High School Course Offerings

In Geometry, students will study inductive and deductive reasoning, geometric terms, geometric shapes and constructions, areas and volumes, transformations, the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometry and geometric proofs. An emphasis is placed on problem solving, real life applications, an integrated review of Algebra and application of technology.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: None

The Algebra 1 course will guide students through expressions, equations and functions, solving and graphing linear equations, writing linear equations, solving and graphing linear inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, and solving and graphing quadratic equations. An emphasis is placed on problem solving and real life applications.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math

Algebra 2 completes the development of mathematical core knowledge. The course will guide students through quadratic functions and factoring, polynomial functions, rational exponents and radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations and conic sections, trigonometric ratios and functions, and trigonometric graphs and identities. An emphasis is placed on problem solving and real life applications. A TI-Nspire graphing calculator will be used extensively in class and on most assessments.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Applied Algebra

Precalculus students do an in-depth study of polynomial functions and inequalities, exponents and logarithms, analytic geometry, conic sections, sequences, and series, trigonometry limits and introductory calculus. An emphasis is placed on problem solving, real life applications and the use of technology. A TI-Nspire graphing calculator is a required device that a student needs to provide for this course as it is used extensively in class and on most assessments.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Big Data Analytics in the simplest of terms refers to the tools, processes and procedures allowing an organization to create, manipulate, and manage very large data sets and storage facilities. The process of sifting through sheer quantities of data proves to be a demanding process for any person to do. Big Data Analytics is a course that encompasses information technology, science and mathematics. This course will focus on the conceptual understanding and the application theory behind Big Data Analytics rather than explicit formulas and technical jargons. The main objective for this course is to create “awareness” and to be exposed to the realm of big data and the hidden dangers it might bring. This course will include some hands on experience utilizing big data analytics to solve some practical real life projects. Upon completion, you will be more aware about this big data phenomenon.

Duration: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5 Math
Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Applied Algebra puts into action key concepts of Algebra 1 and acts as a bridge to more advanced concepts covered in Algebra 2. Emphasis is placed on real-life problem solving and hands on application of mathematical concepts. Students will use various technologies to enhance their understanding and share their learning.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Algebra 2 Honors completes the development of mathematical core knowledge. The course will guide students through quadratic functions and factoring, polynomial functions, rational exponents and radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations and conic sections, trigonometric ratios and functions, and trigonometric graphs and identities, the binomial theorem, and sequences and series. An emphasis is placed on problem solving and real life applications. A TI-Nspire graphing calculator will be used extensively in class and on most assessments.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: Algebra 1

This course is designed to take the concepts that students have already learned in Calculus I and II and expand these into three dimensions. Topics explored will include three dimensional graphing, Partial Derivatives, Extrema of functions with 2 independent variables, double and triple integrals. All topics include applications in engineering, physics and other discipline areas. The students who successfully complete the course receive both high school and college credit from Concordia University, Nebraska.

Duration: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Minimum grade ‘B-’ in Calculus BC, Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed to introduce students to introductory topics of linear algebra. Topics explored will include linear systems, linear transformations, orthonormal bases, the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process, least squares curve fitting procedures, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and differential equations. The students who enroll in the dual credit option and successfully complete the course receive both high school and college credit for their work in the course from Concordia University, Nebraska.

Duration: 1 Semester
Credit: 0.5 // 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: Minimum grade ‘C’ in Multi- Variable Calculus, Teacher Recommendation

Biology is the study of life. During the course of the year students examine ecology, cells, genetics and evolution. These four areas provide a solid basis for further study in biology. Labs and activities are used to enhance student learning and understanding throughout the year.

Credit: 1.0 Science
Prerequisite: None

In Chemistry, an emphasis is placed on the development of a structured-logical method to problem solving. The program includes concepts and terms that form a basis for high school chemistry. Students are introduced to atomic theory, gas laws, periodicity, molecular theory, acids, bases and salts, solutions and chemical reactions. The relationship of each of these topics to atomic structure will also be examined. Integrated laboratory experiments are designed to reinforce chemistry concepts, to develop a wide range of laboratory skills, data analysis techniques and experimental reporting.

Credit: 1.0 Science
Prerequisite: Biology

An introduction to astronomy covering constellations, solar and planetary motions, lunar phases and eclipses, cosmological models, starlight and spectroscopy, telescopes, planets, and the origin and evolution of the solar system. This course also includes current ideas related to the Sun, single and binary stars, star clusters, stellar evolution, black holes, galaxies, relativity and cosmology including dark matter, dark energy and the search for life beyond our planet.

