Course Descriptions• BUSINESS •
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY I – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12) No Prerequisite
This business class is designed to provide students with hands-on experience using computers and computer software programs. Students begin with the fundamentals of keyboarding and learn to prepare a variety of business documents using Word. This course may be used for the one semester computer graduation requirement.
This class, when taken with Business Tech II, articulates to Baker College, Davenport University, and Grand Rapids Community College.
BUSINESS TECH II -1 Trimester (grades 10-12) – Prerequisite Bus Tech I
Students in Business Tech II will continue learning Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This course may be used for the one semester computer graduation requirement. This class, when taken with Business Tech I, articulates to Baker College, Davenport University, and Grand Rapids Community College.
ACCOUNTING – 2 Trimesters (grades 11-12) No Prerequisite
Accounting is an excellent course for any student wishing to pursue a career in business. Every business degree will require at least one accounting course, and college-level accounting can be very challenging for those who didn’t take it in high school. Accounting also provides entry-level skills for those students wishing to enter the workforce right out of high school. This class provides an overview of manual accounting systems for sole proprietorships and corporations, as well as PeachTree and QuickBooks computerized accounting. Field trips, guest speakers, and videos help students explore the many careers in the field of accounting. This course articulates to Baker College, Davenport University, and Grand Rapids Community College.
PRACTICAL LAW – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12) No prerequisite
This is a class in business and personal law that addresses legal rights and responsibilities. Students are introduced to criminal and civil proceedings through the study of laws, court systems, and the jury process. They learn the definitions of crimes and their punishments, and torts and their remedies in conjunction with current events and issues. Emphasis is placed upon contract law and citizen obligations in everyday situations, such as renting apartments, marriage and divorce, insurance, taxes, etc.
COOPERATIVE TRAINING (CO-OP) – 1, 2, or 3 Trimesters (grade 12)
Teacher Permission Required
Students are released from up to two hours of the school day to obtain hands-on work experience in paid, part-time employment. Students attend monthly Co-op meetings that help ensure the success of the work experience. Students must average 12 hours of work per week, complete timesheets and monthly assignments, and pass a class related to their career pathway. Co-op applications are available in the Co-op Office. (lower media center)
• COMMUNICATIONS •
SPEECH I – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12)
This course is designed to give students a variety of speaking and listening opportunities at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and public levels. Students will learn to organize and present material in a clear, competent manner that demonstrates self-confidence and authority. Although students will engage in reading and writing, the primary focus will be on speaking, listening, and critical thinking.
• ENGLISH •
ENGLISH 9 – 2 Trimesters (grade 9)
Recommended for students of average 9th grade reading and writing ability. Students will develop their skills in grammar usage, sentence structure, vocabulary, and paragraph composition. The class will also provide students with the opportunity to survey different types of literature, poetry and drama. This class must be repeated if failed.
ENGLISH 10 – 2 Trimesters (grade 10)
English 10 will cover all modes of academic writing, including a review of grammar, usage and mechanics. It provides exposure to different elements of composition. It also covers literature in fiction and non-fiction. Students will read about the real and imagined experiences of others. In the non-fiction portion of the class students will study the essay. The books read are
Lord of the Flies and
To Kill A Mockingbird. English 10 or its equivalent is required for graduation. This class must be repeated if failed.
ENGLISH 11 – 2 Trimesters (grade 11)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10
This course begins with a review of sentence and paragraph structure, and emphasizes the utilization of these skills in writing compositions. A variety of compositions will be covered. This class also incorporates a study of American Lit.
SENIOR COMPOSITION – 1 Trimester (grade 12)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11 or approval of the instructor.
The course involves exposition, narration, argument and analysis of literature. Recommended for college bound seniors. Required for all seniors that are not in an AP English or Literature class beginning with the class of 2011.
SHAKESPEARE – 1 Trimester (grade 12)
This course focuses on interpretation and performance of Shakespeare’s plays. The course will also cover the history and cultural background of Elizabethan England. A brief analysis of Shakespeare’s sonnets and poems will be addressed.
PSYCH/LITERATURE – 1 Trimester (grade 12)
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This course will explore literary and cinematic engagement with psychology and sociology. We will study the development of character and story through the use of psychological elements. Additionally, we will give particular attention to the complex cultural dynamics that have impacted these works and their receptions.
