Courses

First Trimester 2010-2011 Course Descriptions

Also, if you would like to see the Course Descriptions for the Second and Third Trimesters of the 2010-2011 school year, please click on the following links: Second Trimester, Third Trimester.

Click Here for First Trimester Class Times

Classes meet only on Wednesdays

Art (K-2):

This is a foundation art class that will focus on the elements and techniques of art. In this first trimester, student artwork will be based on what they learn about Aegean, Greek and Etruscan art. Students will explore both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork. A syllabus will be sent home with supplementary information about the styles, techniques and art terms that we discuss in class. All artwork will remain in class until the last class when students can take their portfolios home. Students will need to wear old clothing or an apron as some supplies will not wash out of clothing. All art materials will be supplied; there is a $5.00 material fee.

Class size: 7	Class time: 1:30-2:20 pm
Class level: K-2	Taught by: Ninette Deliyannides
Materials fee: $5 per student	Materials needed: An art apron to wear, internet access will be useful for the syllabus.
Class code: ND 5

Art (3-5):

This is a foundation art class that will focus on the elements and techniques of art. In this first trimester, student artwork will be based on what they learn about Asian art along the Silk Road. Students will work with textiles, clay and paint. A syllabus will be sent home with supplementary information about the areas, styles, techniques and art terms that we discuss in class. All artwork will remain in class until the last class when students can take their portfolios home. Students will need to wear old clothing or an apron as some supplies will not wash out of clothing. All art materials will be supplied; there is a $5.00 material fee.

Class size: 12	Class time: 12:30-1:20 pm
Class level: 3-5	Taught by: Ninette Deliyannides
Materials fee: $5 per student	Materials needed: An art apron to wear, internet access will be useful for the syllabus.
Class code: ND 4

Art (6-8):

This art class will focus on the techniques of North American Indian and Inuit art and artists. Students will work with a wide range of media to create original designs based on studied art. A syllabus will be sent home with supplementary information about the styles, techniques and history of what we discuss in class. All artwork will remain in class until the last class when students can take their portfolios home. Students will need to wear old clothing or an apron as some supplies will not wash out of clothing. All art materials will be supplied; there is a $5.00 material fee.

Class size: 12	Class time: 2:30-3:20 pm
Class level: 6-8	Taught by: Ninette Deliyannides
Materials fee: $5 per student	Materials needed: An art apron to wear, internet access will be useful for the syllabus.
Class code: ND 6

Art (9-12):

This fine arts class will focus on Renaissance art and artists. Students will examine works of art and use the styles and techniques to create original works of their own. A syllabus will be sent home with supplementary information about the styles, techniques and history of what we discuss in class. All artwork will remain in class until the last class when students can take their portfolios home. Students will need to wear old clothing or an apron as some supplies will not wash out of clothing. All art materials will be supplied; there is a $5.00 material fee.

Class size: 12	Class time: 3:30-4:20 pm
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Ninette Deliyannides
Materials fee: $5 per student	Materials needed: An art apron to wear, Internet access.
Class code: ND 7

Drawing (7-12):

Students will use the five basic elements of shape and focus on drawing what they see. This first trimester students will focus on one- and two-point perspective with an emphasis on geometric solids (cubes, spheres, cones, and cylinders). We will focus on positive/negative space relationships and understanding the cone of vision. There will be 2-3 hours of homework per week. Students may take their portfolios home on the last day of class. This is an ungraded class unless parents request otherwise before the first class.

