Students who enroll in online high school classes* at BSU get the flexibility and support they need to succeed in every facet of their lives. The 9–12 education features a core curriculum including math, science, English, and social studies. Electives in varied topics such as digital photography, marine science, game design, and world languages encourage students to explore and grow to become well-rounded individuals.
Each student follows a personalized learning plan and has access to school counselors who help promote academic achievement and personal development.
Preparing for College
College and Career Planning
To make sure that the graduating class of seniors is well prepared for the transition out of virtual high school and is aware of the graduation requirements, BSU provides:
- Access to a Online certified school counselor
- Assistance creating a four-year academic plan
- College and career planning, including:
- Guidance in finding appropriate college or career opportunities
- colleges/universities
- Financial aid and scholarship LiveLesson online workshops
- Free access to college admissions test preparation online courses and information about test dates, locations, etc.
- Official transcripts
- Additional extracurricular activities such as Student Advisory Council and Debate Club
- and prepare for careers in finance, marketing, psychology, criminal justice, and more.
To learn more about BSU online high school courses, take a look at the courses and course descriptions below. Find out what it’s like to learn at aBerkshire school by checking out our sample lessons.
The courses and materials provided vary by school. Some textbooks are available in online format only.
Core Courses
VIEW ALL COURSES
Personal Fitness II
Description:
Personal Fitness II is a one-semester course that looks at the aspects of living a healthy and balanced life. In the first unit, students will learn the relationship between physical, mental, and social health as they explore topics including: effective communication, building healthy relationships, the effects of violence, coping mechanisms, and how to set goals. Additionally, students will learn basic first aid procedures, what to do in medical emergencies, and how to keep their homes safe. In the second unit, students will learn about infectious and noninfectious diseases, how they affect the body, and how they can be prevented. The third unit covers tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, and options for resisting the pressure to participate in these destructive behaviors. Throughout the course, students will be required to participate in regular physical activity and keep records of their activity. The student will be given a choice of three paths that place emphasis on lifelong activities as well as current fitness trends.
Units:
- Living a Healthy Lifestyle
In this unit, you will learn about the many aspects involved in maintaining total health and wellness. This involves learning the components of total wellness as well as identifying the importance of good decision-making and setting goals. You will examine how conflict and violence can affect total health and practice ways to resolve conflict. Finally, you will learn some basic first aid and what to do in the case of a medical emergency.
- Disease
In this unit, you will learn about different diseases and their causes. You will be able to differentiate between diseases that are contagious, and those that are not. You will also take a look at environmental factors that can cause disease. Finally, you will be introduced to a variety of government agencies that are available for information on disease and staying healthy.
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
In this unit, you will learn about the negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse and using tobacco products. You will analyze how abuse of these substances affects overall health and the benefits of staying alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free.
- Final Exam
Algebra 1 A
Prerequisites:
- Students should successfully complete Math 7 and/or Pre-Algebra prior to enrolling in this course.
Description:
This course is the first of two that comprise Algebra 1. In this course, the student will gain a foundational understanding of the real number system, expressions, equations, and inequalities. The student will be taught to solve simple and multi-step equations and inequalities and represent those solutions graphically. In addition, students will explore linear or nonlinear functions and represent those functions on the coordinate plane. Finally, the student will solve systems of equations and inequalities and represent those solutions graphically.
Throughout the course, problem solving, critical thinking, and real-world application of mathematical concepts will be required.
Units:
- Ready, Set, Succeed
In this unit, you will focus on new ways to think about and approach mathematics. You will learn how to set SMART goals, establish study strategies that reduce math anxiety, and review ways to be an active learner. In addition, this unit introduces the various resources that are available to you in this course.
- Foundational Concepts
In this unit, you will be provided with a general introduction to this course by reviewing many concepts from previous math courses including variables, expressions, and real-number operations. This unit provides you with a solid foundation for the remainder of this course. You will complete a unit portfolio project in which you will apply your knowledge of using variables to represent unknown and variable quantities, and writing expressions and equations.
- Solving Equations
In this unit, you will learn how to solve problems using a variety of problem-solving strategies including tables, graphs, and equations. This unit also includes instruction on solving one, two, or multi-step equations, a skill that is essential to your learning of higher-level mathematics. You will complete a variety of assessments in this unit, including Quick Checks, quizzes, and a unit test.
- Solving Inequalities
In this unit, you will learn how to solve inequalities that require one or more steps. You will also learn how to graph the solutions to inequalities on the number line. Set notation will be introduced as a tool for expressing the solutions to inequalities. Finally, you will explore absolute value equations and inequalities and the union and intersection of sets.
- Introduction to Functions
In this unit, you will explore functions and their applications. You will be introduced to the characteristics of a function and learn to compare linear and nonlinear functions. You will also graph functions on the coordinate plane and write functions given their graph. Functions are an important part of algebra because they lay a foundation for understanding higher-level mathematics problems that depend on your understanding of the characteristics of functions.
- Linear Functions
In this unit, you will learn how to use several types of linear equations, including slope-intercept, point-slope, and standard forms. You will use slope to compare parallel and perpendicular lines and explore relationships between these types of lines. You will analyze scatter plots and fit regression lines to the data points. You will also graph and translate absolute value functions on the coordinate plane.
- Systems of Equations and Inequalities
In this unit, you will apply what you know about linear equations and inequalities to systems of linear equations or inequalities. You will solve systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution, or elimination. You will also be introduced to the topic of matrices and use them to solve systems of equations. You will graph linear inequalities and solve systems of two linear equalities. Finally, you will apply these topics to solve real-world scenarios.
- Semester A Review and Exam
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the semester exam. Since this is a comprehensive exam, it may be helpful to organize your notes in the order of the course outline before you begin to review. Using the test-taking strategies that you have previously learned can help you be successful with both objective and essay questions.
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Algebra 1 B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- Algebra 1 A is a prerequisite for this course.
Description:
This course is the second part of a two-part sequence covering Algebra 1. The student will use his knowledge of real number operations, expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions to solve algebra concepts. This course will introduce the student to exponents and use those exponent rules to solve exponential functions. The student will learn how to identify and solve polynomial equations using a variety of methods including factoring. The student will also learn how to work with quadratic functions and equations and represent both of those on a coordinate plane. The student will work with radical and rational expressions and solve rational equations.
Throughout the course, problem solving, critical thinking, and real-world application of mathematical concepts will be required.
Units:
- Mid-Year Refresher
In this unit, you will review the major concepts from the first half of this algebra course that are applicable to the second half of this algebra course. These include working with integers, order of operations, solving linear equations, working with linear functions, and graphing on a coordinate plane.
- Exponents and Exponential Functions
In this unit, you will learn about expressions involving exponents in several forms. You will learn about zero and negative exponents and use what you know about exponents to solve problems using standard and scientific notation. You will learn and apply the rules for multiplication and division of expressions involving exponents. Finally, you will evaluate exponential functions and use exponential functions to solve real world problems of exponential growth and decay.
- Polynomials and Factoring
In this unit, you will learn how to classify, add, and subtract polynomials. You will also learn to multiply polynomials and monomials, and how to factor polynomials using GCF. You will then find the squares of a binomial, the sum and difference of squares, and the product of a sum and difference.
- Quadratic Functions and Equations
In this unit, you will learn how to work with quadratic functions and quadratic equations. You will learn to graph functions in several forms and solve both quadratic equations and quadratic functions. You will also learn to choose between different models to display data, and finally, you will solve systems of linear and quadratic equations. These topics will be important foundational skills for your study of higher level mathematics.
- Radical Expressions and Data Analysis
In this unit, you will work with radical expressions and learn various ways to analyze data. First, you will learn to simplify radicals and perform operations on radical expressions. You will learn to analyze square root functions by graphing them. Finally, you will learn to analyze data both graphically and numerically through the use of histograms, box-and-whisker plots, and measures of central tendency and dispersion.
- Rational Expressions and Functions
In this unit you will work with rational expressions and equations. To begin, you will learn to simplify rational expressions. Then, you will learn to multiply and divide rational expressions and polynomials. You will also learn to simplify complex fractions. Finally, you will learn to define inverse variations and compare direct and inverse variations.
- Semester B Exam and Review
This unit reviews concepts from Semester B of this algebra course. The unit begins with a review assignment that will help you recall topics from Units 1–6. You will also spend time utilizing the one-page review guides created at the end of each unit. These review guides contain key vocabulary, points to remember, and sample problems that you can rework. Practice opportunities from the textbook are included. The assessment is included at the conclusion of the unit in the form of the semester exam.
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- AP Biology B
AP Biology B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, the student will gain a foundation in the Life Sciences by focusing on four major themes: 1) how evolution drives the diversity and unity of life; 2) how life uses free energy to maintain homeostasis; 3) how living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information; and 4) how biological systems interact with each other. These themes are supported by a broad range of biological subdisciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology. The student will use practical experimentation to develop inquiry and reasoning skills to explore these themes throughout the course. This course effectively prepares the student for success on the Biology exam by promoting the deductive reasoning and experimental interpretation skills emphasized in the AP curriculum.
