Course Descriptions A-E

ACAE100 Survey of English Literature II *
Grade 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: ACAE112
Examines major British texts from the Romantics to the contemporary period, emphasizing the critical ideas and traditions of the British literary tradition. Involves critical reading and writing. ENG 244 has been designated as a “writing intensive” course according to standards developed by the English department. 

ACAE101 Survey of American Literature II *
Grade 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: ACAE112
Examines American literary works from the late-nineteenth century to the present, emphasizing the ideas and characteristics of the American national literature. Involves critical reading and writing. ENG 242 has been designated as a “writing intensive” course according to standards developed by the English department. 

ACAE111 College Composition I *
Grade 11 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
This course introduces students to critical thinking and the fundamentals of academic writing. Through the writing process, students refine topics; develop and supportideas; investigate, evaluate, and incorporate appropriate resources; edit for effective style and usage; and determine appropriate approaches for a variety of contexts, audiences, and purposes. Writing activities will include exposition and analysis with at least one researched essay. 

ACAE112 College Composition II *
Grade 11 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: ACAE111
This course continues to develop college writing with increased emphasis on critical essays, argumentation, and research, developing these competencies through the examination of a range of texts about the human experience. Students are required to locate, evaluate, integrate, and document sources and effectively edit for style and usage. Students will develop competency in preparing and delivering an oral presentation.

ACAF550 Beginning French I
Grade 11 or 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Introduces understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and emphasizes basic French sentence structure. Incorporates exposure to the arts, culture, and literature of the areas of the world where French is spoken. Part I of II. May include one additional hour of oral practice per week.

ACAF551 Beginning French II
Grade 11 or 12- Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite ACAF550
Introduces understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills and emphasizes basic French sentence structure. Incorporates exposure to the arts, culture, and literature of the areas of the world where French is spoken. Part II of II. May include one additional hour of oral practice per week.

ACAF590 Intermediate Spanish I
Grade 11 or 12- Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite Spanish III
Continues to develop understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Incorporates exposure to the arts, culture, and literature of the areas of the world where Spanish is spoken. Part I of II. May include an additional hour of oral drill and practice per week. 

ACAF591 Intermediate Spanish II
Grade 11 or 12- Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite ACAF590
Continues to develop understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Incorporates exposure to the arts, culture, and literature of the areas of the world where Spanish is spoken. Part II of II. May include an additional hour of oral drill and practice per week.

ACAH102 United States Government I *
Grade 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
United States Government I teaches structure, operation, and process of national, state, and local governments. Includes in-depth study of the three branches of the government and of public policy. Part I of II. 

ACAH103 United States Government II *
Grade 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
United States Government I teaches structure, operation, and process of national, state, and local governments. Includes in-depth study of the three branches of the government and of public policy. Part II of II.

ACAH104 United States History I *
Grade 11 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
United States History I surveys the United States history from its beginning to the present. Part I of II.

ACAH105 United States History II *
Grade 11 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: ACAH104
United States History I surveys the United States history from its beginning to the present. HIS 121 and HIS 122 need not be taken in sequence. Part II of II.

ACAH106 Principles of Psychology *
Grades 11 and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Principles of Psychology surveys the basic concepts of psychology. Covers the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, research methods and measurement, theoretical perspectives, and application. Includes biological bases of behavior, learning, social interactions, memory, and personality; and other topics such as sensation, perception, consciousness, thinking, intelligence, language, motivation, emotion, health, development, psychological disorders, and therapy. 

ACAH107 Developmental Psychology *
Grades 11 and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Developmental Psychology studies the development of the individual from conception to death. It follows a life-span perspective on the developmental tasks of the person’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth.

ACAM100 Precalculus with Trigonometry *
Grades 11 and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Presents college algebra, analytic geometry and trigonometry, and algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions. 

ACAM101 Statistics *
Grades 11 and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Presents an overview of statistics, including descriptive statistics, elementary probability, probability distributions estimation, hypothesis testing, and correlation and regression.

ACAS105 General Biology I *
Grades 11 and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Focuses on foundations in cellular structure, metabolism, and genetics in an evolutionary context. Explores the core concepts of evolution; structure and function; information flow, storage and exchange; pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and systems biology. Emphasizes process of science, interdisciplinary approach, and relevance of biology to society. Part I of a two-course sequence.

