9th Grade Courses

Four credits of English are required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

English 1
302401CW
Grade level: 9
Credit: 1 English credit
Prerequisite: None

This course offers a study of literary genres  (novel, short story, poetry, nonfiction, and  drama), develops previously learned reading  and writing skills, and enhances vocabulary  and research skills gained in previous  English courses. Students will write in many  forms, including the HCS 4 writing domains:  argument, narrative, expository, and  analysis. Teacher-selected readings are a  part of this course. Self-selected readings  may be a part of this course. In addition, this  course will incorporate a variety of learning  assessments. The course focuses on world  literature and may be semester or year long. 

English 1 Honors
302404HW
Grade level: 9
Credit: 1 English credit
Prerequisite: English 8 Honors  

Required for students who wish to pursue the  IB Diploma. Incorporates the standards of  English 1 but is characterized by a high degree of complexity and more in-depth  study.  Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self directed and teacher assigned.  

English 2 Honors (Pre-IB)
302504HW
Grade level: 9
Credit: 1 English credit
Prerequisite: English 1 Honors

Recommended for students who wish to pursue the  IB Diploma. Incorporates the standards of  English 2 but is characterized by a high  degree of complexity and more in-depth study. Students should expect to spend time outside class on assignments, both self directed and teacher assigned. Teacher recommendation is encouraged; a high level of success in prior English courses is a  marker of success in this course. The course focuses on world literature.
The state English End of Course Exam  will be given at the completion of this course. 

Four credits of Math are required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

Foundations in Algebra
411601CW
Grade level: 9
Credit: 1 Math credit
Prerequisite: None 

Focuses on the ability to understand and  apply mathematics to solve realistic  workplace problems. Algebraic skills are  taught through an interactive approach.  Topics include generalizations and algebraic  symbols, algebraic expressions in problem  solving situations, equations and inequalities,  slopes of lines, linear functions and data  representation. Students will use graphing  calculators (TI-84) and Desmos software. 

Algebra 1
411401CW
Grade level: 9 
Credit: 1 Math credit
Prerequisite: None

Focus is on development of the student’s  ability to use a variety of representations,  tools, and technologies to model  mathematical situations to solve meaningful  problems. Topics include generalizations,  algebraic symbols, matrices, algebraic  expressions, relationships, equations,  inequalities, interpretations, linear functions,  quadratic functions, and data representations. Students will use graphing  calculators (TI-84) and Desmos software.
The state Algebra 1 End of Course Exam  will be given at the completion of this course. 

Algebra 1 Honors
411403HW
Grade level: 9 
Credit: 1 Math credit
Prerequisite: Math 8 Honors

Focus is on development of the student’s  ability to use a variety of representations,  tools, and technologies to model  mathematical situations to solve meaningful  problems. Topics include generalizations,  algebraic symbols, matrices, algebraic  expressions, relationships, equations,  inequalities, interpretations, linear functions,  quadratic functions, and data representations. Students will use graphing  calculators (TI-84) and Desmos software.  Mathematics  standards are defined by the South Carolina  State Standards for Mathematics and expand  learning so that greater independence and  responsibility is placed on the advanced  learner. Honors mathematics courses are  distinguished by the quality or work expected  of the advanced learner.
The state Algebra 1 End of Course Exam  will be given at the completion of this course. 

Geometry Honors
412203HW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 Math credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Honors 

This course includes the study of shapes,  their properties, and their relationships.  Emphasis is on student discovery and  formulating and defending conjectures.  Topics include reasoning, polygons,  congruence, similarity, triangles, area,  volume, and transformations. Coordinate,  transformational, and axiomatic systems are  studied. Students will use graphing  calculators (TI-84) and Desmos software.  Mathematics  standards are defined by the South Carolina  State Standards for Mathematics and expand  learning so that greater independence and  responsibility is placed on the advanced  learner. Honors mathematics courses are  distinguished by the quality of work expected  of the advanced learner. 

Algebra 2 Honors
411504HW
Grade level: 9 - 11 
Credit: 1 Math credit
Prerequisite: Geometry Honors

Mathematics  standards are defined by the South Carolina  State Standards for Mathematics and expand  learning so that greater independence and  responsibility is placed on the advanced  learner. Honors mathematics courses are  distinguished by the quality of work expected  of the advanced learner. Students will use  graphing calculators (TI-84) and Desmos  software.  This course prepares students for further  study in honors or IB courses. 

