Contemporary Art Theory & Practice

Through essential readings and group discussion, this course provides a forum for the exploration of contemporary art theories and practice. The course also aims to integrate theory and practice by requiring that students conceive, design, and execute original works of art that embody their understanding of the theories and concepts they are introduced to during the course of the semester. Some 21st century art concepts that will be explored are: globalization, public/participatory art, appropriation, hybridity, and recontextualization. 

Personal Finance

Personal Finance is a full-year course designed to help students gain the skills they need as they leave home and assume adult responsibilities. Topics covered will revolve around career planning and preparation, and money management including budgeting, credit, taxes, insurance, and saving and investing 

Accounting

This course introduces students to basic accounting concepts as well as showcases the necessary knowledge, skills and concepts needed for future success in business. The complete accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation is presented. Throughout this course, students will become familiarized with the daily activities of both a merchandising and service business with all its related business transactions, including financial statements. In addition, students effectively navigate through current technology in order to gain experience with automated accounting system. This course is recommended for students interested in majoring in business after high school. 

Marketing

Marketing is the act or business of promoting sales of a product, as by advertising and packaging. This course is designed to introduce the student to the Principles of Marketing from conception to sale. The influence and impact of firms, organizations, and society on the marketing process will be explored. Topics covered include but are not limited to: the role of advertising, sales promotion, market strategy, consumer behavior, product development, direct marketing, international marketing, service marketing, and marketing management. This course requires students to read critically and use creative and analytical skills to navigate through detailed case analysis and marketing projects. Strong communication and problem solving skills are recommended for success in this course. 

Entrepreneurship

This semester course is designed to help students understand the principles of starting a small business with an emphasis on business opportunities. Entrepreneurial businesses are a driving force in today’s economy. Student responsibility and initiative are encouraged as business strategies are created, planned, and presented as a final product. Through the use of research, class assignments, guest lecturers, simulations, and the design of a business plan, students will understand and demonstrate their skill in using the tools needed to become a successful entrepreneur. 

Production Technology

Introduction to Production Technology is an introduction to the basic concepts of the design process and reverse engineering. Students will design, construct, and finish several projects that emphasize safe and proper tool use in a woodworking lab setting. Skills regarding problem solving, precision measurements, plan reading & interpretation, as well as accurate separation will be developed throughout the semester. An emphasis is placed on safety, personal responsibility and productivity. 

Technical CAD

Technical C.A.D. is an exploration of modern drafting technology. Various projects will guide students through aspects of plane geometry, descriptive geometry, transformation geometry, and solids. Student portfolios demonstrate two-dimensional multiple view drawings as well as three dimensional views including isometric, oblique, and perspective drawings. All portfolio work is completed using the latest AutoCAD software available. 

Architectural Design

Architectural Design surveys many popular styles in modern residential construction. Students complete exercises in the visualization and drafting of structures and construction conditions using orthographic projection, isometric and sectional drawings as an expression of architectural communication. Portfolio work includes plans, elevations, details, schedules, and sections of traditionally framed structures. Students experience a simulation of an actual architectural client-based project. The instructor issues preliminary design ideas (provided by their client) from which students prepare working drawings. The challenges presented have varied architectural styles, materials, and constraints, offering a wide range of experiences in architectural drawing. 

Product Design & Analysis

Product Design and Analysis is a semester course developed by the Boston Museum of Science featuring two of the four units from their “Engineering the Future” curriculum. Students examine the role of engineers and how they create our ever-evolving world by developing products, building structures, critiquing designs, and analyzing failure. Projects will be constructed of simple materials and require no specialized tools or skills and will often be redesigned and rebuilt to more accurately reflect the engineering design process. Students who successfully complete this course as well as ENERGY SYSTEMS are encouraged to take the Technology and Engineering exam to fulfill their Science MCAS in June. 

Energy Systems

Energy Systems is a semester course developed by the Boston Museum of Science featuring two of the four units from their “Engineering the Future” curriculum. Students examine thermal energy, fluid energy, and electrical energy in order to experience the similarities and differences in several energy systems. Students then design and build systems to maximize certain criteria (power, efficiency, materials cost, lifespan, etc.) using simple materials and tools. Communication of design advantages and limitations are emphasized during each project. Students who successfully complete this course as well as PRODUCT DESIGN & ANALYSIS are encouraged to take the Technology and Engineering exam to fulfill their Science MCAS in June. 