- AP Environmental Science A
AP Environmental Science A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- Students should successfully complete Algebra I and two years of laboratory sciences prior to enrolling in this course.
Description:
The goal of Environmental Science is to provide the student with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and made my humans. The student will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing problems. Laboratory experiments support student content mastery in both hands-on and virtual experiences.
Units:
- Environmental Problems and Sustainability
This unit provides you with an overview of environmental issues. You will experience the interdisciplinary nature of the course, with lessons on politics, economics, and history. This unit is challenging, especially if you are new to AP courses. It is one of the longer units, with both lab and field work components. This unit also introduces the semester one collaborative project.
- The Living World
In this unit, you will investigate the components of the living world: species, populations, symbiotic relationships like predator-prey, food webs, and the energy involved in the living systems. This unit draws on your previous knowledge of biology courses. Biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity are included in this unit.
- The Physical World
In this unit, the physical world is the focus. Climate, biomes, ocean circulation, and the structure of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are included in this unit.
- Population
In this unit, Population, you are introduced to population dynamics, demographics, and urbanization. Although this unit appears short with five lessons, it is important to your success on the AP Exam and includes math skills that will be tested.
- Energy
This unit is a very important unit that introduces all types of energy: energy units of measurement, calculations and conversions, fossil fuels, nuclear power, and alternative energy sources. A great deal of information is included in this unit, and it is one of the longer parts of the course. This unit is also the end of the first semester of the course, so the Semester One Final Exam occurs at the end of this unit. The collaboration project for the first semester is due in this unit.
- AP Environmental Science B
AP Environmental Science B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- AP Environmental Science A is a prerequisite for this course.
Description:
The goal of AP Environmental Science is to provide the student with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and made by humans. The student will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing problems. Laboratory expermients support student content mastery in both hands-on and virtual experiences.
Units:
- Atmosphere and Climate Change
This unit deals with the atmosphere and climate change. It is the beginning of the second semester and the semester two collaborative assessment is introduced. Topics discussed in this unit include the atmosphere, air pollution, global climate change, acid deposition, and ozone layer thinning.
- Land and Food
Soil, soil pollution, agriculture, pesticides, and land conservation are the main topics of this unit. The unit is intensely hands-on, with four of the five lessons requiring active participation in the form of labs, model construction, or surveying family and friends.
- Water
This unit is all about water: water pollution, water supply, and water quality. Although the unit is shorter than others, the lessons are critically important to the AP Exam.
- Toxicology and Risk
Toxicology is the topic of this unit. Human health and risk are also important topics included here.
- Recycling and Sustainability
This unit is the last unit in the course. The Semester Two Final Exam is included in this unit and the semester two collaborative assessment is due in this unit. Topics described in this unit are solid waste, hazardous waste, and recycling. The final lesson of the course emphasizes the theme of sustainability, which has been woven throughout the second half of this course.
- Biology A
Biology A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, the student will study the science of life. The student will explore the idea that living things are extremely diverse in form, yet are unified by certain core characteristics that they all share. In learning about these core characteristics, the student will be able to critically evaluate data and information related to biological problems, connect many ideas to the student's own life, and see the world in a new way.
Units:
- The Nature of Life
In this unit, you will begin by considering the fundamental nature of science and the role it plays in the study of biology. You will lay a foundation for the remainder of the course by exploring the unifying factors that are common to all living things.
- Ecology
In this unit, you will study the environmental factors, both living and non-living, that affect the survival of organisms. You will learn how matter and energy move in and between ecosystems, creating networks and links that connect all of the organisms on Earth. You will complete a unit portfolio assessment in which you measure the biodiversity of organisms in a simulated ecosystem.
- Cells
In this unit, you will focus on the cell as the smallest unit of life. You will investigate cell size, structure, and organization, and link these characteristics to the many functions that the cell performs. As a unit portfolio assessment, you will carry out a lab exercise to study the effect of cell size on diffusion of materials into the cell.
- Genetics
In this unit, you will learn how biological information is encoded and passed from an organism to its offspring. You will begin with the work of Gregor Mendel to understand the basis for the patterns of inheritance that can be observed any time the features of parents and their young are compared. You will move on to develop an understanding of the basic unit of biological information, the gene, as a sequence of DNA. As part of this unit, you will complete a portfolio assessment in which you will make and present a model to describe the process of meiosis.
- Semester Review and Final
Online Text/eBook
- eText Biology
Textbook
- Biology
- The Nature of Life
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Accounting I
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- Students should successfully complete Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications A/B or Algebra II prior to enrolling in this course.
Description:
This course introduces you to accounting concepts and principles, financial statements, internal control design, and accounting for partnerships. By the end of the course, you will be able to
- Define terms related to business accounting
- Apply accounting concepts and principles
- Prepare financial statements
- Analyze financial statements for decision making
- Evaluate internal controls
- Account for partnership transactions
- Differentiate international financial reporting standards from generally accepted accounting principles
Online Text/eBook
- eText Horngren's Accounting
- Accounting II
Accounting II
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- Students should successfully complete Accounting I prior to enrolling in this course.
Description:
The student will build upon knowledge gained in Accounting I and continue to explore topics such as corporate accounting and financial statements, long-term liabilities, cash flow, financial statement analysis, managerial accounting, budgeting, and using financial data to make business decisions.
Online Text/eBook
- eText Horngren's Accounting
- Administrative Duties and Office Management
Administrative Duties and Office Management
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform tasks in the administrative department of a medical office. Topics include, but are not limited to, receiving patients, scheduling appointments, handling medical records, and processing insurance claims. By the end of the course, you will be able to
- Employ the steps for basic medical office operating procedures
- Produce clear written communication in the administrative department
- Prepare plans for the medical office facility, office layout, office equipment, and supplies
- Identify the types of computers and systems used in the medical office
- Employ basic security procedures for the medical office computer system
- Describe the function, duties, and procedures of patient reception
- Describe and employ bookkeeping procedures in the medical office
- Employ procedures for processing medical insurance claims
Online Text/eBook
- eText Comprehensive Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Competencies
- Adult Roles and Responsibilities A
Adult Roles and Responsibilities A
Grades: 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
What do you want out of life? How do you achieve your dreams for the future? These can be difficult questions to answer, but with the right tools, they don’t have to be. This course will encourage you to learn more about yourself and help you to prepare for the future. You will explore goal setting, decision making, and surviving college and career. You will also discover how to become a valuable contributing member of society. Now is the time to take action. It’s your life, make it count!
Units:
- Personal and Professional Survival Guide
There’s a reason why Peter Pan never wanted to grow up—it’s not easy! Learning how to be responsible, communicate effectively, and prepare for a future career are just a few of the challenges on the horizon, so now is the time to start thinking about your own abilities. Do you have what it takes to be an adult? Before you answer, remember… confidence is key! You just need to adjust your perspective, set realistic goals, and put your best foot forward. By using your education wisely and advocating for yourself, no professional or personal objective is unreachable. Before you know it, your life will begin down a new road of promise and achievement. And when it does, you won’t believe how amazing it feels to blossom into the next exciting chapter of your life.
- The Art of Knowing Yourself
No one said growing up was simple, which is why it is important to learn as much about yourself as possible. Being an adult is not only about responsibility and maturity—it’s about knowing what you need and how to get it. Taking care of your own mental and physical health, loving yourself, and learning how to manage stress are all valuable strategies for finding happiness and success. The regard you show for yourself often dictates the way people treat you in the outside world. And, as a result, showing yourself love, compassion, and respect are just some of the many ways you can cultivate a life filled with meaningful relationships, opportunities, and pursuits.
- Personal Relationships and Life Connections
Relationships come in all shapes and sizes. As you grow older, you will likely begin to realize they also play an important role in how you feel about yourself and the world around you—which is precisely why it’s so important to find healthy ones. Part of embracing adulthood is learning how to find and maintain the types of meaningful relationships you will need to live a happy and productive life. This involves understanding the role of family and how to develop positive connections with friends and acquaintances. As you come to understand more about the value of relationships, you will also gain the skills and knowledge it takes to find the type of love that lasts a lifetime.
- Own It: Leadership and Decision-Making
Your life is comprised of the choices you make. Whether they relate to school, family, or a future career, your decisions are important and reflect your ability to think and behave like a responsible adult. They also give you the opportunity to explore the possibilities around you and to craft your dreams and goals into just about anything you want. Learning leadership skills and understanding how to care for yourself and those around you gives you the power to find your own potential for greatness and future success.
