Drama as Literature/Performance 

Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit .5 - semester course

Drama will combine script analysis and interpretive performance.  Students will be immersed in theater activities while reading poetry, monologues, short and full length plays, and studying both literary and dramatic elements in each work.  Major plays studies may include Wit, one-act plays of Samuel Beckett, and The Laramie Project.  Performances will include monologues, excerpted scenes, one-act plays, and a possible school performance. Offered Spring of 2024.

CREATIVE WRITING

Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit: .5 - semester course

Creative Writing/Poetry will immerse students in the art of the written word.  Students will be responsible for analyzing and critiquing literary works as well as drafting and publishing original pieces. This class will demand creative thought, risk taking, and literary study.  Literary elements, styles, and techniques will be analyzed and ultimately implemented in student writing. 

SHAKESPEARE/BRITISH LITERATURE             

Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit: .5 - semester course

Shakespeare/British Literature will examine the historical canon of British literature, including but not limited to at least two Shakespeare plays – one comedy and one tragedy – as well as short stories, poetry and novels. Written compositions as well as individual and group presentations will comprise major curriculum assessments. 

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit: .5 - semester course

American Literature will examine the historical canon of American writers as well as immerse students in contemporary American literature.  This class will look at the development of literature in America chronologically.  Students will read novels, short stories, speeches, essays, poetry, articles, and dramas from United States' authors, including the literature of those whose cultural influence has changed our nation.  Students will read, interpret, and analyze literature, and will create compositions such as literary analyses and original fiction. 

DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES   

Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit:  .5 - semester course

Diverse Perspectives will expose students to literature from various cultures across America and across the world.  Students will read engaging texts that explore themes such as racism, assimilation, discrimination, and sexism.  Students will reflect on, interpret and analyze the literature, while discussing overarching ideas including inclusion and respect.  Written compositions, journaling, and public speaking will be a focus of this course.  

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Grades 10-12

Credit: .5 - semester course

American Literature will examine the historical canon of American writers as well as immerse students in contemporary American literature.  This class will look at the development of literature in America chronologically.  Students will read novels, short stories, speeches, essays, poetry, articles, and dramas from United States' authors, including the literature of those whose cultural influence has changed our nation.  Students will read, interpret, and analyze literature, and will create compositions such as literary analyses and original fiction. 

THE NOVEL

Grades 10-12

Credit .5 - semester course

In The Novel, students will be expected to read several novels over the course of the semester. While some in-class time will be given for reading, students are expected to be reading on their own. It will be rare for students to not have reading homework in this course. We will be reading novels as a whole class, in small groups, and independently. While reading, we will use critical thinking while analyzing and understanding written texts. We will look at literary elements, the author's purpose, types of conflict, and characters.  

REAL LIFE ENGLISH

Grades 10-12

Credit .5- semester course

This class will address many situations you will encounter as an adult in “the real world”, and it will be largely based on the needs of this particular class.

In “Real Life” English, we will cover:

- Vocabulary Expansion

- Public Speaking / Speeches

- Resume’ Writing

- Application Writing

- Interview Skills

- ACT Practice

- Essay Writing

- Punctuation / Grammar Review

- School-to-Work Skills

- Reading Strategies

- Web Site Evaluations

- Editing Exercises

- Writing Legibly

- Keeping a Portfolio

PUBLIC SPEAKING: 

Grades 10-12

Credit .5-semester course

America’s number one fear is public speaking. It is a nerve-wracking experience, but it can be a very beneficial skill for college and career. The objective of this course is to increase students' comfort level and experience with public speaking. Over the course of the semester you will present several speeches, including: impromptu, persuasive, and informative.

DIGITAL MEDIA

Grades 10-12

Credit.5 - semester course

Digital Media will immerse students into the world of researching, reporting, composing and publishing.  This class is a real-world, hands-on experience into digital media.  Possible journalistic opportunities include building and maintaining websites/blogs, scripting and videotaping webcasts and school news programs.  Due to the vocation-like atmosphere, students will be given a significant amount of independence and, thus, must be self-motivated, curious and task oriented.  All products will be available to be read or viewed by the Bigfork community and beyond. 

