IB Course Descriptions

IB Courses provide the opportunity to develop both disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge that meets the rigorous standards set by institutions of higher learning around the world. 

To ensure both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, students choose courses from Subject Group 1-6. Most subjects may be taken at either standard level (SL) or higher level (HL). To earn the full diploma a student must take at least three subjects at an HL level. For more information on each class, click on either "HL" or "SL" below to access the link.

In addition, three core elements—the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—are compulsory and central to the philosophy of the programme. 

Group 1: Language 

• English Literature HL - Students begin to develop strong critical writing and thinking skills as they analyze poetry, fiction, drama, and literary nonfiction. Students read world literature texts while developing critical thinking and writing skills that will prepare them for the IB examination in the spring of their senior year. This is a discussion based, seminar-style course. Students will complete an  Individual Oral Commentary based on four works studied during their junior year, as well as a Higher Level Literary Essay during their senior year. 

Group 2: Second Language

• Chinese SL /HL - IB Higher Level Mandarin Chinese is the Mandarin class designed for those that have been studying the language since seventh grade or perhaps even earlier. Students will finish the class with a high level of mastery of Mandarin. The class will be taught almost entirely in Mandarin. Students will be expected to know well over 500 characters before beginning the class. 

• Chinese AB Initio - IB AB Initio Mandarin Chinese will offer students a minimal level of competency in the language. It is designed for students who don’t begin studying a second language until their sophomore year. This is a basic “survival skills” Mandarin class. Students completing this two-year course will have a novice comprehension of Mandarin Chinese. 

• French SL / HL - IB Standard Level French will offer students maximum communication and interaction opportunities in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the exploration of a wide range of francophone related texts and activities of different styles and registers. The course will be conducted in French, using authentic materials in a variety of contexts and forms, in order to help students develop written and spoken autonomy in understanding and communicating in both familiar and non-familiar situations.

• French AB Initio - IB AB Initio French will offer students a minimal level of competency in the language. It is designed for students who don’t begin studying a second language until their sophomore year. This is a basic “survival skills” French class. Students completing this two-year course will have a novice comprehension of French. 

• Spanish SL / HL - Four skills will be emphasized: speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension. These will be taught with higher thinking level skills, interdisciplinary awareness, and knowledge for understanding strategies. Students will be taught in-depth cultural information. Assessment of student progress will be made on a regular basis in preparation for the required IB Internal and External Assessments. 

• Spanish AB Initio - IB AB Initio Spanish will offer students a minimal level of competency in the language. It is designed for students who don’t begin studying a second language until their sophomore year. This is a basic “survival skills” Spanish class. Students completing this two-year course will have a novice comprehension of French. 

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

• Economics SL - This is the continuation of the material begun in the IB Financial Literacy course. Students will vigorously explore advanced economics concepts including market types, supply and demand, elasticity, market failure, cost and price, monetary policy, fiscal policy, inflation, unemployment, 27 international economics, and developing economies. 

• European History SL / HL - IB European History is a two year course that fulfills students' world history graduation requirement. The second year is an in-depth study of 1900-1950 Germany, including WWI, WWII, and the interwar period. 

• Psychology SL / HL - A comprehensive study of the diversity of human behavior. Students will study human behavior and experience by closely examining the biological perspective, learning and cognition, social psychology and psychological disorders. Students will also learn research methods and conduct a compulsory experimental study. One paper is required. 

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

• Biology SL / HL - Biology Higher Level is directed at students who desire a rigorous course of study in life sciences. This course will prepare students for university programs in medicine, nursing, research, bioengineering, etc. where mastery of life sciences is required. Furthermore, they will be introduced to scientific methods and proofs. Additional emphasis will be placed upon the written expression of their conclusions. The SL class is co-seated with the AP Biology class, and prepares students to take the exam.

• Chemistry SL/HL - This course provides students with a university type chemistry course that will enable them to understand major concepts and principles of chemistry and how they affect and apply to their lives. Investigative labs are included in the course. The HL course is more in-depth as in co-seated with AP Chemistry.

• Computer Science SL - A second year programming/CS course catered to students pursuing IB/AP Computer Science. Students will continue the study of prominent object oriented languages including C++, Java and C# in preparation for the applicable state and/or AP/IB exams. Current hardware, operating systems, applied electronics and up to date IDE’s are all used in approaching highly technical and real world solutions resulting in skilled jobs and excellent education opportunities.

