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American Heritage of South Jordan
Elective Course Descriptions
School Year 2010-2011
Art I: This course will be a hands-on experimentation of different mediums and crafts. Students will be tested on basic art vocabulary and learn some art history. All class members will need to bring a drawing pad. A $25 class fee per student is payable to the instructor.
Art II: We will focus on value and color while also improving drawing skills with regard to line, angle, shapes, composition study, balance, and movement. Time during Quarters 1 and 2 will be spent on using clay for sculpture, perspective practice, and printmaking. During Quarters 3 and 4, instruction will be given in woodcarving. This will involve purchasing appropriate tools and parental permission. Students will also be tested on art vocabulary, perspective, and some art history. Each student will provide a paper pad and drawing board. A $25 class fee per student is payable to the instructor.
Art III: This class will be a full year of learning for the dedicated art student. Students will have the opportunity to study the styles of great artists of the past. Time will be spent matching and mixing colors for value studies. We will study depth in conjunction with temperature use in cool and warm colors. One complete painting of value will be required the 1st semester and a study in full color at the end of the year. Weekly progress will be graded. There will a survey at the beginning of the year regarding sculpture study, still life, landscapes, etc.
Business Communications (Grades 9-12): As students prepare to attend college or venture into the business community, they must possess appropriate skills for optimal success. This class will address business communications such as resume composition, precise writing, interviewing, and all aspects of personal presentation. Required for graduation.
Choir-American Heritage Singers, (Grades 6 – 12): A choir class for all young men and women of all voice types, to learn how to blend and perform all kinds of exciting pieces. There will be opportunities for solos, being a choir officer, and even directing. The Singers will perform for Patriot and Statesman Week, Halloween, and Christmas. Be a part of this exciting adventure as we become a Salt Lake acclaimed choir!
Class Aide, (Semester or Year): With administration permission, a student can choose to be a class aide. This involves an assignment to a teacher to help in preparation for projects, supervising progress for small groups or mentoring individual students with questions, make up work, reading, etc.
Constitutional Law: (Grades 7-12): This is a year-long class that will examine the U.S. Constitution; its origins, construction, purposes, original intent, and the nature of our rights. The class will also focus on later additions to the U.S. Constitution, namely The Bill of Rights and subsequent Amendments, including Supreme Court decisions over the past 200+ years that have clarified, added to and altered the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. This class is intended to provide the students with an understanding of the basics of Constitutional Law as well as the ability to critically analyze current events within the framework of the U.S. Constitution.
Dance, Contemporary, (Grades 6 – 8): Contemporary dance will explore many different types of dance through various types of movement and styles of music. Class members will learn proper warm-up techniques, across the floor locomotion combinations and a variety of dance movements. Each student will have the opportunity to perform some of the choreography they have mastered in a year-end recital.
Dance, Contemporary, (Grades 9 – 12): Contemporary dance will explore many different types of dance through various types of movement and styles of music. Class members will learn proper warm-up techniques, across the floor locomotion combinations and a variety of dance movements. Each student will have the opportunity to perform some of the choreography they have mastered in a year-end recital.
Fashion I: This class will cover an overview of fashion history and an exploration of “fashion” vs. “individual style”. Students will be introduced to basic fashion elements; exploring how to incorporate them appropriately – utilizing line, balance, color, and harmony.
Fashion II: This class will explore the five segments of the fashion industry: textiles, retail, manufacturing, consulting, and communications. Students will examine the related career opportunities in each of these segments.
Financial Literacy: In this course, students will gain a better understanding of personal finance by making more informed monetary decisions, realizing a greater potential for personal wealth, and fostering a stronger state and national economy. We will study financial skills essential for economic success including: income, money management, spending and credit, saving and investing, consumer protection, and risk management. This course is required for graduation.
Fit For Life (semester): This course will provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to establish personal lifetime fitness. Students will learn the connection between nutrition and personal wellness. They will participate in regular physical activity and will learn to create and apply a personal fitness plan. Classroom information will be combined with physical activities to teach these concepts. The PE uniform will be necessary: white t-shirt, black or red shorts/work-out pants, gym socks and shoes.
Fitness Explorations (Semester): This course is designed to introduce activities to last a lifetime. Students will gain an understanding that being physically active in life will enhance their wellness and improve quality of life. We will get a good workout while progressing with basic moves. Class will include high/low aerobics, yoga, stretching, weight training, jogging, walking, and other physical activities.