OUTDOOR LITERATURE

Grades 10-12

Credit .5-semester course

Outdoor Literature will focus on novels, stories, poems, journals, magazine articles, video clips, and music. English standards and literary terms will be covered throughout the following units: Novel studies, article reading and writing, author research/biographies, journal writing, book writing/illustrating, reading and creating original work, and song writing/poetry. 

Journalism

Grades 10-12

.5 credit - semester course

Journalism is a course designed to immerse students in the world of multi-media—including interviewing, newswriting, newscasting, podcasting, web designing, videography, and publishing.  This class will give students a real-world, hands-on experience in the professional world.  Due to the vocation-like atmosphere of the classroom, students will be given a significant amount of independence and thus, must be self-motivated, curious, and task-oriented.  Students will be expected to participate individually and collectively to create high quality products.

Geometry                    

.5 credit per semester / year-long course

In Geometry, students will develop reasoning and problem solving skills as they study topics such as congruence and similarity, and apply properties of angles, lines, triangles, polygons, and circles. Students will also develop problem solving skills by using length, perimeter, area, circumference, surface area, and volume to solve real-world problems.  Students are required to have a Texas Instrument TI-83 or TI-84 calculator.

Advanced Algebra         

Grade: 11  (10 with instructor's approval)             

.5 credit per semester / year-long course

Advanced Algebra begins with lessons on probability and data analysis. We then dive into systems of equations, functions and their transformations with a special emphasis on linear, quadratic, and rational functions. Students will learn to model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations. We end the year studying the basics of Trigonometry. Students are required to have a Texas Instrument TI-83 or TI-84 calculator. 

BIOLOGY 10                          

Grade 10

Credit: .5 per semester / year-long course

This course is designed to give students a general background in the major concepts, investigative lab procedures, and terminology of the biological sciences.  The units include cell biology, origins, genetics, biochemistry, environmental science, This course will meet all Minnesota Academic Standards in the areas of 10th grade Life Science and will meet 1.0 of the required Science credits needed toward graduation.

US HISTORY            

Grade 10, 11, 12

Credit:.5 per semester / year-long course

After briefly reviewing the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, students will study the historical development of the United States and its people with an emphasis on the 20th century.  This course covers American History from the pre-civil war through the modern period.  Areas of study are: Expansionism, Civil War, industrial revolution, reform movement, boom and bust in the 1920's and 1930's, WWI, WWII, post-war America, the Vietnam War era, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and America today.  This course alternates every other year with World History.  MN State Standards: meets standards set forth by the state of Minnesota in the area of Social Studies.  

WORLD HISTORY     

Grade 10,11, 12

Credit:  .5 per semester / year-long course

World History is a record of the adventures of humankind - both the famous and the ordinary - throughout thousands of years.  Students will learn about those adventures.  Several themes will be considered throughout the course - cultural diffusion, cooperation and conflict; change and innovation; political, social and values systems; global interaction; and the impact on the individual.  This course alternates every other year with U.S. History.

MN State Standards: meets standards set forth by the state of Minnesota in the area of Social Studies.  

Wildlife & Fisheries Management            

Grade 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course introduces students to the history, ecology, and methods used to manage fish and wildlife populations in North America. Students will explore the complex relationship between habitat, populations, and human use. The curriculum emphasizes the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, field identification skills, population survey techniques, and the legal frameworks that guide professional management.

Plants, Trees & Forests       

Grade 10,11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

The purpose of this class is to develop the interests, appreciations, understandings and competencies needed as you further your education in the fields of Natural Resources.  Emphasis will be placed on soils, plan and tree identification, and the world of forestry.  Students will learn about industrial, economical, conservational, aesthetic and educational values of Minnesota’s forests, as well as hands-on skills in forest safety, measurements, identification, management and stand improvement.

Forestry            

Grade 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course provides an introduction to the science and art of managing forest resources. Students will explore forest ecology, dendrology (tree identification), silviculture, forest measurements, mapping, and the societal and economic importance of forests. The course emphasizes hands-on field skills, safety, and sustainable stewardship.

Outdoor Living Skills      

Grade 10,11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This class will focus on empowering students with the technical skills, risk management judgment, and environmental ethics necessary to plan and execute safe multi-day backcountry travel in the wilderness.