- Adult Roles and Responsibilities A Final Exam
In this unit, you will review the information you learned throughout this course and take an exam to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
- Personal and Professional Survival Guide
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Health, Fitness, and Nutrition
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, students learn first aid, personal wellness, and the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Students learn how to adopt long-term, healthy habits and lifestyle changes to improve and inspire an overall state of well being. Students also explore how fitness can influence self image and how to develop social strategies to understand peer pressure.
Units:
- Unit 1
Students will begin to explore the causes of obesity and the steps to prevent obesity and other diseases that arise from a sedentary lifestyle. You will learn about weight control and the different types of diets that are common today. You will also be able to detemine which diets can and cannot work. Stress and stress management will also be explored in this unit.
- Unit 2
In this unit, you will learn about first aid, personal wellness, and the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Students will discover myths that surround exercise and identify ways to prevent injury while exercising. You will also explore how fitness can influence self image and how to develop and design a personal exercise program.
- Reproductive Health
In this unit, you will become familiar with issues pertaining to reproductive health. Several topics will be covered including the male and female reproductive systems, fetal development, the birth process, and sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence is presented as the best method for preventing premature pregnancy and protection against infections. Other factors that may affect your health will be presented including the effects of mass media, peer pressure, and personal attitudes.
- Final Exam
Online Text/eBook
- eText Health
- Unit 1
- Health, Fitness, and Nutrition A
Health, Fitness, and Nutrition A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
The benefits of nutrition and exercise are among the many health-related topics covered in this course. Students gain awareness of their own fitness level and nutritional needs through the study of the body’s musculature and respiratory system.
Units:
- Health and Wellness
In this unit, you will learn about the different aspects of being fit and why these aspects are important. You will also learn factors that determine fitness but are out of your control. Various tests, components, and guidelines for exercise, joints, flexibility, stretching, and the mind-body connection are covered.
- Strengthen your Muscles
In this unit, you will study the anatomy of the heart and its relation to exercise and muscle strengthening. Aerobic training and the importance of training properly will also be discussed. You will discover why developing positive exercise habits at young age will help increase longevity and quality of life.
- Final Exam
- Health and Wellness
- Health, Fitness, and Nutrition B
Health, Fitness, and Nutrition B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, students learn first aid, personal wellness, and the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Students learn how to adopt long-term, healthy habits and lifestyle changes to improve and inspire an overall state of well being. Students also explore how fitness can influence self image and how to develop social strategies to understand peer pressure.
Units:
- Building a Healthy Body
Students will begin to explore the causes of obesity and the steps to prevent obesity and other diseases that arise from a sedentary lifestyle. You will learn about weight control and the different types of diets that are common today. You will also be able to detemine which diets can and cannot work. Stress and stress management will also be explored in this unit.
- Developing an Exercise Plan
In this unit, you will learn about first aid, personal wellness, and the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Students will discover myths that surround exercise and identify ways to prevent injury while exercising. You will also explore how fitness can influence self image and how to develop and design a personal exercise program.
- Reproductive Health
In this unit, you will become familiar with issues pertaining to reproductive health. Several topics will be covered including the male and female reproductive systems, fetal development, the birth process, and sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence is presented as the best method for preventing premature pregnancy and protection against infections. Other factors that may affect your health will be presented including the effects of mass media, peer pressure, and personal attitudes.
- Final Exam
Online Text/eBook
- eText Health
- Building a Healthy Body
- High School Health
High School Health
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
This course provides the student with the opportunities to consider many influences on social, emotional, and physical health and well-being. The course covers information on healthy decisions, communication, goal setting and decision making, family dynamics, food and nutrition, substance abuse prevention, and prevention of STIs and HIV/AIDS. The student will also learn how to be a savvy consumer by being aware of consumer rights, techniques in advertising, and how to use checking and credit accounts responsibly.
Units:
- Making Healthy Decisions
Health involves physical, mental, emotional, and social health. In this unit, you will learn about the different aspects of health, how everyday decisions affect your health, and ways to take responsibility for all aspects of your health.
- Personality and Emotions
Personality, self-esteem, and emotions have been and will continue to be topics of intensive study by psychologists. In this unit, you will learn about the effects of heredity and environment in shaping personality throughout life. You will explore the influence of self-esteem on the choices you make during this time in your life. You will examine ways to increase your self-esteem in order to reach your full potential in life. Erikson’s theory on personality and Maslow’s theory on self-actualization are presented as examples of the research psychologists do to help explain who and what we are.
- Managing Stress
You know that feeling when you’re walking down a street and suddenly a dog crosses your path and barks at you. Stress, which is the response of the body and mind to being challenged, is something that everyone must contend with in life. At times it can be motivating and even helpful, but there are also times it can become damaging. In this unit, you will learn about stressors and the different stages of the stress response. You will also discover ways to recognize when you are under stress, some coping strategies to deal with it, and how to build up some resilience to stress. The unit ends with some advice on how to reach out for help when stress becomes overwhelming.
- Mental Disorders and Suicide
Mental disorders are illnesses that affect the mind and reduce a person’s ability to function, to adjust to change, or to get along with others. Of course, some mental disorders are more severe than others, but they all can be treated if the person who is suffering symptoms decides to seek help. If left untreated, however, mental disorders can be debilitating. Some can lead to dangerous situations such as self-injury and suicide. This unit examines the nature and symptoms of mental disorders. It describes possible causes of these illnesses, which range from eating disorders and anxiety disorders to mood disorders and personality disorders, and provides crucial information on options for treatment and therapy.
- Relationships
The most important goal of any relationship is to ensure that it is healthy. This unit focuses on that goal, beginning with a discussion of family. The unit describes the different forms of family today, examines family problems ranging from financial issues to the very serious issue of abuse, and offers strategies on ways families in need can seek support. The unit continues with strategies for healthy relationships, including skills for effective communication, cooperation, and compromise. The end of the unit focuses on dating—what it teaches you, the importance of emotional intimacy, and risks of sexual intimacy. The dangers of dating violence, including date rape, are also discussed, as are the skills couples can use to choose and practice abstinence.
- Preventing Violence
Violence—the threat or actual use of physical force against oneself or another person—is a major problem in the United States today. Many people assume that most episodes of violence occur between strangers. In fact, violence between family members, friends, and acquaintances is a significant part of the problem. This unit focuses on violence—its costs, its risk factors, and most important, its prevention. Several forms of violence occur at school, such as bullying, hazing, and harassment. There are ways to prevent and minimize these events, and everyone can play a role. The unit presents violence-prevention strategies, keys to conflict resolution, what to do if you are the victim of bullying or other forms of harassment, and how to get involved if you witness such events.
- Food and Nutrition
The nutritional value of the food we take into our bodies is the first step in achieving optimum physical health. This unit approaches food through nutrients and calories, and then links those basics to individual factors such as age, sex, heredity, and physical activity. With this understanding, you can make better choices about the foods you eat.
- Keeping Your Body Healthy
Physical health works together with mental and social health to create an overall feeling of well being. Today, many diseases of the digestive, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems begin with poor habits developed in the teen years. In this unit, you will learn about the structure and functions of these body systems along with ways to maintain their health.
- Exercising and Lifelong Fitness
Physical activity has physical, psychological, and social benefits. This unit emphasizes the importance of exercise and physical activity in lifelong health and helps you set goals that will enable you to maintain a healthy body. It also includes safety guidelines to help you avoid injuries.
- Alcohol
You have probably heard a lot about the consequences of alcohol abuse and underage drinking. Perhaps you have seen a public service announcement on television warning about the consequences of drinking and driving. You may know somebody who has had a problem with alcohol abuse. In this unit, you will learn that alcohol is a drug that affects the body and behavior. You will also learn about the risks of long-term alcohol abuse on one’s health and well-being. Finally, you will learn some strategies for saying no if you are ever feeling pressured by your peers to drink.
- Tobacco
Stained teeth, foul-smelling clothes, and bad breath—even at the surface, there are a number of reasons to say no to tobacco. But what about the long-term health consequences of smoking? In this unit, you will learn that the nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant drug that has negative effects on the body. You will also learn that there are many other harmful substances in tobacco that can lead to long-term health problems. Finally, you will learn strategies to say no to tobacco and how to be an advocate for nonsmokers.
- Preventing Drug Abuse
Many images may come to mind when you hear the word drug. Some drugs are beneficial when prescribed by a doctor as a medication to treat a disease. However, the use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs always has negative consequences. In this unit, you will learn about the effects of drug abuse on the body, the danger of addiction, and the consequences of long-term abuse. You will also learn about various treatment options for those who have become addicted. Finally, you will learn about strategies for saying no and how to stay drug-free for life.
- Reproduction
Adolescence is a time of growth and physical change. Your endocrine and reproductive systems are responsible for many of these changes, so it is important to understand how they work together and how you can keep them healthy. In this unit, you will learn about the structures of these body systems and how they function in growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
- Human Development
Humans are ever changing from the moment of fertilization until death. A developing embryo and fetus changes everyday until birth. After birth, humans continue changing how they look, feel, and act throughout life. In this unit, you will learn about the stages of human development from an embryo through the end of life.