SPORTS LITERATURE – 1 Trimester (grade 12)
Major sports of the United States are used as a basis for studying events and people associated with athletics. Several books relating to certain sport areas of major athletes are read and discussed. Current events are also stressed as they relate to athletic history. Writing assignments related to our study are also required.
MULTI CULTURAL LITERATURE – 1 Trimester (grade 12)
This class is intended to give students the experience of cultural diversity and to expand their sense of what it means to be part of a minority group.
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE - 1 Trimester (grade 12)
This course offers modern literature written after 1950. Students will be expected to discuss the literature and its relationship to current issues in society. Students will be exposed to: biography, autobiography, fiction and nonfiction.
• MATHEMATICS •
APPLIED MATH II – 2 Trimesters (grades 11-12)
Prerequisite: Applied Math I and teacher placement.
The course covers applications of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, with most of the emphasis on Algebra. This is a calculator course.
PRE-ALGEBRA – 2 Trimesters (grade 9-10)
The course has a primary emphasis on general mathematics and includes about one-third of Algebra I. The focus is on basic math skills with rational numbers. Course includes equation solving with rational numbers and an introduction to linear functions, Geometry, and Probability and Statistics.
ALGEBRA I – 2 Trimesters (grades 9-12)
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra with grade of C or above recommended.
Middle school teacher consent recommended for a 9th grader. This is the first course taken in Algebra. It introduces the student to the basic terms, symbols, and concepts used in the study of Algebra. The focus is on equation solving, inequalities, systems of equations, linear and quadratic functions including solving quadratic equations by factoring and using the quadratic formula, and radicals. This course includes units in percent/percent change, proportion problems, and probability and statistics.
GEOMETRY – 2 Trimesters (grades 9-12)
Prerequisite: Algebra I with grade of C or above recommended.
This course is devoted to the study of geometric figures in which the ideas of congruence, similarity, area, volume constructions and transformations are introduced and explained. Formal proof is extensively used. Geometry is required for college prep.
ALGEBRA II – 2 Trimesters (grades 10-12)
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry with a grade of C or above in both classes is recommended. The purpose of Algebra II is to develop, enhance, and expand concepts taught in Algebra I. In addition, the course will include units in rational expressions, imaginary numbers, solving quadratic equations, functions, and right triangle trigonometry.
ALGEBRA III – 2 Trimesters (grades 11-12)
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
This course is designed to be a buffer course between Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. The purpose is to reinforce and give more exposure to skills and thought processes introduced in Algebra II. It also uses the same text as Pre-Calculus to give students an introduction to topics covered in that course. (Recommended for students with a C+ or lower from Algebra II, or a C+ or higher in Intro. Algebra II.)
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION •
P.E. 9 – 1 Trimester (grade 9) required for graduation.
This is a beginning course in physical education. The emphasis is on lifetime activities, including both fitness and sports. Fitness activities focus on strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and agility. Sports activities such as badminton, basketball, disc golf, flag football, floor hockey, soccer, softball, and volleyball include the individual and team aspects. Specific course content will be dependent on the trimester due to weather and facility limitations.
HEALTH EDUCATION – 1 Trimester (grade 9) required for graduation
This class focuses on developing skills and acquiring knowledge to achieve holistic wellness. Students will learn their decisions affect all areas of health and that these decisions can promote their health and enjoyment of life now and in the future.
LIFETIME PHYSICAL FITNESS – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12)
Recommended for the highly motivated student. Prerequisite: PE 9 and Health Education
This course may be taken more than one trimester with counselor permission.
An elective course designed for those interested in learning how to have and/or maintain total physical conditioning through a variety of workout methods. All aspects of a workout are explored. Class involves running, weight lifting, swimming, and a variety of other methodologies to obtain and maintain fitness.
SPORTS AND FITNESS ACTIVITIES – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12)
Prerequisite: P.E. 9 and Health Education
This course may be taken more than one trimester with counselor permission.
This is an elective course that focuses on the concepts of team and individual sports. Activities may include basketball, lacrosse, football, soccer and speedball, floor hockey, tennis, badminton, swimming, and volleyball. The class also involves running and a variety of other methodologies to obtain and maintain fitness.