Class size: 18	Class time: 11:00-11:50 am
Class level: : 7-12	Taught by: Ninette Deliyannides
Materials fee: $5	Materials needed: one 9” x 12” spiral pad of drawing paper (60lb minimum), 1 pencil each of 2B, 4B, HB, 2H, 4H, 1 kneaded eraser, 1 white plastic eraser, 1 ruler and 1 triangle ruler with both a 90° and 45° angle
Class code: ND 3

General Science (6-8):

^{Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition}^{www.apologia.com}^{Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition (www.apologia.com Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition}

Class size: 6	Class time: 12:30-1:20 pm
Class level: 6-8	Taught by: Sally Hanson
Materials fee: $5 per student	Materials needed: textbook, email address
Class code: SH 4

Geography (3-5):

In this first trimester class, students will take a look at Australia, New Zealand, and the surrounding islands. Where are they on the globe? What type of animals would you see? What would be a fun place to visit? What are the people like? Students will be using basic map reading skills and students should have access to an atlas. There will be some research homework and this course will be graded.

Class size:	Class time: 9:00-9:50 am
Class level: 3-5	Taught by: Sandra Zylstra
Material Fee:	Materials needed: pocket folder or binder, pencil, notebook paper.
Class Code: SZ 1

Grammar 6 (5-7):

This is Shurley English Homeschooling Level 6. The class will cover approximately one chapter per week. Class time will be spent learning and reinforcing grammar concepts and oral recitation. Students will learn basic editing and writing skills. Writing assignments will reinforce learned concepts. Weekly homework will include a take home test, writing assignments and brief exercises to reinforce what is learned during class. Homework will be due at the start of class each week.

Class size: 10	Class time: 9:00-9:50 am
Class level: 5-7	Taught by: Kate Henreckson
Material Fee:	Materials needed: Shurley English Homeschooling Workbook Level 6, college-ruled paper, 3-ring binder and pen/pencil
Class Code: KH 1

History I, Medieval (5-8):

This is the first of three courses that will provide an introductory survey of the medieval world as part of a four-year sequence in world history. This world history survey is designed to prepare students for the high school history and literature classes.

This class, “From Rome to Holy Roman Empire, 476-962,” will introduce students to the basic outline of early medieval history. The student’s primary work will be learning how to use Wikipedia (and other resources) to identify key people, events, and places. The information gathered during the week will be analyzed and discussed in class to show how it all fits together.

The final grade will be based on class participation, completion of weekly assignments, quizzes, and a final exam.

Class size:	Class time: 1:30-2:20 pm
Class level: 5-8	Taught by: Dr. Peter J. Wallace
Material Fee:	Materials needed:
Class Code: PW 5

History I, Medieval (9–12):

This is the first of three courses that will cover several classic works of medieval history as part of the second year of a four-year sequence of college preparatory history classes. The course dovetails with the “Medieval Literature I” course in order to help students understand the interplay of literature, politics, religion, and culture. The instructors of the two courses confer regularly in order to help students connect history and literature within a Christian worldview. The final grade will be based on class participation, completion of study questions, quizzes, essay, and a final exam. To facilitate class discussion, the following editions will be required:

Two Lives of Charlemagne (Penguin Classics)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140442138/

Bede, Ecclesiastical History (Oxford World’s Classics)

http://www.amazon.com/Ecclesiastical-History-English-Chronicle-Classics/dp/0199537232/

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle [any edition]

http://www.amazon.com/Anglo-Saxon-Chronicle-Michael-J-Swanton/dp/0415921295/

[Please note: since there are a variety of manuscripts of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, I recommend the Swanton edition – the only translation that includes several different versions. But any edition will be acceptable.]

Geoffrey of Monmouth, History of the Kings of Britain (Penguin Classics)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140441700/

Albert Craig, William Graham, Donald Kagan, Steven Ozment, Frank M. Turner, The Western Heritage, Combined volume (any edition) This volume will be used to provide background reading for three years (you can find inexpensive used versions at Amazon or other online sources).

http://www.amazon.com/Heritage-World-Civilizations-Combined-7th/dp/0131926233/

Class size:	Class time: 11:00-11:50 am
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Dr. Peter J. Wallace
Material Fee:	Materials needed:
Class Code: PW 3

