HS International Business and Culture Course Descriptions

Design and Computer Information Systems Pathway

DESIGN, MULTIMEDIA, AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop proficiency in designing and creating graphic design projects, multimedia presentations/projects, and websites, using industry-standard application software. Students apply principles of layout and design in completing projects. Students create portfolios that include a résumé, certifications earned, and a variety of print, multimedia, and website projects produced in the course. Students will use Adobe Suite software, Windows Movie Maker, PowerPoint, and other software programs to accomplish these tasks. The Communication Skills for Business Examination will be given towards the completion of this course.

ADVANCED DESIGN, MULTIMEDIA, AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): DESIGN, MULTIMEDIA, AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop advanced skills for creating desktop-published, interactive multimedia, and Web-site MCPS Program of Studies 44 2021-2022 projects. Students work with sophisticated hardware and software, applying skills to real-world projects. Students will use Adobe Suite software, Windows Movie Maker, PowerPoint, and other software programs to accomplish these tasks.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheets, MCPS Program of Studies 43 2021-2022 databases, multimedia presentations, and integrated software activities. Students work individually and in groups to explore computer concepts, operating systems, networks, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and career opportunities related to the information technology field. *This course may be offered in a dual enrollment format depending upon student requests and teacher availability.. Students may use the skills learned to become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in one or more of the core programs.

ADVANCED COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through advanced integrated software applications, including printed, electronic, and Web publications. Students work individually and in groups to explore advanced computer maintenance activities, website development, programming, networking, emerging technology, and employability skills. Students enhance computer information technology skills through the use of advanced integrated applications to create documents, publications, and websites including complex graphs, customized reports, and multimedia presentations. In addition to implementing programming and executing network activities, students also will practice the maintenance, management, and troubleshooting of systems; legal and ethical issues are explored; preparation is given for industry certifications; and employability skills are developed. Students may use the skills learned to become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in one or more of the core programs.

Marketing Pathway

INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students gain an understanding of the importance of marketing in today's society. They develop skills related to interpersonal communication, self-presentation, economics, marketing, sales, employability, career discovery, and ethical decision-making. This course reinforces mathematics, science, English, and history/social science Standards of Learning (SOL). Computer/technology applications and DECA activities support this course. DECA, the co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students will build on prior knowledge of sports, entertainment, and recreation marketing. This course focuses on the principles of management and planning supported by research, financial, economic, ethical, and legal concepts. Students will be able to plan and execute an event, establish a sports, entertainment, or recreation marketing product/business, and develop a career plan. Academic skills (mathematics, science, English, and history/social science) related to the content are a part of this course. Computer/technology applications supporting the course are studied.

MARKETING

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students examine activities in marketing and business important for success in marketing employment and postsecondary education. Students will learn how products are developed, branded, and sold to businesses and consumers. Students will analyze industry trends and gain hands-on experience in the marketing of goods, services, and ideas. Topics will include professionalism in the workplace, product planning and positioning, promotion, pricing, selling, economic issues, and the impact of technology on the marketplace. This course reinforces mathematics, science, English, and history/social science Standards of Learning (SOL). Computer/technology applications and DECA activities enhance the course. DECA, the co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events. The National Retail Foundation Customer Sales and Service Examination will be given towards the completion of this course.

ADVANCED MARKETING

GRADE: 12

Prerequisite(s): MARKETING

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students build on knowledge gained in a prior Marketing course. Students participate in supervisory and management activities focusing on the marketing mix, purchasing, financing, human resources, global marketing, pricing, and emerging technologies. Students will prepare for advancement in marketing careers and postsecondary education. This course reinforces mathematics, science, English, and history/social science Standards of Learning (SOL). Computer/technology applications and DECA activities enhance the course. DECA, the co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.

Economics/Personal Finance Pathway

ACCOUNTING

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Accounting students study the basic principles, concepts, and practices of the accounting cycle for a service business and a merchandising business. Topics covered include analyzing transactions, journalizing and posting entries, preparing payroll records and financial statements, and managing cash control systems. Business ethics and professional conduct are emphasized. Students learn fundamental accounting procedures.

ECONOMICS AND PERSONAL FINANCE

GRADES: 10-12

Credit: 1 REQUIRED ELECTIVE

Students learn how economies and markets operate and how the United States economy is interconnected with the global economy. Additionally, they learn how to navigate the financial decisions they must face and to make informed decisions relating to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, financing postsecondary education, taxes, saving and investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, and living independently. They also learn the importance of investing in themselves in order to gain the knowledge and skills valued in the marketplace. Development of financial literacy skills and an understanding of economic principles will provide the basis for responsible citizenship, more effective participation in the workforce, and career success. The course incorporates all economics and financial literacy objectives included in the Code of Virginia §22.1-200-03B. Students will complete certification testing in WISE Financial Literacy

Art Pathway

ART I

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of art through drawing, design, craft projects, sculpture, and painting. Art history is studied. This class is designed to help students realize the importance of visual arts and art history.

