ENGLISH 1 H, CPE, CP (7.5 Credits)

The English 1 program is a required course that provides the foundation for success in all areas of the language arts and at all ability levels. Focusing on the theme of “identity," students will read and respond to a variety of texts, including short stories, novels, drama, and poetry, as well as to a variety of non-fiction essays taken from both departmental collections and from contemporary newspapers and magazines. As they work with these materials, students will make thematic connections while learning and practicing analytic and critical reading skills.

Students will learn and engage in all stages of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. In so doing, they will recognize and practice the strategies and skills of content development, organization, and mechanical construction that are the building blocks of effective written communication. To monitor their growth, students will maintain writing folders of all compositions, along with periodic reflections of their writing strengths and weaknesses.

As part of their experience in English 1, students will also engage in vocabulary development through exercises in word recognition, understanding new words in context, and review of roots, prefixes and suffixes; speech development through activities of oral presentation and speeches; and study skill development through an emphasis on note-taking and listening strategies. They will also apply the research process to a variety of assignments, each requiring the student to effectively find, evaluate, and use both electronic and paper-based sources.

INTEGRATED ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY CP (7.5 Credits)

This required course will serve the needs of those ninth-grade students who are not fully prepared to succeed in Algebra. There will be an intensive review and extension of the basic skills; a preparation in the basics of Algebra and Geometry; and the re-enforcement of problem-solving skills. Lab activities will be used to support each of these components.

ALGEBRA 1 CP (7.5 Credits)

This required course is an introduction to the real number system through the study of linear equations in one or two variables, polynomials and factoring, rational and irrational expressions and the foundations of quadratic equations. Elementary probability and statistics will be introduced, and there is a strong emphasis on problem solving.

Additional time will be provided for lab activities; a review and extension of the basic skills; and detailed work on problem solving.

ALGEBRA1CPE (5.0 Credits)

Algebra 1 is the first course in our College Preparatory sequence. It consists of an introduction to the study of real numbers through a study of set variables, axioms, and linear sentences in one and two variables, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions, irrational expressions, quadratic equations, elementary probability and statistics, and problem solving.

ALGEBRA 2 H, (5.0 Credits)

This course offers a detailed treatment of real numbers and an introduction to the complex number system through axioms for number systems, linear sentences in one, two and three variables, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and equations, irrational expressions and equations, relations and functions, operations with complex numbers, quadratic equations and systems, conic sections, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series and problem solving.

GEOMETRY H, CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course includes the properties of figures in a plane and in space, as well as the use of real numbers in the measure of distances, angles, arcs, areas and volumes. Some topics for discussion and analysis are lines, planes, angles, triangles, direct and indirect proof, congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, circles, loci, areas of polygons and circles, areas and volumes of solids, and trigonometry related to triangles. A coordinate approach or a transformational approach will be utilized in developing some units.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE CP (7.5 Credits)

This College Preparatory laboratory-based course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the physical sciences with special attention to specific student needs. Emphasis is placed on the development of study skills conducive to mastery of science content and related math applications.

BIOLOGY 1 CP (7.5 Credits)

This College Preparatory laboratory-based course is to provide a fundamental understanding of biological concepts. The process of scientific inquiry and the integration of concepts within life experiences are stressed through class activities and laboratory investigations. Students will gain an understanding of the structure, characteristics and basic needs of organisms, and will investigate the diversity of life. This course meets all of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in Biology and prepares the students for the NJ State End of Course exam in Biology.

BIOLOGY 1 CPE (7.5 Credits)

This College Preparatory Enhanced course provides the student with an in-depth study of the life sciences. Biological principles and concepts are studied using the inductive approach and laboratory investigations allow students to explore the relationships between the principles and applications of biology. This course meets all of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in biology and prepares the students for the NJ State End of Course exam in Biology.

