Course Information

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition: An Advanced Placement English course in Literature and Composition should engage students in carefully reading and critically analyzing imaginative literature. The course should include intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit.” (Advanced Placement Program Course Description: The College Board) Advanced Placement is a college-level courses and exams program for secondary school students. It is challenging and stimulating, and, compared to other high school courses, it often takes more time, requires more work, gives greater opportunity for individual progress and accomplishment, and goes into greater depth. A student may earn a year of college credit upon passing the exam.

English I: English 1 exposes students to a variety of genres that are entered upon transcendent themes, including the following: Literary Elements and a Writer’s Message; Heroism in Western Culture; Moral Dilemma; Youth on the Threshold; Culture and Conflict; and Introduction to Argument. Students will develop the following skills: analysis and synthesis of literary and informational texts; writing conventions and strategies; and speaking and listening techniques and expectations. 

English II: English 2 emphasizes writing, speaking, and reading both core works of literature and informational texts. Students will develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, world literature. 

English 3: English 3 will focus on exposing students to the literature and texts of the United States of America, from its origination to the present. This course will expand the role that literature, writing, and information literacy play in a student’s participation in and interaction with the world around him/her. The curriculum will act as a platform to explore how the world around us shapes our lives as well as how literature has impacted history and vice versa. The reading selections and activities are intended to deepen students’ interactions with the text and the issues embedded within the text so as to create critical thinkers and problem solvers who are able to contribute in a productive and positive way to their communities.

English 4: Expository Reading and Writing: This course presents the basics of expository reading and writing. Students learn, step-by-step, to write unified, coherent papers. While learning to write, students learn to think in an organized, systematic fashion. They also study effective uses of language, as well as methods of connecting ideas and expanding ideas by means of details and examples.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB: This is an advanced high school math course for the student who wishes to complete the equivalent of the first-level college and calculus course. The course is preparation for the second-level college calculus course and Calculus AB Advanced Placement Exam.  

Algebra Foundations: This course will prepare students for success in Algebra 1. Students will achieve proficiency on prerequisite skills for Algebra and selected CCSS. Upon completion of this course, students will enrol l in Algebra 1.

Algebra 1: This course meets all of the CCSS for math and satisfies a high school graduation requirement. This course will engage students in solving multi-step and absolute value equations, solving proportions, solving a system of equations algebraically, solving and graphing compound inequalities, solving and graphing absolute value inequalities and systems of inequalities, graphing linear equations and systems of linear equations, writing equations of lines between two points and of lines of parallel and perpendicular to a line and a given point, simplifying exponential expressions, function multiplying and factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations by factoring, the quadratic formula and completing the square, operations with rational expressions and constructing and analyzing box-and-whisker plots for a set of data. 

Algebra 2: This designed for students bound for college or career technical training. Students will expand and develop algebra and trigonometric concepts to an advanced level of mathematics. Students will engage in an in-depth study of California’s Common Core Standards for Mathematics. Topics include systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational and radical functions, conic sections, probability and statistics, and trigonometry.

Geometry: This course meets all of the CCSS for math and engages students bound for college or career technical training in topics as inductive and deductive reasoning, properties and proofs of parallel and perpendicular lines and congruent triangles, relationships with triangles, properties of polygons and quadrilaterals, similar shapes and proportional reasoning, trigonometry, transformations, properties of circles, finding area and perimeter of triangles, various quadrilaterals, regular polygons and circles, and finding the surface area and volume of prisms, pyramids, cones, cylinders, and spheres.

Pre-Calculus: This college-prep class engages students in an in-depth study of CCSS for math. Topics include equations, functions families and their graphs, rational, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and applications, and conic sections. Students successfully completing this course will have an extensive background in advanced level mathematics preparing them for college-level coursework. 

Intro to Statistics:  This course will introduce students to the field of statistics, which is important in business, medicine, social studies, athletics, agriculture, and many other areas. Students will learn how to gather, represent, and analyze data using equations, graphs, tables, estimates, and hypotheses. Students will be introduced to independent events and dependent probability. Students will need a graphing calculator or online graphing program to complete this course. Specific instructions on how to submit projects electronically are given in the online course management system.

