REQUIRED COURSES

English 9

Full Year, 1 credit

This course begins the four-year English sequence, which includes the New York State Common Core English Regents Exam at the end of the junior year. This course requires students to read, discuss, and write about literature. English 9 incorporates a humanities approach to each quarter’s work. These projects are related to the novels studied each quarter, and the components of these activities will address the skills required to write research papers.

Literature: Literature will be connected to the following themes: Choices and Consequences; Power: Use and Abuse; Relationships; and Justice and Freedom. In addition to independent reading projects, students will read a wide selection of short stories and poems. A number of the following works will be read and analyzed in class: To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, Twelve Angry Men, and Devil at My Heels.

Composition: A major objective of this course is the development of expository writing skills. Paragraphs and essays will be assigned frequently. By the end of the course, students will be expected to write well-structured, evidence-based argument essays, including a research-based paper. Other curriculum areas will include vocabulary development, grammar, listening and speaking. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

English 9 Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

In addition to the requirements of English 9, this class expects students to conduct mature, in-depth exploration and analysis of literature. Students will also develop analytical, persuasive argument-based writing skills. Directed research and problem solving throughout this course will be used to guide students through the learning process.

Literature: Major literary works to be analyzed may include: Twelve Angry Men, Taming of the Shrew, Devil at My Heels, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jane Eyre, Oedipus the King, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, and The Odyssey. In addition, students may also be required to read independent full-length works.

Composition: In addition to composition requirements for English 9, students in English 9 Honors will follow more independent writing prompts, conduct research on topics related to the literature covered in class, and compose properly formatted research papers regarding these topics. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

English 10

Full Year, 1 credit

English 10 is designed to give students a broad background in literature from multiple perspectives. The course, which will prepare students for the Common Core English Regents Exam, focuses on literary response, persuasive argument-based writing, and further development of communication skills.

Literature: Students will read novels, short stories, drama, poetry, and nonfiction. At least two of the following full-length works will be read and analyzed: Julius Caesar, Fahrenheit 451, The Secret Life of Bees, The Color of Water, This Boy’s Life, Lord of the Flies, andAnimal Farm. Students will also self-select independent reading texts.

Composition: A major objective of this course is the continued development of expository writing skills, with particular emphasis on persuasive/argument-based writing. Paragraphs and essays will be assigned frequently, and a research project will be required. Other curricular areas will include vocabulary development, grammar, listening, and speaking.

Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

English 10 Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

This course is designed to give students a broad background in multicultural literature from multiple perspectives. The course focuses on four themes: Identity, Perspectives, Culture and Diversity, and Journeys. Students will be required to do extensive reading and writing. Since this course helps prepare students for the Common Core English Regents Exam, a major emphasis will be placed on the development of analytical, persuasive, argument-based writing skills as well as personal response. Students will learn to read critically and develop skills in literary analysis. Major literary works to be analyzed may include: The Stranger, A Doll’s House, The Bluest Eye, Hamlet, Lord of the Flies, Frankenstein, Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm, Bless Me, Ultima, The Grass Dancer, and various works of poetry. Students will complete one major research project. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

Eligibility: Students who intend to take English 10 Honors should meet the following criteria: 92 first semester average from English 9/86 from English 9 Honors and/or recommendation from current English teacher.

English 11

Full Year, 1 credit

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the American Literary tradition. Major works to be studied may include: The Crucible, The Great Gatsby, The Color Purple, Death of a Salesman, Macbeth, The Scarlet Letter, The Catcher in the Rye, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Last Lecture, and The Glass Castle. Poetry, short stories, and nonfiction selections are studied in conjunction with the major works of literature. Essays and journal entries focused on literary analysis will be assigned regularly, along with continued work on the evidence-based argument essay and a research paper. Students are required to take the Common Core English Regents Exam in June. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

English 11 Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

This course is designed to give students a broad background in the American literary tradition. Major works to be analyzed may include: The Crucible, The Scarlet Letter, Huckleberry Finn, The Awakening, The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman, The Catcher in the Rye, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Color Purple, A Farewell to Arms, and Macbeth. Poetry, nonfiction, and short stories are studied in conjunction with the major works of literature. Essays and journal entries focused on literary analysis will be assigned regularly. In addition to continuing to work on evidence-based argument essays, a research paper will also be required. Students registering for this course should have demonstrated strong ability in literary interpretation, writing skills, and independent research. Students will take the Common Core English Regents Exam in January and complete an honors-level final exam project in June. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

Eligibility: Students in English 10 who intend to take English 11 Honors should meet the following criteria: 92 first semester average from English 10R/86 from English 10 Honors and/or recommendation from current English teacher.

