9th Grade Course Outline

CTE Pathway Courses 9th

Honors PTLW Intro to Design & Engineering

Honors PTLW Intro to Engineering Design serves as an introduction to the Career Technical Education (CTE) courses offered in the Engineering Pathway at McBride. In this course, students explore engineering tools and are introduced to the key concept of the engineering design process. By utilizing activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching, students will progress from completing structured activities to open-ended projects and problems that will require them to plan, document, communicate, collaborate, and develop other professional skills used in future careers.

 

Honors PTLW Principles of Engineering

Honors PTLW Principles of Engineering serves as the foundation course for the McBride Engineering Pathway. This course will expose students to major concepts that they would encounter when studying engineering. This would be accomplished through problems that engage and challenge students to explore a broad range of engineering topics, including key concepts such as mechanisms, the strength and limitations of materials and structure, automation, and kinematics. This course will apply and develop knowledge and skills in areas of mathematics, science, and technology.

 

General Courses (9th)

English 1-2 Accelerated                            1403

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9 

Prerequisite: None

 

Students pursue a balanced, integrated standards- based program of literature and language studies, which is accelerated, enriched and differentiated and designed to prepare them for AP courses. Students will develop strategies to construct meaning and interact thoughtfully with all genres of literature, preparing them for college-level work. Students will write analytical, persuasive, expository, narrative/autobiographical and reflective essays. Students also receive instruction in the conventions of written language and effective oral communication, and research techniques. A comprehensive final will be given at the end of the course.

This accelerated course provides an alternate delivery of English 1-2 for advanced learners

This course will meet the “b” entrance requirement for the University

of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

Geometry Accelerated 2971

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9

Recommended Preparation: Algebra 1

 

Geometry ACC is designed for the advanced mathematics student who wishes to continue with Algebra 2 ACC, Honors Precalculus and AP Calculus. The fundamental purpose of the Geometry course is to formalize and extend students’ geometric experiences from the middle grades. Students explore more complex geometric situations and deepen their explanations of geometric relationships, presenting and hearing formal mathematical arguments. Important differences exist between this course and the historical approach taken in geometry classes. For example, transformations are emphasized in this course. 

 

This course will meet the “c” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

 

NCAA Approved

Physics of the Universe                                                       5662

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9-12

Prerequisites: Recommended Preparation: Algebra I or equivalent (Can be taken concurrently.)  Geometry 1-2 is recommended and can be taken concurrently.

 

The Physics of the Universe course centers on a range of phenomena on Earth and across the universe as contexts for investigating fundamental principles of physics. Aligned to the CA Science Framework’s High School 3-Course Model, this course integrates both Physical Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Students will explore real-world phenomena to uncover the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) underlying these and many other natural phenomena.  Throughout the course, students deepen their understanding that physical processes govern everything in the universe. This will include learning how physicists interpret processes that shape Earth and space systems using the laws of physics, and how they benefit from applying their models in a range of contexts. Students will learn and use the practices (Science and Engineering Practices, SEPs) and thinking skills (Crosscutting Concepts, CCCs) used by professional scientists and engineers to answer their questions about phenomena and to design potential solutions to problems they encounter.

Students will engage in inquiry learning using the 5E instructional model, in which teaching and learning cycle through five stages: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Students will ask questions and define problems about the natural and designed world; they will design and carry out hands-on investigations in which they collect data, analyze trends and patterns in their data, develop models to explain and predict phenomena, and communicate findings from their investigations. This course emphasizes the daily use of evidence-based reasoning for developing scientific explanations and engineered solutions. Students will discuss and evaluate a variety of scientific texts and data from multiple sources. Students will analyze and interpret their own data sets and compare them with those used by the scientific community. Completion of this course with a grade of “C” or better meets one year of the UC/CSU matriculation requirement. A course in the biological sciences is also needed to complete the minimum graduation requirement for high school.

 

This course meets the "d" Physics/Earth & Space Sciences entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University systems.