- Infectious and Chronic Diseases
Infectious diseases are caused by toxins that enter and multiply within the human body. In this unit, you will learn how infectious diseases are spread and how they cause damage within the body. You will learn how to recognize some of the most common infectious diseases, as well as healthful behaviors that can protect you from them.
- STIs and AIDS
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become an epidemic in the United States. Of the common STIs, over 7 million people in the United States are infected with trichomoniasis each year. More that 6 million people are infected with the human papilloma virus, for which there is no cure. Nearly three million people are infected with chlamydia. In addition to the effects of these diseases, some STIs can lead to more serious conditions such as cancers and infertility. The most deadly of these infections is HIV, which can lead to AIDS. All sexual activity poses some risks for transmitting these diseases. In addition to learning about the symptoms and treatments for these infections, you will also learn about healthy behaviors that can help you avoid contracting or spreading a sexually transmitted infection.
- Placeholder Module #1
- Placeholder Module #2
- Placeholder Module #3
- Making Healthy Decisions
- Personal Fitness
Personal Fitness
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
The lessons in Personal Fitness help students gain an understanding of the proper ways to exercise and diet, as well as learn how to assess their own fitness level. The course also teaches strategies to attain the highest possible fitness level.
Units:
- Fitness Awareness and Understanding
In this unit, you will learn about the importance of fitness and be able to describe your fitness level. Topics covered include the five health-related factors and the six skill-related factors. You'll be able to define and perform a series of fitness tests to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, muscle endurance, and flexibility.You will also be able to explain the principles of overload, progression, and specificity. With this knowledge, you will learn how to plan your own exercise sessions, including the warm-up and cool down.Flexibility, the different kinds of joints, and how to apply principles to flexibility will also be covered.
- Cardiovascular Fitness
In this unit, you will be able to define cardiovascular fitness, describe the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and will be familiar with the major structural features of the heart. You will learn about blood presure, the respiratory process, features of the lungs, benefits of aerobic exercise, the types of muscle fibers, how to deveop cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength and endurance, oxygen transport, how blood is carried, and body fat.
- Nutrition
You will learn about the best food sources for the six major nutrients as well as the basic food groups to optimize your health benefits. Sports nutrition myths are debunked. Other topics include: hydration, weight control, fad diets, eating disorders, and the effect of stress.
- Designing Your Personal Exercise Program
You will learn about common exercises and how to avoid injuries. You will learn how to track your progress and as well as how to reach specific goals. This program design will improve a) cardiovascular endurance, b) muscular strength and endurance, and c) promote positive changes in flexibility.
- Fitness Awareness and Understanding
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AP Art History A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
This course is designed to provide college-level instruction in art history and prepares the student for the exam. The student will examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety of cultures. The student will learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and to articulate what he sees or experiences.
Units:
- Gallery One
In this gallery, the student will achieve an understanding of art historical analysis skills and the content of the College Board’s Framework. The essential questions that will guide the student's exploration through art historical analysis are:
What is art, and how is it made?
Why and how does art change?
How do we describe our thinking about art?The Big Ideas that the student will gain knowledge of are:
Artists manipulate materials and ideas to create an aesthetic object, act, or event.
Art making is shaped by tradition and change.
Interpretations of art are variable. - Gallery Two
In this unit, the student will analyze art and architecture of the Indigenous Americas to understand the cultural distinctions and the influence of religious beliefs and social hierarchy through these essential questions:
How do artists communicate religious beliefs and practices?
How is the difference between the natural and supernatural depicted?
How can art and architecture communicate a patron’s power? - Gallery Three
The cultural distinction of Asia; the religions of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism; and the influence of these religions and social hierarchy on art and architecture will be analyzed. To gain an understanding of art and architecture of West, Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia, the student will answer these essential questions:
How are art and architecture evidence of cross-cultural connections and influences?
How are religious beliefs and practices represented within art and architecture?
How does patronage influence artistic and architectural production? - Gallery Four
In this unit, the student will explore the cultural distinction of the Pacific, its religious beliefs, and the influence of these beliefs and social hierarchy on art and architecture through these essential questions:
How are groups of people of the Pacific defined by their relationship with the natural world?
How is this relationship depicted through their art?
How do artists intertwine the representation of human and animal forms to represent both the natural and supernatural? - Gallery Five
This unit will cover the art and architecture of the Ancient Near East and Africa and how they are evidence of how geography impacted belief systems. The student will explore works from the Ancient Near East, Ancient Egypt, and contemporary Africa to understand how geography shaped cultural distinction and religious beliefs.
- Gallery One
- AP Art History B
AP Art History B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
This course is designed to provide college-level instruction in art history and prepare the student for the AP exam. The student will examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and present and from a variety of cultures. The student will also learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and to articulate what he sees or experiences.
Units:
- Gallery One
In this unit, the student will examine the Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures to analyze their artistic innovations, architectural advancements, and influence on one another and address these essential questions:
How do stylistic elements represent a culture?
How are cultural influences and shifts represented within stylistic evolution? - Gallery Two
Early European art will be examined in this unit to understand the connections between sacred and functional, and the elevated role of the patron. The student will explore Christian, Judaic, Byzantine, migratory, Romanesque, and Gothic art and architecture to answer this essential question:
How does patronage affect artistic and architectural production and how are cultural exchanges reflected in art? - Gallery Three
Art and architecture from Renaissance to Romanticism will be analyzed in this unit to understand the cultural distinctions, artistic characteristics, and historical developments that define these periods. The student will address these essential questions:
How are the historical developments of each period reflected in the art and architecture?
How are religious and geographical differences reflected in artistic patronage and production? - Gallery Four
The Industrial Revolution was a catalyst that impacted the technological, economic, political, and social landscapes of the 19th and 20th centuries and subsequently was reflected within the artists and art of the era. The student will respond to these essential questions:
How do works of art reflect the rapidly changing modern world?
How are patronage, artistic training, artistic tradition, and perceived functions of art transformed in Europe and the America during this time period?
How do modern and contemporary artists respond to world events and social trends? - Gallery Five
Global Contemporary art is an amalgamation of tradition, technological advancements, and global awareness. The global lens of culture is perceived and understood through questions that address materials, tolls, function, and style. Diverse media, concepts, and ideals are unified through themes of existential investigations, sociopolitical critiques, the natural world, appropriation of culture, and technical innovations. The student will respond to these essential questions:
How do contemporary artists move beyond traditional concepts about art and artists?
How do information technology and global awareness together shape contemporary art?Art History A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In Art History, students explore the basic elements and principles of art and its role in human history and the development of early cultures. Students look at how art impacted cultures from Paleolithic times to ancient Egypt, and explore the factors that affect the analysis and interpretation of art.
Units:
- Journey Through Ancient Art History
This unit offers a foundation of the elements and principles of art and the knowledge of what to look for when the student critiques and explores various works of art. Creating art is an important part of experiencing life. It allows the student the opportunity to express himself in a unique form. It forces the student to seek out new ways to convey his thoughts and feelings to others. Studying the art that has been created by others helps the student to understand the thoughts and feelings that motivated them to create. It opens the student's mind to the similarities and differences among cultures and societies.
- Art at the Start: Early Civilization
Prehistoric Expression and Early Art and Architecture of the Fertile Crescent
This unit explores Prehistoric art as well as the art and architecture of the civilizations of the fertile crescent.
Historians usually consider works of art to be prehistoric if they were produced more than 5,000 years ago. This is the case with the works you will study in this unit. However, it is important to note that not all societies and cultures developed at the same time in history.
You will study the Sumerians who were responsible for the first forms of writing, law, a complex economy, irrigation methods, and singular expressions of art and architecture. The visual arts of the Sumerians were so influential that their legacy carried on in the cultures that followed: those of the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the neo-Babylonians.
- Egypt: Art on the Nile
Images of ancient Egypt abound in our imagination. The great treasures of the ancient world, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx, are instantly recognizable. In this particular unit, the student will begin by familiarizing himself with the geography and history of ancient Egypt. Then, the student will build a foundation of knowledge by getting an overview of the ancient art and architecture of this amazing civilization through the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.
- Final Review and Exam
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the final exam. Since this is a comprehensive exam, it may be helpful to organize your notes in the order of the course outline before you begin to review. Using the test-taking strategies that you have previously learned can help you be successful with both objective and essay questions.