Three credits of Science are required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

Physical Science
321102CW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 Science credit
Prerequisite: None

Emphasizes development of observation,  experimentation, and analytic skills  applicable to succeeding in lab courses.  Introduces fundamentals of physics and  chemistry. This course provides a basis for  success in all other science courses.  

Physical Science Honors
321102HW
Grade level: 9
Credit: 1 Science credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 

Emphasizes development of observation,  experimentation, and analytic skills  applicable to succeeding in lab courses.  Introduces concepts essential to developing  a strong science background before taking  Honors and IB science courses.  

Environmental Science
326104CW
Grade Level: 9 - 12 
Credit: 1 Science credit
Prerequisite: none 

Focuses on interactions in ecosystems found  locally and applies this knowledge to some  important ecosystems around the globe.  Students will learn field study techniques,  sampling procedures, and species  identification. They will see how science is  applied to business and industry through  such topics as environmental impact, wetland  delineation, and ecotourism. 

Biology 1 Honors
322102HW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1  Science credit
Prerequisite: Physical Science Honors

Introduces life science and includes intensive  study of cellular organization, the molecular  basis of heredity, biological evolution, energy  flow within ecosystems, and  interrelationships among organisms.  This course is  required for IB Diploma students. Students  will take the state end-of-course test.
The state Biology End of Course Exam  will be given at the completion of this course. 

Three credits of Social Studies are required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma, including 1/2 credit US Government, 1/2 credit Economics, and 1 credit US History

Modern and World History
330601CW
Grade level: 9 
Credit: 1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

Studies the significant  aspects of world history from the rise of  ancient civilizations to modern times. Special  emphasis will be given to events between the  Renaissance and 1900. Students will be  engaged in seminars and will be required to  compare, analyze, and synthesize. This  course should be taken by those who are  self-motivated with strong reading and writing  skills. 

US Government Honors & Economics and Personal Finance Honors
333002HH  and  330803HH
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1/2 US Govt credit & 1/2 Econ credit
**Both credits are required for graduation and course are taught in conjunction with one another**
Prerequisites: Social Studies 8 Honors 

Emphasis will be on the application of  governmental and economic theories to the  world of today. Students will study the role of  government in a free market society. They  will investigate the role of monetary  contributions in our political system and will  research the role of the Federal Government  and the Federal Reserve Board.  

One credit of PE or ROTC is required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

Physical Education 1
3441A2CW
Grade level 9 - 12
Credit: 1 PE credit
Prerequisite: None

Emphasizes health-related fitness concepts  and comprehensive health through  instruction, practice and application of skills  necessary for optimal levels of health and  fitness now and for a lifetime. The  comprehensive health portion promotes  wellness, safety education, health  maintenance, and disease prevention. It  includes reproductive health, sexual and  domestic violence and prevention and  CPR/AED instruction. 
A student must earn one unit of Physical  Education 1 to graduate, or before moving on to a higher level PE course

Junior ROTC 1 (FALL Semester)
375102CW

Grade level: 9

Credit: 1 elective credit

Prerequisite: None 

There are several components involved  within JROTC. The Aerospace Science  course is an aviation history course focusing  on the development of flight throughout the  centuries. It starts with ancient civilizations,  then progresses through time to modern  day. The emphasis is on civilian and military  contributions to aviation, the development,  modernization, and transformation of the Air  Force, and space exploration. Additionally,  this course introduces cadets to the study of  world affairs, regional studies and cultural  awareness. The Leadership Education  component introduces cadets to the history,  organization, mission, traditions, goals and  objectives of JROTC and includes key  military customs and courtesies, how to  project a positive attitude, communication  techniques and examines the principles of  ethical and moral behavior. JROTC  also provides an in-depth introduction to drill  and ceremonies, describes individual and  group precision movements and aids in the  development of the command voice. Cadets  will learn to understand the importance of  keeping physically fit through exercise to  reach fitness goals.
**This course will fulfill the PE credit for cadets who elect to take ROTC in lieu of PE 1**