Credit: 1.0 Science
Prerequisite: G11 or 12 status

The study of Physics is the basis of all of the other sciences so it should be a part of every student's educational experience. In the Conceptual Physics course, ideas are presented conceptually with minimal mathematical notation. When used, mathematical equations are shown to be abbreviated guides to thinking rather than algebraic recipes that will produce the correct answer. This Physics course is designed for students who wish to pursue non-science careers and require a background in Physics and for those students who wish to pursue a science- related field and desire a firm conceptual base for their further education.

Credit: 1.0 Science
Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Environmental Research & Publication This course is designed to engage students in new and fundamental research on any area of environmental concerns particular to Hanoi and/or South East Asia. Research, experimental design, and data collection must have clearly defined dependent, independent and controlled variables. Research could be on issues such as water pollution, lake/pond water analysis, air pollution, soil erosion/analysis or permaculture in and around Concordia International School Hanoi. Global warming and CO2 emissions should also be considered as a major emphasis of the research project as it may relate to any of the above issues.

In addition to origin of research and data collection the chemical, biological, geological and ecological aspects of the environmental problem must be researched and documented. Anthropological, legal, sociological, economic, historical, political, and psychological aspects of the environmental problem must be considered where applicable as background information.

Credit: 1.0 Science
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, AP Environmental Science preferred

Conceptual Physics is a two semester laboratory-based course designed to provide a broad overview of the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, electricity and magnetism, and light. The goal of the course is to use a small number of basic concepts, equations, and assumptions to describe the physical world. Students will use the scientific method as their primary tool for the exploration of physics. The math used to explore physical phenomenon is limited to Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Credits: 1.0 Science
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry

This course introduces students to a wide variety of literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Students will gain a foundational knowledge of literary analysis and critical thinking strategies. Students will hone their writing skills through varied writing tasks, with a strong emphasis on evidence based analysis. This course will prepare students to apply analytic thinking skills and take an inquiry based approach to all subjects throughout their high school career.

Credit: 1.0 English
Prerequisite: None

World Literature
World Lit for 10th graders is designed to introduce students to a variety of literature from around the world and from different time periods. Students learn to read the works closely, appreciate their variety, analyze them thoroughly, and write about them intelligently. We examine the works for themes like third culture identity development, love, jealousy, racism, friendship, the ethics of science, and the meaning of success. Students first review the basic skills of literary analysis while reading short stories, then employ those skills when reading longer works of fiction, drama, and poetry. We read classics like Othello, Frankenstein, and The Great Gatsby, plus contemporary best sellers like The Kite Runner, and graphic novels like Persepolis and American Born Chinese.

Credit: 1.0 English
Prerequisite: English 9

Is Science Fiction an attempt to predict the future…or prevent it? Science Fiction is one of the most engaging genres in all of Literature with its focus on Humanity’s place in the Universe (or Multi-verse!), grand ideas, the fine line between the improbable and the impossible, and the crucial debate between “Can we? Vs. Should We?” Science Fiction utilizes a variety of literary forms and media to explore a wide range of intellectual and scientific questions. You will engage in literary analysis, critique authors, improve your visual literacy, and develop your creative writing abilities exploring the genre of Science Fiction.

Credit: 0.5 English - 1 semester course
Prerequisite: G11 or 12 status

English Literature and Composition is designed to teach literary analysis of fiction, drama, and poetry along with evidence-based literary argument skills. Students learn about many aspects of life, of the human experience, through imaginative works. Students analyze and compose arguments about literary features such as setting, characterization, plot, structure, point of view, figurative language, and their effect on meaning. Close reading and annotation are encouraged in order to provide students with a good foundation in literary analysis and composition skills. In addition to the novels, plays, and poems read as a class, students also read two works of their own choosing from books available in the classroom or library.

Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: G11 or G12 status

Students in this course read non-fiction works by biographers, historians, critics, essayists, journalists, speech writers, political commentators, advertisers, and scientific writers. Close reading and annotation of a wide variety of such works is encouraged in order to provide students with a solid foundation in rhetorical analysis, a broad reading background, and persuasive writing skills. Students analyze and synthesize sources in order to compose arguments. They write essays in class under time restraints in preparation for writing tests on the SAT and similar standardized tests. By the end of the course, students can identify faulty logic in arguments and understand how authors and speakers use language to convey meaning and try to persuade.