- Journey Through Ancient Art History
- Gallery One
Independent Study - Physical Education
Description:
Students who are highly talented or interested in a particular subject area may choose to design their own independent study course. Students submit proposals for independent study to the school counselor for prior approval. Working under the guidance of the learning coach, the school counselor or teacher, and an adult considered to be an expert in the field, the student documents the number of hours spent on the project, the work and activities completed, and submits a final project to earn credit. Note: Independent study is not intended to grant academic credit for normal extracurricular high school activities, but is intended for students who want to deepen their knowledge in a particular field of study.
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Journalism A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
From examining the guidelines of proper journalism to firsthand practice in writing news, sports, and feature articles, students experience the media writing process and how it applies to today’s world of journalism. In Journalism A, students review the guidelines for good journalism and learn the elements of news, feature, and sports writing.
Units:
- The Guidelines of Good Journalism
This unit introduces the guidelines for good journalism. In addition, you learn how to manage time and research so that publication deadlines are met on time. More importantly, you will learn about the legal issues that are important to avoid when using sources and information. To avoid these problems, skills such as summarizing, paraphrasing and attributing sources are practiced.
- Learning the Process
This unit provides you with the skills and applications for mastering the process of writing a story for publication. You will learn to use a variety of sources to brainstorm for story ideas and sources as well as develop some strategies for designing and implementing surveys and interviews to provide primary sources for your stories. Overall, by the completion of this unit, you will be prepared to be a well-informed, efficient, and effective reporter.
- News Writing
Within each lesson of this unit, you apply the process of thinking about stories, writing, brainstorming for ideas and sources, researching sources, drafting the first versions, copyediting, and writing the final stories. Each type of reporting has its own unique organization and writing style. To provide audience interest in your story, you may use published data, statistics, and survey results, as well as your own interviews and surveys.
- Sports Writing
Whether or you are personally involved in a specific sport, you will find so many interesting topics to write about. If you are not interested in sports, you still have the ability to write about them. At the heart of all journalism is a similar set of skills that can be used to write about a football game, a bank robbery, a new film, or a tax bill. First, you will learn the criteria of sports reporting. Once you understand the criteria, story ideas are developed.
- Feature Writing
In this unit, you use interviews and surveys for primary sources by using observations of an event or setting , including "on-the-spot" interviews.
One of the best ways to make a feature story come to life is through photographs of the places and events covered, so if you are handy with a camera, you will be asked to start thinking about a story idea and looking for good photo opportunities. - Journalism A Review and Final Exam
- The Guidelines of Good Journalism
- Journalism B
Journalism B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
The second course in Journalism reviews the evolution of journalism and its role in today’s world. Students learn critical writing (reviews) as well as the steps for crafting editorials. The final unit introduces students to the basics in media design, including topics in multimedia presentation.
Units:
- Evolution in Journalism
In this unit, you will understand the evolution of competitive journalism by analyzing the motives of William Randolph Hearst. You will explain how yellow journalism shaped the Spanish-American War. Later in this unit, you will define media and identify ways media changed in the 20th Century, including how television affected the habits and opinions of the American family. You will learn how new forms of media have changed journalism and analyze how the Internet has impacted the power of media.
- Journalism in the World Today
In this unit, you will examine the reciprocal effect that media have on political and international events. It might be said that a successful global community hinges on fair and accurate reporting. Communication among people of the world is dependent on the commitment and honesty of its journalists. When those factors are missing, communication breaks down.
- Review Writing
In this unit, you will conduct evaluations of the two products or services about which you will write. Time-management is important for setting up surveys or interviews, so make sure you have enough time to gather the information and determine your opinion. For most students, review writing is a rewarding and enjoyable endeavor!
- Opinion Writing (Op-eds)
In this unit, you have the opportunity to express your opinion on a variety of topics of your choice. The first two lessons will give you lots of ideas and links for forming an opinion about a written opinion or even creating your own opinion cartoon.
- Copy and Design
In this unit you will learn some of the criteria for being an editor. You will learn more about the roles of the various editorial positions and what each entails. You will also consider the importance of honing your grammar and writing skills, and you will spend time practicing each. Finally, you will learn about writing good headlines.
- Journalism B Final Exam and Review
- Evolution in Journalism
- Speech and Debate
Speech and Debate
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, students learn how to apply visuals, style, stories, organization, and nonverbal communication to speeches. Students will learn tactics to help overcome fear, participate in debates, and rehearse effectively. Students will also learn how to evaluate great speeches from history as well as more modern media messages.
Units:
- Style and Nonverbal Communication
- Fear of Public Speaking
- Organizing a Presentation
- Making Presentations Memorable
- Using Visuals
- Debate and Persuasion
- Great Speeches in History
- Media Communication
- Preparation, Rehearsal and Continual Improvement
- Final Exam
Advertising and Sales Promotion
Prerequisites:
- Required Materials
• A digital camera or camera phone
Description:
Do you have a business idea but are unsure about how to market your ideas to customers? Do careers in business appeal to you? In this Introduction to Marketing class, the student will master the basics of marketing, including core concepts such as financing, pricing, distribution, product management, and more. Throughout the course, the student will learn about the basics of economics and economic systems, managing business finances accounting practices, operating a business in the global marketplace, generating business ideas and seeking out business opportunities, creating a business plan, and promoting and advertising a business.
Units:
- Introduction to Advertising
How many different advertisements do you think the average person views on a daily basis? Ads are in magazines, on the radio and television, and even sent to us via email and text message. Living in modern-day society, it's difficult to ignore the fact that ads are everywhere. In fact, advertisements have become so common that sometimes we tend to tune them out altogether. Because of this tendency, advertisers have to be more creative today than ever before, building bold ad campaigns that are impossible to ignore. In this course, you'll be exploring the ins and outs of the advertising industry, including its history, the role it plays in our society, and the ethical and legal issues related to advertising.
- Advertising in the 21st Century
In Unit 1, you discussed the humble beginnings of the marketing and advertising industry. Recall that ads were once small black-and-white columns in newspapers that did little more than describe the product for sale. The industry has come a long way since then, and it continues to evolve. In the 21st century, advertisers face the challenge of marketing to a diverse, global society with ever-changing interests, preferences, and values. In this unit, you will look at how advertisers are meeting those challenges. In particular, you will look at how the global marketplace, cultural diversity, and technology (especially the Internet) have changed the way marketers deliver their messages. You will also look at how marketers have developed the relatively new market of female sports fans.
- Careers in Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing
Did you know that nearly half a million people are employed by the advertising, promotions, and marketing industry in the United States alone? Who are these people? What is it like to live a day in their shoes? There are many possible answers to these questions. The industry is so large and the work so complex that it takes many different types of workers with varying skill sets to accomplish the goals of advertising and marketing agencies and teams. In this unit, you'll learn about some of the most common career paths in this field and get a feel for what it's like to do the jobs held by advertising and marketing professionals.
- Finances in Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing
Ask any small business owner or Fortune 500 CEO, and he will tell you that finances are one of the most important aspects of any business. No business decision—whether related to marketing, operations, human resources, or any other aspect of the company—can be made without carefully considering its financial implications. In this unit, you'll learn the basics of finances as they relate to the advertising, marketing, and promotions industry.
- Advertising and Sales Promotion Midterm Quiz
In this unit, you will review the information you learned up to this point in this course and take a quiz to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
- Working in Marketing, Advertising, and Promotions
If you want a job in the advertising and marketing field, you'll need the skills! But what skills do you need? In this unit, you will look closely at the interpersonal skills valued in this industry. You will also discover what employers in this industry expect from marketing, advertising, and promotions employees, and how you can expect to be treated as a professional in this field. As you study, keep in mind that many of these principles apply to a wide variety of other career choices as well, so learning about them will prove valuable even if you don't plan to pursue work in advertising and marketing. As an added bonus, the interpersonal skills you learn here can also help with relationships in your personal life!
- Technical Skills for a Marketing Career
What comes to mind when you think of what it takes to be an exceptionally good marketer? While some natural talent in the area certainly doesn't hurt, certain skills have to be learned to succeed in this field. As previously mentioned several times in this course, marketing is a field that is constantly growing and changing. In Unit 2, particularly, you explored the ways in which technology is changing the role of marketers. In this unit, you will revisit the topic to identify the specific technical skills today's marketers need to compete in a high-tech global marketplace.
- Principles of Selling
Throughout this course, you've learned about the different parts of a company's marketing and promotions strategy, including advertising. In the first unit, you identified personal selling as part of a company's promotion mix. In this unit, you will examine this promotional strategy in more detail. You'll learn when personal selling is an appropriate technique to use and how to implement it effectively. You'll also learn about how selling impacts the overall economy of the United States.
- Culminating Project: Developing a Promotional Plan
Throughout this course, you've learned a great deal about the marketing, advertising, and promotions industry. You've reviewed the history of marketing, examined its evolution into the 21st century, and discovered the skills needed to pursue one of the several career paths the industry has to offer. In this unit, you'll have the opportunity to apply what you've learned by developing a promotional plan of your own. For the purposes of this unit, imagine that you are an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to market an original idea for a new product. As you progress through the unit, you'll have the chance to develop your product concept and create a promotional plan to ensure that your product is successful with your target market. Let's get started!
