Courses for Grades 9-12

 

(Faculty may make recommendations prior to and at the end of each course

regarding a student’s beginning and continuation in honors courses.)

 

Advanced Placement® (AP)*

The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes in a wide variety of subjects that students may take while still in high school. They offer challenging coursework and a taste of what college classes are like.  They are taught by Davidson Academy teachers using a national curriculum.  An AP exam is taken at the end of the course for possible college credit.  AP courses are given weight in college admissions.  Davidson Academy offers the following AP courses: Calculus AB, Calculus BC,  United States History, Human Geography, Comparative Politics, Physics I, Physics II, English Literature, English Language and Composition, AP World History, AP Biology.

 

Dual Enrollment (DE)**

Davidson Academy partners with Trevecca Nazarene University for Dual Enrollment (DE) courses.  These courses are taught by Davidson Academy teachers.  Students receive college credit while earning their high school credit, as well.  The courses are taught at the college level and transfer to colleges/universities depending on the individual school’s requirements.  Davidson Academy offers the following DE courses: College Algebra/Trigonometry, Psychology, and U. S. History.

 

English

(Davidson Academy requires four credits in English for graduation.)

 

English I is a literature-based course which emphasizes literary and writing skills and vocabulary development. A research paper is required. Using MLA format and a variety of sources, each student writes a research paper on an important event that happened on his or her birthday. (One credit)

English I-Honors is a literature-based course. Novels recommended by the College Board are read outside of class. Vocabulary, including the study of Greek and Latin roots, is emphasized. Critical thinking and writing skills are developed, and a research paper is required. Using MLA format and a variety of sources, each student writes a research paper on a social issue of his or her choice. (One credit)

 

English II emphasizes composition and literature while reviewing grammar and spelling skills. A research paper is also required. (One credit)

English II Honors focuses on composition and literature and analysis of literature. Students are required to read additional novels and critical essays and to express their analyses in discussion and writing.  A research paper is also required. (One credit)

 

English III is a study of the American literary heritage with a focus on the development of American culture, thought, and lifestyle as revealed in pertinent writings of significant American authors. (One credit)

*AP English III/ Language and Composition is an Advanced Placement® course, for which many colleges and universities recognize credit with high test scores on the AP exam. (One credit)

 

English IV focuses on the writings of significant British authors, giving students an understanding of our European literary heritage and preparing them for college-level English. Emphasis is on reading with understanding, improving composition skills, and developing a wider vocabulary. (One credit)

*AP English IV/ Literature and Composition is an analytical study of literature. The course requires more in-depth reading and critical writing than college-preparatory English IV. It is designed to prepare students for the college credit examination offered by the College Board. (One credit)

 

Poetry (Elective) is an overview of the reading and writing of serious poetry.  Students will study the works of: John Donne, George Herbert, Wordsworth, Coleridge, T. S. Eliot, Maya Angelou, Billy Collins, and others. Students will also have the opportunity to model these poets through the creation of their own work in an effort to develop their own distinctive style.  The course is rigorous.  Prerequisite: English GPA of 3.0 or higher. (One-half credit)

 

Creative Non-Fiction and the Transformation of Contemporary Literature (Elective) guides students to study the works of Oliver Sacks, Annie Dillard, Mary Oliver, Jon Krakauer, and others, in an effort to understand the role of non-fiction in the Western canon of literature.  The course is rigorous.  Prerequisite: English GPA of 3.0 or higher.  (One-half credit)

 

 

Mathematics

(Davidson Academy requires in grades 9-12 a minimum of four credits in mathematics for graduation. All students are required to have a graphing calculator (TI 84+).)