 

NCAA Approved

 

Introduction to Kinesiology      3709

Length of Course:     2 semesters

Grade Level Options:     9

Recommended Preparation: None

 

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn through a comprehensive sequentially-planned Kinesiology and Physical Education program in accordance with the California Model Content Standards for Physical Education. Students will be empowered to make choices, meet challenges and develop positive behaviors in fitness, wellness and movement activity for a lifetime. Emphasis is placed on students developing a personalized fitness program for a healthy lifestyle. Units of instruction include: introduction to kinesiology and physical education with a personal fitness emphasis, fitness (including fitness technology), individual and dual activities, rhythms/dance and aquatics.

 

Student Testimonial

During my freshman year at McBride, we were introduced to the world of engineering through our introductory pathway courses. Student life here is full of inclusivity and there are many options of clubs to choose from which offer opportunities to make new friends, and to learn skills that can be used in future careers and college. While the block schedule can take some getting used to, the longer class periods help teachers dive deeper into learning objectives and to offer more time for students to finish their assignments. 

 

 

10th Grade Course Outline

 

CTE Courses

Honors Digital Electronics (PLTW) - Course Description

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY

General CTE Course/Concentration Level                                 Length of Course:        2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-11

Prerequisites: PLTW Introduction to Design & Engineering

Co-requisites:  Recommended: Enrolled in Engineering and Linked Learning Pathway

 

Honors Digital Electronics is a unique learning experience that gives students the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of circuit design. Students are exposed to the design process, which they use throughout the course to learn combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. This class is designed for students interested in careers related to engineering and electronics. Building enthusiasm for rigorous exploration of electronics and circuit design is a primary goal of the course. 

The four units in this course focus on the foundations in electronics, combinational logic, sequential logic, and controlling real-world systems. The course begins by exploring the fundamental components, concepts, equipment, and skill sets associated with circuit design. Students then gain an in-depth understanding of the combinational logic circuit design. By the end of the course, students will have skills in soldering, breadboarding, and Python programming.

This course meets the "d" entrance requirement and recieves Honors Designation for the University of California and California State University systems and meets the elective graduation requirement.

General Courses (10th)

AP World History 2318

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Option: 10-12

Prerequisite: None

 

The purpose of the Advanced Placement World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies.

This course may fulfill the Modern World History graduation requirement.

Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

This course will meet the “a” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

 

English 3-4 Accelerated                                                        1407

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10 

Prerequisite: English 1-2

 

Students will continue to pursue a balanced, integrated standards-based program of literature and language studies, which is accelerated, enriched and differentiated and designed to prepare them for AP courses. Students will develop strategies to construct meaning from and interact thoughtfully with all genres of literature and non-fiction texts. Writing activities are informed by interaction with texts, and students will continue to use writing process activities as they compose argumentative, expository, narrative, response to literature, literary analysis, and research essays and papers. Students will also continue to receive instruction in the conventions of written language, reading strategies, effective oral communication and research techniques. A comprehensive final will be given at the end of this course.

This accelerated course provides an alternate delivery of English 3-4 for advanced learners

This course will meet the “b” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

 

Algebra 2 Accelerated 2964

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9-10

Recommended Preparation: Algebra 1 and Geometry 

 

Algebra 2 ACC is designed for the advanced mathematics student who wishes to continue with Honors Precalculus and AP Calculus. Building on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, students extend their repertoire of functions to include logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical functions in the Algebra 2 ACC course. This course includes standards from the conceptual categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students work closely with the expressions that define the functions, competently manipulate algebraic expressions, and continue to expand and hone their abilities to model situations and to solve equations, including solving quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers and solving exponential equations using the properties of logarithms.

This course will meet the “c” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University Systems.

 

Biology: The Living Earth                                                  3865

Biology: The Living Earth (APEX)         3865APEX

**Biology: The Living Earth SDC                                              5660

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9-12

Prerequisite: Recommended Preparation: Algebra 1 or equivalent (can be taken concurrently)

 

This lab-based NGSS course will explore core Biological concepts from a phenomena-based approach. 