CHEMISTRY H (7.5 Credits)

This laboratory-based chemistry course provides the student with an opportunity to study how the properties of and interactions with matter are consequences of their structure. The principles of chemistry are studied quantitatively and the student's mathematical and analytical skills are strongly utilized throughout this problem-solving course. Extensive student laboratory work will progress to a high level independence in experimental reasoning and analysis. This course meets all of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in chemistry.

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS CPE, CP (5.0 Credits)

This required survey course in World History for ninth grade students begins with the Age of Global Encounters in the fifteenth century and continues to the present.

Students study the historical, social, economic, geographic and political events of the explorers, Enlightenment, Revolutions, and imperialism. A significant emphasis is given to the events of the twentieth century including World Wars and regional conflicts, human rights issues, the arts, the impact of technology, and the economy in contemporary Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Students in World Civilizations CP develop their skill of chronological thinking, geography, and decision-making. Students in World Civilizations CPE develop their skills in reading, writing, working with maps and charts. The importance of organizational habits and note-taking skills in the study of history is emphasized.

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS H (5.0 Credits)

This is a required survey course in World History for ninth grade students with excellent reading and writing skills. This course begins with the Age of Global Encounters in the fifteenth century and continues to the present. Students will learn about the importance of religion and philosophy, the Enlightenment, Revolutions, and imperialism. A significant emphasis is given to the events of the twentieth century including World Wars and regional conflicts, human rights issues, the arts, the impact of technology, and the economy in contemporary Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

Students in this course develop their skills of critical and chronological thinking, analysis and interpretation, geography, research, and decision-making. Students use primary documents, express their views in essays, editorials, and debates, and are expected to work independently in their study and reading about historical events.

CHINESE 1 H (5.0 Credits)

This course is designed for highly self-motivated students with an interest in the Chinese language and culture. A principally oral-aural method with intensive drills to develop concurrently the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken dialect in China. An introduction to the Chinese culture will be immersed into daily activities and will be an essential component of the Chinese 1 curriculum. Students who wish to enroll in this course may take it concurrently with other language courses.

FRENCH 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first of a four-year sequence. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the French culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

FRENCH 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of French 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the French culture and will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessment. . Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

ITALIAN 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first of a four-year sequence. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Italian culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

ITALIAN 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of Italian 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the Italian culture and will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessment. . Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

SPANISH 1 CP (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first of a two-year sequence. The course is designed for novice students new to the study of world languages and who wish to study Spanish, but find the pacing of the CPE course too rapid and too inclusive. Students must have teacher/counselor/case-manager recommendation to be placed into the CP program. This course is not designed to prepare the student for Spanish 2 CPE. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Hispanic culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

SPANISH 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first of a four-year sequence, however, enrollment is not restricted to students who wish to complete two years of a world language. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Hispanic culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

SPANISH 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of Spanish 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the Hispanic culture and will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessment. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

ACTING LAB CPE (5.0 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course is designed to provide students with the foundation to develop their craft as a performer. The course provides students with a safe environment in which they may experiment and explore a variety of acting techniques. Additionally, students will apply these techniques to the texts of select master modern and classic playwrights.

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT & I-APP. CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This course reflects the shift of consumers and business people that recognize mobile applications help users streamline and organize their lives with a touch of a screen. Apps can provide a wide range of services from educational to informational, and social to recreational, helping users navigate their lives as well as their surroundings.

Do you love “Angry Birds?" Then focus on learning to develop applications or “apps" for personal use, and/or creating simple games for tablets, laptops, or handheld devices. Additionally, students will explore the “I" applications, i.e., iMovie, etc. Integration of the applications is essential to the courses. Projects will be developed based on student interest.

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This course is designed to challenge students through the use of Technology Learning Activities (TLA's) using the 9-step designing loop, as well as developing basic skills in the use of small hand tools and limited power machinery. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities. Safety is stressed in the school as well as at home and work.

AUDIO & FILM EDITING CPE (Ramapo Only) (5.0 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This course is designed to teach students how to mix and edit audio using ProTools, as well as how to film and edit video footage using Final Cut. Lighting, filming techniques, recording, and mixing, as well as proper care for equipment will be taught and utilized throughout this project-based course.