Credit: 1.0 English
Prerequisite: G11 or G12 status

Creative Writing is a one-semester elective designed to help students develop skills in self-expression through stories, poetry, personal essays, and scripts. Students learn to identify the successful elements of an effective piece of creative writing through mentor texts. And they trade useful feedback on their own writing with peers in class. The course encourages students to experience writing as a tool for intellectual exploration and self-discovery as well as an outlet for their creativity. In addition to writing projects, some writing is done at the beginning of every class period through the use of prompts.

Credits: 0.5 English
Prerequisite: G11 or G12 status

Public Speaking is a semester-long performance course which trains students in the preparation and delivery of various kinds of speeches -- informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches and debates. Students research, outline, and deliver speeches, and act as critics of their own and fellow students' work. The course aims to reduce students’ anxiety about making public presentations, enhance public speaking skills, and make students better able to evaluate their own performance and that of others. The course includes a mini debate tournament and culminates in the giving of a TEDtalk style presentation.

Credit: 0.5 English
Prerequisite: G11 or G12 status

Big History/Big Humanities is an exciting course that explores the Big Questions: How did we get to where we are today? What does the
future look like? What does it mean to be human? Big History tells what historian David Christian calls “Science’s creation story.” Breathtaking in scope and scale, Big History an interdisciplinary course that looks at the history of the universe from the Big Bang to the present, and considers the future as well. This is a span of 13.8+ billion years. Students will be exposed to the fields of cosmology, astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, geology, archaeology, anthropology, geography, history, economics and futurology in learning this story.
Big Humanities will explore human creativity and the human condition through literature, art, music, writing, and reflection, as well as working on improving reading and writing skills. This is an inter-disciplinary course and many activities and lessons will address multiple aspects and skills. Where did everything come from? How did we get to where we are now? Where do humans fit in? Where are things headed? These are questions that origin stories of different cultures have addressed for thousands of years. With a focus on Project Based Learning, you will have numerous opportunities to show your understandings in creative ways. This is an extremely rich, inter-disciplinary course, that will help you understand your place in the story of the Universe.

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies
Prerequisite: None

REaP will enable you to become producers of knowledge, building on your skill as consumers of knowledge. This year long course will allow you to select a history related topic of personal interest and do a deep dive into researching your topic. The publication piece will involve a history-based research paper, plus an additional component like a website, documentary film, dramatic performance, podcast, oral history, etc. We will explore an appropriate venue to share your research and publication with a larger audience.

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies
Prerequisite: G11 or 12 status

This course asks students to think deeply and critically about religion, particularly their own ideas, values, beliefs, and practices. We will see how beliefs are developed and symbolized, how myth and ritual function, and how religious ideas spread. Most importantly, we will explore how our own beliefs compare to the beliefs of other religions whose adherents see the world differently, worship other gods (or no gods at all), and hold beliefs contrary to ours.

This course is designed to provide the student with a safe, open forum and with the categories and vocabulary needed to ask intelligent, honest, hard questions. In the course of the class's three parts, the student will be expected to:
1) Identify one’s own religious or philosophical “tribe” and define one’s own religious or philosophical beliefs;
2) Attempt to enter and comparatively analyze the "other worlds" of humanity's religions through a set of common themes;
3) Emerge from this experience with a more mature view of “truth,” a well-examined personal belief system, and a better understanding of the variety of religions in today’s world.

Credits: 0.5 Social Studies
Prerequisite: G11 or G12 status

The World History Project is a rich, web-based study of World History from the earliest human communities to the present. WHP is designed to understand that history is a narrative, or a combination of narratives, shaped by the sources and perspectives you use to tell that story. Students will apply the evidence from sources using multiple perspectives and scales to evaluate (support, extend, or challenge) different narratives. Students will learn to use primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives of gender, race, and socio-economic status or hierarchies to gain a deeper understanding of human history. Furthermore, students will analyze the narrative of history from a variety of frames: communities, networks, production and distribution, and population. Finally, students will use historical thinking practices such as scale, causation, continuity and change over time, sourcing (claim testing), and contextualization, to more fully understand and evaluate the historical narrative.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 fulfills World History graduation requirement
Prerequisite: None

Conflict Studies is a one semester course which introduces students to various strategies to address and manage conflicts. Utilizing the Peacebuilding curriculum from United States Institute of Peace Global Peace Building Center as a foundation, students use interactive lessons and work collaboratively to understand concepts and solve problems. Students study why conflicts occur and different methods to solve struggles between different groups and people. Additionally, students research important individuals who are examples of past and present peacebuilders. and their work within the context of historical and current global events.