- Advertising and Sales Promotion Final Exam
In this unit, you will review the information you learned throughout this course and take an exam to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
HS Introduction to Online Learning
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
Learning online and learning in a classroom are such different experiences -- from the presentation of material to interacting with your teachers and classmates to test taking. To be a successful learner in an online environment you need strategies. In this course, you will be equipped with best practices for working, studying, and researching efficiently. Coaching you to become a responsible digital citizen, this course will show you how to protect your privacy, how to communicate and to collaborate with others respectfully, and more!
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AP Psychology
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
This course is the equivalent of an introductory college course, including an overview of current research methods and theories. Students explore therapies used by professionals and examine the way people learn and think. Human reactions, instincts, aggression, intimacy, altruism, and information retention are also studied.
Units:
- Introduction to Psychology
- The Biological Basis of Behavior
- Human Development and Awareness
- Human Cognition
- Human Motivation and Emotion
- Human Interaction
- Course Review
Its time to get started preparing for your final exam. As students review for the exam in this course, they will also be studying for the AP Psychology exam administered by the College Board in May of each year.
The AP Psychology exam is comprised of two sections, a multiple choice section and a free response section. For the multiple choice section, students are provided with 70 minutes for 100 questions, and for the free response section, students have 50 minutes to answer two questions.
This unit will describe the test and give students some review strategies to help them be successful on the Psychology exam.
Online Text/eBook
- eText Psychology AP Edition
Textbook
- Psychology AP Edition
- Psychology A
Psychology A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
The exploration of psychology begins with a historical review of how man has sought to explain human behavior from ancient times to today. Students learn about the research methods and how the scientific method of inquiry moved psychology from hypnosis and mesmerism to serious inquiry utilizing hard science to prove theories.
Units:
- Introducing Psychology
In this introductory unit, you will learn about the importance of psychology as a field of inquiry and how for thousands of years man has sought to understand the inner workings of the human mind. You will explore psychology's early roots in philosophy, religion, and mythology; marvel in the strange early "pseudo sciences;" and begin to understand how the rise of science set the stage for psychology as we know it today.The unit begins with an exploration of the value of psychology as a field of study through its practical applications to your everyday life. Through this, you will develop an appreciation for the goals of psychology and an understanding of its scientific basis.The road to modern day psychology is a long and twisting one that is marked by various conflicting perspectives. Because of this, our journey through this unit will take us through the last few centuries where we will meet the major players and the various schools of thought they represent. By building on these early perspectives you will come to understand how modern psychology is indeed a reflection of our current view of the world.
- Research Methods Statistics
In the last unit, you learned about the scientific method and that psychologists rely on formal systematic observations to address their questions. It is this methodology that makes psychology scientific. In this unit, we will deepen your understanding of these methods so that you will be able to evaluate the research-based information that is presented to you in your daily life. It is important to think critically about data because you are bombarded with research findings nearly everyday. The government, advertisers, scientists and others use research data to draw conclusions about everything from the state of the economy and the safety of products to how to improve your health. Learning how to evaluate these reports from a research perspective will help you use this information wisely and to know which reports you should disregard because of flaws and/or limitations with the study.
- Basics of the Nervous System
In this unit, you will explore the depths of the nervous system and its components. You will begin by understanding the form and functions of the most basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron. You will discover how electrochemical impulses stimulate neurons and nervous system pathways that affect both physical activities and thoughts. You will dissect the human brain in all its beauty and explore the amazing findings that have occurred as a result in technological advances in modern medicine and neuroscience. You will also examine the effects of other factors on behavior, both hormonal and genetic.
This investigation of the nervous system and the brain will further your understanding of the biological bases of behavior and lay the foundation for understanding how people think and perceive the world, and how drugs, sleep, and dreams affect the brain and behavior.
- Altered States
The phrase "altered state of consciousness" was coined in the 1970s and describes intentionally, unnaturally induced changes in one's mental state, sometimes attained through the use of recreational drugs and psychedelic substances such as LSD and marijuana.
To understand altered states of consciousness, you will build on what you have learned about the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system and will explore what occurs in the brain during unconscious states. In this exploration, you will attempt to understand the mysteries of the most common unconscious states: sleep and dreams. You will discover that dreams are a language of imagery and that this imagery ranges from the normal to the surreal and can include frightening nightmares. You will come to realize that although this is an area of psychology research that has intrigued scientists and has been the subject of considerable research, no one is actually certain about the function of dreams and sleep.
- Sensation and Perception
How do you obtain reliable and useful information about the environment through your senses? That is to say, how do you come to be aware of the stimuli in your surroundings? What can illusions tell you about how the visual system normally works?
In this unit, you will look at behavior (how does an outfielder catch a fly ball?) and neurophysiological evidence (what parts of the brain are most active when we view a spot of red light?). You will explore the anatomical structure of the various sensory systems (how is light transformed into a neural signal within the eye?); the functional architecture of the perceptual parts of the human brain; psychophysics (the quantitative measurement of perceptual experience); form, depth, and motion perception; color vision; visual attention; perceptual memory; auditory perception, and the sense of touch. You will learn about conscious awareness.
- Development Theories
In this unit, you will be introduced to the field of developmental psychology, which is the study of behavior across the life span. You will survey the major theorists of this field and discern the key themes of various theoretical perspectives on human development related to cognitive, social, and emotional development, from birth through adolescence. You will learn that psychologists face two critical problems in understanding human development: 1) determining how environmental variables (such as parental attitudes) and biological characteristics (such as health) interact and influence behavior, and 2) understanding how behavioral changes influence one another. Finally, you will look at current research trends that stress the interaction of environmental events and biological traits that influence behavior and development, and understand how and why this research provides methods for helping children with risk factors to develop more normally.
- Final Review and Exam
- Introducing Psychology
- Psychology B
Psychology B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In Psychology B, students investigate the brain personality theories in order to understand the complex mental processes of learning, memory, thought, and language. Mental health issues, ranging from stress to disorders, are discussed, and the last unit reviews various methods of therapy.
Units:
- Psychological Testing
What is the nature of intelligence? All of us have some vague notion as to what intelligence means, but do we really know? In this unit, you will look at how psychologists seek to define this elusive notion of intelligence and how the various definitions of this phenomenon influence the development of instruments used to measure intelligence.
Some of the instruments for measuring intelligence that you will look at will be very familiar. In fact, you have probably taken a few or more of these tests. You will learn what these tests really seek to measure and how such tests measure different things. In this unit, you will learn about the difference between objective and projective tests, and you will begin to understand the difference between what an SAT or MMPI measures in contrast to some other measurement devices such as the Rorschach Ink Blot tests. Finally, you will have an opportunity to take a few of these tests online and see what the experts say about your personality.
- Theories of Personality
In this unit, on personality theories, you will examine a number of theories from Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis to Carl Roger's cognitive theory of "self." While the sheer volume of personality theories will amaze you, you might find this area a bit confusing. You might ask, "who's right?" Interestingly, this aspect of psychology is the least amenable to research and provides a great number of complimentary and sometimes conflicting theories. Another interesting thing about the exploration of personality theories is that you might expect it to be the easiest of all since we all come to it with direct access to our own thoughts and feelings and since we have plenty of experience dealing with people. But do not mistake familiarity with knowledge. In fact, the topic of theories of personality is probably one of the most difficult and most complex in the field of psychology. Finally, In this unit, you will come to realize that the study of personality theories is less scientific than you might hope. There will be theories that fit in better with your experiences of self than others. You will also find that there will be times that several theorists say similar things, even though they are taking very different approaches.
- Learning, Memory, and Motivation
Learning is involved in almost every phenomenon psychologists study and occurs in many different ways. In this unit, you will explore the major learning theories that shape your understanding of learning principles and applications. Once you have an understanding of how learning occurs, you will begin your study of memory including the memory processes and systems and the nature of forgetting. In the later lessons, you will apply the foundational principles of learning and memory to explore the various forms of human thought and reasoning. This exploration will culminate in your study of the most complex cognitive product that humans have – language.
- Stress, Coping, and Mental Health
What is stress? We think that we know what it means, but what does it have to do with psychology or mental health? In this unit, you will not only look at how psychologists define stress, but also what role stress plays in our psychological and physical well-being.
You will be very familiar with some of the ways that stress is defined. However, you will also look at the positive and necessary role that stress plays in our lives through functions such as "fight or flight" and "eustress."
And since it seems that people are constantly looking for ways to reduce the amount of stress in their lives, you will also investigate various methods of stress management.
