Freshman Electives

Grade Level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Content for this course may vary but should provide students an opportunity to analyze and create works such as short stories, one-act plays, poetry and/or personal, expressive pieces.

Grade Level:  9-12

Credit:  .50 - 1

Prerequisite:  None

Special Topics: focused on a specific genre

Mythology  - Greek and Roman myths will be the primary focus of this portion of the course, with some emphasis given to Norse-myths.  The allusions to mythology in modern art, literature, music, and everyday vocabulary will be explored.  The material selected for study will include the more familiar myths and those that have had a profound influence on Western culture.

Sports Literature - This will cover magazine articles, biographies, autobiographies, films, and novels related to sports topics.

Grade Level:  9-12 CCHS; 10-12 HHS

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Content for this course may vary. Possible topics may include: information gathering, writing, editing/proofreading, layout and production in print, digital and online formats.

Grade Level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Content for this course may vary. Possible topics may include research, preparation, delivery, and analysis of extemporaneous, demonstrative, persuasive (including debate and forensic techniques) and informative oral communication. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  .50 

Prerequisite:  None

The Kentucky Studies elective course brings together various elements of Kentucky Studies stressed in the earlier grades. The course focuses on the historical and cultural forces that have influenced the people and the institutions of the Commonwealth. The Kentucky Studies elective should give equal chronological coverage to Kentucky before and after the Civil War. It should stress the role of geography in the state's development and the importance of the regional variations across Kentucky. The customs of the people, their values, their folklore, and their family life should be examined in the context of such forces as agrarianism and urbanism. All of this should be done through the historical context, and should enhance the forces shaping government, politics and social change. Topics of study may be the arts, civil rights, communications, education, environment, labor history, religions, the sciences and transportation. 

Grade level:  9-12 CCHS/10-12 HHS

Credit:  .50 Credit at CCHS/1 Credit at HHS

Prerequisite:  None

Contemporary U. S. History is a study of local, state and national government operations; economic issues; citizenship responsibilities; current events and historical origins; problem solving techniques. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  .50 

Prerequisite:  None

Law and Justice is a study of law-civil, criminal, constitutional, and international; the legal and justice systems. Students will examine the need for rules and regulations; interpretations of the constitution, both state and federal; Supreme Court decisions; the Bill of Rights, and individual rights law, criminal law, family law, and consumer law. The study of the basic social contracts of society will enable students to understand the preferred democratic values: justice, equality, responsibility, freedom, rule of law, human rights, honesty, equity, rational process and human dignity. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  .50 