ACAS106 General Biology II *
Grades 11 and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: ACAS105
Focuses on diversity of life, anatomy and physiology of organisms, and ecosystem organization and processes in an evolutionary context. Explores the core concepts of evolution; structure and function; information flow, storage and exchange; pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and systems biology. Emphasizes process of science, interdisciplinary approach, and relevance of biology to society. Part II of a two-course sequence.

C189 Introduction to Mass Communications
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12--Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite to all Mass Communication II and III courses listed below.
Students will receive an introduction to the history and applications of mass media in today’s society, along with the ethical principles that guide those who are involved in communicating information to consumers. A significant part of the instruction will focus on basic skills associated with communicating in writing, using accepted journalistic style. Through frequent writing assignments during the school year, these students will develop proficiency in gathering information and in doing various forms of journalistic writing, such as news and feature writing. They also will begin to understand the editing process, as well as how school publications such as the newspaper and yearbook are produced. They will be taught to use accepted journalistic style for all work, and they will be expected to apply basic rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling to all work. Other instruction will focus on the rise of broadcasting in providing information and the use of computers in modern communications, including inter active communications such as the Internet. Students who successfully complete this course may apply for internships with TV99 (CE02).

C190 Information Technology Fundamentals 
Grades 10, 11, and 12- Year - 1 Credit
Information Technology Fundamentals introduces the essential technical and professional skills required for students to pursue programs leading to professional careers and information technology certifications. The course introduces skills related to digital technology, digital applications, maintenance/upgrading/ troubleshooting, and networking fundamentals. Students also explore ethical issues related to computers and Internet technology and examine web page and game design.

C192 Television Production II *
Grades 10, 11 and 12- Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mass
Communications I (C189) or recommendation by Teacher of Record
This course is designed for responsible and mature students who may be planning a career in broadcasting or video production. Students will use advanced skills in videography, editing, and writing to produce at least five video products and the morning announcements at each high school. In addition, the students’ goal will be to produce broadcast quality material for airing on TV99. This class is designed not only as a hands-on course, but also as a theory course covering history, ratings, career research, and current event topics. Students will be expected to write and make presentations on different issues. Students enrolled in this course are eligible to apply for internships with TV99 (CE02).

C193 Television Production III *
Grades 11 and 12 - Year - 2 Credits
Prerequisite: Television Production II (C192)
This course requires students to apply the technical skills learned in the level I and level II courses. Students will create products which will show their ability to pursue advanced study in the area of communications or acquire entry level employment in the field. Students enrolled in this course may apply for internships with TV99 (CE02). Students will produce the following:

• In-studio and on-location interviews
• Commercials and public service announcements
• News feature or music video
• News show
• Résumé tape

Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for the NOCTI broadcasting and journalism (1106) industry certification.

C194 Graphic Arts I
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Graphic Arts I in an introductory course designed to provide students with a foundation in visual communication and graphic design. Throughout the course, students will explore various concepts and skills including design, communication, and production.

C195 Graphic Arts II
Grades 10, 11, and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Graphic Arts I
Graphic Arts II is designed to further explore visual communication and graphic design. Building upon the foundational concepts and skills from Graphics Arts I, this course delves deeper into the principles, techniques, and tools used in graphic communication settings.

C196 Television Production IV *
Grade 12 - Year - 2 Weighted Credits
Prerequisites: Television Production II (C192) and III (C193)
Television Production will provide a rigorous fourth level class for students. This course is designed to educate talented and committed students in a hands-on program which explores composition, design, movement, storyboarding, and editing. Students will follow an intensive curriculum that will achieve multiple learning and production goals. Students will be encouraged and empowered by instructors to artfully tell their stories through films or documentaries. Students will be provided with leadership experience and real world opportunities in the areas of producing, directing, editing, and filmmaking. Students enrolled in this course are eligible for internships with TV99 (CE02). Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for the NOCTI broadcasting and journalism (1106) industry certification.

CE02 TV99 Internship
Grades 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Students who wish to serve an internship in an off-campus setting may apply in writing to the Coordinator, TV Programming and Production by April 15. Application forms will be available in the counseling office. Students must receive written approval of their application from the high school principal and confirmation of acceptance into the program (from TV99 staff) prior to enrolling in this course.  