English 12

Full Year, 1 credit

English 12 will provide the student with opportunities to become a more effective writer and critical reader through the development of a writing portfolio. Literature will be primarily non-fiction focusing on the themes of “Challenges” and “Reflections.” Reading selections include: The Body, Night, A Streetcar Named Desire, Othello, and Into the Wildamong others. Shorter works will also be studied. In addition, students will examine different aspects of culture (television shows, radio, movies, advertisements, newspapers, and magazines). While examining works from various eras, students will critically analyze the ways in which different genres convey similar themes. This class will begin with personal essay writing and also include class discussions/debates, journal entries, response papers, research papers, presentations, and a writing portfolio project. Students enrolled in English 12 have the option of registering to earn college credit through SUNY New Paltz. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

English 12 Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

English 12 Honors is designed to give students a broad background in literature. The difference between this class and English 12 will be in the complexity of both the selected literature and the work assigned to and expected from the students. Major works to be analyzed may include: The Canterbury Tales, Into the Wild, Twelfth Night, The Kite Runner, The Body, Othello, The Tempest, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Night. Poetry and short literary pieces will also be assigned. In addition, students will examine different aspects of culture (television shows, radio, movies, advertisements, newspapers, and magazines). While examining works from various eras, students will critically analyze the ways in which different genres convey similar themes. This will involve class discussions/debates, research papers, journal entries, response papers, and presentations. The first quarter will include a unit of study on writing strategies for personal essays. Essays requiring in-depth literary analysis will be assigned regularly, and a writing portfolio project will be required. Students enrolled in English 12 also have the option of registering to earn college credit through SUNY New Paltz. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

English 12/Senior Seminar

Full Year, 1 credit

Click here to view a student-produced video about Senior Seminar

English 12 will provide the student with opportunities to become a more effective writer and critical reader through the development of a writing portfolio. Literature will be primarily non-fiction focusing on the themes of “Challenges” and “Reflections.” Reading selections include The Body, Night, and Into the Wild among others. Shorter works will also be studied. This class will begin with the college entrance essay and also include class discussions/debates, journal entries, response papers, research papers, presentations, persuasive/argument-based essays and a writing portfolio project. Students enrolled in English 12 have the option of registering to earn college credit through SUNY New Paltz. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

The Senior Seminar portion of the course is offered in conjunction with Participation in Government III. In the spring, students will intern or work with a mentor from the community to explore a career opportunity and/or personal interest. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the internship. In addition, students will be required to write a research paper, keep a journal, and give a presentation reflecting on their program experiences.

Eligibility: Students who intend to take English 12/Senior Seminar should have an average of 80 or above in the first semester of English 11.

English 12 Honors/Senior Seminar

Full Year, 1 credit

Click here to view a student-produced video about Senior Seminar

English 12 Honors is designed to give students a broad background in literature. The difference between this class and English 12 will be in the complexity of both the selected literature and the work assigned to and expected from the students. Major works to be analyzed may include: The IIiad, The Canterbury Tales, Into the Wild, 1984, The Body, Othello, The Tempest, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Night. Poetry and short literary pieces will also be assigned. In addition, students will examine different aspects of culture (television shows, radio, movies, advertisements, newspapers, and magazines). While examining works from various eras, students will critically analyze the ways in which different genres convey similar themes. This will involve class discussions/debates, research papers, journal entries, response papers, and presentations. The first quarter will include a unit of study on writing strategies for the college essay. Persuasive, argument-based essays and essays requiring in-depth literary analysis will be assigned regularly, and a writing portfolio project will be required. Students enrolled in English 12 also have the option of registering to earn college credit through SUNY New Paltz. Class participation and homework = 20% of the student’s grade.

The Senior Seminar portion of the course is offered in conjunction with Participation in Government III. In the spring, students will work with a member of the community or their teacher to develop projects that explore a career opportunity and/or personal interest. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the internship. In addition, students will be required to write a research paper, keep a journal, and give a presentation reflecting on their program experiences.

Eligibility: Students who intend to take English 12 Honors or English 12 Honors/Senior Seminar should have an average of 92 or above in the first semester of English 11; 86 or above in the first semester of English 11 Honors.

Algebra I Regents

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra/Math 8

This is the first year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will cover: solving linear equations and inequalities, descriptive statistics, exploring functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, absolute value, piecewise), systems of equations, operations with polynomials, factoring, and problem solving. This course culminates with the New York State Algebra Regents Examination in June.

Different levels of this course are available to support students who have difficulty in the subject area. A student’s math teacher and school counselor will work with the student to identify the appropriate level of support.

Geometry Regents

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra

This is the second year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will cover Euclidean geometry with deductive transformational and similarity proofs, analytic geometry, constructions, circles and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and measurement (including area, volume, and density). This course culminates with the New York State Common Core Geometry Regents Examination in June.

