ELECTIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
(Last Revised February 3, 2011)
Check school site for course availability.
YEAR COURSES:
ActingCourse#:6071
Prerequisite: Intro to Drama and permission of instructor Grade Level:7 – 8
This course is designed to build on the basic acting skills developed in “Intro to Drama.” Many opportunities will be provided for the analysis and creation of characters. The highlight of the course is a production in which class members will become the cast of characters and also will take on behind the scenes responsibilities.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Course #: 8252
Prerequisite:Screening by AVID committee (Application Required)Grade level:7 - 8
This course serves “students in the middle” who have academic potential but who have not previously succeeded in a “college prep” path. Students receive academic instruction, tutorial support, and motivational activities.
French I (P) Course#:G5661
Prerequisite: None Grade Level:7 -12
This course consists of a series of linguistic activities and cultural topics that enable the students to communicate in French at an introductory level. Topics include greetings, family, meals, weather, home, friends, talking about oneself and others. At the end of this course the students will be able to communicate at the novice level within the range of the topics mentioned.
HeroesCourse#:8275
Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 7 -8
Students will engage in character building activities designed to train them to be positive role models to their peers and to younger students. They will participate in a mentoring/tutoring program with a local elementary school, and design and participate in service projects on the Carmel Valley campus.
Journalism/Yearbook Course #: 1202
Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor (Application Required) Grade level: 7-8
The course encompasses the production of the school yearbook. The production of the yearbook begins in the early spring of each year when the staff of the ensuing year is selected. This is done through a process of interviewing and screening prospective students for editor and staff positions. During the year, production is geared for coverage of all school activities through the final deadline time in late March or April. While adhering to publisher deadlines, the yearbook completes that cycle of covering the history of one year of school life. Course includes production of the school newspaper.
Reading Course #: 1303
Prerequisite: None Grade level: 7 - 8
This classis designed for students who are reading below grade level. Students receive individualized instruction in reading comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary on computer software, as well as small group instruction, and independent reading time. Reading materials are high interest and each student reads books appropriate for their reading level. Progress is monitored regularly.
Marching Band/PE(Marching Band/PE, Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced) Course #: 0066/6160/6161/6162
Prerequisite: None Grade level:7-8
This course offers students the opportunity to continue their study of standard woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, and to participate in band performances. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to progress to the high school band program. This course can take the place of Physical Education or be the students’ elective course.
Orchestra Course#:6134
Prerequisite: None Grade Level:7 – 8
This course is designed for students who have had no or very little experience playing an instrument. This includes wind, string, and percussion instruments. May be taken to replace PE or as an elective.
Advanced Orchestra Course#:6135
Prerequisite: Audition Grade Level:7 – 8
The students will focus on standard orchestral literature and be able to place these works in the proper historical and stylistic context. Acceptance into this class will be determined by audition.
May be taken to replace PE or as the elective.
Spanish I (P) Course #: G5681
Prerequisite: None Grade level:7-12
This course consists of a series of linguistic activities and cultural topics, which enable the student to communicate about daily activities at a survival level. These activities are chosen for their personal significance to the students, thereby providing an aspect of spontaneity to the communication. At the end of this course, the student will be able to understand, speak, read, and write about high frequency expressions and phrases and make him/herself understood by the teacher.
Spanish II(P)Course #: G5682
Prerequisite: Spanish I with “C” or better Grade level:7-12
This course consists of a series of linguistic activities and cultural topics, which enables the student to communicate about daily activities at a functional level. These activities are chosen for their personal significance to the students, thereby providing an aspect of spontaneity to the communication. At the end of this course, the student will be able to understand, speak, read and write about basic daily activities and make him/herself understood by a sympathetic native speaker.
SEMESTER COURSES:
Visual & Performing Arts Discovery Wheel (Art, Drama, Digital Art) Course #:6065
Prerequisite: NoneGrade level:7 - 8
Students will rotate among three introductory courses during the semester. These courses are: Introduction to Theater, Introduction to Art, and Introduction to Digital Art. Students will spend six weeks in each course. In Introduction to Theater students will perform small pieces in front of an audience, study the history of theater, and evaluate a variety of performances. In Introduction to Art students will gain exposure to the elements of art and principles of design. They will produce art work using a variety of mediums. Introduction to Digital Art will give students the opportunity to learn computer skills as well use the elements of art and principles of design along with technology to create digital artwork. Students will be introduced to the growing use of technology in the art and design field.
Academic Success Course #: 8251
Prerequisite:NoneGrade level:7-8
The course is designed to assist and instruct students in basic skills, which are prerequisites to academic success, and personal adjustment in high school. The skills taught in this course form a foundation for successful schoolwork. In addition, the implementation of these techniques will have wide applicability in both college and career settings.
Academic Success/Media LiteracyCourse#:8251
Prerequisite:NoneGrade level:7 - 8
This semester elective at CVMS will offer an exciting new curriculum that will focus on creating successful life-long learners. This course is designed to help those students who are struggling in class, despite the fact that they show some academic promise. Students will develop the following: Organizational Skills, Memorization Skills, Time Management and Goal Setting Skills, Test Taking Skills, Personal Learning Styles, Study Tips & Skills, Internet literacy Skills. Note: This is NOT a course for students who simply need a place to study or who are not getting homework done as a result of an overly-impacted schedule.