 

Geometry includes the study of points, lines, and planes, congruence and similarity of polygons, right triangle relationships including trigonometry, area and volume concepts, circle concepts, constructions, and transformations. Students will explore the connections between these formal geometric ideas and the geometry of the real world. Preparation for the geometry needed for the standardized tests, such as the PSAT and the ACT, will be emphasized. (One credit)

Geometry Honors extends and deepens the topics of the college-prep course. In addition, this course focuses on both the content and form of geometry with the emphasis on the techniques of formal proof and the application of geometric concepts to solve challenging problems. Problem-solving skills necessary to be successful at mathematics competitions will be investigated on a regular basis. (One credit)

 

Algebra II extends the topics first seen in Algebra I and provides advanced skills in algebraic operations. Additionally, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, and radical functions, conic sections, and sequences and series will be explored. Real world applications are presented within the course content, and students continue to use technology in their exploration of functions. (One credit)

Algebra II Honors extends and deepens the topics of the college-prep course. Problem-solving skills necessary to be successful at mathematics competitions will be investigated on a regular basis. (One credit)

 

Pre-Calculus is a numerical, graphical and analytical approach to the concepts of functions. Topics in this course include the study of many types of functions (polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric), as well as systems of equations, conic sections, and trigonometry of real numbers and angles. Preparation for the concepts needed for the standardized tests, such as the SAT and the ACT, will be emphasized. (One credit)

 

Pre-Calculus Honors is a challenging course designed to prepare students for further study in college-level mathematics, specifically, Advanced Placement Calculus. The course takes an analytical, numerical, and graphical approach to the study of functions, including exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, polar, and parametric. The course also includes an intense study of conic sections (including rotation), sequences and series and trigonometric applications and proof. Pre-Calculus Honors is a prerequisite for AP Calculus. (One credit)

 

**Dual Enrollment College Algebra/Trigonometry is a course in which students have the opportunity to earn dual high school and college credit through Trevecca Nazarene University. Topics include: polynomials, factoring, radical expressions, rational exponents, complex numbers, linear and quadratic equations and their applications, polynomial and rational inequalities, functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and partial fractions. (Six college hour credits and one high school credit)

 

*AP Calculus (AB) is an advanced course designed to provide the high-school student with an intensive study of basic calculus. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Topics include limits, techniques and applications of differentiation, as well as integration, volume, and differential equations. Preparation for the Advanced Placement test in Calculus AB in May is emphasized. (One credit)

 

*AP Calculus (BC) is equivalent to a full year college calculus class and is designed to further the study of basic calculus. The course includes all material covered in AP Calculus AB, as well as parametric, polar, and vector functions. It also includes advanced integration techniques and series and sequence analysis. The course is intended to be both challenging and demanding. The course emphasizes preparation for the Advanced Placement test in Calculus BC. (One credit)

 

Social Studies

(Davidson Academy requires three credits in Social Studies for graduation.)

 

World History surveys events, people, and cultures from the Stone Age civilization through the Electronic Age. Emphasis is placed on geography, eyewitness accounts, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills. (One credit)

 

U.S. History is a chronological treatment of the history of the United States from colonial times to the present. (One credit)

 

*AP U.S. History is a college-level, full-year introduction to United States history from colonial times to the present. It culminates in a three-hour exam administered by Davidson Academy for the College Board. (One credit)

 

**DE American History 211 is a survey of political, economic, social, cultural and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects up to 1877. (Dual Enrollment - three hours college credit from Trevecca Nazarene University and one-half high school credit)

 

**DE American History 212 is a survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects since 1877. (Dual Enrollment - three hours college credit from Trevecca Nazarene University and one-half high school credit)

 

Government is a fall semester course on the structure and function of the United States government. It emphasizes civic responsibilities. (One-half credit)

 

Introduction to Leadership offers a unique leadership training session specifically designed to prepare each student for life, both while in school and beyond.  The text is based on the series of books entitled "Habitudes: Images that Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes," written by Dr. Tim Elmore, president of Growing Leaders. The books use powerful images to teach important life and leadership skills in an EIPC style (experiential, participatory, image-rich, connected) that is engaging and memorable. (One-half credit)

