepreneurs play in the national and global economy. Students learn the skills, attitudes, characteristics, and techniques necessary to become successful entrepreneurs. They explore starting a business and learn about the operational issues and financial risks that new businesses face. Students examine ethical issues and develop a framework for managing them. Finally, students identify the risks, returns, and other aspects of entrepreneurship as a potential career. As it pertains to ethics, this course will also examine the six pillars of character, which include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Students will also develop the ability to make reasoned and ethical choices when confronted with the many complex, controversial moral dilemmas faced in society today. Students will become acquainted with the foundations of ethical thought and theories as well as gain insight into the process of moral development.
Evolution of Pop & Music Technology Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Evolution of Pop Music is a historical survey of American popular music with an emphasis on the period from 1950 to the present. Students will develop an awareness of the cultural, social, technological, and musical forces that helped shape each decade. Students will develop their knowledge of musical styles, instrumentation, and song structure. In addition, students will gain insight into the social and cultural aspects of music as formative factors influencing its evolution. Music Technology includes the production of music with Chromebooks and iPads using various music recording applications. Students will experience live recording, editing and mixing music. They will sync various forms of media to create a final product. Students will learn to analyze sounds and create sound effects. Students will also learn to read and create scores for musical compositions. The history of music production and its commercial aspects will also be examined. This is a pairing that will seamlessly allow students to learn about the roots of music while generating sounds of their own in the same style.
Fashion Style Shop Grades 11-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Students currently NOT enrolled in the Fashion Program
In the Fashion Style Shop elective course, students gain foundational knowledge and skills to safely operate sewing equipment and construct accessories and apparel. Students also gain first-hand experience in entrepreneurship, retail marketing and merchandising, visual merchandising, designing products, and manufacturing along their operation of ACIT's Career Closet.
Film/Genre Studies Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Film Appreciation and Analysis courses help students understand the critical, historical and stylistic elements of cinema. The curriculum approach is “functional”, meaning that genres are interpreted as expressions of society and culture. Film is studied as a shared experience and as a unique medium to help students form an aesthetic framework to examine social, political, and historical events in the world and to understand how artistic expression exposes and expresses the ideas of individuals and society. Course content may include analysis, discussion, and evaluation of multiple film styles including, but not limited to: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Documentary, Historical, Horror, Musical, Science Fiction, Short Film, War Film and Westerns. General concepts of Media Literacy are also engaged.
Forensic Science Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Forensic Science will involve the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) principles to the investigation of physical evidence of crime scenes in criminal and civil cases. This course will focus on hands-on learning that will enforce the fundamentals of a criminal investigation and how those fundamentals and principles apply in a court of law. Topics in this course are not limited to the following: the History of Forensics, CSI & Fingerprint Analysis, Biological Evidence & DNA Analysis as well as Forensic Toxicology. This course will involve laboratory testing, data analysis, evidence collection, and guest speakers for their technical expertise. Students will be taught the proper collection of evidence, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples of evidence.
Fusion 360 Grades 11-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course provides students with instruction in the characteristics and evolution of technology, underlying principles of design, and fundamental knowledge and skills in the use of illustration and drafting software. Students will build Computer-aided Design (CAD) skills in 3D design and modeling using Fusion 360. Fusion 360 is a 3D design software that unifies design, engineering, electronics and manufacturing into a single platform.
This course also provides students with instruction in aerospace engineering through a series of module projects designed to expose students to the use of CAD software in the aviation industry. Students will have the opportunity to apply skills learned in class to a series of projects designed by aviation industry partners.
The ultimate output of this course is a design portfolio created by the student. Consideration should be given to having students present the portfolio using presentation software.
