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AP Calculus AB

This is a course for the mathematically gifted student capable of college-level work. This course focuses on limits, differentiation and integration of elementary functions. The course outline reflects the content currently recommended by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students enrolled in the course are required to take the AP Calculus Exam in the spring.

AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry is the second year of high school chemistry, covering all major topics found in the first year of college chemistry. The class is geared toward passing the Advanced Placement (AP) Examination in Chemistry, which is given in May. Passing the test will award the student college credit. A student enrolled in AP Chemistry should have two years of math with a minimum of Algebra II.

AP English Literature and Composition

This seminar provides regular practice with AP essay prompts connected to a course of study in world literature, which includes an emphasis on genre study (fiction, poetry, and drama). It will also provide intensive review to prepare students for the exam in AP English Literature and Composition. In addition to the prerequisite above, students should keep in mind the intensity of its demands and the rigors of the AP exam.

AP European History

This course is the equivalent of a college-level survey of European History from the Renaissance through the present day. Students will gain a greater understanding of factors that have shaped European society. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of primary documents and the writing of historical essays. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP exam.

AP Human Geography

This course is designed to provide students with the equivalent of a college introductory course to Human Geography. The course provides a systematic study of human geography, including the following topics: Nature and Perspectives on Geography; Population; Cultural Patterns and Processes; Political Organization of Space; Agricultural and Rural Land Use; Industrialization and Economic Development; Cities and Urban Land Use; Globalization. Focusing on these ideas will help students understand spatial interaction and behavior, use of the earth and its resources, political organization of space, human settlement patterns, globalization and the growth of urbanization. The use of maps and the significance of mental maps will be emphasized in the course. Using documents and other primary data, students will develop writing and analytical skills necessary to analyze point of view, context, and bias, and to understand and interpret information.

AP United States History

This course is the equivalent of a college survey course in U.S. History and prepares students for the AP U.S. History Exam in May. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of primary documents and the writing of historical essays. Students who enroll in this demanding course must be willing to complete extensive reading and writing assignments. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP exam.

Art History I AP

This course will focus on an overview of the art of Western cultures, beginning with ancient up to the 20th Century. The course will also engage the art of non-western traditions.

Business Computer Applications

This course covers basic computer history, theory, operating systems and applications. MS Office is used to teach word processing (WORD), spreadsheets (EXCEL), databases (ACCESS), and presentations (PowerPoint).

CP Algebra II

Algebra II is the study of functions. It is designed to prepare students to use advanced algebraic concepts and skills confidently in higher mathematics. Students will use traditional methods as well as technology to explore functions and their graphs. Problem solving and critical thinking skills will be incorporated throughout the course.

CP Astronomy

This course is for students who have not chosen science as their major area of study, but who need an appreciation of science in preparation for a career. Astronomy is a descriptive survey of the solar system, the sun, planetary properties, moons, asteroids, stars, galaxies, and the entire universe. The fundamental laws and tools of astronomy are emphasized.

CP French I

This course is for students who have no previous experience with the French language. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are introduced, with major emphasis on listening and speaking. Vocabulary development is thematic in nature and includes level-appropriate grammatical structures and cultural themes. Students learn to communicate in French through Standards-based activities.

CP French II

This course continues the skill development begun in Level I. Oral communication continues to be emphasized. Students use the present, past, and future tenses in level-appropriate Standards-based activities.

CP Geometry

This course is a study of perpendicular and parallel lines, polygons, circles, congruence, similarity, perimeter, area, volume. It also includes inductive and deductive reasoning and proofs. Students will learn basic geometric constructions. Problem solving is stressed throughout the course.

CP Physics

This conceptual physics course is designed to give students insight into the big picture� of physics. Students taking this course will probably not major in science at the college level. The mathematics requirement is minimal. Topics will include motion and forces (also known as mechanics), waves and light (optics), electricity, and cosmology. The history and philosophy of science will be used as a consistent theme throughout the course that will link the various topics together.

CP Precalculus

Precalculus focuses on the development of the student’s ability to understand and apply the study of functions and advanced mathematics concepts to solve problems. The course will include a thorough study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.

CP Probability and Statistics

Probability and Statistics is a course in which students learn the fundamental principles of probability and statistics and apply these principles to data analysis. Students will be encouraged to utilize the skills emphasized in this course through projects, investigations, case studies, and other appropriate methods. The students will work with sets of data to perform analyses and summarize the results; examine ways to organize and display data and draw conclusions about relationships that may exist in data sets.