Junior ROTC 5 (SPRING Semester)
375501CW

Grade level: 9 

Credit: 1 elective credit

Prerequisite: Junior ROTC 1 or PE 1 

There are several components involved  within JROTC. The Aerospace Science  course is an aviation history course focusing  on the development of flight throughout the  centuries. It starts with ancient civilizations,  then progresses through time to modern  day. The emphasis is on civilian and military  contributions to aviation, the development,  modernization, and transformation of the Air  Force, and space exploration. Additionally,  this course introduces cadets to the study of  world affairs, regional studies and cultural  awareness. The Leadership Education  component introduces cadets to the history,  organization, mission, traditions, goals and  objectives of JROTC and includes key  military customs and courtesies, how to  project a positive attitude, communication  techniques and examines the principles of  ethical and moral behavior. JROTC  also provides an in-depth introduction to drill  and ceremonies, describes individual and  group precision movements and aids in the  development of the command voice. Cadets  will learn to understand the importance of  keeping physically fit through exercise to  reach fitness goals. 

Fundamentals of Computing
502302CW
Grade: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 computer credit
Prerequisite: None
*MEETS HS Computer Science Credit Requirement 

Designed to introduce students to the field of  computer science through an exploration of  engaging and accessible topics. Through  creativity and innovation, students will use  critical thinking and problem-solving skills to  implement projects that are relevant to  students’ lives. They will create a variety of  computing artifacts while collaborating in teams. Students will also be introduced to  computing careers and will examine societal  and ethical issues of computing. 

Fundamentals of Web Page Design &  Development
503102CW
Grade: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 computer credit
Prerequisite: None
*MEETS HS Computer Science Credit  Requirement 

This course will guide students in the  development of websites in a project-based,  problem-solving environment. Students will  learn the industry standard languages, HTML  and CSS, which are used in every website on  the web today. Students will learn how to  create a portfolio of content-rich, well-styled  websites. Successful completion of this  course will prepare students for industry  certification. NOTE: Websites created by  students in this course are not to be  published without following District  guidelines. 

Art 1
350102CW
Grade level: 9 - 12 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Can't draw? Take Art 1. Want to advance  your art skills? Take Art 1, and you don't  have to know how to draw!   Art 1 is a beginner art class. If you can draw,  you can advance your skills as well. Projects  are based on learning the fundamentals of  art education. Students will create art based  on teacher created project lessons. You will  learn how to create realism using value,  drawing techniques, painting, sculpting clay,  POP art, caricatures, hieroglyphics, Greek  vases and more. 

Show Choir (Bellas and Fellas)
459972CW
Grade level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: full audition process

Emphasis is placed on intermediate singing,  dancing, and performance skills. Students  learn the fundamentals of singing &  projection, breathing, posture, and sight reading. Students will study and perform  intermediate literature. Participation in a  number of evening events and a costume  are required. 

Girls Show Choir (Select Girls)
459962CW
Grade level: 9 - 12 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: Brief audition required 

This is a great place to be if you love to sing  and dance! Socastee Select Girls is a show  choir for women only. Emphasis is placed on  beginning to intermediate singing, dancing,  and performance skills. Students learn the  fundamentals of singing & projection,  breathing, posture, and sight-reading.  Students will study and perform intermediate  to advanced literature as well as show choir  numbers. Participation in a number of  evening events and a costume are required. 

Instrumental Music: Band 1
353102CW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

This is where playing an instrument finally  pays off! This is a great team that travels and  has fun together. Teaches advanced  concepts of instrumental musical  performance in the structure of a  performance ensemble. Concepts include  tonal and rhythmic accuracy, tone  production, balance and blend within the  ensemble, intonation, and musicianship.  Participation in evening events is required. 

Instrumental Music: Band 2
353202CW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

A continuation of Instrumental Music: Band 1.  Teaches advanced  concepts of instrumental musical  performance in the structure of a  performance ensemble. Concepts include  tonal and rhythmic accuracy, tone  production, balance and blend within the  ensemble, intonation, and musicianship.  Participation in evening events is required. 