French l:
French II: (Prerequisite: French I or previous experience as determined by Instructor
French III: (Prerequisite: French I & II)
Guitar, Beginning: (For the student who has never taken guitar lessons.) This is a beginning Guitar class for students with little or no experience. We will learn basic chords, note reading, and beginning theory that will allow you to play most any song. You will have the opportunity to learn songs with a group as well a songs you would like to personally focus on. Materials: Hal Leonard Complete. There is a $10 fee payable to the instructor. Note: Only Acoustic guitars are permitted.
Guitar, Intermediate: (Prerequisite: Student has completed Guitar I curriculum and can note read all six strings in the first position, can play basic chords, and has completed through page 49 in the Hal Leonard Guitar Book.) A class for students who already have an adequate knowledge of the guitar would like to take their playing to the next level. We will focus on advanced techniques that can be applied to any music style and will spice up your repertoire. You will have the opportunity to learn songs with a group as well as songs you would like to personally focus on. Materials: Hal Leonard Complete, Classical for Guitar, 50 Tunes for Guitar. There is a $10 fee payable to the instructor. Note: Only Acoustic Guitars are permitted.
Guitar, Advanced: (Prerequisite: Student has completed the Hal Leonard Complete Edition; must be self-motivated and responsible. Instructor approval only.) This is a guitar class for the more advanced player. We will cover advanced theory, composition and performance. Students will continue to build their repertoire and develop new skills, as well as have opportunity to instruct and perform for other students. We will perform in small groups as well as solo. There is a $10 fee payable to the instructor. Note: Only Acoustic guitars are permitted.
History and Influence of Modern Music: (Full Year/Grades 7 – 12) The music a society listens to tells much about the people listening. This course will cover the world of music between 1950 and the present day. We will study the influence musicians have had on social, political, and religious viewpoints. We’ll student those artists who changed the world of music itself with their new ideas and styles. Who has been the most influential singer or band of the past 60 years? We’ll try to figure that out.
Health, High School (semester): This course will serve as a continuation of principles learned in middle school health. Students will review basic concepts of physical, mental/emotional, and social health, but will focus more specifically on critical thinking and application. Through participation in classroom instruction, projects, and field trips, students will explore current health issues, and will have opportunities to teach what they have learned. This course is required for graduation.
Latin I: Required for AHSJ high school students (semester): Students will be introduced to Latin by immediate immersion into the life of a family in Ancient Pompeii (before the Volcano). Basics of pronunciation, vocabulary, and translation will be emphasized.
Latin II: We will continue our study of the Latin language, focusing on reading, translation and connections to the English language today. Our study will take us to Ancient Roman civilizations in Britain and Egypt as we study the language through the lives of those who spoke it.
Leadership: Students will learn and develop leadership qualities that they will use to plan and carry out school activities and perform services for our community.
Microsoft Office (Semester): The students will learn how to use features in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publishing, and Access to enhance their academic studies. Students can prepare projects and presentations for other courses using the skills they have learned in these programs.
Orchestra, Beginning: Students will learn solid instrumental technique while studying classical, folk, holiday, and fiddle music units. Musical notation and basic theory will be studied. Principles of basic composition and improvisation will also be learned. Students must provide their own instruments and folding music stands.
Orchestra, Intermediate: Students will continue learning instrumental technique including vibrato and basic shifting. Musical notation and theory will be studied and composition and improvisation skills will be enhanced. Classical, Bluegrass/Irish fiddle and Holiday musical styles will be studied throughout the year. Students must provide their own instruments. A $25 fee will be payable to the instructor.
Orchestra, Advanced: Students will continue studying instrument technique including vibrato and shifting in upper positions. Theory and composition will be studied in-depth along with advanced improvisation skills. Many styles of music will be studied and selected according to the students’ musical preferences. Students must provide their instruments. A $35 fee will be payable to the instructor.
Peer Relations (Full year, 6th grade): This course is specifically designed to prepare the students for the teenage years, which are close at hand. There is a special emphasis on building self-confidence and being a positive influence on others. Peer Relations works on creating a positive outlook on life and taking a proactive approach to decision-making.
