Course Descriptions

Bible

Bible I (9th grade)
The first semester is a survey of the Old Testament focusing on God’s revelation of Himself and His plan of redemption throughout the Old Testament. The second semester is a study of the four New Testament Gospels revealing Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah; the fulfillment of God’s plan and promise for man’s redemption. Emphasis is placed on pursuing and building a stronger relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Bible II (10th grade)
This course consists of a comprehensive study of the New Testament with special attention paid to various topics, ideas, and issues that apply to today’s teenage Christian journey in life. Students will be searching for Biblical guidance to then implement in spiritual and physical relationships with the hope of developing into men and women of God.

Bible III/Worldview (11th grade)
This course begins with building a foundation of the understanding of what a worldview is (religious and non-religious) and building a worldview based on Christianity.  Students learn about post-religious thought to gain an understanding of the layers of atheistic viewpoints in our society. The second semester is designed as a comprehensive survey of Christian theology and several other religions including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Students will examine and compare these other religions to Christianity and in so doing will arrive at a greater understanding both of those religions and of Christianity itself. This understanding should strengthen the student’s faith in Christianity and equip him/her to dialogue lovingly and intelligently with members of other religions.

Bible IV-Apologetics (12th grade)
This course is designed as a comprehensive survey of Christian apologetics (or defending the faith) from both classic and contemporary standpoints for faith in Christ. Students will learn that Biblical Christianity is both logical and truthful.  It also engages common challenges and objections that people offer to (1) belief in God, and (2) belief in Christianity. Students will leave the class with a better understanding of why they believe what they believe. The goal is to help them prepare to face challenges to their faith as they enter college and begin their adult lives, as well as, to give them a foundation to do what Peter commands all Christians to do in 1 Pet. 3:15, “give an answer to everyone who asks them to give the reason for the hope that they have, doing this with gentleness and respect.”

English & Communications

English I (9th grade)
Students receive instruction in and demonstrate an understanding of the different genres of literature including novels, plays, poetry, short stories, and the epic poem.  In those genres, they receive instruction in and demonstrate understanding of literary techniques and figurative language used in the texts.  The students will also exhibit and apply an understanding of formal English grammar and usage in writing in several formal essays.  The students receive instruction in and demonstrate an understanding of the research paper.  Their understanding will include MLA format, the development of an introduction and thesis, the ability to incorporate research with correct citations, the ability to organize an argument, and the development of a conclusion. Students will also continue to build a useful vocabulary for written and oral communication.

Pre-AP English I (9th grade) **
In addition to the course description of English I, students complete and study various novels that have appeared on the AP Exam.  Timed Writings are introduced and used to mimic the AP exam.  Additional projects and outside reading requirements are also included in this course. Prerequisite: NWEA results considered.

English II (10th grade) World Literature and Rhetoric
This class continues to build upon the foundations laid in English I, preparing the student for the ACT and PSAT/SAT testing, a variety of writing modes, and for additional topics at the English III and English IV levels. Additional focus will be directed toward preparing the students for research-based writing and the understanding of literature through written and oral examples, as well as, introducing the idea of rhetoric in nonfiction and fiction texts. This course is designed to challenge students in literature analysis and composition. Literature study incorporates world literature and some modern pieces.  The focus of our grammatical study will be to develop the abilities of each student as a writer through self-reflection and specified grammatical lessons based on gaps in understanding.

Pre-AP English II (10th grade) World Literature and Rhetoric **
In addition to the course description of English II, students focus more on analysis of rhetorical devices and the use of rhetoric in nonfiction pieces.  Students are expected to read more outside novels and be able to develop a well-composed work of writing in a segment of time.  Prerequisite: NWEA results considered.

English III (11th grade) English Language and Composition: American Literature Survey
The students will receive instruction in and demonstrate understanding of the chronological nature and trends of American literature from 1607 through the mid-20th century. Their understanding includes dates of literary eras, the philosophies held by the authors of said eras, and examples of literary styles and genres from the eras.  Literary forms studied will include essays, short stories, poems, and novels. The students will receive instruction in and demonstrate understanding of elevated vocabulary. The students receive instruction in and demonstrate understanding analytical essays. Their understanding will include MLA format and be based on the analysis of assigned short stories or poems as well as a research paper.