Instrumental Music Orchestra: Strings  Rehearsal
355001CW
Grade Level: 9
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: Middle School orchestra or  permission of instructor 

The orchestra classes are open to students  who desire to play an offered instrument  (violin, viola, cello). This course is designed  to introduce and reinforce the fundamental  principles of musicianship. Student will  receive guidance in techniques for producing  proper tone, pitch, rhythm, posture,  dynamics, and performance at different  levels. 

Instrumental Music Orchestra: Strings 1
355102CW
Grade Level: 9 (Offered Spring Semester)
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: Middle School orchestra or  permission of instructor  

Students perform orchestral literature from a  variety of style and historical periods in  concerts, Concert Festival and community  programs. Emphasis is on skill development,  other individually and in the ensemble and an  introduction to music theory concepts and music history. Previous orchestra  experience or director approval is required. 

Theatre 1
452102CW
Grade level: 9 - 12 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

An intro to theatre class, students will build theatre skills, create characters, utilize theatrical vocabulary & strengthen vocal & physical choices through drama, improvisation, storytelling, dialogue and scene study. Students will present rehearsed scenes to the class. Students will also learn about theatre history and the different design elements of technical theatre.

Instrumental Music: Piano 1
454102CW
Grade level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

This class is designed to allow students the  opportunity to develop basic beginning piano  techniques, music reading skills, and limited  knowledge of music theory and  understanding of music as a personal and  cultural benefit. The class is self-paced and  instructor guided. Class size is limited to 19  pianos. Students who select this class  should be interested in developing the good  musical and study/practice skills required for  successful class completion. Fulfills fine arts  graduation requirement. 

Instrumental Music: Guitar
356701CW
Grade level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Students will be introduced to the core  curriculum of guitar techniques to include:  music reading, classical technique, standard  strumming styles of accompaniment. This  course will also explore the evolution of  popular music styles from turn of the 20th  Century to contemporary American culture.  Instrumental performance, lecture, reading  discussion and listening are required.  Fulfills fine arts graduation requirement. 

Music Appreciation
356102CW
Grade level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Students learn about music and its  relationship to culture through investigation of  music from a variety of styles, genres and  historical periods. An introduction to music theory concepts and terminology as well as  basic instrumental techniques and  composition. Students will be introduced to  these through reading, in-class discussions  and demonstrations, videos and extensive  listening. This is a non-performance music  course fulfilling the Fine Arts graduation  requirement. 

Music Theater 1
45993ACW
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: none 

Music Theater 1 is an introduction to music  theater production. Students will learn  logistics of show selection, costuming,  music, as well as performing songs from  Broadway shows. Participation in a number  of evening events and a costume is  required. 

Music Theater 2
45992TCW
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: none 

Music Theater 2 focuses on producing a  Broadway show. Students will learn logistics of creating a budget, costume plot,  set building, props, as well as performing  songs from Broadway shows. Participation  in a number of evening events and a  costume is required.
**Completion of Music Theater 1 is not a prerequisite for Music Theater 2.  Courses are not sequential and students may complete courses in any order.**

One credit of CATE or World Languages is required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

Agricultural Science & Technology
562402CW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Teaches concepts related to plant and animal  life including biotechnology, conservation  and impact of agriculture on the environment.  Each student is expected to design and  participate in a supervised agricultural  experience.  

Building Construction 1
606002CW
Grade Level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Includes shop and tool safety, construction  mathematics, building materials, basic  blueprint reading, vocabulary, and estimating  materials. Students are involved in career exploration of various occupations in the  construction industry. 

Entrepreneurship
540002CW
Grade: 9 - 11
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Provides students with the knowledge and  skills needed to develop an effective  business plan for small business ownership.  An important part of the course will be the  incorporation of economics, ethics, legal  aspects, logistics, research, staffing,  strategies for financing, and technology. 

Family and Consumer Sciences 1
580802CW
Grade Level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None 

This is a comprehensive course designed to  provide students with the core knowledge  and skills needed to manage their lives.  Project based instruction provides students  with opportunities to utilize higher order  thinking, communication, and leadership  skills impacting families and communities.  Concepts incorporate interpersonal  relationships, career, community, and family  connections, family, nutrition and wellness,  consumer and family resources, fashion and  apparel, food production and service,  parenting, and housing into a rigorous and  relevant curriculum. Integration of the Family  and Consumer Sciences student  organization, Family Careers, and  Community Leaders of America (FCCLA),  greatly enhances this curriculum. 