- Disorders
In this unit, you will learn about the various disorders that can strike during a lifetime. Yet, while you will examine a range of disorders from schizophrenia to drug addiction, you will begin your exploration of disorders by considering an age-old question: "What is normal?" You will discover and learn to evaluate what constitutes normalcy within any given society. You will find that there are many more distinct, recognized disorders than you could have imagined, and you will learn the general characteristics of each. Along the way you will also gain some insight into the cause and prevalence of these disorders. You might be surprised to find which of them are influenced by biological factors (such as genetics and chemical imbalance) as well as how many of them strike adolescents and very young adults.
- Therapy and Change
If you are at all familiar with Greek mythology, you will know or recognize the story of Pandora's Box. In the story, Pandora, in her curiosity, briefly released from the box all Disease, Sorrow, Vice, and Crime that plague humanity. Yet, among all of the evil unfurled upon humanity was Hope. And Hope's mission was to heal the damage that was caused by the other inhabitants of the box.
This story is especially fitting for this unit on therapy and change because that is exactly what it represents: hope. With this idea in mind, you will learn about the history and modern practice of various methods of therapy, such as Psychoanalytic, Cognitive, and many others. You will also investigate the potential for change that these methods, and the therapists who practice them, bring to the millions of people who suffer everyday with emotional and mental disorders.
- Final Review and Exam
- Psychological Testing
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2-D Animation
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
Are you inherently creative? Do you have an eye for drawing, technology, and timing? If so, 2-D Animation is the course for you! 2-D animation creates movement in a two-dimensional artistic space. In this course, the student will learn the necessary skills to do just that. 2-D Animation will give the student the tools to conceptualize and bring his animation dreams to life! Using a variety of software and design programs, the student will have the power to transform his creative notions into reality! Design, define, and complete a variety of digital design projects including creating a website! Learning about 2-D Animation could lead to a thriving career in the growing world of technology and animation!
Units:
- Basics of Animation
Drawing pictures and making them move is nothing short of magic. Since at least the 1600s, people have been experimenting and inventing ways to make images move. In fact, it is these cool experiments (which you can replicate yourself) that have led us to the modern era of fantastic 3-D computer generated animated movies! Get ready to take a peek behind the scenes as you track the history of animation magic.
- Hand Drawn Animation
Humans talk with their hands, and one way this happens is by communication through drawings. Traditional animation is hand-drawn animation that evolved from the exciting invention of photography and motion pictures. You will trace these developments all the way through the classic principles of animation developed by the animators at Disney Studios.
- Computer Animation and CGI
How do they do that? Modern animated films are a complete wonder to look at and incredibly complex to make. With so many artists performing intricate jobs to create realistic characters, backgrounds, and movement, it takes organization and leadership to bring it all together into a finished film. From the tiniest pixels to the hugest computing power needed for post-production, you will explore how CGI films are made.
- Digital 2-D Animation and Rotoscopy
Now’s your chance to join the ranks of talented animators! Everyone can try their hand at this fun art form and increase their communication skills and artistic expression while learning a simple 2-D animation program. Pull out your photos and videos—you can use these along with your drawings to make cool mini-animation while you explore Tupi 2-D Magic, a 2-D animation program that will allow you to put everything you’ve learned into action!
- Human Anatomy and Form
Animated characters aren’t real, so animators don’t really need to understand the human body, right? WRONG! You actually DO need to know how to draw the human form, with bone structure and muscles, and appreciate real world body mechanics in order to draw believable, but also stylized, animated characters. Together, you will tackle the basics and then you can let your imagination fly, while taking your audience along with you for the ride.
- Animated Motion
Jump around. Walk. Run. Smile. Shake your head. Tap your foot. People move all of the time, but how does it look in a sequence of images? Movement in animation must conform roughly to the laws of gravity and motion of the real world, but it can be used to express emotions, plot points, and character development. Studying natural movement will teach you to translate movement into animation, but you can still get creative and give that movement personality.
- 2-D Animation Midterm Exam
In this unit, you will review the information you learned throughout this course and take an exam to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
- Intro to Blender
Have you ever watched a modern animated movie and wondered how they created those incredibly detailed and compelling characters and worlds? With extremely realistic lighting, physics, and even hair, fur, and skin, the world of 3-D animation has become truly rich and visually compelling. In this unit, you will learn about the popular, open source, yet powerful, 3-D modeling and animation software called Blender.
- Character Modeling
Have you ever watched an extremely vivid, polished, animated movie or 3-D video game and wondered to yourself: "How do they create those 3-D characters?" You are going to begin by exploring the basic tools and techniques involved in creating the 3-D models for characters, and then you’ll even get to create a 3-D character model of your own!
- Character Animation
At some point, you have probably watched a modern animated movie or played a modern, high-end computer game and asked yourself: "How did they make those characters move so realistically, and believably?" Well …you’re about to find out! Get ready to take a look at the basic process involved in rigging, skinning, and animating a 3-D character.
- Storytelling
Do you want to go to the movies? Well, why do people go? It is because of the story! It draws them in, makes them care about the characters, and it lets them immerse themselves in another world. Storytelling is as old as the cavemen, and it is the best way to entertain modern humans as well. How do you make sure your story will captivate the audience? You have the secrets and the tricks right here—come along and you will learn a you a story about telling a story!
- Video, Music, and Sound
Silent films were great when they first came out, but now that we can have music, sound, and talking in our films ... let’s do it! From recording voice acting to making your own sound effects, putting sound to animation is an exercise in imagination and precision. After all, you don’t want that “pop!” to be heard before the popcorn actually starts to pop or the “crash” to occur before the block tower comes toppling over! Funny, quirky, spooky, or serious—the sounds included in your animation and how you make them are really all up to you!
- Careers in Animation
Animation is fun stuff! Who wouldn’t want to spend their days making amusing characters do silly things to entertain the masses? Well, perhaps you have a more serious side and would like to apply your talents to medicine or engineering. That is possible for animators, too! Whatever your dream, today is the first day on the path to a lifetime of fulfilling work as an animator. Seize the day!
- 2-D Animation Final Exam
In this unit, you will review the information you learned throughout this course and take an exam to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
- Basics of Animation
- 3-D Computer Modeling A
3-D Computer Modeling A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- In order for this course to function properly with a Mac, you must have OS 10.8 (or later).
Description:
Are you interested in a career in technology? Are you curious about working in fields like virtual reality, video game design, marketing, television and motion pictures, or digital imaging? If so, 3-D Computer Modeling is a great place to start as it is the foundation for all these career paths. The student will gain a deeper understanding of graphic design and illustration as he uses 3-D animation software to create virtual three-dimensional design projects. Hone in on drawing, photography, and 3-D construction techniques and develop the skills needed to navigate within a 3-D digital modeling workspace. This course is an excellent introduction to careers in the fast-growing field of technology and design.
Units:
- What is 3-D Modeling?
3-D modeling is all around you. You might think of 3-D movies or great animations when you think about 3-D modeling, but it is a lot more than that. The new skyscraper downtown, that artificial limb given to a wounded veteran, or the latest spacecraft hurling into orbit all likely depended on 3-D modeling for their design. With so many uses, 3-D modeling is an essential skill in today’s world, and you will begin with some about the basics about what 3-D modeling is, how it is done, and what you can do with the skills you acquire.
- The History of 3-D Modeling
As long as there has been human society, art has been a part of it. Today, 3-D modeling has become an essential part of animation. While its applications go way beyond entertainment, it owes much of its development to innovative artists looking for better ways to represent the worlds they create on film. Even teenagers playing really basic video games in the 1980s were actually moving technology forward by creating a market and pushing companies to make better and better versions. So, 3-D modeling has a long history dependent on several different innovations. Exploring how and why 3-D modeling evolved gives us valuable insights into how it can be used in the future and the potential of this technology that is still being unlocked.
- Tools of the Trade
When you turn on your computer and perform a basic function, like checking your favorite social media site, you are actually drawing on the work of a lot of different elements of the computer. From the most basic line of code that tells the computer what to do, to the operating system that makes sure that it prioritizes the task you are working on now, every element of the job your computer is doing was perfectly planned. Everything that makes a computer work comes from decades of technology. Just as 3-D modeling depends on a long history of art, the computers that make it happen have their own histories. Because computers play such an integral role in 3-D modeling, it is helpful to know some of the basics about how they operate.
- Digital Citizenship and Ethics
Working in 3-D modeling isn’t all fun and games, and an important part of this career is using the resources of the internet wisely and well. Like any society, the online community has expectations of appropriate behavior. In addition, the accessibility of information has raised some new challenges as digital artists want to share their work while making sure that they still get the credit that they deserve. Understanding the basics of copyright and other kinds of permission ensures that you will stay on the right side of the code of conduct, not to mention the law. One of the most exciting elements of 3-D modeling is the rate of change and the new possibilities that emerging technology brings.