 

*AP Comparative Politics gives students a better understanding of the economic/political challenges, trends and upheavals, and institutional characteristics across six nation states: China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia.  The course uses the comparative method to analyze and assess the diversity of political life, institutional alternatives, differences in processes and policy outcomes, and the impact of global politics and economic changes. (One credit)

 

Economics will help students to focus on individual responsibility on personal finance issues, such as credit cards, debit cards, banking institutions, and factors that affect their credit history. In addition, students are taught the basics of the global financial economy and how the U.S. stock market works and how it is affected by foreign countries and their economic situations. Finally, students are exposed to basic business practices and how decisions within companies are made in relation to supply and demand. (One-half credit)

 

* AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.

 

Senior Research Project is required for all seniors, taken either fall or spring semester.  It is the culminating activity of the Davidson Academy experience in which students apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout their school years to the development of a research paper and an oral presentation of an important project of their own design.  Students work independently under the guidance of faculty and non-faculty sponsors.  Students may indicate their preference of semesters on their registration form, but the guidance office may need to change semesters due to class sizes. (One-half credit)

 

Current Events (Elective) introduces students to issues that influence our lives in this global, multicultural society.  Students will research current economic, political, social, and cultural problems, and explore how ongoing conflicts affect groups, as well as individuals.  Emphasis is on America as a dynamic society in the 21st century, witnessing changes involving community, state, nation, and world.  Some of the pressing problems facing our rapidly changing society will be examined in detail using a variety of media.  Critical-thinking skills and technology-related research is emphasized.  Speaking and listening skills are reinforced through class discussions and oral presentations. (One-half credit)

 

 

Science

(Davidson Academy requires three credits in science for graduation.)

 

Biology I/Lab focuses on major life processes. Topics studied include those from the simplest to the most complex levels of biological organization. Methods of science, beginning chemistry, cellular biology, and genetics are presented. (One credit)

 

Biology Honors is a more challenging course focusing on major life processes. Topics studied include those from the simplest to the most complex levels of biological organization. Methods of science, beginning chemistry, cellular biology, and genetics are presented. With the course moving at a faster pace, more emphasis will be placed on laboratory work. (One credit)

 

Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter. The course follows a sequential development of major chemistry principles, including measurement, chemical formulas and reactions, molarity, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, solutions, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Students will perform experiments in which they collect and interpret data related to these topics. (One credit)

 

Chemistry Honors is a more challenging study of the structure and properties of matter. The course moves at a faster pace and includes measurement, chemical formulas and reactions, molarity, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, solutions, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Students will perform experiments in which they collect and interpret data related to these topics. (One credit)

 

*AP Physics 1 examines the relationships of matter and energy.  Most of the year is spent in the area of mechanics.  Brief units on electric current and waves will also be included.  The course culminates in a three-hour exam administered by Davidson Academy for the College Board.  Credit for one semester of college physics is possible. (One credit)

 

 

*AP Physics 2 examines the relationships of matter and energy.  The curriculum includes electricity/magnetism, waves/optics, thermodynamics, fluids, and nuclear physics.  The course culminates in a three-hour exam administered by Davidson Academy for the College Board.  Credit for the second semester of college physics is possible.  AP Physics 1 is a prerequisite. (One credit) beginning 2015-201

 

Conceptual Physics is an introduction to some of the basic principles in physics.  The goal is that this might lead to an understanding of how the physical universe operates.  Topics include velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, energy, circular motion, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism, and relativity.  The ability to graph data is an important skill learned by doing labs every week.

 

Kinesiology Honors

 

Technology

(Davidson Academy requires one-half credit in computer technology.)

 

Graphic Design students will gain an understanding of multimedia technology, including desktop publishing, computer architectural design, photo manipulation, graphic/logo design, and audio editing. The course participants will utilize Photoshop CS, 3D Home Architect, Google Sketchup, PowerPoint, and various Freeware software programs. (This is a semester course. Prerequisite: Computer Applications, either one-half or one credit.)