Pre-AP English III (11th grade) American Literature, Language, and Composition **
In addition to the American literature course studies, the students will read complex texts with understanding and write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers. This course is designed to be a college level writing course, which engages in becoming skilled readers of prose in many rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for many different purposes. Analysis of these readings will be communicated through dialectical journals, timed writings, independent essays, collaborative writing, and in-class responses. Research skills will be a major element of the course leading to synthesis of primary and secondary sources cited correctly using MLA conventions. Prerequisites: NWEA results considered.

English IV (12th grade) English Literature and Composition
This course is a study of British literature from 450 AD to the Modern Period as well as literature from former British colonies around the world. The student will also develop analytical skills in writing small and large expository papers on these literary pieces and the thematic thread connecting each piece to one another. The student will learn words from a word bank from the SAT to prepare for the test and college.

AP English (12th grade) Literature and Composition **
An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature.  Through the close reading of the selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers.  As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Students are responsible for the exam fee (approximately $93) determined by the College Board. Description from CollegeBoard.org.  Prerequisites: NWEA results considered.

Mathematics

Algebra I (9th grade)
Algebra I is the in-depth introduction of variables, constants, expressions and equations. The student will receive instruction in and demonstrate ability in the areas of understanding order of operations, solving equations, simplifying expressions, using properties (field axioms), arithmetic operations with polynomials, factoring, graphing (linear and quadratic functions), working with radicals and rational expressions.  Fundamentals of graphing calculators will be taught.

Pre-AP Algebra I (8th grade) **
This course covers topics from Algebra I at an accelerated pace and covers some advanced topics more thoroughly than the regular course.  Prerequisite: NWEA results considered.

Geometry (10th/11th grade)
The student will receive instruction and demonstrate abilities and understanding of one, two and three-dimensional objects and their properties. Deductive and inductive reasoning as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions are stressed. Properties and relationships of geometric objects  include the study of: (1) points, lines, angles and planes; (2) polygons, with a special focus on quadrilaterals, triangles, right triangles; (3) circles; and (4) polyhedra and other solids. An understanding of proof and logic is developed. Use of graphing calculators and computer drawing programs is encouraged. Prerequisite: Algebra I.

Pre-AP Geometry (9th/10th grade) **
This course includes the study of traditional plane geometry concepts at an accelerated pace and covers some advanced topics more thoroughly the regular course.  Prerequisite: Pre-AP Algebra I and NWEA results considered.

Algebra II (10th/11th grade)
Algebra II is a course that expands on the topics of Algebra I and provides further development of the concept of a function. The student will receive instruction and demonstrate ability in areas of understanding quadratic and linear functions, equations and inequalities, conic sections, applying properties of exponents with polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and sequences and series. Prerequisite: Algebra I & Geometry.

Pre-AP Algebra II (10th or 11th grade) **
This course covers the same subject matter as Algebra II plus some advanced topics.  Material is covered at a faster pace and in greater depth in order to prepare students for AP mathematics.  A graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite: Pre-AP Algebra I & Pre-AP Geometry and NWEA consideration.

Pre-AP PreCalculus and Trigonometry (11th or 12th grade) **
This course is designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement or college Calculus.  Topics extended from previous studies are polynomial functions, rational functions, systems of equations, complex numbers, and analytic geometry.  New topics introduced are trigonometry, probability, sequences and series, and limits.  A graphing calculator is required for this course. Prerequisite: advanced math courses.

College Algebra or Algebra III (Student choice of dual credit) 
This course is designed by the university and taught by our teacher or a concurrent teacher from a university.  The course mirrors college algebra with an in depth study of linear and quadratic functions, polynomials functions, inequalities, exponents, and logarithms.  The second semester of the course will also include the study of several basic trigonometry concepts.

AP Calculus AB (11th/12th grade) **
AP Calculus AB is structured around three big ideas: limits, derivatives, and integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This Advanced Placement course studies elementary functions, limit of a function, derivatives, integral and techniques of integration, and applications of calculus to real-world problems in fields of life science, business and economics, social science, physics, and engineering. Students will learn to formulate written responses to support conclusions resulting from mathematic computations.  A graphing calculator is required.  Students taking this course are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Prerequisite: Pre-AP PreCalculus.