E111J College Composition I *
Grade 12 - 3 Semester Credits - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on RCC placement test
This course introduces students to critical thinking and the fundamentals of academic writing. Through the writing process, students refine topics; develop and support ideas; investigate, evaluate, and incorporate appropriate resources; edit for effective style and usage; and determine appropriate approaches for a variety of contexts, audiences, and purposes. Writing activities will include exposition and analysis with at least one researched essay.

E112J College Composition II *
Grade 12 - 3 semester credits - 1/2 Weighted Credit
Prerequisite: E111J
This course continues to develop college writing with increased emphasis on critical essays, argumentation, and research, developing these competencies through the examination of a range of texts about the human experience. Students are required to locate, evaluate, integrate, and document sources and effectively edit for style and usage. Students will develop competency in preparing and delivering an oral presentation.

E140 Composition Theory
Grades 10, 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Composition Theory is an English elective course that teaches students how to operate the writing center and explores an in-depth study of writing across all disciplines. Other areas of focus in the course are utilizing the writing process, understanding and applying standard English, identifying components of advanced writing across genres and for varied audiences, and becoming an effective peer tutor of writing. This content is applied and assessed as students both produce their own writing and serve as peer tutors in the writing center.

E151 English 9 ADV *
Grade 9 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
Students will study world literature extensively to develop skills in recognizing themes and applying them to their own experiences. They will focus on communicating this knowledge in appropriate oral and written forms. In addition, students will enrich their knowledge of vocabulary to provide better communication and comprehension skills. Stylistic development in prose style as well as effective use of grammatical conventions will be emphasized in formal and informal essays. Students will learn effective techniques of oral presentation.

E152 English 9
Grade 9 - Year - 1 Credit
Students will study various literary genres to develop skills in recognizing themes and applying them to their own experiences. They will focus on gaining knowledge and understanding of both short stories and novels and communicating this knowledge in appropriate oral and written forms. In addition, students will use a variety of sentence types for effective communication with an emphasis on basic punctuation and usage. They also will enrich their vocabularies to develop better communication and comprehension skills. Finally, students will use the writing process in formal and informal essays, as well as demonstrate proficiency in public speaking.

E157 English 10 ADV *
Grade 10 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
Students will develop reading and listening proficiencies through interaction with a variety of literary genres and will demonstrate knowledge of the correct usage of language. Vocabulary study will be enhanced through literature study. Developing persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive writings will be addressed; however, the focus will be on developing expository writing, which asserts and supports a position. Developing proficiency in public speaking, analyzing consumer information, and writing a résumé also will be addressed in this course. 

E158 English 10
Grade 10 - Year - 1 Credit
Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various literary genres including poetry, drama, short stories, nonfiction, and legends. In addition, they will develop persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive writings with a focus on expository writing, which asserts and supports a position. Further study will include vocabulary-building, correct language usage, public speaking, and consumer information.

E160 English 11: Language and Composition AP
Grade 11 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
Students will engage in the careful reading of various literary works. The majority of the works studied in this course will be nonfiction with an American emphasis. Works of fiction including poetry, short stories and novels also will be analyzed. Students will hone understanding of language by analyzing the individual work’s language, purpose, and intended audience and will also consider its structure, meaning, and value, and its relationship to contemporary experience as well as the context in which it is written. Additionally, students will study the rhetoric of photographs, films, advertisements, comic strips, and music videos. Students will be involved in the study and practice of writing and will learn to recognize the assumptions underlying various rhetorical strategies. Through speaking, listening, and reading, but chiefly through the experience of their own writing, students should become more aware of the resources of language: connotation, metaphor, irony, syntax, diction, and tone. Assignments will focus on the critical analysis of prose and will include essays in exposition and argument. The desired goals are the honest and effective use of language and the organization of ideas in a clear, coherent, and persuasive way. NOTE: This course requires summer reading.

E162 English 11 ADV *
Grade 11 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of literature of the United States through the study of classic and contemporary American literature themes and characterizations reflective of history and culture. This survey of U.S. literature will serve as the core in developing proficient communication skills. Using a variety of forms, including persuasive, expository, and scientific/technical, students will develop facility in the writing process. Vocabulary instruction will be enriched with literature study and SAT preparation. In addition, with the goal of success in college and professional pursuits, students will demonstrate proficiency in delivering public speeches, composing letters of application, developing résumés, and documenting research papers.