CP Spanish I

Spanish I is a college preparatory course designed to give students a basic foundation for continuing the study of the Spanish language and associated cultures. This course stresses effective communication in the target language as well as in developing life-long learning skills. The course introduces and facilitates learning basic vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, skills in using resources, and cultural knowledge as a foundation for future study.

CP Spanish II

This course continues the skill development begun in Level I. Emphasis on oral communication is continued. Students use present, past, and future tenses in level-appropriate Standards-based activities.

CP World History

This is a survey of major figures, events, and trends from around the world. The course begins with the cradles of civilization and progresses through the Twentieth Century. Though the course is designed chronologically, it also incorporates major cultural developments and their influence.

Honors Algebra I

This course is a study of elementary algebraic concepts. Students will learn the basic algebraic expressions, compute with real numbers, solve equations, and analyze functions which include linear, polynomial, rational, radical, and exponential functions. Students taking this course are required to take a state-mandated end-of-course test which counts 20% of the final grade.

Honors Algebra II

This is an honors-level course for students who have been highly successful in Algebra I or Algebra I Honors and who are candidates for AP Calculus. This course will be a more extensive study of the algebraic concepts traditionally covered in Algebra II and includes the study of polynomial functions. Students will work with more intensity and produce more complex and difficult material.

Honors American Government`

American Government is an introductory course to the American governmental system. Areas of emphasis include the Constitution, electoral process, functions of the three branches of government, and the role of state and local governments.

Honors Biology

This course investigates the chemistry and processes of living things (reproduction, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA, and protein synthesis), the structure and function of cells, evolution and classification, and genetics. An ecology project using the Reedy River will be performed and a survey of organisms in the five kingdoms will be studied using virtual dissection.

Honors Chemistry

In this course, students will learn the basic concepts, facts and principles of chemistry. Topics will include utilization of a graphing calculator, measurement, writing chemical formulas, naming chemical compounds, writing and balancing chemical equations, stoichiometry, atomic structure, the periodic table and the gas laws.

Honors Economics

Economics is an introductory course focusing on fundamental theories and principles. Key concepts associated with both microeconomics and macroeconomics are introduced; these concepts include economic systems, the relationship of supply and demand, the role of government, and monetary policy.

Honors English III/IV/AP Language and Composition: American Studies

In addition to fulfilling the state curriculum standards for English III/IV, this course, taught in conjunction with United States History, focuses on a range of readings on American identity. Students read, discuss, and write about a variety of literary forms by authors from a range of historical and cultural perspectives. The course will emphasize broad global and artistic contexts of American literature, and will take an interdisciplinary approach to satisfy the requirements of Humanities I. Class work is differentiated for individual students at all levels (including College Prep when needed), and students will have flexibility about changing levels in the early weeks of the course. Since many of the readings in the course are non-fiction, students preparing for the AP Language exam have ample exposure to and practice with the types of reading and writing measured by the College Board. Students in this course are simultaneously enrolled in Honors United States History: American Studies; exceptions to this policy are students who choose to enroll in AP US History instead and any who enrolled in US History in the tenth grade.

Honors English IV/V

In addition to fulfilling the state curriculum standards for English IV, this advanced course involves students in reading, discussing, and writing about a variety of literary forms--short stories, novels, poems, essays, and plays--by a series of authors from different cultures and periods. The course takes a global approach, combining American, British, and world literature. Additionally, participants analyze films, works of art, and musical compositions that complement the literary study at hand. In all of these pursuits the course focuses on close reading and attentiveness to the gestures and strategies within works with the larger goal of readers and writers refining their rhetoric, skills of argumentation, and ultimately, their logic and thinking. English V elective credit will be awarded to students taking this course who have already earned the state's four minimum English credits. Seniors applying to competitive colleges, conservatories, universities, and art schools are strongly encouraged to take English (AP Literature or English V) in their senior year.

Honors French III

This course expands the students' language skills at an advanced pace. Accurate control of language structures is emphasized in written and oral communication.

Honors French IV

This course emphasizes continuing skill development according to national standards. French is used for all discussions and activities. Enthusiastic class participation is expected.