Latin I (8*-12) ：

Though rarely spoken today, Latin was the primary language of the West from ancient times through the end of the nineteenth century and is the source of all Romance languages (incl. Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese). Most of the vast body of Latin literature has not been translated, and much has not been translated accurately. In order to make all this literature accessible, the aim of this course is to give the student competence in the foundations of Latin grammar and vocabulary. Besides, learning Latin is all about solving puzzles and is really a lot of fun! The workload consists of in-class verbal and written exercises; weekly in-class quizzes; and homework submitted twice weekly (in person or by e-mail). Our required textbook is Frederic M. Wheelock, Wheelock’s Latin, 6^th ed. (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 2000). Photocopied materials are supplied in class, and there is a $5.00 materials fee.

* If your child is younger, and you believe they have the maturity to benefit from this class, please approach the teacher to discuss your situation.

Class size: 10	Class time: 9:00-9:50 am
Class level: 8*-12	Taught by: Nathan Sawatzky
Materials fee: $5 per student	Materials needed: ^{Frederic M. Wheelock, Wheelock’s Latin, 6th ed. (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 2000)}
Class code: NS 1

Literature (3-5):

The theme for this first trimester unit is survival. The books read will be animals surviving on a journey in “The Incredible Journey” by Shelia Burnford, then children surviving in the wilderness in “Hatchet” by Gary Paulson, and in “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George. Students will specifically be comparing and contrasting how all of the main characters in these stories used survival skills. Students will have some homework for the class and it will be graded.

Class size:	Class time: 10:00-10:50 am
Class level: 3-5	Taught by: Sandra Zylstra
Material Fee:	Materials needed: two pocket folder or binder, pencil “The Incredible Journey” by Shelia Burnford “Hatchet” by Gary Paulson “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George
Class Code: SZ 2

Literature (6-8):

The goal of this class is to help intermediate students discern and understand literature and literary devices such as plot, themes, and character. In this first trimester students will read three novels about journeys and community: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Parton, and. We will approach the literature within a Christian worldview. The final grade will be based on class participation, study questions, weekly quizzes, one essay and final exam. Reading load will be about 100 pages per week.

Class size: 10	Class time: 10:00-10:50am
Class level: 6-8	Taught by: Ninette Deliyannides
Materials fee:	Materials needed: The three books listed above, any edition but no abridged versions, 3 ring binder for course packet (to be handed out in class), and paper for taking notes. Internet access will be helpful.
Class code: ND 2

Literature I, Medieval (9–12):

This is the first of three courses that will cover several classic works of medieval literature as part of the second year of a four-year sequence of college preparatory literature courses. The course dovetails with the “Medieval History I” course in order to help students understand the interplay of literature, politics, religion, and culture. The instructors of the two courses confer regularly in order to help students connect history and literature within a Christian worldview. The final grade will be based on class participation, completion of study questions, weekly quizzes, two essays, and a final exam. To facilitate class discussion, the following editions will be required:

Anglo-Saxon Poetry (course packet)

Beowulf (Seamus Heaney translation) tinyurl.com/27425l3

The Song of Roland (Penguin Classics edition) tinyurl.com/2fd4ths

The Mabinogion (Oxford World’s Classics edition) tinyurl.com/32ucz74

Class size:	Class time: 12:30-1:20 pm
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Dr. A.B. Deliyannides
Materials fee:	Materials needed:
Class code: AD 4

Logic (9-12):

This is an introductory course to the “Art of Argument,” by Aaron Larsen, which will help your student(s) to become more adept at critically thinking through issues they may face. By peering into the other side of the coin, our young people will become better equipped to counter wrong ideas when confronted and be able to recognize a “moot” point when they hear it. Relevance, Presumption, and Clarity will be explored for those taking all three trimesters as we work through 32 lessons of logic. The first trimester will cover an Introduction to Logic, Fallacies of Relevance, Ad Fontem arguments, (which are arguments against the source,) and about halfway through Appeals to Emotion, at the rate of approximately 7 pages of the text per week. There will be vocabulary, quizzes and tests throughout the year. A final grade will be given based upon the material covered each trimester. Why not give Logic a try?

