ELECTIVES

CREATIVE WRITING year 10-12 UC/CSU

This elective course focuses on building and expanding student's interest in creative writing. Students will engage in writing practice, character analysis, and writing short fiction in a wide range of genres as preparation for a portfolio of their creative works.

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY year 10-12 UC/CSU

This course focuses on the study of human behavior. As an introduction to the field of psychology, this course includes consideration of psychological principles, terminology, major theories, careers, methods of experimentation, and practical applications. Special topics include personality development, problem-solving, group dynamics, and motivation.

COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGY year 11-12 College

This two-semester dual-enrollment college course sequence involves taking one course per semester. In the Fall students will take General Psychology (PSY 101), a survey of the principles and concepts governing affect, behavior, and mental processes. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized by the use of exercises which require applying and analyzing the psychological theories, research, and perspectives that provide insight into students' own motives and behaviors. In the Spring students will take Abnormal Psychology (PSY 210), a study of abnormal behavior, including its causes, symptoms, characteristics, classifications, prevention and treatment. Students will earn both high school credit as well as 3.0 units of college credit per semester, transferable to UCs and CSUs.

Students enrolling in College Psychology are required to have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and a grade of "C" or better in their most recent English class.

THEATRE I year 9-12 UC/CSU

This course is designed to introduce students to the various basic elements of theater. Students will learn the background of theater. and they will also learn how to work comfortably on the stage, through warm-ups, monologues, scene work and improvisation. Basic techniques of movement, voice projection, character development, and performance will be taught. Students will act in a short play, and will be required to view and analyze one professional production during the semester. They will also learn the rudiments of set and costume design. This course awards credit as a Fine Arts elective.

JOURNALISM A year 10-12 UC/CSU

Journalism A (Newspaper) is a lab-style class for student journalists to expand skills in writing, research, photography, interviewing, technology, design, communication and problem solving while producing a student publication - PVHS Buzz - that is relevant and entertaining to students, faculty, and the community. After school work for news/events coverage is mandatory. (Speak to: Mrs. Houston, Rm. 25). This course awards credit as a Fine Arts elective.

JOURNALISM B year 10-12 UC/CSU

Journalism B (Yearbook) is a lab-style class for student journalists to expand skills in writing, research, photography, interviewing, technology, design, communication and problem solving while producing a student publication - The Echo Yearbook - that is relevant and entertaining to students, faculty, and the community. After school work for news/events coverage is mandatory. (Speak to: Mrs. Houston, Rm. 25). This course awards credit as a Fine Arts elective.

MOCK TRIAL / SPEECH & DEBATE year 9-12 UC/CSU

This course is offered to any student interested in learning about the judicial system and courtroom procedures. Students will receive a comprehensive education concerning the Judicial branch of the government and the legal system of the United States. Students will learn, practice and perform courtroom procedure for both civil and criminal cases, develop witness characters, write and perform direct examination, cross examination, opening statements, closing arguments and explore an exhaustive variety of constitutional issues. Students will develop their own trial strategies and compete in small groups against other schools. Finally, students will learn the California Evidence code and practice objections in various courtroom simulations. Although students will study prior years' cases, they will mainly focus on the assigned competition case for the current school year as assigned by the California Mock Trial Program. Students will also be prepared to participate in the Mock Trial Competition held in late February and early March. In Mock Trial Competition, students portray each of the main positions in a courtroom such as lawyers, witnesses, court clerks and bailiffs. Students must be willing to put in extra time for mock trial proceedings during the second semester. Do not sign up unless you are certain you are willing to participate.

PEER MEDIATION year 10-12

This course trains students in listening, counseling and mediation intervention skills to be used when working with peers focusing on the nine skills of counseling peers. Students will learn how to listen to what others are really saying or feeling, to understand what others really mean, and to feed back what is heard in ways that enable others to handle the rough spots in their lives. An added benefit to the skills in helping their peers is that students help themselves grow. The course will cover such topics as teen pregnancy, homeless youth, suicide/depression, sexuality, sexual abuse, incest, dating and family violence, gay and lesbian issues, eating disorders, chemical dependency issues and self esteem.

PEER TUTOR year 11-12

This course is a peer-mentoring program intended for second-year Peer Mediators. Peer Tutors will assist in the classroom while acting as on-hand Peer Mediators during their assigned class periods.

LEADERSHIP year 9-12

Designed for elected officers of ASB, class and club officers who will assist the Activities Director in guiding and coordinating co-curricular programs at Palo Verde High School. The students will learn to work together as a team by planning and implementing programs that encourage the student body to be active in their school and promote unity and school spirit. These activities include Pep assemblies and spirit days, Educational activities and assemblies as well as working to promote a positive image of PVHS within the community. While ASB is a lot of fun, it is not all about games. Students wishing to be in the leadership course need to have a significant amount of time to dedicate to his/her office and be willing to be a team player at all times.

FRESHMAN SEMINAR semester 9 UC/CSU

Students will complete an online 10-year career, life and education plan. The course will facilitate students’ recognition of the value of education and the importance of becoming internally motivated to succeed in school. It will help students understand how education, training, and career choice impact their personal lifestyle. It will motivate students to apply themselves, because once they understand how core subjects (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, computing) impact their future success, academic achievement will increase.

JUNIOR SEMINAR year 11 UC/CSU

Junior Seminar is an interactive class that continues to work with students on organizational skills, positive-decision making, self-reflection, and goal setting while researching career and college choices.  The students in this class will be expected to be prepared for college and/or career, maintain academic eligibility and become involved with the school and community.  This class provides study time (learning logs) twice a week in class to assist with this and encourages students to become familiar with their subject teachers and ask for assistance in class when needed.  

SENIOR SEMINAR year 12 UC/CSU

Senior Seminar is an interactive class that continues to work with students on organizational skills, positive-decision making, self-reflection, and goal setting while preparing and assisting them to meet deadlines for college applications and financial aid.  The students in this class will be expected to be prepared for college and/or career, maintain academic eligibility and become involved with the school and community.  This class provides study time (learning logs) twice a week in class to assist with this and encourages students to become familiar with their subject teachers and ask for assistance in class when needed.  Senior Seminar students should be a positive example to students on campus and especially students in grades 9-11.