Students will explore various real-world phenomena contextualized into a “storyline” to uncover the Disciplinary

Core Ideas (DCIs) underlying these and many other natural phenomena.  Aligned to the CA Science Framework 3-Course Model, earth and space science concepts are also explored to provide a broader context and deeper understanding of our connected world. Throughout the course, students build an understanding of life and how life changes over time in response to a changing environment. Students will learn and use the practices (Science and Engineering Practices, SEPs) and thinking skills (Crosscutting Concepts, CCCs) used by professional scientists and engineers to answer their questions about phenomena and to design solutions to problems they encounter. Students will engage in inquiry learning in which they will ask questions and define problems about the natural and designed world; they will design and carry out hands-on investigations in which they collect data, analyze trends and patterns in their data, and develop models to explain and predict phenomena, and communicate the findings from their investigations. This course emphasizes the daily use of evidence-based reasoning for developing scientific explanations and engineered solutions. Students will discuss and evaluate a variety of scientific texts and data from multiple sources. They will analyze and interpret their own data sets and compare them with those used by the scientific community. Completion of this course with a grade of “C” or better meets one year of the UC/CSU matriculation requirement. A course in the physical sciences is also needed to complete the minimum

graduation requirements for high school.

 

This course meets the “d” Biology/Earth Space Sciences entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

 

NCAA Approved

 

Advanced Kinesiology/

Physical Education 10                                 3707

Length of Course:       2 semesters

Grade Level Options:       10-12

Recommended Preparation: Introduction to Kinesiology/Physical  
      Education or other first year required
      P.E. course

 

This standards-based Kinesiology and Physical Education course, aligned with the California Model Content Standards for Physical Education, engages students in units such as advanced kinesiology, fitness (including technology), team sports, gymnastics/tumbling, combatives, and nutrition education. Students build physical literacy, analyze movement for efficiency, and develop lifelong wellness habits through regular physical activity and informed nutritional choices. The course also teaches safe, effective body mechanics and highlights the impact of physical activity on overall health. Aligned with Vision 2035 and the Graduate Portrait, the curriculum develops future-ready individuals who are resilient, ethical, inclusive, and collaborative, while fostering self-advocacy, adaptability, respectful behavior, and global citizenship.

 

Student Testimonial

During my sophomore year at McBride, we continued our course of study of engineering through new CTE classes that dive more into detail about specific topics such as electronics and how they work. Furthermore we also start going into our engineering lab more and learn how to work the machines and become certified in them. We are also given the choice to take our first AP class which is AP World History. While being more established into clubs and other extra curricular opportunities, we start to build our portfolio and resume of skills that we can use for our college applications or future job opportunities. 

 

11th Grade Course Outline -

CTE Courses

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY 

General CTE Course/Concentration Level                                 Length of Course:      2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-11

Prerequisites: Honors Principles of Engineering (PLTW)

Co-requisites:  Recommended: Enrolled in Engineering and Linked Learning Pathway

 

Computer Integrated Manufacturing is a specialized PLTW Engineering course that develops the students' engineering skills and knowledge by introducing them to the process of creating products. Students utilize advanced software and machines which are typically only accessible at college level institutions. In the course, students build upon their experience in Computer Aided Design (CAD) by applying those skills to Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to create programs from their 3D models. Students use Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) milling machines with their programs to actualize their personal design, creating a product transformed from raw material provided to the machine. Students will learn about different forms of integrating robotic systems into a manufacturing process, such as with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and robotic arms. The knowledge and experience from this course culminates into a capstone project in which students design, build, program, and present their own manufacturing system model capable of creating a product.

 

General Courses (11th)

AP United States History 2236

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Option: 10-12

Prerequisite: None

 

The Advanced Placement U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials–their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability and importance–and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An Advanced Placement U.S. History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.

This course may fulfill the United States History graduation requirement.

Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

This course will meet the “a” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

 

AP English Language and

Composition                                                                                             1458

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: English 1-2, and 3-4 and/or 5-6

 

The Advanced Placement English Language and Composition course is designed to help students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and to become skilled writers who can compose for a variety of purposes. By their writing and reading in this course, students should become aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effective writing.

Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. 