ART II

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): ART I

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course includes a continued emphasis on drawing and design in more complicated art projects. Many techniques are used including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and an introduction to studies of perspectives. Art history is studied.

ADVANCED ART

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): ART II

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course emphasizes advanced work with visual concepts through drawing. Drawing skills that include work from various subjects in diverse media are further developed. The different media include but are not limited to watercolor, pen and ink, paper mache, and printmaking. This course may be taken twice for credit.

Speech and Drama Pathway

SPEECH/DRAMA I

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

An understanding and application of the principles of public speaking is emphasized. Speeches are analyzed based on their organization, content and delivery. Also covered will be such areas as oral interpretation, radio and TV announcing and commercials. The drama portion will cover an introduction to the arts and crafts of acting; the development of an awareness of vocal, physical and improvisational skills; and a basic approach to scene and character study through exercises and creative scenes from plays for individuals, small groups or an entire class.

SPEECH/DRAMA II

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): SPEECH/DRAMA I

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Speech/Drama II advances the skills taught in Speech/Drama I. The students will have extended opportunities to participate in acting, directing, costuming and designing a set. They will also practice and evaluate public speaking skills.

ADVANCED SPEECH/DRAMA

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): SPEECH/DRAMA II

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

This course emphasizes advanced work in performance, directing, costuming, and makeup. The students will complete individual semester projects incorporating all these skills. They will practice and evaluate public speaking skills. This course may be taken twice for credit.

Band Pathway

COLOR GUARD

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): MUST PASS A SUCCESSFUL AUDITION

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Color Guard is offered as an extension of the band program. It is offered during the first semester only. The Color Guard is a flag team that performs in competitions, parades, halftime at football games, and other band activities. The students practice during class, after school and other times perfecting their routines. The students are scheduled with the band during the same class period for the entire first semester. One credit in band will be given for successful completion of the course. Members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances.

MARCHING/CONCERT BAND (YEAR-LONG COURSE)

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

Credits: 2 ELECTIVES

The concert band is made up of players at an advanced level. The goal of this group is to develop fundamental skills in marching and music performance and learn music that enhances the overall performance level of the ensemble. Knowledge of major scales and chromatic scales are required plus proficiency in sight reading. In addition, a marching proficiency is also required. Seating placement is held regularly during the school year. Activities include summer band camp, rehearsals during the summer, after school rehearsals, preparation for the winter and spring concerts, and the State Concert Festival. Members are required to be present at all rehearsals and performances. Students must be enrolled in band both semesters to be eligible to participate in overnight trips in the spring.

Photojournalism Pathway

PHOTOJOURNALISM I

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students in this class will be studying all facets of journalism, fundamentals of photography, and techniques of camera use in relation to the field of journalism and visual communications. The course covers writing stories, reporting, photography, and advertising.

PHOTOJOURNALISM II

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): PHOTOJOURNALISM I

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

The purpose of this class is to produce the school yearbook. Skills acquired in Photojournalism I are expanded and refined. Students are responsible for producing information and pictures that will be used to publish the yearbook. Students will write stories, captions, and headlines; design and layout yearbook pages; take and develop photographs; sell yearbooks and advertising; use the computer for layout and design.

PHOTOJOURNALISM III

GRADE: 12

Prerequisite(s): PHOTOJOURNALISM II

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Participants in the class will be advanced staff members of the yearbook. Students must show proficiency in layout/design, advertising, writing, photography, and sales. Skills acquired in Photojournalism I and II will be expanded and refined. Students’ responsibilities include copy editing, photography, writing, yearbook sales, advertising, and meeting publication deadlines. Students will also be involved with extensive computer design and layout programming so that they are capable of designing the yearbook on the school’s yearbook computer and will have a marketable skill upon graduation.

Chorus Pathway

BEGINNING CHORUS

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students will develop vocal skills through rehearsing and performing various styles of music in varying degrees of difficulty. Students will participate in warm ups, guided large and small group rehearsals, and some individual vocal exercises. At performances, students will demonstrate good choral singing and performance etiquette. Chorus members will also develop their music reading (theory) skills through lessons, drill, and practice.

INTERMEDIATE CHORUS

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s): BEGINNING CHORUS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

ADVANCED CHORUS

GRADE: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): INTERMEDIATE CHORUS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students taking Advanced Chorus develop musicianship and specific performance skills through ensemble and solo singing. The chorus may be composed of: (1) male chorus, (2) female chorus, (3) mixed chorus or any combination thereof. Activities create the development of a quality repertoire in the diverse styles of choral literature appropriate in difficulty and range for the students. Instruction is designed to enable students to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Chorus classes provide, instruction in creating, performing, conducting, listening to, and analyzing, in addition to focusing on the specific subject matter. Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer's intent in order to connect the performer with the audience.