Electronics

Electronics is a hands-on exploration of modern electronics technology. Students will begin by learning proper soldering techniques and identifying major electronic components. Various projects guide students through aspects of series and parallel circuits in both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) applications. Students will use multimeters and oscilloscopes to dissect, analyze and design circuits in class. Several math and science principals will be emphasized including Ohm’s Law, Kirchoff’s Law, the conservation of energy and properties of waves and magnetism. Students should have some experience solving simple algebraic equations. 

Robotics

Robotics is an interactive course designed to engage students, promote creativity, and develop fundamental science and math skills. Students work in groups exploring the engineering design process in constructing various projects using the Lego MindStorms NXT kit. Students must also teach their robot to operate autonomously by using a visual programming language called LabVIEW. Projects examine simple principles such as gear ratios, pulleys, levers, torque, and speed. Students are encouraged to use proper robotics vocabulary, standardized programming techniques, and analytical communication skills essential in the engineering field today. 

Engineering Design

This course is designed as an introduction to the engineering profession. Classroom discussions and presentations will inform the students of many different avenues available to one in the field of engineering. Additionally, Engineering Design examines the form and function of structural and mechanical systems. Student projects will follow the engineering design process and cover topics including solids, modeling, rendering, and simple animation. Professional standards and tolerance sensitive manufacturing will be stressed throughout the course to give students real-world experience with the engineering field. Furthermore, each computer generated design will be manufactured/designed using 21st Century software technology. 

Computer Programming

This course is an introduction to basic computer programming concepts and techniques. During the first half of the course, students will learn to design and build their own customized computer programs using graphical, drag-and-drop programs such as Scratch and Alice. During the second half of the course, students will create graphical and game apps for simulated smartphones by using App Inventor, and simple to sophisticated graphical programs by using JavaScript. 

Web Design

This course examines the aesthetics elements and technical skills required in website development. Students will learn how to plan and construct professional quality websites using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap and other current technology. Additionally, Students will learn the fundamental principles of (artistic) design in order to create dynamic websites that look as good as they function. 

AP Computer Science Principles

This course is intended for students who have a desire to pursue advanced topics in computer science. This course is the equivalent of two semesters of college computer science. The course will follow the College Board syllabus for AP Computer Science Principles and includes programming in the Python programming language. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP Computer Science Principles prepares students for college and a career. Details about the course content can be found by accessing the College Board website. Students are prepared for and required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. 

Computer Applications

This is an essential and practical course for every student, as it emphasizes the use of computers and current technology throughout high school, college and future careers. This course is designed to familiarize students of all abilities with the necessary knowledge, skills and concepts needed to navigate through the history of computers and their relevant applications. Students will explore the fundamentals of common software packages, with the focus on: word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, survey and database applications. In addition, students will complete numerous hands-on activities, designed to strengthen their confidence levels using the computer and its ever-changing applications. 

Creative Writing: Poetry & The Screenplay

The Creative Writing course functions much like a college writing workshop. The students engage in a semester long poetry unit that encourages their writing through peer editing and teacher evaluation. Other units include the screenplay and the short story. Due to the amount of work and individual freedom given in this class, students considering this class should not only be motivated writers, but also be well-organized and disciplined students. All student poetry compiled in the class will be considered for publication in the high school’s literary magazine, The Cricket. The Walpole High School Film Festival will consider all student screenplays for production. 

Public Speaking

This course will help students improve personal communication, awareness, and effectiveness. Students will research, organize, and develop a variety of public speeches (informative speech, persuasive speech, small group presentation, toast, etc.). Students will enhance their ability to deliver speeches to an audience and learn how to analyze an audience and the communication of other public speakers. Students will present one speech every cycle, reflect their performance in self-evaluations, participate in group activities and peer evaluations, and respond to and analyze readings about communication and films of famous speakers. 

Understanding Identities

Students constantly receive messages from the media and society about who they are and what they are supposed to be. This semester course will teach students to deconstruct these messages in order to understand what really comprises their identity. Students will engage in discussions that raise awareness of stereotypes, challenge students to question their own biases, and discuss ways to promote respect. 