 

Information and Communication Technology (one-half credit)

 

 

Wellness

(Davidson Academy requires one half credit in Health and one half credit in Physical Fitness for graduation.)

 

Health helps to motivate teens to stay safe and healthy, reduce health risks, and practice a high-level of wellness. (One-half credit)

 

Exercise & Fitness is designed to teach students fitness concepts and conditioning techniques used for obtaining optimal physical fitness. Students benefit from comprehensive weight training and cardiorespiratory endurance activities and learn the basic fundamentals of strength training, aerobic training, and overall fitness and conditioning. Students will be required to demonstrate proper exercise techniques to the class, as well as describe targeted muscle groups. (One-half credit)

 

Individual & Team Sports teach players how to motivate themselves, learn self-reliance, and compete at their own pace. Team sports teach practice, patience, and persistence. Sports offered are: basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball. (One-half credit)

 

  

Foreign Language

(Davidson Academy requires two credits in Foreign Language for graduation.)

 

Latin I introduces the student to the Latin language, Roman culture and history, and mythology. Vocabulary building is also emphasized. (One credit)

 

Latin II continues the study of language structure, grammar, and translation skills from Latin I. Mythology, Roman culture, and vocabulary are studied in-depth. (One credit)

 

Latin III is a close study of the orations of Cicero. The class continues the study of grammar and vocabulary through exercises and translation, examining also Roman history and mythology. (One credit)

 

Spanish I emphasizes grammar, verb conjugation, vocabulary, and sentence structuring. These points are combined to develop communicative skills and a cultural awareness of the Spanish culture. (One credit)

 

Spanish II focuses upon the continued study of grammar, verb conjugation, vocabulary, and sentence structuring to further develop communicative skills and cultural awareness of the Spanish culture. (One credit)

 

Spanish III is an advanced course for further development of conversational skills, advanced Spanish grammar, and cultural awareness. (One credit)

 

American Sign Language is a beginner level course. Students will be introduced to Deaf Culture and History as they are integrated into the basics of ASL grammar, syntax, finger spelling and vocabulary. We will use projects, presentations, visual/manual communication activities, and games, as well as interactive communication to enhance ASL skills.

 

Bible

(Davidson Academy requires each student to complete two credits in Bible for graduation.)

 

Old Testament This course is designed to be an introduction to the 39 books that together comprise what Christians call the “Old Testament.” As an introduction, this course does not intend to be comprehensive in its coverage of each or even all of the 39 books of the Old Testament shared by all Christians (i.e. excluding the “Apocryphal” or “Deuterocanonical” books included in some Christian Bibles). Instead, it attempts – at bottom – to survey the main events, people, and themes of the Old Testament so as to provide a foundation for further study and reflection. Moreover, as the title of the course implies, students will be asked to read the texts from a Christian perspective, that is, from the “other side” of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – in short, in light of the “New Covenant (or Testament).” This perspective to some extent assumes familiarity with the person of Christ and the New Testament witness to him; however, students will be aided by the instructor in this interpretive process. Ultimately, then, this course invites students to persist in inquiring how the Old Testament continues to serve as a viable witness to God and Jesus Christ and thus how it remains an indispensable treasury for the Church and Christians alike – God’s word to the world even now. (One-half credit)

 

New Testament This course is designed to be an introduction to the 27 books that together comprise what Christians call the “New Testament.” As an introduction, this course does not intend to be comprehensive in its coverage of each or even all of the 27 books of the New Testament. Instead, it attempts – at bottom – to survey the main events, people, and themes of the New Testament so as to provide a foundation for further study and reflection. While issues concerning authorship, dating, etc. are duly noted, the focus of the course is on the texts themselves and the theology expressed therein – especially relating to the person and work of Jesus Christ as reflected in the Gospels and other New Testament letters. Of course, the contents of the New Testament cannot be understood without what Christians call the “Old Testament”; but students will be aided by the instructor in how to interpret Jesus and the New Testament in light of the context and contributions of Israel and the Old Testament. Ultimately, then, this course invites students to persist in inquiring how the New Testament continues to serve as the Church’s primary witness to God and especially to Jesus Christ and thus how it remains an indispensable treasury for the Church and individual Christians alike – as God’s word to the world even now. (One-half credit)