CAD - COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

Drafting Technology is offered to those students who are interested in following engineering, technical, or trade careers. Students in all course levels will be introduced to computer aided drafting (CAD).

1. The college bound student planning to study engineering needs to understand drafting as a universal, technical language, and as a tool of expression in planning, designing and developing new scientific projects.
2. The technical student who plans to make drafting his/her career needs to develop skills in the modern technique of making accurate and neat industrial drawings and blueprints.
3. The college bound student planning to study architecture needs to understand the design techniques and language that is necessary to enter the field of architecture.
4. The industrial or trade worker needs a basic knowledge of drafting to learn how to read blueprints, to estimate cost, and to follow working instructions from blueprints. He/she must become proficient in on-the-job sketching as well as instrument drawing.

CHAMBER CHOIR CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course is for advanced vocal students by audition only. The goals of this class are to further develop the student's successful ensemble singing skills, to improve their musicianship, to further develop their appreciation for working together toward a common goal, and to allow them a more advanced choral experience. Students are expected to perform during the Winter, FLOW, and Spring Concerts. * Students who wish to take this course for 2.5 credits should seek the instructor's permission.

COMMUNICATIONS CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

Communications is an introductory, experiential course where students will study various forms of media and create, using available technology, individual and group projects that reveal their level of understanding. The students' process of understanding will involve critical thinking, problem solving, creative, technical and performing skills that form the basis of media theory, history, technology, industry and personal relationships. From their study and projects, students will develop a discerning and knowledgeable attitude toward media; develop proficiency in the use of each medium, and develop an understanding of the effects of media on themselves and on society.

COMPUTER ANATOMY CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

In this course, students will learn about the two different components of a computer or “machine;" the hardware and the software. Students will explore the hardware components that make the computer work and run the computer. The students will learn how the software interacts with the hardware.

COMPUTER SCIENCE H (5.0 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This honors-level course is designed to give students an understanding of structured programming. Students will design, write, and execute programs in modern computer languages. Specific topics include top down design, conditional statements, branching, looping, built-in and user defined functions, and elementary applications.

Prerequisite: Must have achieved at least a “B" in an accredited Algebra 1 program.

CONCERT CHOIR CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course is designed for students entering the high school music program with beginning or intermediate skills. Concert Choir is a large choral group comprised of boys and girls. The music they sing, in English and other languages, includes movements from larger works of the great composers of several periods. Class periods serve not only as rehearsals, but also for practical training in style, form, interpretation, sight-reading, dynamics, and vocal technique. The choir also studies and performs antiphonal choral music for performance with the Chorale.

CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This course focuses on preparing high school and business students for the 21^st Century world. Advanced functions in the MS Office Suite will be used to create a digital portfolio, as well as a traditional resume suitable for college applications and employment. Career Planning and Interviewing Skills will be highlighted, with mock interviews led by staff members. Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship will also be explored.

CONTEMPORARY FOODS CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

The primary focus of this course will be to emphasize the basic principles of food preparation. The students will develop necessary skills through hands on experience, while preparing a wide variety of dishes from various food groups.

DRAMA CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course is an introductory, experiential course where students produce individual and group projects based on selected theater interests. Through these areas of interest, which may include play analysis, acting, basic designing of costumes, make-up, lighting or scenery, playwriting, publicity/house management, students are encouraged to develop both their practical knowledge and aesthetic awareness of the creation process and of the principles involved in creating a tangible artistic product: a play.

DRAWING 1 CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

The Drawing I course focuses on the practices and applications of basic drawing principles and techniques in order to build students' drawing skills. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of design, aesthetic awareness, and art appreciation. A wide variety of drawing media such as graphite, charcoal, ink, markers, colored pastels, and/or colored pencil will be explored through a multitude of real and inventive subject matter. Students will be prepared to further explore their artistic expression as they continue in the art program.