Latin

In this class, the study of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary is more intensive than in the standard Latin I class. Culture units are more in depth and outside projects and papers will be assigned. Latin roots and English derivatives will also be a component of the course. 

Foundations of Sports Medicine

The Foundations of Sports Medicine will provide students with a general overview of sports medicine and its history, with a focus on the profession of athletic training. This course will entail discussion of various "hot topics" within high school, college, and professional sports as well as introductory information about the athletic trainer's scope of practice. Topics will include: introduction to the sports medicine team, human anatomy and physiology, injury prevention/treatment/rehabilitation, emergency management, sports psychology, strength training and conditioning, nutrition, supplements and performance enhancing drugs, and the effects of recreational substance use on athletic performance. While students will not be permitted to provide patient care in the above areas, this course is intended to help gain an understanding of the various disciplines within sports medicine, and the role they each play within the physically-active community. Students will also have the opportunity to obtain their American Red Cross Certification in Child/Adult First Aid, CPR, and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 

Digital Film Making

This film class is devoted to teaching students how to make independent short films. Students study the different aspects of preproduction, production, and postproduction. These skills include script revision, storyboards, art direction, camera work, and editing. Students will complete both independent and group projects that utilize all skills learned throughout the course. 

Digital Media Applications

Digital Media Applications is a class that utilizes computer-based software applications used by a variety of media industries. Students learn basic tools and techniques in the Adobe Creative Suite, including units in the following areas: Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Students will build skills and exercise their creativity in photo manipulation and digital video editing in creating a number of focused projects. An online portfolio will be created by each student. Students are informed about career opportunities and prepared to pursue their talents or interests in digital media. 

Journalism

This course is open to students in Honors and CP1 English levels who would like to explore the field of journalism. Emphasis will be on journalistic writing techniques as well as desktop publishing skills essential to the production of the school newspaper, The Rebellion. This course is recommended for students who possess strong writing skills. 

Yearbook

This course is open to all students who have an interest in design, writing, editing, and graphic arts. The class will engage in page design, research, copy writing, photography, graphic design, marketing, editing, and time management skills. The published yearbook is the only complete record of this school year that will ever be published. Students will create the memories that alumni can look back on five, ten, twenty years from now and reminisce fondly about. It will be students’ responsibility to create a dynamic, well-represented, creative, and professional publication that the whole school can be proud of. 

TV Production

Television Production provides theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in television broadcast and video procedures, including studio and field production. Students operate and direct all components of television studio equipment, including camera, audio, lighting, graphics and editing. In addition, they perform in, produce, and direct productions that include newscasts, commercials, and music videos. Class size is limited. 

International Relations HR

Students electing this course are expected to engage in the study of the contemporary international world through extensive readings and outside projects for an understanding of the institutions, the mechanisms, and the social, political, and economic conditions influencing the conduct of international relations today. Special attention is paid to the United Sates as the dominant hegemon. While the ultimate goal is to provide students with the information needed to assess past and present developments in international relations, equally important is the preparation of the student in those methods of inquiry, which will allow them to produce superior results in future academic activities. Text, periodicals, simulations, research papers, panels, and guest speakers are utilized in order to maximize the academic experiences of students and to expand their scholastic capacities. Juniors taking this course must also be enrolled in the United States History program. 

Micro/Macro Economics HR

Economics is the study of how individuals and societies decide to use their scarce resources to meet their limitless wants and needs. Microeconomics examines how human behavior and choices shape the marketplace, determining what products are available to us and at what price. Major topics of focus will include free enterprise, the interplay of supply and demand, the price system, government intervention in markets, market failure, business organization, and comparative market structures.  Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole, considering the interplay of economic forces on both a national and an international level. Major topics of focus will include national income, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, income inequality, government spending and taxation, monetary policy and international trade and development . Students will develop a mature understanding of how markets work and learn to apply economic thinking to current issues of public policy. Supplementary readings, critical thinking, and writing are key components of the course. 