Duration: 1 semester
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Prerequisite: None

Current Events is a one semester elective course which introduces students to current world events and encourages students to hone their research and interpretation skills. In addition to discussion of various current topics, students study point of view and bias in reporting world events, select a topic to complete more in-depth research, and generate a research paper. During the course, students study how to correctly examine, write, and document a researched topic using MLA format. This class may be taken for credit for either English or Social Science.

Duration: 1 semester
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies/English
Prerequisite: None

International Relations is a one semester elective course which introduces students to how nations work together as a part of the Global Community. The study is interdisciplinary in nature, blending the fields of economics, history, and political science to examine topics such as human rights, global poverty, the environment, economics, globalization, security, global ethics, and the political environment. Students will hone their research and interpretation skills as they research and discuss point of view and bias in reporting world events, select a topic to complete more in-depth research, and generate a research projects as groups and individuals. This class would complement AP Comparative Government.

Duration: 1 semester
Credit: 0.5 Social Studies
Prerequisite: None

The curriculum for AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a first-semester college calculus course. Topics covered include limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, integrals, and applications of integration. This is a college-level math course that includes many abstract mathematical ideas. Upon completion of AP Calculus AB, students are placed into AP Calculus BC as long as course prerequisites are met.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Minimum B in Pre-Calculus (for AB), appropriate level of scholarship in prior courses

AP Calculus BC is equivalent to two semesters of college-level calculus. Topics covered include all topics from Calculus AB (limits, derivatives, integrals) as well as more advanced integration methods, applications in parametric and polar settings, and a unit on infinite series. Because two semesters of college calculus are covered in a limited time, this course is demanding in its pace and its complexity. AP Calculus BC is intended for students who love math and enjoy spending time working on math-related topics. Upon completion of AP Calculus BC, students are prepared to advance into Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B+ in Pre-Calculus/Calculus , appropriate level of scholarship in prior courses, Corequisite: AP Calculus AB

Advanced Placement Statistics is the high school equivalent of a one semester, introductory college statistics course. In this course, students develop strategies for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students design, administer, and tabulate results from surveys and experiments. Probability and simulations aid students in constructing models for chance behavior. Sampling distributions provide the logical structure for confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. Students will use a TI-Nspire graphing calculator, and Web-based java applets to investigate statistical concepts. To develop effective statistical communication skills, students are required to prepare frequent written and oral analyses of real data. A TI-Nspire graphing calculator will be used extensively in class and on all forms of assessment.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 Math
Prerequisite: Algebra 2

This course has two interlocking, primary aims: to provide an opportunity for students to understand biology both as a field of knowledge and a field of inquiry and to prepare students for the AP Biology exam offered by the College Board.

AP Biology incorporates four big ideas that frame and guide the course. The big ideas include: 1. evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, 2. biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis, 3. living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes, and 4. biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. In addition to these big ideas the practices of science are emphasized throughout the course. Students will develop the skill of supporting claims with evidence and providing sound scientific reasoning to link claims and evidence.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Two years science (1 year life science and 1 year of chemistry recommended); Teacher recommendation needed for rising sophomores

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.Guided by the National Research Council and National Science Foundation, the Advanced Placement Program collaborated with college and university educators and AP teachers to develop two full-year AP Physics courses - AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, replacing the former one-year AP Physics B course. The AP Physics 1 and 2 courses focus on the big ideas typically included in the first and second semesters of an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics sequence and provide students with enduring understandings to support future advanced coursework in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning and open-ended laboratories, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.Students are expected to spend 25 percent of their time on laboratories experiences.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Two years of high school science and completion of Honors Algebra 2

AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to university-level general chemistry coursework usually taken during the first year of college. Course content is structured around Big Ideas (and associated Enduring Understandings) provided by the College Board.

The Big Ideas include:
1) atomic structure, 2) chemical bonding, 3) chemical change, 4) chemical kinetics, 5) thermodynamics, and 6) equilibrium. Specific learning objectives also address scientific inquiry and reasoning skills described as Science Practices within the AP Chemistry curriculum framework. The laboratory experience is the equivalent to that offered in a typical college course.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Accelerated chemistry or teacher recommendation

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the inter-relationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Two years science (1 year life science and 1 year of chemistry recommended)

The AP Computer Science A course is a college-level introduction to computer science. A large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solve a given problem. The course also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable and, when appropriate, reusable. AP Computer Science utilizes Java and emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. In addition, an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0

In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places; humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organizations, and technology and innovation.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0 fulfills World History graduation requirement
Prerequisite: A B+ or better in Humanities or previous Social Studies Course, and teacher recommendation

Department: Social Studies/Humanities
Grade Level: 11-12
Credits: 1.0
Duration: 2 semesters
Semester Fees/Materials: None
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation and/or a B+ in most recent Humaities/ Social Studies course or equivalent and demonstrate competence with basic math and graphing skills.