FASHION & TECHNOLOGY 1 CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This course is designed to familiarize the student with basic principles of clothing construction, textiles, and fabric care. It gives each student an opportunity to apply these principles in a laboratory situation. Construction of garments, home decorating items, and creative crafts are encouraged. No experience with the sewing machine is required.

GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

Students are given a foundation in the principles and elements of design, and an introduction to the concepts, professional terminology, and skills of a graphic artist. Students apply design theory to solve graphic design challenges such as logo design, magazine/book layout, photo manipulation, editorial illustration, labels, package design, posters, brochures, advertising design, greeting cards, and corporate image design.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA CPE (5.0 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

Through the use of various multimedia files, students will learn to animate and edit images, videos, and audio content to produce professional appearing products. Students will utilize the Photoshop application for image editing and will use the appropriate tools and software packages for animation, including the respective coding languages. Other applications may also be used through the class. The students will create several projects increasing sophistication during the course of the year.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

JOURNALISM CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

Journalism is open to all grades. This course provides students with hands-on experience in writing for publication in the school newspaper, as well as for various other print and electronic media. Areas of special interest include gathering and writing news, getting and writing interviews, writing features and sports stories, as well as effective editorials. In keeping with the current emphasis on technology in both the school and in business settings, and in recognition of the importance of good graphic presentation, students will use computers to learn and implement effective design and layout. This course is ideal for students who wish to pursue leadership positions in school publications, particularly in the school newspaper. Journalism usually precedes the follow-up course, Journalism Production Workshop.

MUSIC THEORY CPE (5.0 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

Music Theory develops understanding and skills in the technical aspects of music. The course is designed for both students with no previous musical training and for those who sing or play an instrument. Attention will focus on training in sight singing and dictation, time-beating and rhythmic execution, conventional harmonic practices, and analysis. The course explores the basic concepts of pitch and rhythm in terms of their physical basis, notation, performance, and theoretical organization, in a broad and thorough survey of music fundamentals.

MUSICAL THEATRE CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course examines the form, theory, history, and changing styles of the American book musical, which has dominated the Broadway stage for the past century. Students will learn and apply a variety of musical theatre performance techniques as they play a vital role in creating a successful production.

PAINTING 1 CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

The Painting I course focuses on an introduction to painting as a means of artistic communication by using various materials such as acrylic, watercolor, and tempera paint. Students will develop an understanding of the core elements and principles of design, as well as painting techniques such as paint application, brush techniques, canvas construction, washes and/or glazing. They will build and expand their abilities and creativity through a variety of projects working from life and their own original ideas. They will be prepared to further explore their artistic expression as they continue in the art program.

POP AND ROCK: AN INTRO TO MUSIC CPE (5.0 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

Pop and Rock is an introductory music appreciation course that will involve music listening and analysis for the inexperienced musician. Discussion of music history, theory, and culture is combined with the development of critical listening skills and exposure to all eras of musical development in the Western World from early European sacred music to modern rock and pop music. Though this is not a performance class, students will learn to aurally identify key components of music, such as melodies, harmonies, and rhythm. The initial components of the class will provide a foundation to the study of Music Theory. Much of the class will include units on jazz, rock, pop, and film music, which will allow students to apply what they've learned in the class to music they hear most commonly throughout their lives.

SCRIPT WRITING CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

Got an idea for a stage play or a screenplay you'd like to write? Or maybe a sitcom or a YouTube sketch? Using a balance of lecture, writing exercises, and workshopping, Script Writing offers a safe and supportive environment for young writers of all levels to gain a firm grounding in the art and craft of writing for the stage and for screens of all sizes. Students will master manuscript format, conflict, plot structure, characterization, dialogue, and finding your own voice through the writing process.

SCULPTURE & CERAMICS 1CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

The Sculpture and Ceramics course is designed to provide the student with experience in the creation of three-dimensional art using various techniques such as carving, modeling, casting and/or construction. Through multiple projects and activities, students will utilize a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials, which may include clay, wood, metals, plaster, found objects, paper mache, and stone. They will understand the core elements and principles of design and how they apply to three-dimensional art. Students will be prepared to continue in the art program and further explore and expand their abilities and creativity in three-dimensional art.