This course will meet the “b” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

 

English 5-6                                                                                                   1410

English 7-8 APEX                                         1410APEX

**English 5-6 SDC                                                                                     5421

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 11 

Prerequisite: English 1-2 and 3-4

 

Students will engage in a variety of standards-based academic and creative writing tasks which connect both fiction and non-fiction to their life experiences. Students will use writing process activities in a variety of genres: persuasive, expository, narrative, reflective and literary analysis. Students also receive instruction in the conventions of written language and effective oral communication in order to meet or exceed the language arts objectives. Students engage in a close reading and exploration of themes found in American literature and the American experience through a balanced integrated program of non-fiction, literature and language study. Students read and respond to historically and/or culturally significant American fiction and non-fiction works tracing the development of American writing from the colonial period to present day. To maintain the Writing Standards Assessment Portfolio students will continue to maintain their collection of works demonstrating growth in both conventions and rhetoric.

This course is required for high school graduation.

This course will meet the “b” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

 

AP Precalculus 2999

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-12 

Recommended Preparation: Algebra 2 

 

The AP Precalculus course was created by the College Board in collaboration with college faculty. In AP Precalculus, students explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses. Through regular practice, students build deep mastery of modeling and functions, and they examine scenarios through multiple representations. They will learn how to observe, explore, and build mathematical meaning from dynamic systems, an important practice for thriving in an ever-changing world.

 

AP Precalculus prepares students for other college-level mathematics and science courses. The course delineates content and skills common to college precalculus courses that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. 

 

Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

 

This course will meet the “c” entrance requirement for University of California and California State University State.

 

NCAA Approved 

 

Chemistry 1-2 Honors                                                               3832

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-12

Prerequisites: Recommended Preparation: Algebra 1 or equivalent and Geometry 1-2 concurrent enrollment in third-year math

 

In Chemistry 1-2 Honors, the same concepts will be covered as in Chemistry 1-2, but in greater depth, and will be supplemented by additional laboratory experiences using more advanced instrumentation and technology. Also, in Chemistry 1-2 Honors, there is a greater emphasis on mathematical formulation of principles and the application of mathematical interpretation of chemistry concepts. This course studies fundamental chemical concepts, such as atomic theory, the mole, energy relationships, oxidation reduction, chemical bonding, equilibrium, periodicity, solutions, and acids and bases. Unifying principles are developed through experiments and observations in the laboratory. Applications of concepts to society, individuals, and technology are also included. A college-level textbook and supplemental materials facilitate students working at an advanced level.

 

This course will meet the “d” Chemistry entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

 

NCAA Approved

 

Student Testimonial

During my junior year at McBride, we began looking at colleges to apply to. As we take more classes about engineering and start diving into more complicated engineering topics, we begin to utilize the engineering lab more as during our senior year, we culminate all our skills in engineering and apply it to a final senior project. 

 

 

12th Grade Course Outline:

CTE Courses

Capstone (12th)

Honors PLTW Capstone is a capstone course for students who are completing any of PLTW’s high school programs. It is an open-ended research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to an open-ended problem. Teams draw on the knowledge, skills, and interests of each member, as they perform research to select, define, and justify a problem. They utilize the tools learned from previous classes and years, combining skills and mindsets to solve issues. Given this collaboration, team members leave the course with a broadened skillset and an appreciation for learning from their peers.

As they progress through the problem-solving process, students work closely with experts and continually hone their organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, creative and problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of the integration of processes such as the design process, experimental design, and the software development process. After the course, teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel.

 

General Courses (12th)

 

AP United States Government 

and Politics 2234

Length of Course: 1 semester

Grade Level Options: 11-12

Prerequisite: None

 

This course provides students an understanding of the democratic process in America in contrast to other forms of government. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them to successfully complete the Advanced Placement tests.

This course meets the Government requirement for graduation.

Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

This course will meet the “a” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

NCAA Approved

 

AP English Literature/Composition                  1449

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 11 or 12

Prerequisite: Eng 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, or AP Eng Lang and Composition

 

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition is a college-level course that engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as such smaller- scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. The course includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, concentrating on works of recognized literary merit. In addition to considering a work’s literary   artistry, students consider the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. Careful attention to both textual detail and historical context should provide a foundation for interpretation, whatever critical perspectives are brought to bear on the literary works studied.