Holocaust Studies (DE) Grade 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: 93 or above in English and History; critical reading and writing skills
This Dual Enrollment course -in partnership with Stockton University- is an introduction to Holocaust and Genocide Studies, providing students a learning experience and college credit equivalent to a typical undergraduate course. This course will focus on the Holocaust and its history, but will also explore other genocides, patterns of human behavior, moral imperatives, and the roles of various groups in these horrific events. While the Jews were the primary victims of the Nazi terror, other groups also suffered similar fates. Themes that will be explored include the roles of the bystander, resistor, rescuer, and liberator, as well as the victims and perpetrators. The study of the Holocaust has been a lifelong labor for many scholars. This course is intended to give the student an overview of the events and issues involved and to whet the student’s appetite for further investigation. Indeed, when one thinks they have a grip on some of the answers, more questions arise. Students should be prepared to apply critical reading and writing skills and to read and write often, and independently. Students enrolled in this course have the option to also be enrolled in a dual enrollment program available through Stockton University.
Hospitality & Event Planning Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
In the Hospitality and Event Planning course, students learn about the process of professional event planning for the full range of event possibilities: special events, meetings, and entertainment/performing arts events. Students are introduced to all aspects of event planning, including aligning events with goals, sustainable event planning practices, facility selections and management, personnel management and contracts, audience management (emergency planning, security measures, etc.), budgeting, revenue, ticket sales and event management, marketing, fundraising and sponsorship.
Introduction to Criminal Justice (DE) Grade 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: 93 or above in English and History; critical reading and writing skills
In addition to the basic principles of American Civil and Criminal Law, this dual enrollment introduction to Criminal Justice course will examine the theory of criminal justice and criminal law; the structure of the United States court system; due process guidelines; and the purpose and organization behind policing, including the legal aspects and the issues and challenges of policing. The course will also explore the courts; the courtroom; criminal trial sentencing; probation, parole and the community; the prison system -including prison life- and the juvenile justice system. Students will also analyze and debate current legal controversies and participate in mock trials and other role play simulations.Students enrolled in this course have the option to also be enrolled in a dual enrollment program available through Stockton University.
Introduction to CAD Grades 11-12 Credits: 5
CAD, or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is technology designed for creators to design, draft, and produce technical documentation—replacing manual hand-drawn and drafting techniques with a digital first process. The class will introduce students to basic drawing commands used in creating technical drawing in the Auto CAD program. Students will learn 2 D drawing and orthographic drawing using the Auto CAD program. Students will be introduced to basic 3 D drawing commands and related 3 D drawing programs.
Introduction to Theatre Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This elective course is designed as a first year exploratory theater course. Theatre Survey will expose students to the performance, technical, and literary aspects of Theatre Arts. The performance curriculum will include the various dynamic aspects of the actor in preparation and performance. The technical curriculum will include the practical aspects of planning, designing, constructing, and operating the physical theater. The literary curriculum will include a study of the history of theater and a reading analysis of the different genres of dramatic literature within that historical context. An ongoing objective of the course will be an awareness and appreciation of good theater and the desire to continue as an intelligent participant in, or observer of, the oldest form of human creative endeavor.
Instrumental Music Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Students entering this class will develop a greater understanding of their instrument, and of reading, writing and performing music. The focus will center on tone production, musicality, ear training, performance protocol as well as rhythm and pitch precision. Students will discover online resources and music technology that will continue to inspire and educate performers even after the course is completed. By the end of this course, students will have developed practice and performance skills and be better prepared to enter college as a music major or pursue a career in music performance.
*Students can take this course for two consecutive years (Instrumental Music II) if they wish; class will be differentiated for various learners
Journalism and Media Studies Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This journalism elective teaches students skills in research, source-gathering, writing, communication, and story-telling in order to produce traditional and multimedia pieces for The Pursuit, the official online student-run school news publication for ACIT. The course teaches students how to conduct themselves as school journalists and how to compose stories of various genres including news, features, and human interest stories that reflect the many voices of ACIT. Students are also welcome to write opinion pieces such as columns and reviews. Opportunities to collaborate with media students on multimedia projects is also encouraged in this course and allows students to experience scriptwriting for audio and video pieces. Additional skills that are covered in this course include leadership, interview, fact-checking, and workflow management skills. Finally, exemplary student work may be eligible for entry into regional and national scholastic journalism contests as well as scholarship opportunities.
Media I Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to explore the history, context and production of various media. Video, video editing, photography and graphics skills are developed to take creative ideas from concept to delivery. Students will also engage dynamics of communication, media literacy, and the social impact of media. Reading, writing and listening skills are reinforced in a fun hands-on workshop setting.