• SCIENCE •
EARTH SCIENCE – 2 Trimesters (grades 9-12)
Introduces the tools and techniques used in our high school science program. Subjects covered include geology, weather, astronomy, and processes that change the earth’s surface.
ENVIRONMENT – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12)
This course is designed to develop your awareness and fact-based understanding of the current environmental issues facing our society. You will discuss issues that come up in the media and will then research and present an issue to the class as a major project. Another aspect of the course will be to develop a respect for the local Rockford environment by becoming familiar with the common plants and animals of the area and their usefulness for food, medicine, and enjoyment. Students will read, analyze and discuss various essays relating to a number of environmental issues.
BIOLOGY – 2 Trimesters (grades 10-12)
Prerequisite: Earth Science
This class is designed for college-bound students. The emphasis is on cell biology and related concepts like cell anatomy, cellular metabolism, cellular growth and reproduction, and DNA and genetics. Other areas include overviews of plant and animal systems, classification, and ecology.
CHEMISTRY I – 2 Trimesters (grades 10-12)
Prerequisite: One year of Algebra plus one year of biology, or B or better in geometry.
The unifying principles of science are developed in lecture. In this course, some laboratory work is used to make first-hand observations and draw conclusions. Collecting and interpreting data is used for part of the course. Main topics: atomic structure, naming and writing chemical formulas, stoichiometry, states of matter, reactions, and descriptive chemistry.
PHYSIOLOGY I, II, & III – 1 Trimester each (grades 11-12)
An elective science class for 11th and 12th grades. The class is a lecture based study of the systems of the human body: Physiology I emphasizes the muscular & nervous systems; II the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and; III the nervous and urinary systems. Part of the course is taught on CD ROM. Students may take one or two or three trimesters (any part or all – they are not sequential). No prerequisite.
PHYSICS CONCEPTS – 2 Trimesters (grades 10-12)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This course is recommended for students interested in physics who do not meet the math requirements of regular physics. The course is not taught as a college prep course but is useful for college bound students not planning a science related career. Topics covered include physics concepts such as laws of motions, dynamics of forces, properties of matter, and the wave properties of sound and light. The math needed is not as rigorous as regular physics but does require algebraic manipulation of equations. It is taught as a “hands on” course with an average of two labs per week, so lab skills are important.
• SOCIAL STUDIES •
With changes taking place at the state level in regards to the new Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC), Michigan Merit Exam (MME), and in an effort to maintain compliance with the federally mandated No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the social studies department has undergone, and will continue to undergo, changes as our school district moves from a traditional two semester school year to the three trimester format. This will impact the course offerings and may impact the courses a student will be placed in this upcoming school year.
CIVICS – 1 Trimester (grades 11-12)
This course deals with the organization of national, state, and local government. It introduces students to foundation documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Articles of Confederation). It deals with the political and legal process that was created to resolve conflicts. It covers foreign policy, international affairs, and the American Economic system.
WORLD STUDIES (A) – 1 Trimester (grade 9)
Required for graduation beginning with the class of 2011.In World Studies A, students will learn about the Growth of Civilizations (2100 BC to AD 1500), Cultures in Contact (AD 100 to 1500), Medieval Europe (AD 300 to 1500), and New Ideas, New Empires (1200 to 1700). You will explore this history through map skills, multimedia, historical documents, and the class text. This course will follow Chapters 5-17 in World History: Human Legacy. This class is a prerequisite for World Studies B. World Studies A and World Studies B may NOT be taken in the same Trimester.
WORLD STUDIES (B) – 1 Trimester (grades 9 or 10)
Required for graduation beginning with the class of 2011. Prerequisite: World Studies (A)
In World Studies B, students will learn about the Changes in European Society (1500-1820), Industrialization and Nationalism (1700-1920), The World at War (1914-1945), and the Contemporary World (1945-Present). You will explore this history through map skills, multimedia, historical documents, and the class text. This course will follow Chapters 18-33 in World History: Human Legacy. This course may only be taken upon successful completion of World Studies A and therefore may not be taken in conjunction with World Study A.