AP Calculus BC (12th grade) **
The topics covered in AP Calculus (BC) include: limits of differential calculus, using calculus to find extrema, Integral calculus, sequences and series.  This course may be taken as an extension of AP Calculus (AB) or as a replacement.  A graphing calculator is required.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB or Pre-AP PreCalculus.

Math for Finance (12th grade)
This is an introductory course in Financial Mathematics.  The course covers the following fundamental topics in finance: the time value of money, portfolio theory, capital market theory, security price modeling, and financial derivatives.  Students will learn about the different types of interest (simple, discount, compound), annuities, debt retirement methods, investing in stocks and bonds.  Time permitting, more advanced topics will also be covered like the dissecting of financial models.

Science

Biology (9th grade) 
This course covers the essential biological concepts and applications common to all living organisms. The nature of science, science processes and inquiry will be continually incorporated. Such processes include observation, measurement, classification, proper scientific experimentation, interpretation and communication of experimental results, and biological modeling. The biological concepts covered will include the cell as the fundamental unit of life.

Pre-AP Biology (9th grade) **
This course presents these concepts necessary to understand all forms of life, including cell structure of plants and animals, functions within these cells, genetics, the scientific method, and ecology at a faster rate and with more in-depth study of the material than in the regular course. Additional projects, computer applications, outside readings, and activities may be required.  Prerequisite: NWEA results considered.

Physical Science (10th grade)
This laboratory course consists of introductory level chemistry and physics including: measurement; motion; forces; work and power; atomic structure; elements and the periodic table; compounds; matter and temperature.  Emphasis is placed on inquiry-style learning and development of skills such as observing, inferring, data collecting, and graphing. It is recommended that students take Algebra I prior to this class.

Chemistry (10th/11th grade)
This laboratory course emphasizes a hands-on learning approach to chemistry.  Topics include: solutions, acids, bases, atomic theory, periodic law, chemical bonding, and gas laws.   Quantitative and qualitative analysis of these topics will be examined. Prerequisite: Biology.

Pre-AP Chemistry (10th grade) **
This lab course covers the same material as general chemistry; however, Pre-AP is more in-depth in some areas and may cover additional topics.  Students who can think abstractly and are willing to be challenged are encouraged to take this course.  Prerequisite: Algebra I and Pre-AP Biology, NWEA results considered. 

Pre-AP Chemistry II (11th grade) **
This lab course is a completion of Pre-AP Chemistry I with the combination of both courses to be an equivalent of a first semester college course in chemistry.  This course continues skills and content introduced in Pre-AP Chemistry I.  Prerequisite: Pre-AP Chemistry I and Algebra II-previously or concurrently.

Physics (11th/12th grade)
This course is an Algebra-based physics course covering Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound.  The course may also include but is not limited to: electric circuits; fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: Algebra II and Physical Science.

Zoology/Human Anatomy (11th/12th grade) ** for Juniors only
The first semester of this course covers animal behavior, ecology, anatomy/physiology and species diversity.  Students work in groups to complete lab practicals in dissection or microscope work.  The second semester consists of the internal and external structures of the human body and how it performs vital functions.  Prerequisite: Biology.

AP Environmental Science (11th/12th grade) **
This Advanced Placement course is designed to have students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry and geography. *College Board, 2016. Prerequisites: At least one life science and one year of physical science as well as Algebra II.

Social Studies

US Government .5 credit (9th grade)
This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of US Government.  Throughout the course, students examine and evaluate the institutions of government, those who influence these institutions, the public policies made by these institutions, and the influences of the electorate on policies.  In addition, students are able to connect concepts in government with economic policies and procedures.

Oklahoma History-.5 credit (9th grade)
This course will help prepare students to examine the impact of US History on the area of Oklahoma and the integration of Oklahoma history into US History.  Students engage in extensive writing and discussion about how Oklahoma felt the decisions of the nation in every area of life: cultural, religious, agricultural, and technological.

World History (10th grade)
Students will study the expanse of time from the growth of early civilizations to the mid-1900s.   Students will focus on the transitions of power, exploration and expansion; the revolutionary advances that changed the patterns of living for the people; and finally the impact these beginnings have on the world in the twentieth (and twenty first) century.