Honors Geometry

This course utilizes mathematical proof in the development of two- and three-dimensional geometric concepts and properties. Other topics include angle measurements and relationships, line relationships, properties of polygons and solids, similarity and congruence, the Pythagorean relationship, circles and constructions, area, volume, and transformations. This honors-level course is for candidates for AP Calculus.

Honors German III/IV

This advanced course focuses primarily on developing reading and listening skills through a multimedia approach and secondarily on enhancing writing and speaking skills in response to the media texts. Each unit of study is reinforced with simplified novels, scenes from plays, movie excerpts, and various other forms of media.

Honors Holocaust Seminar

This semester course will take a close look at the darkest crime of the Twentieth Century: the attempt by the Nazis to systematically destroy an entire group of humans, the Jews. The roots and causes of anti-Semitism will be explored as well as the tragic results. Included in the course are lessons on Jewish culture with a broad sweep of Jewish history and Judaism. The course concludes by comparing the Holocaust with other genocides, and a special emphasis will be placed upon preventing genocide today.

Honors Humanities I and II: Contexts and Continuities

The humanities curriculum highlights connections between and among artistic and academic disciplines. Juniors take Humanities I, which is integrated into the American Studies sequence in English and United States History, focusing on six key eras of western civilization with especial attention to the role of the arts and of artists. The junior course also emphasizes writing across the disciplines. Seniors in Humanities II focus collaboration among artists and art works, with an emphasis on completing independent research projects in the humanities. Both courses will also help students reflect on their experiences in this community.

Honors Introduction to the SCGSAH

This course is designed to help students make a successful transition to the SCGSAH. By focusing on study skills, time management, strategies for balancing and prioritizing work loads, the class will assist freshmen in their life and work in the artistic, academic, and residential settings of the school. This course is also required for first year students admitted in the tenth grade.

Honors or CP English I/II

In addition to fulfilling the state curriculum standards for English I, students will read, discuss and write about works of literature primarily by authors from around the world writing in English, including those from, but not limited to, England, Ireland, India, the Caribbean, and Africa. Foundational texts in translation, such as ancient Greek tragedy, will also shape the curriculum, as well as other texts of interest with thematic connections. In conjunction with these primary texts, students will explore films and other visual media, "reading" their visual and structural elements. All selections alternate from year to year, so students who take both English I and II will have the opportunity to read works from a range of authors and periods. Students taking English I are required to take a state-mandated end-of-course exam which counts 20% of the final grade.

Honors Physical Science

Honors Physical Science is designed to serve as a foundation for other high school science courses. This course requires hands-on investigation that integrates principles of chemistry and physics. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, process skills, and higher order thinking skills. Students taking this course are required to take a state-mandated end-of-course test which will count 20% of the final grade.

Honors Physics

Algebra II and Trigonometry This course provides the opportunity to learn about fundamental physics concepts and principles, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and improve written and verbal communication skills. The course is mathematically rigorous, requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in Algebra and Trigonometry.

Honors Precalculus

Honors Precalculus focuses on the development of the student's ability to understand and apply the study of functions and advanced mathematics concepts to solve problems. The course will include an in-depth study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Other topics that may be studied are sequences, series, vectors, conic sections, parametric equations, and an introduction to calculus.

Honors Spanish III

This course expands students' language skills at an advanced pace. Accurate control of language structures is emphasized in written and oral communication.

Honors Spanish IV

This course is designed to challenge students to expand upon and to use the knowledge and skills acquired from the successful completion of Spanish III. Students will be expected to continue to study and reinforce language skills and cultural knowledge and to use complex grammar structures and vocabulary in order to read, write, listen, and communicate verbally and creatively in the target language.

Honors United States History: American Studies

This course, taught in conjunction with English III/IV, integrates the political and cultural history of the United States. As specified by the South Carolina curriculum standards, this survey course begins with the colonial period and continues through the present day. The culminating experience for the course is the production of a multi-media project that meets the criteria for the National History Day competition. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for one unit in United States history. Students are also simultaneously enrolled in Honors English III/IV: American Studies.

Physical Education I/Personal Fitness

Physical Education I is student-centered, designed to allow each student the opportunity to develop the knowledge and the skills necessary to maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle while meeting the required state standards for this course.

Teacher Cadets

This seminar course, sponsored by the Center for Educator Recruitment and Retention, is designed for high school seniors interested in learning more about the field of education. Students examine learning styles, child development, teaching methodologies, and current issues in education. The class includes field experience with younger students in a local school under the guidance of an experienced teacher.