Fundamentals of Business, Marketing,  and Finance 

509003CW
Grade Level: 9 and 10
Credit: 1 elective credit

Prerequisite: None 

Designed to encourage students to pursue  successful careers as an entrepreneur in  business, consumer rights, business and  operations management, financial planning,  and marketing communications. This course  will increase students’ knowledge and skills  that are utilized within business as it relates  to a global society. 

Marketing
542102CW
Grade: 9 - 11
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Students will operate a school store to learn  introductory marketing concepts including  economics, business fundamentals, and  marketing functions of selling, promotion and  distribution. Required course for  merchandising and marketing management  majors.  

Sports Medicine 1
555502CW
Grade level: 9 or 10
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Emphasizes sports medicine career  exploration and the prevention of athletic  injuries, including the components of exercise  science, kinesiology, anatomy, principles of  safety, first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automatic External  Defibrillator (AED) use. Subject matter also  includes legal issues, members of the sports  medicine team, nutrition, protective sports  equipment, environmental safety issues,  principles of taping and wrapping,  mechanisms of injury, and application of other  sports medicine concepts. Students  interested in healthcare careers in athletic  training, physical therapy, medicine, exercise  physiology, nursing, biomechanics, nutrition,  psychology, and radiology will benefit from  this course.  

One credit of CATE or World Languages is required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

Spanish 1
365102CW or 365104CW
Grade level: 11 or 12 (9th if Pre-IB) 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Provides instruction and intensive practice with listening, speaking, reading, and writing  basic conversational Spanish.  A  variety of language topics ranging from  greetings to shopping will be explored.  Cultural instruction will be provided in  conjunction with appropriate language  contexts. 

Spanish 2  
365202CW or 365204CW
Grade level: 11 or 12 (9th if Pre-IB) 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 

Provides instruction and intensive practice  with listening, speaking, reading, and writing  basic conversational Spanish.  Grammatical instruction will include  expressing oneself in present, past, and  future time. A variety of practical language  topics from travel to leisure activities will be  explored. 

French 1
361102CW
Grade level: 11 or 12 (9th if Pre-IB) 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

All French courses are performance-based in three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Learners accomplish real-world communicative tasks in culturally appropriate ways as they gain familiarity with products, practices, perspectives, and interactions of and within French-speaking culture.  By the end of this course, students will have engaged in performance-based activities in a variety of language topics ranging from greetings to shopping will be explored. 

French 2
361202CW
Grade level: 11 or 12 (9th if Pre-IB) 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: French 1

All French courses are performance-based in three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Learners accomplish real-world communicative tasks in culturally appropriate ways as they gain familiarity with products, practices, perspectives, and interactions of and within French-speaking culture. Grammatical instruction will include expressing oneself in present, past, and future time. 

Seven credits of electives are required to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma

Speech
304002CW
Grade level: 9-12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None  

Learn practical approaches to conquering the  number one fear for many people: speaking  in front of a group. Provides experiences that  prepare students for everything from sharing  ideas in a class discussion to giving prepared  speeches.  

Journalism 1
305002CW
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Teaches students the basics of journalistic  writing and prepares them to work on school  publications. Writing assignments include  news stories, features, editorials, and sport  stories. Students also gain experience in  proofreading, copyediting, layout design,  advertising, and techniques of electronic  media. Students read, analyze, and evaluate  mass media, including television,  newspapers, and magazines. 

Current Events
333702CW
Grade level: 9 - 12
Credit: 1 Social Studies elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Study today’s world from a global  perspective. Students will survey various  political, economic, and social relationships  that exist in the world. The students will  analyze current events as they relate to  today’s teenagers. 

Bible (Instructional Release Time)
379913CW
Grade level: 9-12 
Credit: 1 elective credit
Prerequisite: None

Students will enroll in a Bible Education course through Coastal School Ministries.  Students will be transported to and from school campus on a CSM bus to participate in a Bible study  course.  Bible and religious topics will be discussed.  All religious backgrounds are welcome.  Parent permission is required.