 

Foundations of the Christian Faith  As the title states rather directly, this course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of the Christian faith: that is, the major beliefs and practices that have stemmed from and continue to shape authentic Christian identity. However, a more specific description of this course might be “historical and theological foundations of the Christian faith,” since it is structured in a way that students are invited to engage the historical contexts from which Christian faith emerged and has expanded – from its conception to its contemporary expressions – as well as the theological developments made on the basis of such emergence and expansion. Students will thus learn some of how and why many traditions and denominations within Christianity were formed, though the course will be geared most of all to foregrounding the commonalities all Christians share, which are traditionally summarized in the two major ecumenical creeds: Apostles’ and Nicene. Ultimately, Jesus Christ himself is the foundation of the Christian faith; yet a more thorough knowledge of who Jesus is and what else we can know about God, the world, and the like because of Him needs extended explanation and exploration. Such questions are thus the heart and form the content of this course on Christian “foundations.”(One-half credit)

 

Comparative Worldview This course is designed to teach a student how to recognize and analyze major worldviews such as naturalism, humanism, existentialism, and post-modernism and then evaluate them from a Christian theistic worldview perspective, and to introduce the other major world religions, including: Judaism, Islamic Theism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a few others. This course proceeds and returns to/from the conviction that in order for Christians to be Christians, they must first learn to see differently, i.e. see the world as Christians and to be able to understand the different worldviews and religions on our planet and be able to engage them intelligently and honestly with much integrity. The objectives of this course are: that the learner has a basic understanding of the world’s major religions and philosophical positions; that the learner be able to articulate his/her theological worldview; that the learner be drawn into a lifetime of participation in the wonderfully raucous conversation that is Christian theology, a conversation vital to the life of the Church and each individual Christian; that the learner begins the process of seeing his/her place within the life and ministry of Christ’s Church; and that the learner be able to critically and constructively evaluate the events that make up the complex we call “life” according to a particularly Christian view of the world. (One-half credit)

 

Fine Arts

(Davidson Academy requires one credit in fine arts for graduation.)

 

Art I focuses on creating works of art by using various media, techniques, and technology. Students will study and learn how to use the elements of art to create their own work. In addition, students gain a greater appreciation of art and culture by studying various time periods while developing their own artistic style.  (One credit)

 

Advanced Art is for students interested in developing and improving their artistic skills on an advanced level. Art I is a prerequisite. (One credit)

 

Concert Band In the fall, this ensemble will serve as the stands band at home football games. Students strive for constant improvement as musicians through music of all styles and levels of difficulty. They play at football games and pep rallies. As the DA Concert Band, they will perform in a winter and spring concert, have the opportunity to audition for All Midstate band, and participate in honor bands and concert festivals. (One credit)

 

Schola Cantorum students will learn and executive proper singing technique and vocal health. Students will perform literature from all time periods with the appropriate technique, tone, articulation, phrasing, and style. Students will learn basic to intermediate music theory and will increase their adeptness in sight reading and their ability to precisely match fundamental concepts with other chorus members. Students will prepare for the MTVA Honor Chorus auditions and will audition if approved by the director. Students will perform at a winter and spring concert as well as other concert venues. (One credit)

 

Theatre introduces students in grades 7-12 to the art of live theatre, helping to create an appreciation for theatre. Students participate in games, improvisation, and short scenes. They learn basic theatre terminology and theatre history (i.e. Greek, Shakespeare and Broadway musicals). (One credit)