Class size: 10	Class time: 9:00-9:50 am
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee: None, if you have the text.	Materials needed: Text, The Art of Argument, by Aaron Larsen and Joelle Hodge, pens, pencils, folder
Class code: KW 1

Math Concepts (3-5)

Course Description: This course will teach the CONCEPTS behind the mathematical principles which your child(ren) is/are learning at home. Throughout the year, we will use a variety of methods, including occasional drills, out-of-your-seat work, (physical movements such as jumping, clapping, humming, etc.,) some programs, such as “Brainetics” to help develop the students’ confidence in math, “skip counting” as taught in the Math-U-See curriculum, and will choose from a wide selection of manipulatives, such as Pattern blocks, Cuisinaire rods, Dice, Games, Clocks and stamps (time concepts) and more. This is to be a fun way to encourage the mathematical potential in your child(ren). By developing this aptitude now, your child(ren) will be better prepared for high school mathematics and the technological world in which they now live.

Class size: Minimum of 3, limit 10	Class time: 1:30-2:20 pm
Class level: 3-5	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee:	Materials needed: Paper, folder, pencils, erasers, QUESTIONS! EAGERNESS!
Class code: KW 5

Math Helper (6-12)

This study hall enrichment time is available to all students, without charge, who need help with understanding their math. Throughout the year, Mr. Green will answer math questions, review concepts, and generally help the student with their math courses taught at home or through the Academy. Mr. Green can help with questions in most areas of pre-calculus mathematics. Although he is available on a first-come, first-served basis during your child’s study hall period, we ask that you sign up for this enrichment during registration.

Class Size: 1 at a time	Class Time and Class Code: 9:00-9:50 am (TG 1), 10:00-10:50 am (TG 2), 11:00-11:50 am (TG 3), 12:30-1:20 pm (TG 4)
Class Level: 6-12	Taught by: Mr. Rusty Green
Materials Fee: None	Materials Needed: Your own math book and supplies for the assignment you are working on, eraser, pencil, paper. Bring a straight edge and compass for geometry questions. For other questions, a calculator may be needed.

Music (K-3):

Learning and practicing basic music terms is the primary focus in this beginner’s music course. We will be moving about as we learn basic note values, finding these notes in printed music, and singing some fun songs! We will also have a few famous composers and their songs that we will learn about such as music from Haydn, Rossini, Strauss, and Sain-Saens. Their music will come alive through stories told about each song we are listening to! This course will not be graded.

Class size:	Class time: 11:00-11:50 am
Class level: K-3	Taught by: Sandra Zylstra
Material Fee:	Materials needed:
Class Code: SZ 3

Music (4-12):

Students will learn about the basics of what it takes to be a singer, learn to apply basic music concepts, and practicing sight reading. In this first trimester class, they will be studying the beginning of music: the middle ages and the renaissance eras. This course will not be graded.

Class size:	Class time: 1:30-2:20 pm
Class level: 4-12	Taught by: Sandra Zylstra
Material Fee:	Materials needed: pencil, two pocket folder or binder
Class Code: SZ 5

Research Writing (9 – 12): III Trimester (10 weeks)

This course is designed to aid those students who wish to hone their skills in writing research papers. We will go through the basic essay process as a review, then focus on how to determine paper length, subject and topic material, how to include quotations, footnotes, and ‘works cited’ pages. Students will write 1 research paper during this 10-week course. Students ought to have basic writing and be willing to put in outside effort to gather report data. Knowledge of the essay method found in the Institute for Excellence in Writing program is a plus. Success is dependent upon student input. No grade will be given, but checklists successfully completed guarantee progress and improvement. Papers will be evaluated throughout the course.