- Creating 3-D Environments in Blender
Now that you know a little bit about digital citizenship and copyrights, now you can see what you can do with 3-D modeling. There are free, open source programs available to get you started, so all you need to do is download them and start developing those valuable skills. Blender is one of these software programs that offers the opportunity to start exploring the world of 3-D modeling with no commitment or expectation. Besides being readily available to anyone, this digital tool offers detailed tutorial videos for beginners, which makes it the perfect first step. These tips are easily found on the website and will take you through the details of how to design your first 3-D character, making excellent use of the digital tools available on the platform. Because Blender is such a popular program, there are also plenty of tutorials and tips available online. If you have questions or find yourself struggling with certain elements, a quick internet search will likely save the day.
- Visual Elements
You’ve likely heard the old adage, “a picture paints a thousand words.” Even today, this statement rings true, especially in the imaginative world of art and design. Regardless of the medium you use, every model, video, or creation you produce is infused somehow with your ideas and emotions. The question is simply, “what do you want to say?” Ultimately, the words available to you through 3-D modeling are limitless and will eventually be spoken through the object you create.
- 3-D Computer Modeling A Final Exam
In this unit, you will review the information you learned throughout this course and take an exam to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
- 3-D Computer Modeling B
3-D Computer Modeling B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Prerequisites:
- Students should have taken 3-D Computer Modeling A.In order for this course to function properly with a Mac, you must have OS 10.8 (or later).
Description:
Are you interested in a career in technology? Are you curious about working in fields like virtual reality, video game design, marketing, television and motion pictures, or digital imaging? If so, 3-D Computer Modeling is a great place to start as it is the foundation for all these career paths. Gain a deeper understanding of graphic design and illustration as you use 3-D animation software to create virtual three-dimensional design projects. Hone in on your drawing, photography, and 3-D construction techniques and develop the skills needed to navigate within a 3-D digital modeling workspace. This course is an excellent introduction to careers in the fast-growing field of technology and design.
Units:
- The Power of Light and Shade
The right lighting can change a scene to reflect a lot of different moods. Think about it. A narrow street lined with trees and bathed in golden sunlight would likely seem pleasant. However, when the sun goes down and those same tree branches are lit by moonlight and tendrils of fog, the scene becomes more ominous. Lighting is key to how images look and feel. This is why artists like painters and photographers spend so much time thinking about lighting and how it will affect their final product. For a painter, capturing the light with a paintbrush is essential, while a photographer is always seeking that magical moment of sunset or dawn to enhance the subject. It is no different with 3-D modeling as it uses various lighting techniques to breathe life into dull scenes and fill figures and shapes with a sense of realism.
- 3-D Geometrics
It’s often hard to tell how much work and talent goes into 3-D modeling just by looking at it. In fact, models that are done well are deceptive in the way they make the process seem easy. But creating 3-D scenes and objects is far from simple and demands a breadth of knowledge that includes both method and a dose of math. By embracing the basic concepts of geometry, 3-D modelers are able to visualize and execute their designs more effectively and solve spatial problems with less effort. Yes, in the unique world of 3-D art, design and math work collaboratively to produce realism and the feeling of a multi-dimensional landscape.
- Texturing
As we know, 3-D modeling and animation is centered on the need to create realistic objects in a virtual environment. If you are trying to create a 3-D human model, your work is not complete until it has a recognizable skin tone with the right type of tactile surface. What exactly this looks and feels like will depend on your goals as a 3-D artist. But regardless of the project, you will need a technical understanding of texturing to find success in recreating these details. In fact, model texturing is one of the most important aspects in 3-D design and a skill everyone in the field must know.
- Rendering
One of the most important parts of 3-D modeling is the final product. Without it, the skill, hard work, and technical knowledge you have cultivated has no real purpose. And that’s precisely why rendering is such a vital topic—it is the process that allows you to finally achieve the scene, object, or model from your artistic vision. As such, rendering determines the way light and shadow play on objects and whether realism has been achieved. Part of this process uses mathematics to create complex computations, while other parts rely on the artist’s sense of how light works. In that way, rendering is an interesting combination of the technical and the artistic and one of the most exciting aspects of 3-D art. It is the moment when your vision becomes reality!
- Environmental Models
Believable environments with accurate renderings are not just entertaining—they also have meaningful applications in the real world. From architecture to gaming to engineering to geology, the process of environmental modeling offers industries and enterprises effective ways to generate data, apply information, and analyze outcomes. And with such a valuable tool, there are few industries that cannot benefit from it in some way. Using the methods and skills of a 3-D modeler, it is possible to implement change through a variety of outlets, which makes it one of the most exciting and versatile fields around.
- Molding Your Future
If you have ever played a high-quality computer game, you know that realism can be found outside of the natural world. The faces, the places, and the objects within that man-made world are so life-like it’s hard to grasp how they were created in the first place. By now, you likely have a clearer understanding of exactly what it takes to reach this artistic point in the 3-D world. With this knowledge, it is possible for you to be the one creating those mind-blowing games, the ones capable of transcending people from their regular lives into an imaginary one without boundaries or definition. It is pretty exciting stuff! These kinds of creative jobs feel less like “work” and more like fantastical play. But, indeed, they are jobs, with practical requirements and expectations, both of which you will need to understand if you hope to join the ranks of successful 3-D artists.
- 3-D Computer Modeling B Final Exam
In this unit, you will review the information you learned throughout this course and take an exam to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge.
- AP Computer Science A (A)
AP Computer Science A (A)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, the student will receive college-level instruction in the principles of software design and basic skills in using the Java programming language. The student will explore the concept of object-oriented program design and how that concept is developed in the Java language. The student will also analyze how elegant software is developed through efficient program implementation. Standard data structures, operations, and algorithms are identified and applied in sample programs. The student will also learn how to analyze programs for common problems and design resolutions to those problems. Throughout the course, the student will consider the social and ethical context in which computing takes place today, and will gain experience implementing these principles through regular practice in writing programs in the Java language. The course effectively prepares the student for success on the AP® Computer Science exam.
- AP Computer Science B (B)
AP Computer Science B (B)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12Credits: 0.50Description:
In this course, the student will receive college-level instruction in the principles of software design and basic skills in using the Java programming language. The student will explore the concept of object-oriented program design and how that concept is developed in the Java language. The student will also analyze how elegant software is developed through efficient program implementation. Standard data structures, operations, and algorithms are identified and applied in sample programs. The student will also learn how to analyze programs for common problems and design resolutions to those problems. Throughout the course, the student will consider the social and ethical context in which computing takes place today, and will gain experience implementing these principles through regular practice in writing programs in the Java language. The course effectively prepares the student for success on the AP® Computer Science exam.
Some of the programs are available online
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- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Cloud Computing
- Electronics Engineering
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Mechatronics
- Web Design and Development
- Cyber and Network Security
- Software Development
- Mobile Development
- Cybersecurity
Accreditation
Berkshire University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Masters, Education Specialist and Doctorate degrees
Mission
It is among our mission to deliver academic instruction in the liberal arts and sciences and professional preparation through traditional, extended campus and online programs.
Adult & Online Education
With Berkshire University Adult & Online Education programs, you can earn a respected degree with the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
Explore our 8-week accelerated programs
Berkshire University Adult & Online Education offers afternoon, evening and online classes in a convenient 8-week format designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a course of study while balancing other obligations.
Points of pride
- Maine’s public research university with a focus on undergraduate and graduate research throughout Maine and around the world
- 15 Signature and Emerging Areas of Excellence
- Featured in multiple 2018 guides to best colleges, including The Princeton Review
- One of the nation’s top 50 green colleges by The Princeton Review
- 2018 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation
- 107,000 alumni worldwide
- 150-year legacy
- Campus designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted
- UMaine campus was designated as an arboretum in 2003
- 16 UMaine Cooperative Extension offices and five research field stations throughout the state offer outreach in every Maine county
- Maine’s partner in helping prepare the state for the 21st century
Student life
- Students from 49 U.S. states and territories, and 63 countries
- Enrollment: 11,219; 9,323 undergraduate
- Most comprehensive academic offerings in the state
- World-class faculty committed to mentoring and actively engaging students in research and scholarship
- More than 200 student clubs and organizations
- 15 miles of running, biking and cross-country skiing trails on campus
- Maine’s only NCAA Division I athletics program, 84 individual and team conference championships in the last 10 years
- Maine Bound recreational activities
- Community engagement — from volunteerism to internships — igniting passion in students, and helping address issues globally and lo
Academics
- 100 undergraduate majors and academic programs
- 80 master’s degrees and 30 doctoral degrees
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio
- Tuition: Instate — $10,610 (2018–19), Out of State — $28,880 (2018–19)
- Student research spanning the breadth and depth of undergraduate and graduate studies
- World-class faculty who are leading researchers and scholars in their fields, mentoring students
- One of the nation’s oldest honors programs
- Marine sciences research facility in Walpole
- Ranked among the top public universities for research by the National Science Foundation