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. 

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, 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. 

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

Semester

Credit.5

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

CIS Public Speaking

Grades: 11-12

GPA Requirement:  3.0 for Seniors / 3.5 for Juniors

.5 credit / semester course

This communication course will focus on the research, development, content, and delivery of oral presentations. Through group workshops, hands-on speech construction, and self-evaluation, students will learn methods and techniques for preparing and delivering a variety of effective speeches. Students will study the relationship between speaker, content, and audience. Students will demonstrate ability to construct and deliver presentations in personal, academic, and work-centered contexts.

CIS Mass Communications

Grades: 11-12

GPA Requirement:  3.0 for Seniors, 3.5 for Juniors

.5 credit / semester course

This course provides a survey of the theories and concepts important to understanding mass communication. A strong emphasis will be placed on the effects of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, Internet, and social media on a global society. The role and responsibility of the mass media in a free society will be analyzed.

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.

Outdoor Living Skills      

Grade 10,11, 12

.5 credit / semester course

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.

Winter Camping & Travel

Grade 10,11, 12

.5 credit / semester course

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

Grades 10, 11, 12

.5 credit / semester course

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.

 Health Care Careers     

Grade 10, 11, 12

.5 credit / semester course

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.

Anatomy and Physiology I:

Grades: 11-12

Credit: .5 / semester course

This course is recommended for those looking at a health or medical related field. We will begin by learning the basic Language of Anatomy, and then move on to study the Integumentary System

(skin/hair/nails), the Skeletal System (bones) and the Muscular System. Medical terminology will be intertwined as we progress through the units. Lab dissections are a part of this course.

Wildlife & Fisheries Management              

Grade 10, 11, 12

Credit: .5 / semester course

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

Credit: .5 / semester course

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

.5 credit / semester course

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.

NAHA 1100: Intro to Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide - Minnesota North College (CNA)

Elective

Grades 11-12

High School Credit: .5

College Credit: 4.0

Lecture Hours/Week: 2

Lab Hours/Week: 4

This course covers the Introductory Theory and Skills of Nursing. The Units include maintaining a safe and clean environment, communicating information, meeting basic human needs, obtaining/measuring Vital Signs, understanding mental health and social service needs, and caring for clients with special needs, equipment or procedures. The course teaches the student to be able to perform these skills in a healthcare facility or home setting. Instruction is provided through lectures (in person and/or web based),

videos, assignments, and Instructor demonstration. The students are given practice time in the lab and subsequently must give return demonstrations of skills learned. The students will experience supervised

practical training and application of the skills learned by participating in client care in the skills lab and/or at the clinical site.

CIS Intro to Art:

Grades 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

For CIS Credit:  3.0 required for Seniors / 3.5 required for Juniors

This is an introductory course that explores Western and non-Western concepts, materials, and techniques used in the visual arts. Students are introduced to the elements and principles of art and explore a variety of media and studio processes. This is a basic course designed to provide a foundation for all art studio courses and is recommended for the student with little to no previous art background as well as required for art majors.

CIS Ceramics:

Grades 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

For CIS Credit:  3.0 required for Seniors / 3.5 required for Juniors

Ceramics introduces students to working with clay. A variety of construction methods and glazing techniques will be used to create ceramic pieces. Aesthetic analysis of form and content are incorporated as they relate to historical ceramics and student work.

2D Art:

Elective 

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.

Grades 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course is designed to introduce students to basic digital arts. Students will explore photography concepts, layout design, and videography production. Students will also participate in construction of the school yearbook. Independent work ethic is a requirement for this course.

MURAL PAINTING    

Grades 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

Students will learn and develop the skills necessary for painting large and small scale murals.  Students will learn basic painting techniques, mural design and have the opportunity to paint various murals in the Bigfork School.

PHY ED  I: TEAM SPORTS             

Grades:9-12

Credit: .5 / semester course

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 / semester course

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.

STRENGTH TRAINING/PERSONAL FITNESS     

Grades: 11-12

Semester

Credit: .5 / semester course

The primary focus of this class is to learn, understand and apply basic principles of strength training. It is held primarily in the weight room.  Students will also have the opportunity to improve personal fitness in the areas of flexibility, agility, speed and endurance. Students taking this course should be self-motivated to improve their personal fitness level, especially in the area of strength development.  Students will be required to assess their current levels of fitness, set personal goals and re-assess for progress.  Students will also be required to maintain personal journals that document daily work and progress.

Woodworking         

Elective

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.

Advanced Woodworking                       

Grades 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

Advanced Woodworking :  Students will improve on the skills they learned in Basic Woods.  They will construct a major woods project. They will design and build a project such as an Entertainment Center, Gun Cabinet, or other such cabinetry of this nature. Use of the Lathe will be taught.  Finishing of a project and refinishing of projects will also be covered.

Carpentry                 

Grades 11,12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course focuses on in-depth analysis of complex issues that a business or management area will face on a daily scale.  These issues and areas are specified by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is the world’s leading certification organization for professionals in all disciplines of Project Management.  Making this an appropriate structure from which to explore how real-world project managers deal with complex concerns that involve IT resources.  This course provides an in-depth practical experience in the development of a project, estimating of a project, customer feedback, scheduling of a project, and other various aspects of the Project Management field.

Fabrication & 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.

SMALL ENGINES            

Grades 10, 11, 12

Semester

Credit: .5

Students will go through reading and using the information from a manual for a Briggs engine.  Students will read through the manual, disassemble, inspect, repair and reassemble the engine.  This will require step by step information and specialized vocabulary used in an automotive shop.

Intro to Solid Works

Elective

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Semester

Credit: .5

Students will learn Solid Works.  This program is one that is used in Industry and at most Vo-technical schools.  The class is divided into two parts: Architectural and Mechanical drafting skills.  The 1st quarter will explain the hows and whys of drawing more than one view of a mechanical drawing.  The 2nd quarter will cover the basics of what is needed to draw up a house.

Basic Electricity            

Elective

Grades 11,12

Semester

Credit: .5

This course focuses on in-depth analysis of complex issues that a business or management area will face on a daily scale.  These issues and areas are specified by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is the world’s leading certification organization for professionals in all disciplines of Project Management.  Making this an appropriate structure from which to explore how real-world project managers deal with complex concerns that involve IT resources.  This course provides an in-depth practical experience in the development of a project, estimating of a project, customer feedback, scheduling of a project, and other various aspects of the Project Management field.

Career Internships           

Grade 12

Semester

Credit: 1.0

Students will complete an application and interview process in which they then may be placed in a paid internship during school hours.