A full year college-level course combining the study of AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics. AP Macroeconomics introduces students to the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole and AP Microeconomics introduces students to the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The AP Macro component places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination in addition to It also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. The AP Micro component develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. At the end of the course students will take both the AP Macroeconomics and the AP Microeconomics exams for potential college credit.

College Course Equivalent: AP Economics is the equivalent to two semesters of a college introductory Economics. (One semester of Macroeconomics and one semester of Microeconomics)

AP Psychology is designed as a college-level introduction to the systematic study of human behavior and mental processes. The course follows the AP Psychology Course Description provided by the College Board. Students study the development of psychology as a scientific discipline and the various approaches to psychology. They examine in detail the research methodology used by psychologists, and they become acquainted with the subfields of psychology. Students learn about the brain and the biological bases of emotions, mental processes, and behavior. The course culminates in May with the AP Psychology Exam which assesses students’ understanding of course content. The exam score is used by universities to decide whether or not to give college credit.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: Two years of high school social studies and 9th grade humanities teacher recommendation

The AP course in Comparative Government and Politics introduces students to the rich diversity of politics and governments around the world. Students use a comparative approach to examine the governments, policies, and economic and social challenges across seven specific countries: The United Kingdom (and the EU), Mexico, China, Russia, Iran, Nigeria, with occasional comparison to the USA. Students examine how different governments solve similar problems by comparing the effectiveness of their approaches to domestic and global issues. Students compare and contrast political institutions and processes in these countries and analyze and interpret data to derive general understandings. The emphasis is on big ideas and broad trends that allow comparison, rather than on minute details.

Duration: 1 Semester
Credit: .5
Prerequisites: Two years of high school social studies

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is designed to represent college-level English studies and can earn students college credit. Students in this AP writing course study essays composed by writers from a variety of disciplines and periods, reading works by autobiographers, diarists, biographers, historians, critics, essayists, journalists, political commentators, scientific writers and nature writers, among others. Close reading of a wide variety of such critical, non-fiction works is encouraged in order to provide students with a solid foundation in analysis, a broad reading background and strong composition and persuasive writing skills. Extensive written critical analyses are a major component of this class. Students will compose essays under time restraints in preparation for the PSAT, SAT, ACT and AP timed writing tests. The course culminates second semester with the AP English Language and Composition Exam, which will test students’ understanding of how authors use language to express views, convey meaning and affect their audiences.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Placement determined by the English Department

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is designed to represent college-level English studies and can earn students college credit. This AP course emphasizes the analysis of poetry and prose fiction by considering the structure, style and dominant themes of selected works as well as smaller scale elements of literary analysis such as figurative language, imagery, point-of-view and tone. Close reading of a wide variety of works of literary merit is encouraged in order to provide students with a good foundation in literary analysis, a broad reading background and strong composition skills. Extensive written critical analyses are a major component of this class. The course culminates second semester with the AP English Literature and Composition Exam, which will test students’ understanding of ideas that unite major areas of literary study.


Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Placement determined by the English Department

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to introductory college level courses covering common practice music theory (1650-1900). Musicianship skills, including dictation, listening, sight-singing, and composition, are an important part of the course. Throughout the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, describe, and analyse concepts in tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized. At the end of the course, students will take the AP Music Theory exam for potential college credit.


Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Approval from instructor

AP Chinese Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate-level college course in Chinese. Students cultivate their understanding of Chinese language and culture by applying the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.

This AP Spanish Language and Culture course is built to provide the students with various opportunities to further their Spanish proficiency level in the three communicational modes supported by the five goal areas outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) in order to prepare them for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination.It will be enhanced through developing their skills of identifying and summarizing main points and details as well as predicting the outcomes from various authentic articles from the Hispanic world. The AP Spanish Language and Culture class will be taught exclusively in Spanish. Students are also required to speak Spanish as much as possible in the classroom and in settings outside the classroom like Skype session, cooking class, etc.

Duration: 2 Semesters
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4

Build your language skills and cultural knowledge by exploring works of literature written in Spanish. Using Spanish to communicate, you’ll read, analyze, discuss, and write about works by Spanish, Latin-American, and U.S. Hispanic authors of different periods.