E163 English 11
Grade 11 - Year - 1 Credit
Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of United States literature through the study of classic and contemporary American literature themes and characterizations reflective of history and culture. In addition, students will expand their vocabularies, prepare for the SAT, and demonstrate proficiency in public speaking. Writing instruction will focus on persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive writing as well as letters of application, a résumés, and a documented research paper.

E170 English 12: Literature and Composition AP
Grade 12 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
The course content includes a study of master works of British and world literature. Critical approaches to understanding literature and the composition of critical essays are stressed. In-depth essays which synthesize information from multiple sources are required. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Examination administered by the College Board and may receive college credit for satisfactory scores. NOTE: This course requires summer reading. 

E173 English 12
Grade 12 - Year - 1 Credit

E173WPR English 12: Workplace Readiness
Grade 12 - Year - 1 Credit (emphasis on workplace communication)
Students will analyze British literature and literature of other cultures, recognizing major literary forms and their elements. Vocabulary study as well as correct language usage will be stressed. Along with demonstrating proficiency in public speaking, students will write both persuasive and expository compositions, as well as a documented research paper. 

E174 English 12 ADV *
Grade 12 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
Students will demonstrate an understanding of British literature and literature of other cultures, recognizing the various literary elements in texts. The focus will be on analytical and critical literary analysis. Vocabulary and language study will be embedded within the analysis of literature. Students will maintain continued focus on communication skills, both in oral and written form, with public speaking and various forms of written compositions. College-level literature and materials are included in this course. 

E176 Creative Writing I
Grades 10, 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
This course allows students to explore the process of writing in a workshop setting. Students will write, share, critique, and attempt to publish a wide variety of genres with a focus on poetry, fiction, memoir, and drama. One goal of the course is to expose students to types of writing not typically taught in the English or Journalism classroom. As participants in writing workshop, students will explore the craft of writing through several stages, including prewriting, drafting, revision, and editing. As a group, students will collaborate to critique and mentor each other as they grow as a community of writers. Through study of authors, students will examine models of good writing and discuss techniques they can use themselves. Students in creative writing may elect to contribute to the production of the literary magazine. 

E178 Creative Writing II
Grades 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Creative Writing I
Second year students will advance their creative writing skills in terms of form, length, and depth. They will further explore the process of writing and expand on techniques related to the genres of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama learned in level one. One goal of the second level course is to offer students the opportunity to explore a particular genre in depth—through author study, original composition and publication. Students will produce a body ofwork each marking period that reflects their knowledge of genre, their understanding of process, and their attention to craft. In addition to the projects, second year students will mentor first year students and participate in peer response groups. They may also elect to take on leadership roles in the production of some literary magazines.

E182 (ESOL I)

E183 (ESOL II)

E184 (ESOL III)

E185 (ESOL IV)

E188 (ESOL V)

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Grades 9 - 12 - Year - 1 Credit
ESOL instruction is intensive teaching in English especially designed for English Learner (EL) students, where English may be a second language. In order to assist pupils with the English language acquisition process, teachers bring ELs of diverse languages and cultures together in a classroom setting for whole-group instruction; in some instances the ESOL teacher may pull students out of their classrooms individually for a certain period of time for one-on-one work in English language instruction. A primary goal of ESOL is to help students understand, read, write, and speak English in order to communicate in social settings, to achieve academically in all subject areas, and to behave in socially and culturally appropriate ways. In order to realize these goals, EL students require meaningful oral language practice. In addition, regular reinforcement of English skills in the home can be instrumental in helping students become proficient in their
new language. Unless already identified with an IEP or 504 plan, English Language Learners should not generally be placed in collaborative classes.

E195 Newspaper II
Grades 10, 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mass Communications I (C189) or recommendation by Teacher of Record
Second year students will handle reporting roles for the newspaper staff based upon ability and knowledge shown in the first year course. Students will be responsible for different “beats” on the newspaper. Typing, computer skills, and/or knowledge of photography are recommended. Requirements for course credit will be outlined in a student contract to be signed by the student, teacher, and parent. Significant out-of-class responsibilities may be required.