Health Care Careers     

Grade 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course provides an overview of the healthcare industry, including its history, the various career pathways (Diagnostic, Therapeutic, Health Informatics, Support Services, and Biotechnology), and the foundational skills required for all healthcare professionals

Winter Camping & Travel

Grade 10,11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

Students will learn effective ways to regulate body temperature in sub-freezing conditions, utilize shelters and technical gear to protect them in the cold, and safely navigate winter terrain using skis, snowshoes, and sleds to travel in the wilderness.

Microbiology 

Grade 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

Welcome to the invisible world! "Intro to Microbiology" explores the fascinating, microscopic organisms that impact our daily lives, our health, and our planet. Students will investigate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. Students will learn essential microbiological techniques including aseptic culturing, staining, and microscopy. We will explore disease outbreaks, the human microbiome, and how microbes are used in the food industry and biotechnology.

Grades 9, 10

Semester

Credit: .5

The principles of design and composition will be explored in depth through drawing, printing, sculpture, painting, etc.  Art History critiques will also be emphasized.  Students will recognize various artists and their movements.

2D Art:

Grades 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course will provide students opportunities to work with several different materials. Students will learn about Native American art and contemporary art history. A variety of 2-D and 3-D projects will be implemented. 

SENIOR HIGH ART - 2D         

Grades 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course will provide students opportunities to work with several different materials. Students will learn about native american art and contemporary art history. A variety of 2-D and 3-D projects will be implemented. 

PHY ED  I: TEAM SPORTS             

Grades:9-12

Credit: .5

Respectful, courteous and trustworthy behavior is expected of all students and is the foundation of the Physical Education “One” curriculum.  This course focuses on cooperation and participation at a competitive and vigorous level in team sports and activities.  Students will have the opportunity for development of skills and understanding of appropriate competitive behaviors.  Activities include, but are not limited to: volleyball, flag football, soccer, speedball, ultimate basketball, floor hockey, team handball, and dodge ball. 

PHY. ED.II: RECREATIONAL

ACTIVITIES                                         

Grades : 9-12

Credit: .5

Respectful, courteous and trustworthy behavior is expected of all students and is the foundation of the Physical Education “Two” curriculum.  This course focuses on personal fitness at a moderate, recreational level of participation in individual, dual, and team activities.   Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that encourage movement and promote personal wellness.  Activities include, but are not limited to: racket sports, archery, walk/job-pedometer, frisbee, weight room, volleyball, basketball and floor hockey.

BAND              

Grades 7-12 (grade 7 & 8  must choose either band, choir or both)

Year - 3 days (MWF)/week

Credit: .5 (.25 per semester)

No audition is required for admission.  Band members must have an excitement and willingness to work for the success of the group.  Band lessons are once a week during the school day. Additional practice outside of the school day is a requirement. Students will participate in 3 concerts during the school year.  

CHOIR                        

Grades 7-12 (grade 7 & 8  must choose either band, choir or both)

Year - 2 days (T/Th)/week

Credit: .5 (.25 per semester)

No audition is required for admission. Choir members must have an excitement and willingness to work for the success of the group. Students will attend 3 lessons (minimum) per semester and have vocal assessments each quarter. The students must learn their specific parts and participate in 3 concerts during the school year.  

Woodworking         

Grades: 9-12

Semester

Credit: .5

This class builds on the information learned in Industrial Technology class.  Students will learn the proper use of hand tools and how to take care of them.  They will learn the proper safety procedures for all the wood shop equipment.  They will learn how to read a ruler, design a project and how to assemble and build it.

GENERAL AUTO                                 

Grades 10-12

Semester

Credit:  .5

Students enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to learn about the various systems of an automobile.

Hands-on activities will help students learn the basic fundamentals of car ownership, and perform general maintenance on their own cars. Students will be able to:

1. Identify the fundamental systems of an automobile, understand the basic concepts behind automotive systems, diagnose basic problems in these systems, and how to fix the problems.

2. Work in an auto shop safely and know how to use tools and equipment for automotive repair.

Fabrication and Design                              

Grades: 10-12

Semester

Credit: .5

This class will expand on the skills learned in Basic Metals.  The students will learn how to weld butt welds, T-welds, lap welds, in both gas and arc.  Wire feed will also be taught -  both steel and aluminum.  Students will learn the symbols and skills required to weld projects.