AMERICAN STUDIES (A) – 1 Trimester (grade 10)
Required for graduation beginning with the class of 2011.This is a study of U.S. History from Westward Expansion to WWII. It is a chronological approach with the use of a textbook and supplemental materials. It is to make students understand our modern heritage in comparison to that which went before.
AMERICAN STUDIES (B) – 1 Trimester (grade 10)
Required for graduation beginning with the class of 2011. Prerequisite: American Studies (A)
This is a study of U.S. History from Westward Expansion to WWII. It is a chronological approach with the use of a textbook and supplemental materials. It is to make students understand our modern heritage in comparison to that which went before.
U.S. HISTORY (A) – 1 Trimester (grades 11-12)
This is a study of U.S. History from Westward Expansion to WWII. It is a chronological approach with the use of a textbook and supplemental materials. It is to make students understand our modern heritage in comparison to that which went before.
U.S. HISTORY (B) – 1 Trimester (grades 11-12) Prerequisite: U.S. History (A)
This is a study of U.S. History from WWII to present. This course continues the chronological approach with the use of a textbook and supplemental materials. It is to make students understand our modern heritage in comparison to that which went before.
SOCIOLOGY – 1 Trimester (grades 11-12)
An in depth study of U.S. society, focusing on controversial issues facing America. Units covered will be Poverty, Discrimination, Sexism, Drug Abuse, Terrorism, and Crime. This course provides insight for those considering careers in criminal justice, education, social work, business, law, and politics. It examines the current issues of society and the impact they have on everyday life.
U.S. GOVERNMENT – 1 Trimester (grade 12)
Required for graduation.This is a survey course exploring the organization and administration of our federal government. The purpose of this course is to become an informed and active voter and understand the various components involved in policy making at the national level.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY – 1 Trimester (grades 11-12)
This introductory course acquaints the student with the discipline and addresses foundational topics such as the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, consciousness, memory, personality theory, intelligence and creativity, and research methods and theory. Students of all academic abilities will be introduced to the wide range of behaviors that make us uniquely human.
ECONOMICS – 1 Trimester (grades 11-12)
This course is required for students beginning with the class of 2011. This course is the study of macroeconomics (aggregate issues) and microeconomics (elements of economics). Topics covered include: market structure and free markets, supply and demand, financial markets, income distribution, poverty, taxation, GDP, the government’s role in the economy, monetary and fiscal policy, and globalization. These concepts will be used to develop an understanding of modern day economic problems.
• OTHER •
INDEPENDENT STUDY – 1 Trimester (grades 10-12)
Prerequisite: Teacher permission is required. This requires the process of application, approval, and a work contract. A provision for students to do advanced work or meet special needs where a specific class is not available or offered.
PATHWAYS TO CAREERS AT KENT CAREER/TECHNICAL CENTER
Arts and Communication PathwayGraphic Design-2 years
Regional Theatre Arts Technology-2 years (students must provide transportation to Van Singel Fine Arts Center in Byron Center)
Business, Management, Marketing and Technology PathwayAccounting Online-1 year
Accounting Systems and Solutions-2 years
Business Tech Semesters
Banking and Financial Services-1 year
Information Technologies-1 or 2 Years
Marketing: Retail and Management-2 years
Microsoft Office Certification Online Semesters
Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology PathwayApplied Construction Technology-2 years (students must complete extra application and interview for spot)
Auto Collision Repair-2 years
Automotive Technology-2 years
Aviation Maintenance Technology-2 years (students must provide transportation to Gerald R Ford International Airport)
Avionics-Aircraft Electronics Technician-2 years (students must provide transportation to Gerald R Ford International Airport)
Diesel and Equipment Technology-2 years
Electronics/Electrical Trades-2 years
Engineering CAD/Site Development-2 years
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR)-2 years
Power Sports Technology-2 years
Precision Machining Technology-2 years
Wood Products Manufacturing-2 years
Health Sciences PathwayHealth Careers-2 years
Human Services PathwayCosmetology Services-1-2 years (students must complete extra application and interview for spot)
Criminal Justice-1 year (students must complete extra application and interview with instructor)
Hospitality-2 years
Natural Resources & Agriscience PathwayAgriscience-2 years
For specific information on any of these programs log on to
www.kc-tc.org