Prerequisite:  None

Sociology is the scientific study of human society. It is concerned with the behavior of human beings in group situations. The study of sociology, therefore, consists of trying to understand: The basic units and institutions of social life, such as the family, schools, neighborhoods, rural and urban communities, and the many other kinds of groups with which humans identify. This group can include occupational, political, religious, ethnic, family, economic status, or ideology. The sociological perspectives focus on how those social relationships arise, why they persist, why antagonisms develop, and how they maintain social order to contribute to social change. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Students will develop understanding of ecological concepts as outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science, such as cycling of matter, biodiversity, ecosystems, earth systems and human impact. Students will learn these core ideas through the use of the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are the skills students will use as they investigate the natural world, and develop solutions to problems. The crosscutting concepts are conceptual ways of thinking that cross the domains of science. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Students will develop understanding of environmental concepts as outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science, such as cycling of matter, biodiversity, earth systems, energy flow and climate, and human impact. Students will learn these core ideas through the use of the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The science and engineering practices are the skills students will use as they investigate the natural world and develop solutions to problems. The crosscutting concepts are conceptual ways of thinking that cross the domains of science. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Meets Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement.  Students are introduced to the basic fundamentals of artistic expression. The course includes experiences in drawing, painting, two-and three-dimensional design, sculpture, and other art forms. The course emphasizes observations, interpretation of the visual environment, visual communication, imagination and symbolism, and an introduction to various visual arts techniques and media. The focus of the course is on application of the fundamental processes of artistic expression and application of the concepts and approaches in the symbolic aspects of art and design to two- and three-dimensional problems so that they demonstrate a range of abilities and versatility with technique, problem solving, and ideation. A study of historical and contemporary art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and instruction and practice in peer review through the critique process, presentation or their, responding to art and connecting their art to the world around them are included. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. Courses in General Band are designed to promote students' technique for playing Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles (e.g., Concert, Marching, Orchestral, and Modern) primarily for performances and also include experiences in creating and responding to music. These courses teach students the appropriate care, handling, and maintenance of musical instruments. Band courses may be offered on multiple skill levels to accommodate student proficiency. General Band courses may include marching activities for a portion of the year. This course is co-curricular. This state course code can be repeated for students that take multiple years of this course. There is a fee for this course. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. Students study and perform a variety of contemporary or popular styles, such as traditional jazz, jazz improvisation and rock. These courses also cultivate students' technique on instruments appropriate to the style(s) performed -- brass, woodwind, string, percussion instruments, and/or electronic. These ensembles may include both instrumental and vocal music. Coursework provides students with opportunities for growth through rehearsal and performance, improvisation, or creating and performing their own compositions and also include experiences in responding to music. These courses teach students the appropriate care, handling, and maintenance of musical instruments. This course is co-curricular.  Courses are offered on multiple levels to accommodate proficiency. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. Students study and perform a variety of traditional styles such as traditional chamber music, and contemporary or popular styles, such as jazz and rock, while also cultivating students' technique on instruments appropriate to the style(s) performed -- brass, woodwind, string, percussion instruments, and/or electronic. Courses typically range in size from 2 to 20 performers. Coursework provides students with opportunities for growth through rehearsal and performance, improvisation, or creating and performing their own compositions and also responding to music. These courses teach students the appropriate care, handling, and maintenance of musical instruments. Courses are offered on multiple levels to accommodate proficiency. This course is co-curricular. There is a fee for this course. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts.  Piano/Keyboard courses develop fundamentals of music including music reading and use of the elements of music along with keyboard playing techniques for piano and/or electronic keyboard instruments. As students develop performance skills, techniques and music literature become more advanced. This is an introductory course. There is a fee for this course.

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts.  Vocal Ensemble courses are intended to develop vocal techniques and the ability to sing parts in specialized vocal repertoire. These courses may include the development of ensemble singing ability. One or several ensemble literature styles may be emphasized. All members of the Choir will be required to participate in ALL performances, including state and national, and community events.  This is a performance class and will require rehearsals and performances after school hours. There is a fee for this course. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Audition and Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. This class is open to vocal students interested in learning advanced vocal techniques. This group performs in at least two major concerts each year. All members of the Choir will be required to participate in ALL performances, including state, national, and community events. This performance class may require rehearsals and performances after school hours. There is a fee for this course. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Audition and Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts.This course will consist of classroom singing with mandatory public performances for assessment.  Basic fundamentals of music reading and performance will be taught and developed (sight singing, rhythm comprehension, pitch matching, etc).  It is not necessary for the enrolling student to be able to read music.  Each student is given a fall and spring calendar of performance requirements.  All members of the Choir will be required to participate in ALL performances, including state, national, and community events. Grade evaluation includes mandatory attendance at all calendar events. Courses are offered on multiple levels to accommodate proficiency. There is a fee for this course. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. Introduction to Theatre is designed to develop a knowledge of theatrical concepts and techniques that will enable students to create new theatre pieces (work-in-progress/complete), perform existing theatre works and respond to both studio exercises and performances. Introduction to Theatre covers multiple styles of dramatic literature and uses a variety of connections to historical and cultural contexts. Introduction to Theatre sets the stage for both a performance and a technical theatre emphasis and students engage on a basic level with skills and knowledge in and of: acting and improvisation, theatre design and technology, theatre history and appreciation, dramatic literature and critique, and theatre administration.