Media II Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Media I and/or instructor recommendation
Media II elective is an advanced-level course in video and media production. Students will produce media products for a variety of school and community events to expand upon public relations, marketing strategy, studio and field production skills. Students will aim to use advanced filmmaking and editing techniques that produce a professional quality product. The course incorporates 21st-century job skills and emphasizes public speaking, writing for the media and presentation skills. Media Literacy knowledge and skills are woven throughout the course and students may engage in cross-curricular projects with other classes or disciplines. ACIT Media is also partnering with PBS and functions as a PBS Newshour Regional Student Reporting Lab. In this capacity, students work on assignments for air on PBS Newshour and have opportunities to earn certification from PBS for news journalism. The course will utilize a business model approach wherein students develop entrepreneurial skills to collaborate, design and create videos for “clients.” A major aspect of the course is time management, meeting deadlines, and self-evaluations.
Music Appreciation Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
In Music Appreciation, students will focus on learning to play percussion, wind and keyboard instruments. In addition to developing the skills and knowledge to read and write music and lyrics, students will also delve into creating music using some of the latest technology. Through ear training and music history, students will expand their appreciation for one of the most important and fulfilling parts of their life: music.
Musical Theater Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Students in Musical theatre will learn singing, acting, and dance/movement in the musical theatre style. Students would produce musical theatre group numbers or solos that could be eligible for competitions, festivals, or showcases. In some cases the students will be a part of a full musical. All students are welcome to the class, but roles are auditioned based on abilities. Students may also take on production roles as production assistants or costuming assistants. This class would require students to be active members.
Problem Solving & Logic Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Do you understand the Math behind solving a Rubik’s cube? This course was designed to allow students to take an intuitive approach to solving hands-on abstract problems. Students will analyze 3-dimensional puzzles with intuition, inductive & deductive reasoning, mathematics, and computer science. Students will develop skills that help with pattern recognition, decision making, muscle memory, and abstract thinking with the aid of 3-dimensional puzzles (ex., Rubik’s Cube). Students will participate in hands-on learning daily with a flexible schedule where growth is more important than proficiency.
Advanced Placement Psychology Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: B or above in CP English II
This course is a challenging one-year study of psychology. It is designed for the highly mature and motivated academic student who is interested in a systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields of psychology. Topics of study include the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, development, personality, abnormal behavior and its treatment, and social psychology. In addition, students will learn about practice and critically evaluate research methods used by psychologists. The expression and preparation for the recommended Advanced Placement examination in Psychology will be emphasized.
Science Vs. Fiction Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Is a modern day Jurassic Park possible? Will superheroes be in the future? As science and technology advancements continue to make new discoveries, the boundary between science fact and science fiction is blurred. This course, Science verse Fiction will investigate topics in science fiction, such as Jurassic Park, Superheroes, Star Wars, Time Travel, and Mythology to debunk fact from fiction. Students will analyze science fiction in movies, TV shows, comic books, video games, and novels to make connections to current scientific research in the real world. Throughout these investigations, students will be asked to consider bioethics, establish credible resources, and develop their critical thinking abilities. Students will participate in hands-on labs, experiments, debates, cases-studies, designing presentations, and writing formal reports. This course is designed to stimulate student interest by showcasing the interconnections in the science disciplines with common everyday occurrences in pop culture.
Sociology Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
What exactly is the difference between a culture and a society? How do societies change over time and what causes these changes? How do things like religion, social class, gender, race, economics, warfare, and politics influence society? This course aims to explore the answers to these questions and much more, including what happens when societies with conflicting value systems interact. Students will investigate why and how people interact and the ways in which these groups help determine one's own individual identity, and how that identity fits into society as a whole. Through the examination of digital, media, and global literacies, students will determine how to create a better society within their own sphere of influence through the nuanced world of applied sociological research. Students will engage in simulations, create case studies, analyze the work of renowned Sociologists, and have the opportunity to develop their own capstone project in an effort to better understand the world around them.