AP European History (10th-12th grade) **
AP European History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university European history course.  This Advanced Placement course focuses on developing students’ understanding of European history from approximately 1450 to the present.  The course has students investigate the content of European history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in four historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods employed by historians when they study the past. At the end of the course, students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. *CollegeBoard.org, 2016. Prerequisite: NWEA results considered.

US History (11th grade)
Students will describe and analyze the causes, events, and effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction era; examine the impact of immigration and the Westward Movement on American society; and the changing role of the United States in world affairs at the turn of the twentieth century. He or she will also describe the social, cultural, and economic events between the World Wars; investigate and analyze the Great Depression, and the causes, events and effects of World War II; and assess the foreign and domestic policies of the United States since World War II. The student will continue to strengthen, expand, and put to use the full range of process and research skills in social studies.

US History Concurrent (11th grade)
This college-level course provides students with the thinking skills and understanding necessary to deal critically with the main issues and documents of US History.  Students will analyze and use primary and secondary sources to evaluate the main cause and effects of US History.  Topics such as migration and settlement and politics and power will be examined, analyzed, and used to express views in written argumentation. UCO Course Description. Prerequisites are a certain ACT score and GPA.  Students interested must attend the meeting about concurrent courses offered in the spring to obtain this information since it changes each year.

Human Geography (12th grade)
This course 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. *CollegeBoard AP Human Geography Description

AP Art History (11th/12th grade) **
This Advanced Placement course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university art history survey course.  AP Art History explores such topics as nature of art, its uses, its meanings, art making, and responses to art.  Through investigation of diverse artistic traditions of cultures from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth and holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, constructing understanding of individual works and interconnections of art-making processes and products throughout history.*CollegeBoard.org Description, 2015.  Prerequisite: NWEA results may be considered.

World Languages

Spanish I (9th-11th grade)
This course introduces students to the language through reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.  Each study of grammar and vocabulary enhance the skills needed to be effective communicators of the language. In addition to the language itself, students also learn history, culture, and countries of the Spanish speaking world by comparing it to their own in the areas of history, art, and geography.

Spanish II (9th-12th grade)
This course continues and builds the skills of language learned in Spanish I.  Familiarity in language and use of past, present, and future tenses are used to communicate in writing and speaking about every day events, from ordering a meal to going to the movies.  Students continue learning more in depth about the Spanish speaking culture around the world. Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish III/Conversational Spanish Honors (10th-12th grade)
This course is designed to build and move students into fluency in speaking, writing, and reading.  Students practice their skills within the course and through interactive computer technology. Students will also learn about the culture of the Spanish-speaking world, with primary emphasis being placed on our neighbor Mexico and Nicaragua, home of OCS’ sister school.  Students also pursue cultural studies by reading literature of important Spanish authors.  Prerequisite: Spanish I, II

Spanish IV Honors (11th/12th grade)
This course is designed and conducted in Spanish and requires a higher proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening.  This course is designed to enhance students’ oral and written performance in Spanish.  Students read numerous texts in Spanish, as well as participate in discussions, extensive writing assignments, and grow in understanding of the complex structures of the language.

Fine Arts

Choir (9th-12th grade)
The choir course is designed to emphasize vocal performance in a choral setting.  Students sing a varied repertoire as they develop their vocal skills.  It is open to any student who has a sincere interest in the study of choral music and desires to work toward a proficiency in part singing and sight-reading with an emphasis on American folk music, including spirituals, gospel, jazz, and contemporary.  Performances will be throughout the year.

Band (Traditional/Jazz) (9th-12th grade)
This course is open to students with instrument experience.  Band is devoted to performance and includes but not limited to the following areas: Pep Band in the fall for games, Christmas and All-State preparation, contest and festival competition preparation.  Students may also work through music theory, principals of eighteenth century harmonization, and/or music history appreciation elements.

Introduction to Drama and Speech (9th-12th grade)
The first semester of this course is a beginning course in drama and designed to enrich confidence and creativity.  The course deals with many phases of drama including interpretation, class and group scenes, blocking, etc.  The second semester of this course emphasizes the importance of public speaking.  Students will research, develop, and organize information for a variety of presentations/speeches including but not limited to those intended to inform, persuade, and entertain.