 

CSU Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC - 11)                                                                                                    1473

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 11

Prerequisite: English 1-2. 3-4, and 5-6 

 

The goal of the Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) is to prepare college-bound juniors for the literacy demands of higher education. Through a sequence of fourteen rigorous instructional modules, students in this yearlong, rhetoric-based course develop advanced proficiency in expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing. The cornerstone of the course—the assignment template—presents a process for helping students read, comprehend, and respond to nonfiction and literary texts. Modules also provide instruction in research methods and documentation conventions. Students will be expected to increase their awareness of the rhetorical strategies employed by authors and to apply those strategies in their own writing. They will read closely to examine the relationship between an author’s argument or theme and his or her audience and purpose; to analyze the impact of structural and rhetorical strategies; and to examine the social, political, and philosophical assumptions that underlie the text. By the end of the course, students will be expected to use this process independently when reading unfamiliar texts and writing in response to them. Course texts include contemporary essays, newspaper and magazine articles, editorials, reports, biographies, memos, assorted public documents, and other nonfiction texts. The course materials also include modules on two full-length works (one novel and one work of nonfiction). Written assessments and holistic scoring guides conclude each unit.  

AP Chemistry                                                                                          3820

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-12

Prerequisites: Recommended Preparation: Chemistry in the Earth System and Algebra 2 or equivalent or AP Chem teacher permission to bypass Chemistry in the Earth System (Algebra 2 can be taken concurrently.)

 

This course provides the conceptual basis, content knowledge, and methodological skills for understanding the theoretical aspects of general chemistry. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in depth. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities

 

AP Environmental Science                                              4032

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-12

Prerequisites: Recommended Preparation: Biology: The Living Earth and/or Medical Biology and Algebra 1 or equivalent math course. (Can be taken concurrently.)

 

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world; to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made; to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

 

Honors PLTW Capstone                   2529

 

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY 

General CTE Course/Capstone Level                                 

Length of Course:        2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 11-12

Prerequisites: AP Computer Science Principles (PLTW), Honors Principles of Engineering (PLTW), Honors Principles of Biomedical Science

Co-requisites:  Recommended: Algebra 2, Integrated Math, Enrolled in Enrolled in an Engineering Pathway

 

Honors PLTW Capstone is a capstone course for students who are completing any of PLTW’s high school programs. It is an open-ended research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem. Teams draw on the knowledge, skills, and interests of each member, as they perform research to select, define, and justify a problem. Given this collaboration, team members leave the course with a broadened skillset and an appreciation for learning from their peers.

 

As they progress through the problem-solving process, students work closely with experts and continually hone their organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, creative and problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of the integration of processes such as the design process, experimental design, and the software development process. After the course, teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel.

 

AP Spanish Language and Culture 1860

AP Spanish Language APEX 1860APEX

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9-12

The Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course is approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university course in Spanish language and culture. The course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others ) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). 

The three modes of communication- Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational- defined in the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, are foundational to the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. The AP  course provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in each of the three modes in the Intermediate to Advanced range, as described in the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners. The course is designed to provide advanced high school students with a rich and rigorous opportunity to study the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.

 

AP Spanish Literature and Culture 1861

Length of Course: 2 semesters

Grade Level Options: 9-12

 

The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry, plays, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American and U.S. Hispanic literature. Students develop proficiencies across the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) in the range of Intermediate High to Advanced Mid of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Students engage in critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is explored within the context of its time and place and students gain insight on the many voices, historical periods, and cultures represented in the required readings  and other texts. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural, artistic and linguistic connections and comparisons, which is supported by the exploration of various media (art, music, film, articles, and literary criticism). This course reflects a purposeful alignment of the course to a standards-based Spanish curriculum. In particular, the course reflects a meaningful integration of the cultures, connections and comparisons goal areas of ACTFL’s World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. Emphasis is placed on approaching the study of literature through global, historical and contemporary cultural contexts and to relate that content to literary, historical, sociocultural and geopolitical contexts in Spanish.

 

Student Testimonial

During my senior year at McBride, we used all of our skills and tools that we learned in previous engineering courses to apply it to our senior final project. In our final project we choose one problem to solve and we go through the whole engineering design process to solve that problem.  At the end of the year our goal is to complete the project and present our solution to industry leaders.