Physical Education (Semester): This course is designed to introduce students to sports that they can participate in for a lifetime. The sports will include volleyball, kickball, flag football, Frisbee, and other sports. Students will learn to value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Students will learn responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
Positive Life Choices (Grades 9 – 12): This course is designed to teach our students the skills necessary to make their teenage years a success and prepare them to be responsible and happy adults, living without regret. We will focus on making moral choices when it comes to school, social pressures, friendship, and dating. We will also focus on preparing for a successful future with strong life-management skills, educational and career goals, and learning to be a positive influence on the world around us. The power of positive thinking and goal setting will be a main-stay of this course.
Science Olympiad (Full Year, Grades 6 – 12): There will be a $25 materials fee for this course.
Sewing I (Semester): Students will learn to use a sewing machine and serger. We will discuss types of fabric, appropriate selections for various projects and create a fabric swatch file. Instruction will be given in basic sewing techniques, including proper pressing and ironing. Each student will create several items and a sample notebook. Supplies needed for sewing kit: sewing scissors, seam ripper, tape measure, pins, and needles. Students will also purchase patterns, fabrics, and notions for their personal projects. A class fee of $5 will be collected by the instructor.
Sewing II (Semester): Pre-requisite, Sewing I or Instructor approval. Students will continue to add to their sample notebook as they learn more advanced sewing techniques. Projects will be made according to level of ability. Each student will supply a sewing kit (see Sewing I), and all fabric, patterns, and notions for their personal projects. A class fee of $5 will be collected by the instructor.
Social Dance, Beginning (Semester, Grades 6 – 8): This course is for 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders who are first-time Social Dance students. It is a great introduction to the world of Social Dance. We will learn choreography in a number of different genres, including Ballroom, Latin, Country, Disco, Swing, and more. There will be both line and partner dances. We will focus on proper form, memorization skills, rhythm, and showing proper respect to others as we dance. It is also a lot of fun! Grades will be determined by attendance, a respectful and positive attitude, dance reviews, and participation.
Social Dance, Intermediate (Full Year/Grades 7-12): This course is for 7th – 12th Grade students who have taken Social Dance before, and also for first-time 9th – 12th grade Social Dance students. It is a continued education in Social Dance. It will focus on proper form, stylization, and showmanship with more difficult choreography in each dance style. Grades will be determined by attendance, a respectful and positive attitude, dance reviews, and participation. All students are required to participate in the Spring Dance Concert at the end of the year.
Social Dance, Advanced (Full Year, Grades 8-12, instructor approval): A class for those students who are ready to move to our most advanced level. Our main focus will be gaining the proper stylization and performance quality while learning much more advanced choreography. Students in this class will be expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA, to be attentive, respectful, and self motivated. There will be a $25 class fee for costuming and we will perform at Spring Dance Concert at years’ end. Any student signing up for this class must receive instructor approval before final placement will occur.
Spanish I.
Spanish II:
Spanish III:
Study Hall (Semester or Full Year): Although Study Hall is a requirement for all upper level American Heritage students, additional time can be set aside for a student who desires more time to work on class assignments during the school day.
Teen Survival (Full Year, Grades 7-8): This course focuses on 7 habits that will guide and strengthen these students through their teenage years; giving them the tools needed to handle the pressures and concerns that will arise. With emphasis on service and self-confidence, these students will learn to take responsibility for their choices, become accepting of others, and learn to handle life’s situations with strength and integrity.
Theater, I Middle School (Semester, Grades 6-8): This will be an introductory course for anyone with a desire to see what theater is all about. We will study a bit of the history of theater, as well as practice various basic acting skills, such as pantomime, monologues, small group scenes, improv, etc. This will be a fun class filled with exciting new learning experiences.
Theater, II Middle School (Semester, Grades 6-8): Theater II students need to have taken at least one semester of theater previously. We will go into more depth in the theater world—still focusing on acting fundamentals, but also learning about costume, makeup, lighting, symbolism, etc. We will, of course, continue with fun improv games and do at least one monologue or group scene.
Theater I (Grades 9-12, Semester):
Theater II (Grades 9-12, Semester):
Yearbook/Journalism (Grades 9-12): Students in the Yearbook/Journalism class will learn and practice journalism writing skills, as well as interviewing, researching, and editing skills. We will be in charge of the monthly school newspaper, as well as working on the yearbook throughout the year. Our final product will be the school yearbook.
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