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  Audition and Teacher Approval

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. Students experience various aspects of musical theater, including auditioning, singing, acting, and dancing. They review the history and evolution of musical theater, its literature and artists, and styles of composition and vocal presentation. Students work collaboratively on performances, including solo, duet, and ensemble work. These courses may also provide a discussion of career and post-secondary placement opportunities. This is a performance class and will require rehearsals and performances after school hours.  There is a fee for this course. 

Grade level:  10-12 CCHS/9-12 HHS

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course meets the state graduation requirement for visual and performing arts. This survey course includes the standards contained in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Visual and Performing Arts. The KAS for Visual and Performing Arts incorporates the five arts disciplines of dance, media art, music, theatre, and visual art. Within these five arts disciplines, students should engage with the four Artistic Processes of Creating, Performing/Presenting/Producing, Responding, and Connecting. Students will achieve and move beyond the grounding in the arts achieved at the middle school level toward proficiency in the arts. Emphasis for these students should be placed on exposing students to a variety of arts through active experiences and developing further understanding and appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of the arts. A higher emphasis on the process of responding to the arts is a natural outcome of this more general approach to art education; however, engagement in the creative aspects of the arts remains critical in the general education of all students and promotes deep understanding and appreciation of the arts. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

High School course. Introductory course. It engages students in the target language with developmentally appropriate activities to acquire the language necessary to communicate (interpret, exchange, and present information, concepts and ideas both within the classroom and beyond on a variety of topics including connections to other subject areas). Cultural aspects are typically included in order to understand the relationship among the products, practices and perspectives of the target language's culture. In addition, students develop insight into their own language and culture.  It is recommended that students enrolling in Honors have an A/B average.

Grade level:  9

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course provides instruction in the foundations of various segments of the agricultural industry. Agricultural career opportunities will be emphasized. Animal science, plant and land science, and agricultural mechanics skills will be the focus of the curriculum. The selection and planning of a supervised agricultural experience program and related record keeping will be presented. Leadership development will be provided through the National FFA Organization. Students will receive personal guidance and counseling with preparatory instructional program selection.

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Business and Marketing Essentials is an introductory business and marketing course which enables students to acquire a realistic understanding of business processes and activities. Students examine fundamental economic concepts, the business environment, and primary business activities. They develop an understanding of and skills in such areas as customer relations, economics, emotional intelligence, financial analysis, human resources management, information management, marketing, operations, professional development, and strategic management. Throughout the course, students are presented with ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic and critical-thinking skills. Leadership development will be provided through FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).  

Grade level:  9

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course provides an introduction to the computer and the convergence of technology as used in today’s global environment. Introduces topics including computer hardware and software, file management, the Internet, e-mail, the social web, green computing, security, and computer ethics. Instruction presents the basic use of application, programming, systems, and utility software. Students spend at least 20 hours of programming and applying learned concepts through programming. (Programming is defined, by the K-12 CS Framework, as the craft of analyzing problems and designing, writing, testing, and maintaining programs to solve them.) Participation in Kentucky Technology Student Association or SkillsUSA will greatly enhance instruction. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course covers required safety practices in the shop and workplace; identification and use of hand tools used in the construction trades; identification of construction materials; interpretation of blueprints and/or drawings; and exposure to various mechanical and structural systems in a residential structure. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

In this course, The Learning Community, students develop an understanding of the various responsibilities and systems involved in the K-12 educational system. Specifically, students will acquire the knowledge of education through the perspectives of classroom, school, district, state, and federal roles. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course applies the skills, concepts, and principles of engineering. Students explore various technological systems and engineering processes in related career fields. Topics include investigating technological system, design optimization, and problem solving. Students utilize CAD and physical and virtual modeling concepts to construct, test, collect, and report data. Participation in Kentucky Technology Student Association will greatly enhance instruction. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course is designed to assist students in making critical decisions about food, which contributes to health and well-being. Laboratory instruction is included as an application process. Practical problems addressed relate to attitudes toward food, nutrition facts, special health concerns and diets, management of food resources, preparation skills, food safety, sanitation and careers in nutrition and food service. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course addresses the concepts related to understanding the areas and stages of human growth and development, recognizing effects of heredity and environment on human growth and development, meeting the needs of exceptional children, promoting optimum growth and development in the infancy, toddler, and preschool stages. Careers in child/human development are explored. Leadership development will be provided through the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. 