SPEECH AND KINESTHETIC COMMUNICATION CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

This course provides students with an opportunity to develop skills in verbal and physical presentation. Students will be given the opportunity to use both voice and body to cultivate an effective stage presence and to develop clear and powerful communication skills. This course is valuable for all students, including performers, directors, and filmmakers.

STAGE MOVEMENT / DANCE CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

Stage Movement is a dance fundamentals class for any student interested in a variety of movement styles and approaches to dancing. Students will work together to improve dance skills including alignment, strength and flexibility. In addition, students will create original movement pieces enhancing creativity, and us dance as a means for expressive artistry. Techniques include:

• Body Conditioning (including yoga, pilates and physioball technique)
• Ballet and Modern Dance
• Cultural Dance Forms
• Social Dance Styles

Do you think you can dance? Come find out!

STRING ORCHESTRA CP (2.5 or 5.0 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

The course provides students with experiences designed to develop basic string technical instrument skills and musicianship. Primary emphasis is placed on tone development, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. Students are expected to perform during the Winter, FLOW, and Spring Concerts.

SYMPHONIC BAND CP (2.5 or 5.0 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course is designed for students entering the high school music program with beginning or intermediate skills. The emphasis is placed upon developing appreciation for music through the study and performance of band literature geared to the student's level of ability.

TECHNOLOGY LAB CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

In this course, the students will become proficient in two photo editing programs; iPhoto and Photoshop. They will also become skilled with different productivity programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite.

THEATRE PRODUCTION CP (2.5 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

This course is designed to provide students who are enthused about theatre with an appreciation of its origins, the spectrum of world theatrical cultures, and the stagecraft that makes today's theatre possible. In this course, the students will examine a variety of dramatic texts from both classical origins and a range of world cultures, understanding their context and their importance to the present. Additionally, the students will complete an in-depth study of the various aspects of theatrical production, including directing, producing, stage management, and all forms of stage design. Furthermore, students will engage in intensive instrument training, focusing on vocal production, elocution, and cultivating stage presence.

TV STUDIO PRODUCTION CPE (5.0 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

The changes in broadcasting techniques have been dramatic with the advent of digital technology. This course allows students to learn the latest in digital editing, as well as the parameters for creating projects for broadcast. Students will utilize the TV studio to create and develop independent projects.

WEB DESIGN CPE (5.0 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

Students will explore the topic of programming for the web using scripting languages. The languages will be selected from those, which are current. Emphasis will be on designing and implementing web pages using the modern scripting languages. This is a project-orientated course and students are expected to design and de-bug web pages. The course will also include a unit on programming in C#.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

WIND ENSEMBLE CP (2.5 or 5.0 Credits) Visual & Performing Arts

Membership in the Wind Ensemble is open to grades 9-12 by audition only.Emphasis is placed upon developing appreciation for all styles of music through the study and performance of original band works and selected orchestral transcriptions.

Professional recordings are used to develop correct concepts of style and performance. Tape recording of the band during rehearsals and concerts are made and evaluated. Considerable time is spent on developing correct concepts of key relationships, intonation style, balance, and rhythmic accuracy. * Students who wish to take this course for 2.5 credits should seek the instructor's permission.

WRITER'S WORKSHOP (Creative Writing) CP (2.5 Credits) 21^st Century Life & Careers

Writer's Workshop is designed for students of all levels of writing proficiency who want to further develop their writing skills. In a workshop environment, students progress at their own pace and receive feedback through individualized teacher conferencing, and by engaging in peer and self-evaluation. Students use group discussion to analyze elements of good writing and then apply these features to their own work. The course focuses on creative expression; the skills mastered easily transfer to academic class settings as student writing becomes more focused and descriptive in nature, and the student writer develops an awareness of the role of language in communication.

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As of 1/20/15