PRE-REQUISITE: Spelling and grammar will NOT be taught, thus students need to have a working knowledge of Basic English skills. Knowledge of the method found in the Institute for Excellence in Writing a plus, but not necessary for successful completion of course.

Class size: 10	Class time: 12:30-1:20 pm
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee:	Materials needed: 3-ring notebook with 8 tabs, notebook paper, PENS, highlighter
Class code: KW 4

Rhetoric, Classical (9-12)

Quintilian defined rhetoric as the art of “a good man speaking well.” Over the course of three trimesters, students will be introduced to the art of rhetoric as taught by the ancients, as well as modern examples of persuasive speech. Students will learn the tools to compose and deliver personal compositions. Coursework will include reading selections from Aristotle and Cicero and writing assignments on various topics to be read aloud in class.

Book List:

The Rhetoric by Aristotle.

Available online at:
http://www2.iastate.edu/~honeyl/Rhetoric/index.html

Rhetorica Ad Herennium by Cicero

Available online at:
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Rhetorica_ad_Herennium/home.html
Both books are available online, but the student may wish to purchase used copies in order to mark in them or for ease of reading.

Class size:	Class time: 10:00-10:50 am
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Kate Henreckson
Materials fee:	Materials needed:
Class code: KH 2

SAT Prep – Timed Essay (9-12):

This course reviews the 5-paragraph basic essay. A timed essay will be given almost weekly, for practice. Vocabulary quizzes will also be offered each week. We will discuss what makes for a good essay, how to put your thoughts into words, and how to overcome that timer! Planning is the key! Come and let’s practice those test-taking skills!

Class size: 10	Class time: 2:30-3:20 pm
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee:	Materials needed: Barron’s SAT I text or other similar text, pencils, pens, folder for vocabulary.
Class code: KW 6

Spanish I Class and Lab (8*-12):

This is a 3 trimester course, the first year of high school Spanish. The course focuses on vocabulary of everyday life, the present tense of verbs, and culture. Listening, reading, writing, and speaking the language will be practiced. Lab time will consist of homework review, testing and conversation, while class time will be devoted to vocabulary, grammar and reading. Students will purchase a workbook, available through the instructor, or online.

Text:

www.amscopub.com/frameset.htm Spanish is Fun, Book 1, Lively lessons for Beginners, Third Edition Spanish is Fun, Book 1, Lively lessons for Beginners, Third Edition Spanish is Fun, Book 1, Lively lessons for Beginners, Third Edition www.amscopub.com/frameset.htm

Note that the instructor can purchase the book from the publisher at a discounted price, and will sell to students at cost ($19, including shipping). When registering, please indicate whether you will be purchasing text through the instructor.

*If your student is younger than 8th grade, but you believe he/she is of the maturity to benefit from this class, please approach the instructor to discuss the situation.

Class size: 8	Class time: 1:30-2:20 pm and 3:30-4:20 pm
Class level: 8*-12^th	Taught by: Susan Daniels
Materials fee: none	Materials needed: 3 ring binder with 3 divider sheets, paper, folder, 8×10 dry erase board and marker
Class code: SD 5 and SD 7

Spanish II Class and Lab (8-12):

Prerequisite: Spanish I. This is a 3 trimester course, the second year of high school Spanish. The coursework is grammar intensive, continuing with past, future, conditional, and compound tenses; vocabulary, conversation, reading and culture will also be emphasized. Lab time will consist of homework review, testing and conversation, while class time will be devoted to grammar and reading. Students will purchase 2 workbooks and a reader. These materials may be purchased on your own or through the instructor at the time of registration, for $36, including shipping.