Geometry Regents Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra Honors or Departmental Approval

This is the second year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will cover Euclidean geometry with deductive transformational and similarity proofs, analytic geometry, constructions, circles and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and measurement (including area, volume, and density). In addition to studying the regular Regents material in more depth, extra topics will be included and additional projects given. This course culminates with the New York State Common Core Geometry Regents Examination in June.

Applications in Geometry

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra

This course will cover the topics of Euclidean Geometry from a “hands on” investigative approach. Students will practice Patty Paper Geometry, with a compass and straightedge for building constructions. Students will also use protractors to design and interpret angle relationships. This course will focus on applications of geometric theorems and concepts, with minimal focus on traditional geometric proofs. The course will combine concepts and processes from Algebra, while adding specific geometric relationships, to set up and solve equations. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

Algebra II Regents

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra II NR

This is the third year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will delve deeper into the study of function, specifically absolute value, quadratic, polynomial and trigonometric exponential and logarithmic functions. The course also covers a deeper understanding of sequences and series, radical equations, and statistics, including regression analysis. The course also covers the introduction of the unit circle and sinusoidal curves, as well as probability and statistics, including regression analysis. This course culminates with the New York State Common Core Algebra 2 Regents Examination in June.

Algebra II Regents (Honors)

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry Honors and Departmental Approval

This is the third year of a three-year Regents sequence. This course will delve deeper into the study of function, specifically absolute value, quadratic, polynomial and trigonometric exponential and logarithmic functions. The course also covers a deeper understanding of sequences and series, radical equations and statistics, including regression analysis. The course also covers the introduction of the unit circle and sinusoidal curves, as well as probability and statistics, including regression analysis. In addition to studying the regular Regents material in more depth, extra topics will be included and additional projects given. This course culminates with the New York State Common Core Algebra 2 Regents Examination in June.

Algebra II Non-Regents

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Applications in Geometry, Geometry or Departmental Approval

This course is intended as a preparatory class for the Common Core Algebra 2 course which is required for a Regents diploma with advanced designation, or for those who would like a math course to prepare them for college but do not intend to major in mathematics. This course will cover models, linear relationships and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, radicals and complex numbers. This course culminates with a local final exam in June.

To meet graduation requirements, the student must complete the following:

• Complete three years (3 credits) of high school level science courses. One of those 3 credits must be in either Living Environment or Honors Living Environment.

• Complete a minimum of one Regents science course and meet the lab requirement of 1200 minutes of documented lab time.

Take and pass at least one Regent’s science examination. If, however, a student takes and passes two or more Regents science exams, he/she may be eligible for an Advanced Regents diploma.

Regents Living Environment (9) Regents level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

The Living Environment is a course that has been designed to comply with the New York State Learning Standards for Math, Science and Technology. Topics covered include biochemistry, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, reproduction and development, evolution, ecology, classification, genetics, cell biology and molecular genetics. Focus is placed on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms and application of concepts. Scientific inquiry is incorporated to develop explanations of natural phenomena. There are three laboratory sessions per six-day cycle. Students who have completed the course qualify for and take the Regents examination, which serves as the final examination. It should be noted that students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory written reports for each laboratory investigation. Various lab activities will enable the student to demonstrate the achievement of required laboratory skills. All students must complete 1200 minutes of documented lab time to be eligible to take the Regents exam.

Living Environment Honors (9) Honors level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Algebra Honors, Regents Earth Science

This rigorous and fast-paced course is designed for the advanced biology student. In addition to the materials covered in Living Environment, this course explores in great detail cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cellular reproduction, genetics, biodiversity including a survey of the six kingdoms, human impact on the environment, structure and physiology of vascular plants, human anatomy, and human physiology. This course focuses on analytical problem solving, inquiry based laboratory experiences and critical thinking throughout the curriculum. Students are expected to devote approximately 1 hour per night reading the textbook, writing independent notes, completing challenging homework assignments, designing multi-page formal lab reports, and submitting online quizzes in order to excel. This course has three laboratory sessions per six-day cycle. Students will also be prepared for the SAT II in Biology at the end of this course of study. All students must complete 1200 minutes of documented lab time to be eligible to take the Regents exam.

The Social Studies program at Tappan Zee High School is designed to provide for the maximization of each student’s potential. The program is divided into broad course areas, each of which will follow the general New York State guidelines for the high school social studies sequence. This sequence will consist of World History and Geography 9 & 10, U.S. History & Government, and 12th grade semesters of Economics and Participation in Government. Within these broad course areas, the program will be as follows:

Regents Program: Designed to prepare students in the acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the requirements of the New York State Regents College Preparatory Program. All students are expected to complete a term paper to demonstrate their writing skills. Students must pass Regents exams in World History and Geography (Grade 10) and U.S. History/Government (Grade 11) in order to graduate.