E196 Yearbook II
Grades 10, 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mass Communications I (C189) or recommendation by Teacher of Record
Second year students will handle leadership roles for the yearbook staff based upon ability and knowledge shown in the first year course. Students will be responsible for different sections of the yearbook and will aid in the training of the new staff members. Requirements for course credit will be outlined in a student contract to be signed by the student, teacher, and parent. Significant out-of-class responsibilities may be required. 

E197 Yearbook III
Grades 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mass Communications I (C189) and Yearbook II (E196)
The Yearbook III Journalism course is designed for students interested in working as editors and in leadership positions for production of the school yearbook. Students will work with digital processing, develop business management skills, extend editing skills, and develop a portfolio of writing and design. They will research careers and higher education in journalism and graphic design. Significant out-of-class responsibilities may be required. 

E198 Newspaper III
Grades 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mass Communications I (C189) and Newspaper II (E195) 
Newspaper III Journalism students will assume editorial and other leadership roles on the school newspaper staff and will be responsible for producing the newspaper. Skills in desktop publishing, layout, design, digital photography, editing, and journalistic writing will be required and further developed in the course. Significant out-ofclass responsibilities may be required. 

E199 (Newspaper/IV)

E200 (Yearbook/IV)
Mass Communications IV
Grade 12 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
Prerequisites: Mass Communications I (C189) plus Newspaper II and III (E195, E198) or Yearbook II and III (E196, E197)
Mass Communications IV students will assume leadership roles such as section and managing editors or directors in newspaper, yearbook, or broadcasting, and will be responsible for production. Skills in publication layout or short film/documentary production, overseeing the work of others in a supportive and collaborative environment, and detail-oriented management will be required and further developed in this course. Significant out-of-class responsibilities may be required. 

E800 English HL-A IB *
Grade 11 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
(Year 1 of a Two-Year Course)
Note: This course requires summer reading.
This two-year rigorous course is designed for students who have strong receptive, productive and interactive skills, with the intention of consolidating them further through the study of literature, language and writing. Students are expected to develop their proficiency, fluency, and linguistic range, while acquiring the vocabulary appropriate to the analysis of texts. Students will deepen their understanding of a wide variety of concepts explored through literary and non-literary texts in order to interpret, analyze, evaluate, and then communicate this understanding in clear, organized, and developed products. The course will explore elements of language, literature, and performance with focus on the relationships between readers, writers, and texts; the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time; and aspects of intertextuality. “Students will strive for understanding of how meaning is constructed within belief or value systems and how it is negotiated across multiple perspectives generated by single or multiple readers. Thinking critically about texts, as well as responding to them, leads to an understanding of how language sustains or challenges ways of thinking and being. The study additionally builds an awareness that all texts may be understood in relation to their form, content, purpose, audience, and their associated contexts, such as social, historical, and cultural circumstances” (IB Language Guide). The SOL assessments in English and writing are required.

E801 English HL-B IB *
Grade 12 - Year - 1 Weighted Credit
(Year 2 of a Two-Year Course)
Prerequisite: English HL-A IB
Note: This course requires summer reading.
In the second year of the HL Literature course, students will continue their detailed study of language, literature, and textual analysis as described in HL-A. HL students are required to study 13 texts and complete four IB assessments.

EPF100 Economics and Personal Finance
Grades 10, 11 and 12 - Year - 1 Credit
This course is required for graduation with a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma. The course will provide students a firm foundation in economics and personal finance necessary to function as consumers, workers, savers, investors, entrepreneurs, and citizens. Students will develop knowledge and skills related to the following: 

• Economic concepts and structures
• Market economy - producers and consumers
• Price system - supply and demand
• Human capital - income potential
• National and global economic goals and policies
• Governmental role in economics
• Banking - credit and loan functions
• Insurance and risk management
• Taxes
• Personal financial planning and management

This course is taught in a blended classroom combining face-to-face instruction with online modules. This course meets the online diploma requirement for graduation. Students will take the WISE financial literacy certification test.

EPF102 Economics and Personal Finance
Grades 10, 11, and 12 - Semester - 1/2 Credit
For concurrent enrollment with H875 Economics SL IB to meet the Virginia graduation requirement for Economics and Personal Finance.