2016-2017 FULMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL
7TH GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SEMESTER ELECTIVES
VISUAL MEDIA: This course focuses on persuasive communications and their impact on society. Students will analyze photographs, advertisements, political cartoons, films, and other forms of visual media. There will be a focus on historical events and how they are interpreted through visual media.
FILM AS LITERATURE: This course examines films through the lens of literature, including short stories, poems or novels that have been made into film. Students will also explore literary devices as they appear in films.
ART GRADE 7: Art is designed for Grade 7 students who may or may not have prior experience. Art history, cultural art, and a variety of mediums are explored.
BLANK PAGE: Students create original writings, in short stories, plays poetry and myths.
ANTHROPOLOGY:The study of humans-past and present. This course will cover three subsets of anthropology: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, and archaeology. Students will evaluate what makes a culture, explore how we became human and discover ancient history.
DANCE GRADE 7: This semester course will give the students an opportunity to explore a broad overview of various dance styles. Students will perform at the end of the semester.
HEROES AND MONSTERS: Students study various heroes and “monsters” in literature and film and trace their origins to various literary techniques. The study includes the development of the hero and of his antithesis in literature.
INTERMEDIATE DANCE:This year long course is a continuation of beginning dance. Students will explore a variety of dance styles at a quicker pace.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Environmental Science is the study of life’s relationship with our planet. We look at the fragile balance of ecosystems and how life adapts to the ever changing planet we call home. We explore current realities of climate change and create real solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow.
FORENSIC SCIENCE: Introduces students to the science of solving crimes. Students will learn about various topics and methods such as fingerprinting, impression evidence, hair samples, chromatography, blood splatter, and many others used by today’s forensic professionals.
GRAPHIC DESIGN CAREERS: This course instructs the students in graphic design skills, employing traditional and digital tools, materials and procedures used in the communication arts industry. The focus will be on finding creative visual solutions to communication problems using technical skills.
CRIMINAL LAW: Students learn the vocabulary and procedures used in criminal law to defend or prosecute criminals. Mock trials and the preparation for the trials are integral to the study.
CIVIL RIGHTS LAW: Students in this course examine the law and government issues associated with the civil rights movement in the United States, as well as aspects of the history of the movement. Students will gain an awareness and appreciation of the American legal system and will participate in culminating activities dealing with civil rights issues. There will be three major units: 1) Bill of Rights 2)Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s-1960s and 3) Modern Civil Rights Movement.
INTERNATIONAL LAW: Students will be given a global perspective of both the law and of human rights. Areas of study will be international courts, the universal declaration of human rights, justice systems around the world, and how International Law applies to current events.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: Students will examine local, state, national and international environmental issues, as they are affected by the law. Students will explore issues of conservation and current environmental issues.
HISPANIC CULTURES: Cultural and political study of the countries of Latin America. It includes a detailed study of geophysical features and ancient civilizations.
ASIAN CULTURES: The course is designed to introduce students to culture of East Asia such as China, Japan, and Korea. Students explore geography, history, economy, language, customs/traditions, religious tradition, recipes/food, legend, music, holidays, and value of each country.
JAPANESE ARTS: The course introduces students to the ancient of arts forms such calligraphy, origami, kite making, haiku poem that are characteristics of Japanese culture. They will also be introduced to Japanese performing arts such as kabuki theatre, Nohtheater, and Taiko drumming.
MASS MEDIA LAW (ENTERTAINMENT LAW): Students study entertainment law as it pertains to current issues in film and music production, copyright violations (movies and film pirating), and other areas, including new regulations pertaining to social media.
MOCK TRIAL: Students in this literacy based and highly challenging course examine various legal issues, prepare briefs through original research, and participate in a mock trial through various roles, such as defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, or as a witness. Students will have the opportunity to compete in teams and may present at one of Austin’s courthouses. Prerequisite: Previous law course AND instructor approval.
ROBOTICS CAREERS: Learn programs and software to make roboticsperform tasks.