General Studio Art Course #: 6051
Prerequisite: None Grade level: 7 - 8
A survey course that will expose the student to varied art forms, media, and techniques. This exposure will create a common core of knowledge, familiarize the student with his/her cultural heritage, develop and refine his/her sensibilities toward the arts and enable the student to express his/her own creativity and increase his/her capacity for problem solving.
Advanced Art Course #: 6052
Prerequisite: General Studio Art or teacher permission Grade level: 7 - 8
This advanced program in studio art is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in art and the creation of their own portfolios.
Cartooning Course#:6053
Prerequisite:NoneGrade level:7 - 8
Learn the basics of drawing, cartooning, claymation, and computer aided animation.
CE-SMART (Career Exploration of Science and Math Course #: 4202
Applications to research and Technology) Grade level: 7 - 8
Prerequisite: None
This course delivers a contemporary curriculum of technology content, language arts and applied math and science inquiry through the balanced use of multimedia, video and hands-on activities. Integrated units include, Alternative Energy, CNC Router, Laser Technology, CAD, Electricity, Digital Music, Flight Technology, Forensic Science, Energy and Power, Materials Processing, Mechanics, Pneumatics, Research and Development, Robotics, Structural Engineering, and Virtual Architecture.
Digital ArtCourse #: 6061
Prerequisite:Intro to MultimediaGrade level: 7 - 8
This digital art class teaches the fundamentals of graphic design, advanced photography and web design and is designed for students to explore the growing use of technology in the art field. Studentswill incorporate the elements of art and principles of design along with technology to create digital artwork using digital cameras, AdobePhotoshop and Adobe Dreamweaver.
Intro to Drama Course #: 6072
Prerequisite:None Grade level:7 - 8
This course is designed to introduce the student to the cultural heritage and artistic process of acting. The student’s skill in expressing thought and feelings through both verbal and non-verbal means will be developed. Positive self-image and confidence are developed through the emphasis on a graduated sequence of success-oriented activities.
Advanced Drama Course #: 6073
Prerequisite:Introduction to Drama and /or permission of instructor Grade level: 7 - 8
This course is designed to refine the basic skills developed in “Intro to Drama.” The intent is to develop within the student a positive self-concept, and an ability to perceive and interact successfully with others. There will be a greater emphasis on “in-class” performances.
Leadership Course #: 8253
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor (Application Required) Grade level:7 - 8
Leadership class prepares students to participate effectively in student government. Students are provided learning experiences in areas of planning, implementation and evaluation of programs. Improved time management, goal setting, communication and organizational skills are stressed. Students gain insight into parliamentary procedure, CaliforniaState law, and the education code and school finance. A basic objective of the course is to nurture student appreciation of the democratic process. Course may be repeated for credit.
Intro to MultimediaCourse #: 7251
Prerequisite:None Grade level:7 - 8
This is an elective course designed for all students. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of multimedia production through instruction in digital photography and digital photo and graphics manipulation using Adobe Photoshop, basic web page design using SharePoint Designer 2007, and multimedia presentation using PowerPoint 2007. Designed within this curriculum, students will alsouse Microsoft Office 2007 - Word, Excel, and Publisher - as well as learn to navigate and research the Internet. Infused into the curriculum will be keyboarding practiceto increase typing speed and accuracy. Introduction to Multimedia is a prerequisite for Advanced Multimedia.
Advanced Multimedia Course #: 7252
Prerequisite: Introduction to Multimedia or teacher permission Grade level: 7 - 8
This course will teach computer graphicsanimation using Adobe Flash; more advanced functions of digital photography and photo editing using digital cameras and Adobe Photoshop; and advanced web design and layout using Adobe Dreamweaver. The Internet will play an integral part of classroom instruction. Students will continue to practice desktop publishing with Microsoft Office 2007 throughout the semester.
Peer Helping Course #:8254
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor (Application Required) Grade level: 7 - 8
This course is designed to foster responsibility, dependability, self-confidence, and social skills. Students are trained to serve as mediators to help students resolve conflict. This is aimed at fostering empathy and tolerance and being ready for positions of leadership.
TV Broadcasting Course#:6170
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor (Application Required) Grade Level:7 – 8
Students experience the process of filmmaking and videography from inception of an idea to completion of a project on tape based on student video projects and professional films and videotapes.
Video Film Course#:6168
Prerequisite: None Grade Level:7 – 8
Students experience the process of filmmaking and videography from inception of an idea to completion of a project on tape based on student video projects and professional films and videotapes.
Student Assistant Course#:8201Grade Level: (8)
Office Aide Course#:8202Grade Level: (8)
Library Aide Course#:8203GradeLevel:(8)
Counseling Aide Course#:8204Grade Level: (8)
Prerequisite: Approval of certificated supervisor
Note: This course is taken for a pass/fail grade only
These courses provide a variety of practical experiences for students.
Not all courses are available at every middle school.