AP Psychology

AP Psychology is a college-level course that introduces students to the study of behavior and mental processes in humans and animals. Students will begin with an examination of research methods in psychology, focusing on the unique strategies and ethical implications of studying human and animal subjects. Students will then examine the biological forces that underscore behavior, studying the impact of the nervous and endocrine systems on human behavior, sensation, and perception. This background will help students as we delve into other fields of study, including cognition, personality, abnormal psychology and social psychology. All enrolled students will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam, which allows students the opportunity to earn up to one year of college credit. 

Sociology CP1

Sociology is an elective course that introduces students to knowledge and skills that will foster a deeper understanding of our social world. Students will examine a variety of topics  through the lens of sociological theories and concepts and will engage in a variety of activities that will enable them to think like social scientists. The sociology student will acquire skills that will assist him/her in understanding the complexity of human behavior and the importance of using empirical data to think critically about the social world. 

Psychology CP1

Introduction to Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. In this introductory, college prep course, students are presented with a variety of topics with the intent of acquiring a technical vocabulary and a strong foundation in the basic principles of human behavior. Topics may include personality theory and assessment, abnormal psychology, the history and science of psychology, the study of the brain, animal psychology, human development, intelligence, learning, memory, consciousness, motivation and emotion, perception, and social psychology. This course utilizes lectures, outside readings, discussions, and class activities & projects to increase students' understanding of psychology as a science. In order to be successful, students are expected to complete assignments in a timely, thorough and reflective manner. 

Economics CP1

Economics is the study of how individuals and societies decide to use their scarce resources to meet their limitless wants and needs. Students will gain a basic understanding of the workings of the economy and learn to apply economic thinking to understand and debate key public policy issues. Major topics of focus will include economic systems, the interplay of supply and demand, the price system, government intervention in markets, economic growth, unemployment, inflation, government spending and taxation, and the Federal Reserve. 

History & Culture Through Film CP2

History & Culture through Film will examine a variety of American and global historic and cultural topics throughout the course of one semester. Students will explore topics and time periods using outside readings, lectures, and class discussions. All topics will be supplemented with films and/or documentaries to provide additional cultural and/or historic insight into the topics of study. 

Street Law

Understanding the law, its functions, and its institutions as they apply to everyday life are the objectives of this course. Students will have access to a variety of resources, including law enforcement officials, lawmakers, and attorneys. Current legal issues and rulings will be incorporated to help students recognize the influence of law in their lives. Students will investigate criminal law and civil law, including individual rights and liberties, and the responsibilities that come with these rights and liberties. 

Orchestra

String Orchestra is open to all string players (violin, viola, cello, upright bass) who are proficient on their instrument with at least 2 years’ experience. Students will study and perform a wide range of music literature. The important fundamentals of tone production, ensemble playing, musical interpretation and style, rhythm studies, scale and chord studies and basic musicianship are all important elements of the String Orchestra curriculum. Full Orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion) meets on Wednesday evenings starting in October. Students are required to attend all evening Wednesday rehearsals, performances and dress rehearsals. Students enrolled in this course are eligible to audition for Southeastern Districts and SEMSBA. 

Concert Band

Concert Band is designed for students who have played a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument for at least two years. Students will study and play a wide range of music literature, from light classics and popular to the traditional music of both Western and nonWestern cultures. The important fundamentals of tone production, ensemble playing, musical interpretation, style, rhythm studies, scale/chord studies, and basic musicianship are all important elements of the Concert Band Curriculum. Students are required to attend all performances and dress rehearsals. Students enrolled in this course are eligible to audition for Southeastern Districts and SEMSBA. 

Music Production w/ Garage Band

Music Production with GarageBand is an entry level course that will explore how to produce music on your computer using GarageBand and other similar programs. Students will learn how to set up a computer production system using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and an audio interface. The course will focus on learning from current recordings by analyzing the different components of the production and structure of the composition. These components will include learning the properties of sound and the various effects to enhance a basic mix including compression, EQ, chorus, delay and reverb. Students will develop a foundation in music literacy, theory, harmony and creating a lead sheet using Finale music notation software. The recording projects will provide the skills to record both audio and midi using virtual instruments. The goal of the course is to provide students the basic tools to record, mix and master a recording by the of the semester using GarageBand. It is highly recommended that students take either Piano Lab or Guitar before enrolling in this course. 

AP Environmental Science