Grade level:  9-10

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

The course covers the exploration of aerospace including, flight/aeronautics, aircraft maintenance, aeronautical engineering, and space. Students will learn about the forces that affect controlled flight, investigate properties of lift, and explore flight through a flight simulator. Students will also learn about aerospace standard materials, aviation safety, aircraft and wing design, and elements of a space mission resource system. Participation in Kentucky Technology Student Association will greatly enhance instruction. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Orientation and foundation for occupations and functions across the health care cluster. Includes broad health care core standards which specify the knowledge and skills that the vast majority of health care workers should have. Prerequisite to additional courses in the Health Science Program.

Grade level:  9-11

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Student work involves the study of human medicine, research processes and an introduction to bioinformatics. Students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. A theme throughout the course is to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person. After determining the factors responsible for the death, the students investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. Key biological concepts including homeostasis, metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease are embedded in the curriculum. The course is designed to provide an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Science program and to lay the scientific foundation necessary for student success in the subsequent courses. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Provides the student with a beginning and advanced series of lectures, demonstrations, and practice exercise in the study of prints. Safety will be emphasized as an integral part of this course. 

Grade level:  9-11

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This course is an introduction to and survey of the creative and conceptual aspects of designing media arts experiences and products, including techniques, genres, and styles from various and combined media and forms, including moving image, sound, interactive, spatial, and/or interactive design. Participation in Kentucky Technology Student Association or SkillsUSA will greatly enhance instruction. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

This basic course consists of material from the nine core JROTC units designed to develop the Emerging Leader emphasizing academic skills, self-awareness and developing a personal plan.  Lessons concentrate on; JROTC Foundations, Personal Growth and Behavior, Critical and Creative Thinking, Reading and Vocabulary Comprehension, Studying and Test Taking Strategies, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Anger Management Techniques, Conflict Resolution, Health and Fitness, Stress Management,  Geography, and Service Learning.  Cadets begin to develop new skills they will use in high school and throughout life.  This introductory course develops a greater appreciation of American History, Traditions and the Purpose of Army JROTC.  This course introduces Personal Growth and Development, Skills, Traits and Principles necessary to influence human behavior.  Cadet rank may be earned within the battalion through demonstrated leadership and participation within the program. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

These courses introduce the student to the principles, theories, and concepts of Automotive Technology, and include instruction in the maintenance and light repair of Engines, Brake Systems, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Suspension and Steering Systems, Automatic and Manual Transmission/Transaxles, and Engine Performance Systems. In all areas, appropriate theory, safety, and support instruction will be taught and required for performing each task, including proper care and cleaning of customers vehicles. The instruction will also include identification and use of appropriate tools and testing/measurement equipment required to accomplish certain tasks. The student will also receive the necessary training to locate and use current reference and training materials from accepted industry publications and resources, and demonstrate the ability to write work orders.  The current program standards/task list can be found on the ASE Education Foundation website. 

Grade level:  9-12

Credit:  1

Prerequisite:  None

Provides a study of occupationally specific prints for welders. Advanced study of multi-view drawings, assembly drawings, datum dimensions, numerical control drawings, sheet metal prints, castings and forgings, instrumentation and control charts and diagrams, working drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and use of reference materials and books are included. Occupational specifics including welding drawings, symbols, joint types, grooves, pipe welding symbols, testing symbols, and specification interpretations are stressed.