Advanced Drama (10th-12th grade)
This course will build on the introductory elements of Drama/Speech.  Students will focus on many aspects of the theatre, including but not limited to, theatre history, audition techniques, improvisation, directing, script and character analysis.  This class will provide multiple opportunities for public performance including contest and main stage shows.  Some after school and weekend rehearsals and performances will be required.  Prerequisite: Drama/Speech

Stagecraft (10th-12th grade)
This course is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the theatre including: set building, costumes, lighting, sound, and makeup.  Students will work together to gain experience in the practical application of theatre production. A requirement to work as crew on a production requires after school and weekend rehearsals which students will be expected to attend.

Art I (9th-12th grade)
This course introduces students to the elements (line, shape, form, texture, value, color, and space) and principles of design (unity/harmony, balance, hierarchy, scale/proportion, dominance/emphasis, similarity/contrast) through daily sketchbooks and projects of varying mediums.

Art II (10th-12th grade)
This course introduces students to the basics of art history from prehistory into contemporary.  Projects and sketchbooks correlate to the historical period of study.  Some research and outside time on projects may be required. Prerequisite: Art I

Art III/Studio Art (11th/12th grade)
This course is designed for the serious art student looking to develop his/her skills in a variety of media.  The student will select a theme and work in a breadth of media the first semester while exploring the intricacies of the theme and media.  The second semester will concentrate on select pieces that may result in submission to AP College Board for possible college credit. Prerequisites: Art I & II

Digital Art (11th/12th grade)
This course is designed with an innovative approach to the changing industry of art direction and design.  The primary emphasis is on technical skills, conceptual ability and technology in the field of two-and three dimensional design.  The course will introduce students to the disciplines of advertising, design, graphic design and package design.  Prerequisite: Art I

Computer Technology

Computer I (9th-12th grade)
This course provides an introduction to many aspects of computers and principles of its usage and operation, including the history of computers, hardware, web design using HTML, CSS, networking, digital security, image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop, if time allows graphic design using Adobe Illustrator, and the business and psychology of computer games.

Video Production (10th-12th grade) ** and interview with teacher
This course will introduce students to the basic elements of video production. Through classroom lessons and individual and group projects, students will learn how to operate a DSLR camera, capture high-quality audio, set professional lighting and create a variety of productions.  Students will also serve the faculty, staff and students of our school by running the audio and visual equipment during OCS chapel and other OCS events. Requirements: technology necessary for filming or recording (Smartphone, tablet, DSLR).  Prerequisite: Computer I; application and interview with teacher

Miscellaneous Electives

Creative Writing (10th-12th grade) **
This course provides students with a solid understanding and usage of the writing process, from finding inspiration to exploring the genres of fiction, memoir, poetry, and playwriting.  By the end of the course, students learn how to glean their creative thoughts and turn those ideas into fully realized pieces of creative writing.

Critical Reading (10th-12th
Reading is a course designed for students to develop reading skills necessary for success and to discover reading for personal enjoyment. Critical Reading fulfills the school mission to minister to the whole person of each student by empowering students to read proficiently and analytically before their next step into university demands. Students will engage in an array of reading formats to develop processing and retention skills.

Journalism (9th-10th grade)
This course is designed to introduce students to the aspects of journalism in all forms: digital, writing, and photo.  Students will learn the ethics and basic skills of journalism like researching, interviewing, gathering facts and photos, and writing a publishable story.  The foundations learned in the class are paramount in seeking to take Yearbook or Video Production in future years.

Robotics (10th-12th grade)
This is a beginning course in robotics.  The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic programming as well as problem solving strategies.  Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress.  Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, propulsion systems and binary number systems. Participation in at least one competition is a requirement.

Yearbook (10th-12th grade) **
This course will enable students to learn the journalism skills and develop the ability to apply those skills to the actual production of the yearbook. The skills include teamwork, responsibility, brainstorming, content, coverage, concept, production, reporting, writing, headlines, captions, editing, photography, typography, design, graphics, and distribution.  Students are responsible for pages; therefore, grades include meeting deadlines, photographing events, and completing page layouts.  Summer work may be a requirement for much of the staff.