StageCraft Grades 10-12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamental elements and principles of technical theater through hands-on learning that makes use of the production facilities, operations, methods, and technologies used at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology Performing Arts Center (ACITPAC), and to relate these practices to those used in professional, amateur, and educational theaters. The course will include a brief history of theatrical stages and technology, and an overview of professional theater and associated labor unions. Students will learn the functions of the creative team, production staff, technicians and stage crew. Basic elements of scenic construction, design concepts, theatrical lighting, sound technologies, and stage management will be introduced and assessed through practical application.
***Participation in the ACITPAC Stage Crew is required for this course.***
Tomorrow’s Teacher (DE) Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Tomorrow’s Teachers was established in 2007 as a curricular program for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a teaching career. The program uses the Teacher Cadet curriculum (Experiencing Education, 11th Edition) created by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). The course offers students valuable insight into the rewards and challenges of being an educator and the critical issues affecting the quality of education in American schools. It also equips these aspiring teachers with an awareness about teaching and learning that empowers them to become community leaders and advocates for education.
Woodworking & Greening Construction Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce students to woodworking. Students will begin investigating woodworking basics and culminate the skills covered into finely detailed woodworking projects. Students will first be introduced to shop safety and measurement. Students will then practice identification of hand tools and proper use of each tool. They will move on to explore and work with hand held power tools as well as stationary power tools. Once students have mastered these skills and tools, they will begin to create teacher chosen projects. Upon mastery of skills, students will be given the opportunity to select their own projects and bring them to completion. Students will be able to estimate materials, generate a cut list, use all applicable hand and power tools, as well as apply a furniture grade finish to their project.
The second half of the course will allow the students an opportunity to investigate and work with green construction. Major concepts of green construction and sustainability will be highlighted. In order to promote “green” ideals, the students will make as many if not all of their projects during this segment of the course from either pallets or waste materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
Work-Based Learning Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Work-based learning experiences (WBL) are experiential, supervised, in depth learning experiences aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards that are designed to offer all students the opportunity to fully explore career interests and develop workplace readiness skills. This course will cover basic areas of employability skills, workplace readiness and employment equity. Students will develop employability skills, complete job applications, prepare professional portfolios and participate in mock interviews to develop their skills in preparation for WBL. Examples of WBL include community service, service learning, volunteering, job shadowing, paid/unpaid internships and cooperative education experiences. Students that participate in this course will earn OSHA 10 training, Rutgers PPE Certification as well as BLS (basic life support) Certification through the American Heart Association.
Yearbook Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Completed or Currently taking Photography I
This course is designed to teach yearbook production, including theme, coverage, copywriting, graphic design, photography & photo editing, sales, advertising, status reporting, and project leadership. Students will design, layout, collect the necessary written and visual information, and produce an affordable school yearbook within the projected allotment of pages. Students will assist faculty with senior portrait selection as well as assist with underclassmen picture days. The class will deliver a bi-weekly video update (Yearbook on the Scene) in collaboration with Red Hawk Media. They will create monthly sales reports and meet yearbook page deadlines. The yearbook staff will obtain page submission approval from faculty, and present financial & book status reports as needed to the administration. Working with all of the CTE academies, sports teams, performing arts events and club activities will be important. Students will learn the importance of being self-directed, working as a team to complete multiple tasks successfully, on time, and on budget.
Introduction to Welding Grades 11, 12 Credits: 5
Prerequisite: None
Students will learn welding safety, oxygen-acetylene safety and cutting, SMAW (stick welding), introduction to MIG welding, and welding metallurgy. There will be time in the classroom to learn welding theory behind each subject. Students will gain hands-on experience in various welding processes, including: Safety and Equipment: Emphasize safety procedures, proper use of welding equipment (including safety gear), and the importance of maintaining a clean and organized work area, Basic Metallurgy: Understand the properties of different metals and how they affect welding processes, Project-Based Learning: Apply welding skills to complete a variety of projects, such as small metal sculptures, functional items (e.g., brackets, stands), or repair projects, Career Exploration: Investigate potential career paths in welding, including manufacturing, construction, and fabrication.