 

Advanced Theatre is by audition only and is for the serious theatre student.  All students will work on live theatre performances and study several different acting styles. Students also study various forms of theatre, such as improvisational comedy, Shakespearean, musical theatre, children’s plays, farces, Commedia ‘dell arte, tragedy, etc.  All members of this class have the opportunity to join the International Thespian Honor Society. Students will attend field trips to see live university and professional productions. This class requires mandatory rehearsal time after school. (One credit – by audition only)

 

Praise Band (Students must audition for this elective)) The purpose of this course is for students who play instruments, sing, or provide tech and have a desire to praise God while leading in Chapel. A variety of styles of Christian music will be performed. In this class, students build their leadership skills as well as craftsmanship in the realm of music. The music and associated skills are applied each week through performance at all Upper school chapels. Additionally, the praise and worship team performs for the annual Upper school retreat. Students in this class will be expected to maintain a lifestyle that strives to honor God daily both in and out of class. Students enrolled in this class have an opportunity to receive 1 Fine Arts credit.

 

Additional Electives

 

Psychology is offered in the fall or spring semester focusing on psychological concepts and their applications, including human growth and development, personality, learning, thinking, and perception. (One half credit)

 

College & Life Skills - This one-semester elective is designed to increase students' knowledge of and ability in using the skills necessary for everyday living. Life Skills emphasizes defining personal values, goal-setting and planning, and solving problems. They will learn how to live in a college environment  Students will learn anything from making meals and doing laundry to budgeting money and finding a job. (One half credit)

 

Theories of Knowledge encourages critical thinking about knowledge itself, to try to help young people make sense of what they encounter. Its core content revolves around two basic questions: What do we know? How do we know it? (one-half credit)

 

Philosophy

 

Social Media Marketing This class will teach students how to communicate in a connected world where the skill is more important than ever. Students will learn to both create a personal online branding strategy along with social marketing skills for business. Students will help in the development and growth of Davidson Academy's social media and marketing activities. This course will teach students how to create and maintain a SAFE social media presence for personal and business, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc. By the completion of this course, students will be able to: Understand social media fundamentals and basic social media etiquette, Create a social media strategy, Publish social media updates and engage with the Davidson Academy community (Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram),  Apply social media best practices to enhance their personal brand,  Create a content marketing calendar, 
Create and follow a social media policy, Time permitting:  Create and drive traffic to a personal blog using social media,  Understand social media advertising,  Research social media dashboards,  Measure site traffic using Google Analytics. (one half credit)

 

Public Speaking Public Speaking and Performance is a course designed to help students develop the skills needed to become effective communicators both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition, this class will help students develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and goal setting. In addition to the study of communication, students will develop skills in listening, viewing, researching, organizing, writing, revising, rehearsing, presenting, performing, and evaluating. (one half credit)

 

Introduction to Marketing and Business  (Elective) Students are introduced to functions and foundations involved in the marketing of goods, services, and ideas and will achieve skills necessary for successful college coursework and future marketing employment. Students study business and organizational risk management, selling, promotion, pricing, purchasing, marketing-information management, product/service planning, distribution and financing. Foundation skills include economics, human resources, and personal marketing skills necessary for success in business, marketing, and all occupations. Academics skills (mathematics, science, English, and history/social science) related to the content are a part of this course. Computer/technology applications supporting this course are studied (One credit).

 

Advanced Marketing (one half credit)

 

Yearbook (one credit) In this course students will gain skills in one or more of the following areas: page design, advanced publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, and photography while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. There is an emphasis on journalism skills in this class. Participants gain useful, real-world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles. 

 

Digital Media Creation This is a research and process-based course that utilizes digital media to create newscasts highlighting elements of DA student body, problem solve through research culminating in a digital product, create products that present non-fiction storytelling, and emphasize the importance of the process from brainstorming to final product (a process that mirrors the writing process). (One half credit)

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