Financial Algebra: Financial Algebra is a combination of Algebra and finance taught using applications and project based models. Financial Algebra is a course designed for students who are pursuing a stronger knowledge and skill set of Algebra concepts. Financial Algebra combines algebraic and graphical approaches with practical business and personal finance applications, which help to motivate students to explore algebraic thinking patterns and functions in a financial context.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science: This course is designed to acquaint students with the physical, ecological, social, and political principles of environmental science. The scientific method is used to analyze and understand the interrelationships between humans and the natural environment. The course shows how ecological realities and the material desires of humans often clash, leading to environmental degradation and pollution. The course covers Earth’s Systems, Human Population Dynamics, Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Global Changes, and Environment and Society. This course covers all of the material outlined by the College Board as necessary to prepare students to pass the AP® Environmental Science exam. While this course helps prepare students for the College Board® Examination, this examination is NOT required for completion of Advanced Placement® Environmental Science. This course has been approved by College Board®. 

Biology: Biology is the study of living systems. Those concepts fundamental to the understanding of all life include: biological molecules, energy transfer through photosynthesis, cell respiration and fermentation, cell structure and function, classification, DNA structure and function, protein synthesis, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Earth Science: Have you ever wondered where marble comes from? or how deep the ocean is? or why it rains more in areas near the Equator than in other places? In this course students will study a variety of topics designed to give them a better understanding of the planet on which we live. They will study the composition of Earth including minerals and different rock types, weathering and erosion processes, mass movements, and surface and groundwater. They will also explore Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, including storms, climate and ocean movements, plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building, and geologic time. This course concludes with an in-depth look at the connections between our Earth’s vast resources and the human population’s dependence and impact on them. 

Human Physiology: This course focuses on the biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology of the human body. Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems will be studied, with an emphasis on the medical field. 

Ocean Biology: This course incorporates several basic themes as it covers the life in our world’s oceans. One of the primary themes of this course is the vast diversity, structure, function, and ecology of organisms in the world’s oceans. Students will also learn to relate the physical sciences to the study of marine life. Particular attention is paid to the challenges that marine organisms face in changing ecosystems and to the interactions of humans with the marine environment. This is a somewhat challenging advanced-level course that builds on the concepts taught in high school Biology and Physical and Earth Sciences, with a focus on the marine environment.

Anatomy and Physiology: Anatomy and Physiology is a detailed study of the human body, its parts and structures, and how this function together to create and sustain human life. In this course we will start with an introduction to terminology, human development, and body processes, then move on to the functioning of cells, tissues, and systems. With these basics to build on students will compile an extensive vocabulary of anatomical terminology as they navigate the various systems of the body, building toward a more complete understanding of the human body.

Physics: Physics represents a continuing effort to solve problems and interpret experience in a logical way. The first semester course encourages students to observe and relate physics principles to the world around them and investigate various physical phenomena related to forces, vectors, Newton’s laws of motion, acceleration, velocity, resistance, and projectile motion. They will also learn about gravitational fields, satellite motion, special relativity, momentum, and inertia. Students will explore the world they live in through the properties of matter: elements, solids, liquids, and gases. This course includes both hands-on and virtual lab activities and projects. A graphing calculator is required. In the second semester of the Physics course students will continue their exploration of the world around them through an investigation into sound and light vibrations and waves, colour, reflection and refraction, lenses, electrostatics, electric currents, magnetism, electromagnetism, and finally quantum theory and atomic and nuclear physics

Chemistry: The course presents an introduction to principles and procedures in chemistry. Students study scientific measurements, chemical names and formulas, states of and changes in matter, numerical relationships in chemical reactions, trends expressed in the periodic table and the behavior of gases, chemical bonding, water and solutions, reaction rates and equilibrium, acids, bases and salts, oxidation-reduction reactions and carbon compounds. Students calculate empirical and molecular formulas, write and balance equations, determine mole and mass, interpret chemical equations and gain insight into the various models of the atom.  This course contains both hands-on labs and multimedia activities to provide an in-depth investigation into the subjects presented.

Advanced Placement American History : The Advanced Placement (AP) American History course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of the United States from pre-Columbian times to the present. The course goes beyond basic historiThe Advanced Placement (AP) American History course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of the United States from pre-Columbian times to the present. The course goes beyond basic historical knowledge and aims to develop students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to interpret historical evidence. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the political, economic, social, and cultural developments that have shaped the nation.

Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics: This course provides students with the knowledge and skills utilized by political scientists to analyse governments across various countries. By studying the political systems of Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, Nigeria, and the United States, students will apply these tools and techniques. The course delves into the structures and functions of government in each country while also examining how globalization, democratization, and marketization impact nations worldwide. Its objective is to equip students for the College Board AP® Comparative Government and Politics exam, catering to those with a deep interest in global affairs. It’s important to note that taking the College Board® exam is not mandatory to receive course credit from UNHS.

Advanced Placement World History: The purpose of the Advanced Placement World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies. This course focuses primarily on the past 1 ,000 years of the global experience and builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, sets the human stage prior to 1,000 A.O. This course provides a stimulating and challenging experience for able students, preparing students for the Advanced Placement World History Exam.

UNHS American Government: The UNHS American Government course aims to equip students with a thorough comprehension of the United States government’s structure, functions, and principles. By combining theoretical study with practical applications, students will delve into the fundamentals of American democracy, governmental structures, and the rights and duties of citizens. Throughout the course, various subjects will be covered, encompassing the inception of American government, the Constitution, federalism, the division of powers, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, political parties, interest groups, civil liberties, civil rights, and the influence of media in the political arena.

UNHS International Relations: Course offers a comprehensive exploration of the field of international relations, covering various aspects of global politics and diplomatic relations. Students will delve into the theories, concepts, and historical events that shape international relations, providing them with a solid foundation in the subject. The course also emphasizes the analysis of real-world case studies and current events, allowing students to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to contemporary global issues.

UNHS American History: This is a required course for all 11th grade students. This course meets the state requirement for United States History. It is a survey course offering a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the history of our nation. It will enable the student to develop and practice a variety of intellectual activities and work skills appropriate to the social sciences.

UNHS World History 1 and 2 : UNHS World History 1 and 2 are comprehensive courses that provide students with a deep understanding of the major historical events, civilizations, and developments that have shaped our world. The courses are typically divided into two parts, each covering a distinct time period. In UNHS World History 1, students embark on a journey through ancient civilizations, exploring the contributions of societies such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. Moving into UNHS World History 2, students delve into the medieval period and continue to the modern era. They examine the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, and Industrial Revolution, studying their effects on society, politics, and economics.

Economics: The UNHS Economics course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and theories of economics, equipping students with a solid understanding of how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices regarding the allocation of resources. The course also delves into macroeconomics, examining aggregate economic phenomena on a national and global scale. Students will study indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, and international trade.

Advanced Placement French Language and Culture: Equivalent to a 3rd-year college French course in grammar, reading, composition, and conversation. Stresses speaking and listening skills, composition, and grammar. This course provides extensive preparation for the spring administration of the AP exam.

This course is conducted in French.

Advanced Placement Spanish Language: This course is equivalent to a 3rd year college course in Spanish composition and conversation, taught exclusively in the target language with no English. The course also stresses oral skills, composition, and grammar. Students are trained in organizing and writing compositions. The reading of a variety of Spanish literature is required. A College Board Examination that measures achievement in this course is administered in the spring by which a student may receive college credit, depending upon college entrance policies.

French 1: French 1 develops the four skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and explores cultures of the French-speaking world. Students are provided language-use activities that enable them to function in common daily setting for which they have rehearsed; understand learned words and phrases in unfamiliar texts (oral/written) and produce learned words and phrases; deal with discrete elements of life, comprehend and produce memorized material orally and in writing; and comprehend and be understood by sympathetic French speakers. 

French 2: French 2 continues to develop the four skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and to deepen knowledge of cultures of the Frenchspeaking world. Students are provided language-use activities that enable them to function in common daily settings for wllich they have rehearsed; understand learned words and phrases in unfamiliar texts 
(oral/written) and produce learned words and phrases; deal with discrete elements of life, comprehend and be understood by sympathetic French speakers. 

Spanish 1: Spanish 1 develops the four skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and explores cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are provided language-use activities that enable them to function in common daily settings for which they have rehearsed; understand learned words and phrases in unfamiliar texts (oral/written) and produce learned words and phrases; deal with discrete elements of life, comprehend and produce memorized material orally and in writing; and comprehend and be understood by sympathetic Spanish speakers. 

Spanish 2: Spanish 2 continues to develop the four skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and to deepen student knowledge of cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are provided language-use activities that enable them to function in common daily settings for which they have rehearsed; understand learned words and phrases in unfamiliar texts (oral/written) and produce learned words and phrases; deal with discrete elements of life, comprehend and produce memorized materials orally and in writing; and comprehend and be understood by sympathetic Spanish speakers.