ADVANCED ROBOTICS CAREERS: Advanced Robotics is designed to provide students an in depth exploration at the process Engineers use to solve real world problems.Students willcontinue to develop skills to research, build and program robots tocompletereal-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface.Prerequisite: Robotics Careers.
SHAKESPEARE:Explore Shakespeare's works using Drama-Based Instruction. This hands-on class teaches students about Shakespeare's life, his plays, and ElizabethanEngland. Role play, pantomime,and many other drama-based techniques are used to give students tools to read, analyze, and act out Shakespeare's plays. A trip to the Renaissance Faire is taken to help students explorethe world of Elizabethan England. This course requiresLevel III reading skills on the STAAR test.
TECHNOLOGY CAREERS: Learn how to use computer technology in everyday life.
THEATER ARTS GRADE 7: Theatre Arts is a one-semester course designed for students who may or may not have theatre experience. The class will reinforce prior knowledge, while emphasizing performance as well as historical and cultural heritage. There is no prerequisite.
WEB DESIGN CAREERS: Learn to develop the skills to create your own web page.
DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY NOVEL STUDY: Students will explore the ideas, symbolism and literary devices. The themes of Power/Politics, Appearances, Identity, Society and Class, and Sacrifice will be analyzed.
ATHLETICS: Physical education that is more rigorous and sports-focused. Students do not need to take athletics to play on a Fulmore sports team. A physical from a physician is required for participation in athletics.
YEAR LONG ELECTIVES
ADVANCED ART: Advanced Art is designed to provide an in depth exploration of different medium for students with a background in art. Students will develop a portfolio to take into the high school setting. Instructor approval required.
AVID:Offered for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders as a system to help prepare academically for a four year college. The curriculum is based on writing as a tool of learning, the inquiry method, collaborative grouping, and academic reading. The three main components of this program and class are: academic instruction, tutorial support, and motivational activities needed to tackle the most rigorous classes.Application process and approval required.
VIDEO PRODUCTION: In a two-semester course, students will study media and films as artifacts that reflect their societies. Students will study media criticism based on lighting, sound, visual style, message and theme. Students will conduct research about films and their directors, presenting their findings orally, in writing and using visual representations. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own technology based presentations. Prerequisite: Visual Media or Journalism I.
BEGINNING OR ADVANCED BAND: Beginning Band is designed for students who have minimal or no experience playing a wind or percussion instrument. In advanced band students will have the opportunity to perform and rehearse with a full-band ensemble. Students will be expected to participate in several musical competitions and to perform in concerts throughout the year. Summer and after-school rehearsals may be required.
BEGINNING CHOIR:Beginning Choir is for students who have minimal or no experience in choral singing. Students learn basics of rhythm, notation, vocal technique and expression, score reading, and cultural and historical connections to the music. Several performances a year are required.
INTERMEDIATE CHOIR: Designed for students who have some or no experience in choral singing. Students with prior experience in choir continue to advance their vocal skills and to learn music theory, while those with no experience learn basics. Several performances a year are required. There are no prerequisites.
ADVANCED CHOIR (GIRLS OR BOYS): Designed for Grade 8 girls or boys who have prior experience in choral singing. This is the most advanced course offered in the choral program. Advanced score reading and theory are emphasized, as well as daily preparation for performances. Students are expected to compete in several district contests throughout the school year as well as to perform in regular concerts.
FALCONETTES: This year long course is a continuation of beginning dance. Students will explore a variety of dance styles and techniques at a quicker pace. Students will participate in up to 2 performances per year.
Prerequisite: Beginning dance AND instructor approval.
DANCE PERFORMANCE/ADVANCED DANCE: This audition group will hone their performance skills while given the opportunity to perform at various events. Auditions for current 6th & 7th graders will be held during the spring semester for the following school year.
Prerequisite: beginning or intermediate dance AND instructor approval.
JOURNALISM I: In this year-long course students are introduced to the exciting world of print media. During the year, students study newspaper and yearbook design. They also study photography and how to take great photographs. Students learn thehistory and ethics of journalism as well as the basics of reporting and writing. Students in Journalism I do not work directly on the newspaper and yearbook.