***Some of the Advanced Placement Courses in the Social Studies Department require the completion of a Summer Project. Please either see the teacher(s) of the course, or check the Summer Project Section of the District Website.

World History 9 R

Full Year, 1 credit

World History 9R is the first of a two-year required historical survey course. Students will advance their knowledge about the past through a combination of selective factual information and appropriate analytical skills. The course of study includes the First Civilizations, the Classical Era, the Post-Classical Period, and the Early Modern World (beginning to 1750). These topics, along with skills such as historical interpretation, historical argumentation, contextualization, comparison, causation, and continuity-and-change, will coalesce into an overarching study of “enduring issues” that tells the story of the human experience. This course serves as a foundation for 10th grade World History and Geography which culminates in a New York State Regents Exam.

Grade 10 – World History and Geography (10)

Full Year, 1 credit

This course is the second year of the two-year sequence begun in grade 9. It concludes with a Regents exam in World History and Geography. This course includes an overview of the following topics: Enlightenment and Revolution (1750-1914), Industrialism and a New Global Age (1750-1914), World Wars and Revolutions (1914-Present) and The World Today (1914-Present). Themes such as Turning Points, Economic Systems, Political Systems and Nationalism will be explored in the curriculum.

Grade 10 – World History and Geography Honors (10H)

Full Year, 1 credit

This course is the second year of the two-year sequence begun in grade 9. It concludes with a Regents exam in World History and Geography. This course includes an overview of the following topics: Enlightenment and Revolution (1750-1914), Industrialism and a New Global Age (1750-1914), World Wars and Revolutions (1914-Present) and The World Today (1914-Present). Themes such as Turning Points, Economic Systems, Political Systems and Nationalism will be explored in the curriculum. The 10H course emphasizes examination and analysis of primary source documents, independent research, and a more in-depth look at the historical periods of study through writing across the curriculum.

Grade 11 – United States History and Government Regents

Full Year, 1 credit

The United States History and Government course is a survey of the American experience with emphasis on the Constitution, Industrial Revolution, and the 20th Century. This course culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in June. Class sessions will consist of lecture, discussion, supervised individual research, and cooperative learning activities done in groups. Current events are a major focus of both the research work and the Regents exam. Consequently, you are strongly encouraged to increase your attention to television news and newspapers.

Grade 11 – United States History and Government Honors

Full Year, 1 credit

The United States History and Government Honors course is a survey of the American experience with emphasis on the Constitution, Industrial Revolution, and the 20th Century. This course culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in June. Class sessions will consist of lecture, discussion, supervised individual research, and cooperative learning activities done in groups. Current events are a major focus of both the research work and the Regents exam. Consequently, you are strongly encouraged to increase your attention to television news and newspapers. The 11H course emphasizes examination and analysis of primary source documents, independent research, and a more in-depth look at the historical periods of study through writing across the curriculum.

Economics (Required – 12th Grade)

One Semester, 1/2 credit

This is an introductory course in economic theory. Basic economic problems such as scarcity, choice, supply and demand, and utility are initially presented in order to relate theory to American capitalism. In particular, the dynamics of the market, personal finance, the factors of production (land, labor, and capital), and banking are explored in detail. The student will then employ this basic knowledge to study specific American economic problems such as: inflation, unemployment, energy, pollution and conservation, taxation and the national debt.

Participation in Government III (12)

One Semester, 1/2 credit

Senior Seminar

This course is an alternative method of satisfying the graduation requirements of the Regents Action Plan and is offered in conjunction with English 12R (Senior Seminar). Working with a member of the community or their teacher, students will develop projects to explore a career opportunity and/or personal interest. In addition, students will be required to give presentations, keep a journal and produce a research paper reflecting their program experiences.

Physical Education (Required)

1/2 credit per year

The Physical Education program follows the recommendations of the New York State Education Department as well as the guidelines proposed by the Surgeon General and the NAPE. Students participate in two 20-week semesters per year. The program is comprised of an elective system, based on each period students choose by grade level from a curriculum that includes fitness, team sports and Project Adventure, lifetime activities. During a student’s four years at Tappan Zee High School, he/she must complete eight semesters of Physical Education. Special provisions are available to those students whose active participation is limited due to medical reasons. Students will be assessed with a numerical grade, using the physical education grading rubric.

Health Education (Required)

Cycled or Semester, 1/2 credit

Health Education is a required course for graduation that fosters self- awareness improvement of one’s physical, emotional, maturational and sociological self. The course curriculum topics include: nutrition, mental health, environmental health, family life and planning, disease prevention, abuses of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

Students are required to take (1) credit of art or music.

Additional credits acquired beyond required courses, totaling 23.5.