High School Art I is Concept-based. Curriculum units include drawing, painting, printmaking, three dimensional art, fiber, digital art and media, and compositions of mixed media. Students work toward mastery level in originality and creativity. No prior art experience is required to be eligible for this course.
Band courses are designed for students to develop a mastery level for playing a band instrument acquired from previous courses of study. Students will acquire advanced skills needed to perform very complex music literature. Students will develop strong leadership skills, evoke high levels of expression, and perform literature of all genres and ensemble instrumentation. This course includes development of skills applied to indoor concerts as well as the fall seasonal marching band performances. Minimum of 4 hours weekly outside the school day are required for rehearsals to adequately address performance requirements for the course. UIL performance assessments and student eligibility for Texas All-State Ensembles are included in this course work. Scholarship opportunities are numerable. Enrollment in this course constitutes agreement to fulfill all curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular requirements.
This course develops skills in proper vocal production and music reading. Students learn to improve their singing voice, sight-reading, and ensemble skills through performance participation. Choral literature will include all genres of vocal music written for their range. Each level of this course will build on the foundation of the previous course. Students will develop confidence and collaborative skills through performance opportunities in solo, small and large vocal ensembles. Enrollment in this course constitutes agreement to fulfill all curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular requirements.
This course is designed for students interested in developing skills used in colorguard units that perform with marching bands AND skills used for development of indoor winterguard presentations. Students will develop the ability to perform all genres of dance and will have the opportunity to perform in both ensemble and solo settings during the fall and spring semesters. Students receive fine arts and PE credit for this course.
Dance I is offered for incoming freshmen and any students wishing to join the Stevens Dance Department. Individuals may continue within our Dance Department throughout their High School career as we offer Dance II, Dance III and Dance IV. Students will study various genres including Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theater. Students will gain knowledge in dance terminology, dance history, technical skills, and learn choreography for all genres. Dance students will have multiple opportunities to perform in campus dance recitals, city/state venues, and musicals. No prior dance training is required to enroll in Principles of Dance Level I. Students enrolled in Dance I may receive a PE or Fine Arts Credit. Students enrolled in Dance II, III and IV will receive a Fine Arts Credit.
Open to all upcoming juniors and seniors
Students will analyze a variety of literary texts and their film counterparts in order to compare and contrast author’s purpose and a variety of other features of each genre, In addition, students are expected to read and view critically in order to evaluate a text or film.
Mexican American Literature: Through the study of literature that reflects a particular people or social group, students will recognize how writers represent and reveal their cultures and traditions in texts. Students will also discover how well-written literary texts serve as models for their own writing.
In this rigorous composition course, students will write poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. They will demonstrate an understanding of the recursive nature of the writing process. Through reading, studying, and analyzing various literary forms and literary criticism, students will develop their versatility as writers.
This course is designed as an enrichment opportunity for students to apply instrumental music skills to the jazz medium. Students will study jazz history, learn to improvise, and perform jazz literature of all styles. With the exception of rhythm section instruments required for the jazz course (piano, bass guitar/upright bass, guitar, and drumset), all students must be a concurrent member of the Prep, Concert, or Symphonic Band. Sound music fundamentals are a prerequisite for success in this course. Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble opportunities are a part of this course. Students will perform extensively in public venues. Enrollment in this course constitutes agreement to fulfill all curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular requirements. PR: Rubric SEM: 2 CR: 1
This course is designed for students to develop a mastery level for playing a string instrument acquired from previous courses of study. Students will acquire advanced skills needed to perform very complex music literature. Students will develop strong leadership skills, evoke high levels of expression, and perform literature of all genres and ensemble instrumentation. The course will require some rehearsal time outside of the school day to prepare for various concerts. UIL performance assessments and student eligibility for Texas All-State Ensembles are included in this course work. Students are eligible for selection to perform in campus full orchestra ensemble concerts. Scholarship opportunities are numerous. Enrollment in this course constitutes agreement to fulfill all curricular, co-curricular, and extra -curricular requirements.
This course is designed to allow students to consider the development of the individual and the personality. The course focuses on such topics as theories of human development, personality, motivation, and learning. The aim is to help students become more effective in their careers and in their personal lives.
This course is designed for students who desire a better understanding of themselves through a study of society. Students examine topics such as the history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions, and mass communication through the study of dynamics and models of individual and group relationships.
Mexican American Studies, an elective course, students learn about the history and cultural contributions of Mexican Americans. Students explore history and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course emphasizes events in the 20th and 21st centuries, but students will also engage with events prior to the 20th century.
This course is designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding about history, citizenship, culture, economics, science, technology, geography, and the political realities of African Americans.
Explore the rich and diverse history and culture of African Americans
Interact with relevant film, literature, art and other media
Explore key concepts from developments in Ancient Africa to the present day African American experience.
Embark on an intellectual odyssey with our transformative courses – Critical Issues and Comparative Religions.
A: In Critical Issues, students engage in a dynamic exploration of current events, participating in debates and presentations that delve into the pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. This course is a gateway to honing critical thinking skills and fostering informed perspectives on the complex issues of our time.
B: Comparative Religions invites students to journey through the rich tapestry of major world religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Sikhism. Delving into the origins and influences of these faiths, students gain a profound understanding of the diverse cultural and religious landscapes that shape societies globally. Both courses offer a unique opportunity to expand horizons and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our world and the beliefs that shape it. Join us on a path of critical analysis, where knowledge transforms into a compass for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world.
A: This course examines the history of the United States by analyzing films made regarding historical time periods. Students will conduct historical research to analyze cultural, political, and social issues that influenced the films presented.
B: This course will analyze the political and economic causes of the Second World War from a global perspective. Students will explore military campaigns, leaders, and the domestic impacts at home.
This course introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. The goals of AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the exam is the responsibility of the student.
Open to all students.
Theatre Arts I is offered to students who are new to high school theatre. Theatre Arts I students will learn an appreciation for Theatre as an art form while examining both the acting and technical aspects of theatre. This class is a performance based class.
Open to all students.
Technical Theatre I is a course for students new to Technical Theatre. Students will be introduced to the safe use of scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, makeup, and props to effectively enhance theatrical productions. Technical Theatre I is a project based course that will require students to practice the safe use of shop tools and materials.
Open to all students
Musical Theatre focuses on the skills needed for musical theatre, such as stage movement, vocal technique, choreography, and characterization. This is a performance based course that requires singing, dancing, and acting.
Open to all upcoming juniors and seniors.
Students will analyze a variety of literary texts and their film counterparts in order to compare and contrast author’s purpose and a variety of other features of each genre, In addition, students are expected to read and view critically in order to evaluate a text or film.
Open to all upcoming juniors and seniors.
Students will understand how media such as film, radio, Internet, television, magazines, and newspapers influence a society's behavior. Students will analyze all forms of media and film, as well as produce their own ads, commercials, screenplays, etc.
The World Languages offered in Stevens are French, German, and Spanish. Since the approach to the teaching of all modern languages is similar, the following descriptions apply to each level of each language. French, German and Spanish courses consistently use the four modes of communication; speaking, listening, reading and writing. Concept based curriculum is enhanced with the integration of the five C’s: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English (TEKS for LOTE) are the foundation of all Northside ISD World Languages curriculum.