JOURNALISM II: This year-long course focuses on an understanding of print media development, reporting and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes, and an understanding of the principles of design and economics in publishing. Journalism II is a production class and out-of-class time and deadlines are stressed. Students in Journalism II create the newspapers and yearbook. Prerequisite: Journalism I and teacher approval required.
BEGINNINGORCHESTRA: Beginning Orchestra is designed for students of any grade level who have minimal or no experience playing a string instrument. Students will be prepared to perform a concert in the fall and up to five concerts throughout the year. Instrument selection and appropriate sizes of instrument will be determined during the first two weeks of instruction after all string instruments have been explored together.
INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA: Intermediate Orchestra is designed for students of any grade level who have one or more years of experience playing a string instrument. These students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and compete in various orchestra, solo, and ensemble competitions, as well as in smaller chamber ensembles that meet during orchestra time and after school. Students must have director’s approval to sign up for Intermediate Orchestra.
ADVANCED ORCHESTRA:Advanced orchestra is designed for students of any grade level who have two or more years of experience playing a string instrument. These students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and compete in various orchestra, solo, and ensemble concerts and competitions, as well as in smaller chamber ensembles that meet during orchestra time and after school. Students must have director’s approval to sign up for Intermediate Orchestra.
BEGINNING OR ADVANCED GUITAR: Beginning Classical Guitar is a full year course designed for students of any grade level who have minimal or no experience playing classical guitar. Students will be prepared to perform a concert in the fall and up to five concerts throughout the year. Instrument selection and appropriate sizes of instrument will be determined during the first two weeks of instruction after all string instruments have been explored together. Advanced Classical Guitar is a full year course designed for students of any grade level who have one or more years of experience playing classical guitar. Advanced Classical Guitar is a continuation of skills learned in Beginning Classical Guitar. These students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and compete in various solo, and ensemble competitions and festivals. Students must have director’s approval to sign up for Advanced Classical Guitar.
PALS (Peer assistance and leadership): This year long elective will help students develop leadership skills through No Place For Hate activities, community service projects and mentoring opportunities. Students will be required to attend the annual PALS conference in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: Students must complete the application and interview process to be considered for this program.
QUIZ BOWL: An opportunity for students to participate in an international contest while challenging their critical thinking skills on a variety of subjects. Quiz Bowl competitions are held on Saturdays throughout the year.
ADVANCED THEATRE ARTS: Students in Advanced Theatre Arts present the one-act play at a district-wide festival in the fall. The class also produces a community performance in the spring. Students will have the opportunity to rehearse and to perform two full productions. After school rehearsals are required. Concepts explored will include rehearsal techniques, character analysis, playwriting and design. Afterschool rehearsals are required. Prerequisite: Beginning or Intermediate Theatre Arts.
CHINESE I: Chinese Iprovidesinstruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Chinese as well as in the study of Chinese culture, history, and geography. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). The students’ grades transfer to their senior high grade point average (GPA) and are recorded on their high school transcripts.
FRENCH I: French Iprovides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing French as well as in the study of French culture, history, and geography. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
JAPANESE I: Japanese Iprovidesinstruction in speaking and listening skills, as well as in the Japanese history and culture. While reading and writing Japanese are introduced, these skills are not emphasized. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit that may be used toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
SPANISH I/II: This class is intended for students with no knowledge of the language (beginning). Spanish I or II provides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Spanish as well as in the study of Spanish culture, history, and geography. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
SPANISH I/II FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS: This class is intended for students with some knowledge of the language (intermediate). Spanish I or II for Spanish Speakers focuses on reading and writing in Spanish. Another important aspect of the study is on cultural studies (culture, history, and geography), which will help the students to understand their culture and the importance of bilingualism in the modern world. Students whose first language is Spanish and who have attended school in a Spanish-speaking country are encouraged to take this course. Through the course, students earn a high school credit toward the two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).