Texts:

Easy Spanish Reader (McGraw-Hill/Glencoe) http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Spanish-Reader-William-Tardy/dp/0071428062/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1280413597&sr=1-1

Ya Escribimos (McGraw-Hill/Glencoe) http://tinyurl.com/2a3f875

(McGraw-Hill/Glencoe) 1-800-334-7344

Spanish Two Years Workbook (AMSCO Publications) http://tinyurl.com/29j3s7e

www.amscopub.com

Class size: 10	Class time: 1:30-2:20 pm and 2:30-3:20 pm
Class level: 8-12	Taught by: Susan Daniels
Materials fee: none	Materials needed: 3 ring binder with folder, paper, and 3 divider sheets, 8×10 dry erase board and marker
Class code: SD 5 and SD 6

Study Hall: (K-12)

This class is designed as a service for the parents. Students signed up for at least one class but need to remain on the premises can sign up for study hall. This will be a supervised time for students to work on quiet homework or read. Students will not be allowed to talk, eat or engage in any activity that is not reading, drawing or schoolwork. Students not signed up for a class or study hall will not be allowed to remain on the premises.

Writing (K-1):

Students will learn beginning writing skills. Some of the writing we will do will be: an “All About Me” book, a color book, a “Who Am I” book, an acrostic poem, a leaf book, and a pilgrim book. Sometimes the students will write individually and sometimes they will write things as a class. Small weekly writing assignments may be given. The student does need to have basic printing skills. This course will not be graded.

Class size:	Class time: 12:30-1:20 pm
Class level: K-1	Taught by: Sandra Zylstra
Material Fee:	Materials needed: two pocket folder, pencil, scissors, glue, crayons, construction paper
Class Code: SZ 4

Writing, Beginning (3-5):

This course is an introduction to formal and creative writing skills. Do you have a “reluctant writer?” Have you ever written a story? Do you want to learn how to write a basic report without tears? This course is for you! Over the course of three trimesters, grades will be offered, based upon completion of weekly assignments. Let me introduce you to the “Key Word Outline”! Writing with style and structure will help your child to write for a variety of purposes yet allow them to develop their creativity as we build upon basic skills during the course of the year. Homework should not take more than 20-30 minutes per day. A final test is offered during the 3^rd trimester only for those students who have taken all three trimesters.

Prerequisite: Ability to write a complete sentence and knowledge of basic spelling.

Class size: 10	Class time: 11:00-11:50 am
Class level: 3-5	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee: $3.00 (copies)	Materials needed: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Institute for Excellence in Writing, student intensive Level A, 3-ring notebook—1 ½ “or larger, with 8 tabs or more, PENS, highlighter, notebook paper. A 3-hole punch is helpful.
Class code: KW 3

Writing, Intermediate (6-8):

Do you have a student who has never written a formal report? Does your child have stories building up in his or her head? Over the course of three trimesters, we will introduce your child to the “Key Word Outline” which will help them gather information in an orderly and timely manner. From this outline, students learn to write short stories and reports while developing their skills for conciseness and vividness. Help for the reluctant writer is on the way! Daily homework, which shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete, is used to practice incrementally to achieve mastery. A grade will be given, based upon assignments received and progress demonstrated.

Class size: 10	Class time: 3:30-4:20 pm
Class level: 6-8	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee: $3.00 (copies)	Materials needed: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Institute for Excellence in Writing, student intensive Level B, 3-ring notebook—1 ½” or larger, with 8 tabs or more, PENS, highlighter, notebook paper. A 3-hole punch is helpful.
Class code: KW 7

Writing, Advanced (9-12):

This course, throughout the school year, is a college preparatory class to refine and hone the necessary writing skills students will need for college. If you have a child who has never written a formal paper, who plans to attend college, then this course could be for you! Daily homework of 25-30 minutes per day is necessary to achieve mastery of writing style and structure. A grade will be given based upon completed homework.

Class size: 10	Class time: 10:00-10:50 am
Class level: 9-12	Taught by: Kathleen Williamson
Materials fee: $3.00 (copies)	Materials needed: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Institute for Excellence in Writing, student intensive Level C, 3-ring notebook—1 ½” or larger, with 8 tabs or more, PENS, highlighter, notebook paper. A 3-hole punch is helpful.
Class code: KW 2