• Physics SL - This class provides students with one year of a university type physics course that will enable them to understand many of the major concepts and principles of physics and how they affect and apply to their lives. Investigative labs are included in this course. Students may have taken Honors Physics, but it is not required. Intermediate Algebra is required as a prerequisite, and Pre-calculus is preferred. 

Group 5: Mathematics

• Math Analysis SL (Calculus) - Directed at students who desire a rigorous course of study of mathematics. This course will prepare students for university programs in engineering and the sciences where mastery of mathematics is required. Students will be introduced to scientific methods and proof. Additional emphasis will be placed upon the written expression of their conclusions. Prepares students for the AP Calculus BC exam. 

• Math Analysis HL (Statistics) - Directed at students who desire a rigorous course of study of mathematics. This course will prepare students for university programs in engineering and the sciences where mastery of mathematics is required. Students will be introduced to scientific methods and proof. Additional emphasis will be placed upon the written expression of their conclusions. Prepares students for the AP Statistics exam

• Math Applications SL - Mathematical Studies Standard Level is a course designed to give students a diverse mathematics experience. Topics will include number theory, advanced algebra and analysis including financial applications. In addition, there will be an introduction to probability, statistics and differential calculus. 

• Further Math HL - Further Mathematics Higher Level is designed for students who intend to specialize in mathematics at the university level. This course requires a high degree of competence and interest in the subject. Students will review trigonometry, calculus, vectors, series, differential equations and probability and statistics. In addition, they will study discrete math, sets, relations, and groups. 

Group 6: Arts

• Dance SL /HL - This year-long course is a deep study of dance composition, and an investigation of all forms of dance as well as dance performance. Each student will experience the extensive preparation of performance, concepts of in-depth choreography as well as the past and present history and progression of dance. Relations will be made from deep muscle connections, abstract to physical motions, mind to body and attitude to performance. This demanding academic course will include several hours of homework each week; students will compile and create choreography and a portfolio of the yearlong process. IB exams will be taken at the end of the year. Material in which students will be assessed on include three choreographed dance works totaling 15 minutes of choreography, a Dance Investigation report of 2,500 words, and two or three performances totaling nine minutes .

• Music SL /HL - This class is an advanced in-depth exploration of music history, aural skills, composition, rhythm study, and world music. Students are expected to complete the External Assessments (which include the Listening Paper and Musical Links Investigation Paper) and 150 hours of work in two main compulsory areas - solo performance and music composition. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of music notation. The students’ 1st year of HL Music will be spent in a performance ensemble. 

• Theatre SL /HL - This is a rigorous two-year study of theatre. The Theatre Arts Program will help students develop a life-long appreciation of theatre through understanding the nature of theatre; an understanding that develops by studying, researching, creating and performing. Each student will be expected to experience theatre through their senses, through their involvement, through group process, and through the role that theatre takes on in their own culture and in other cultures. Students will develop a portfolio representing both performance and production of theatre, as well as extensive writing analysis of theater. IB assessments will be completed at the end of the second year. This course should be repeated for those students wishing to take the IB assessments. 

• Art History SL  - This Art History course will be taught at the Introductory University Level and is designed to cover the history of Western Art from early civilizations through modern art including painting, sculpture and architecture and will also touch on the art of India, China, Japan and Africa. Students will learn about the art and artists from various periods as well as the political, religious and cultural forces that influenced the making of the art works. We will also consider commentaries and criticisms about the art from the periods and later eras. This is a highly visual class. Many slides are shown and several field trips to local museums and churches will be arranged. An optional trip to San Francisco to see world class art will be offered. No artistic drawing skill is needed. 

Theory of Knowledge

• IB Theory of Knowledge - The TOK class challenges students to reflect critically on the different ways by which we know things—emotion, reason, language, and perception. Students will also link different areas of knowledge such as ethics and science, math and art, natural sciences and history, etc. Class format will focus on questioning, debate/discussion and readings. Presentations and essays will also be required. 

IB Extended Essay

• IB Extended Essay - This is a required independent study class for all senior IB students. Students will investigate, plan and execute an original, 14-page research paper on a topic of his/her choice. There will be summer assignments. This class ends at the end of first quarter, senior year. Elective credit only. See Mr. Krueger for details.