Global Academy
Online High School Course Descriptions
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
All courses in this department will meet the District requirement for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Credit.
BT124
21st Century Applications
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will meet computer proficiency requirement.
This course is an introduction to the world of computer technology. Through Microsoft Windows Office Suite 2007
or 2010, the student will explore relevant and emerging technologies, the role of computers in society, and discuss
social and ethical issues related to personal computing. Students will also learn computer basics, how to do safe
Internet research, and how to use Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to produce documents that are relevant to school
work and the business world. Students will also explore careers and how to research career information on the
Internet. Microsoft Office 2007 or 2010 for Windows is required for this course. This course is written for PC-type
computers.
BT132
Personal Finance (Financial Concepts for Teens)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This one semester elective course introduces financial information and tips that students can use in their daily lives.
Topics include: financial goal setting, investment strategies, debit and credit cards, payroll taxes and different types
of insurance. Students will also learn what they need to know about how to get hired for their first job. Note: This
elective course does not count for math credit.
BT700
Business Internship/Career Exploration I
Grade: 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will meet District graduation requirement for CTE upon completion of the entire year.
This course will not meet the NCAA requirements for Social Studies or Economics.
Student must be employed to enroll in this course.
This course is an opportunity for students to earn elective credit while they are working. Students must work a
minimum of 128 hours during the time they are enrolled in the course. Because the course is taken for credit, the
employer and supervisor must be an independent, non-family member. Course requirements include uploading
current scanned pay stubs, agreements, and an employee evaluation as well as completing and uploading documents
related to the student's work experience. By the end of the course, students will learn how to analyze their personal
skills and strengths as they relate to current and future jobs, explore different careers through interviews and
observations, discover what it means to be successful at work.
BT701
Business Internship/Career Exploration II
Grade: 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will meet District graduation requirement for CTE upon completion of the entire year.
This course will not meet the NCAA requirements for Social Studies or Economics.
Student must be employed to enroll in this course.
This course is an opportunity for students to earn elective credit while they are working. Students must work a
minimum of 128 hours during the time they are enrolled in the course. Because the course is taken for credit, the
employer and supervisor must be an independent, non-family member. Course requirements include uploading
current scanned pay stubs, agreements, and an employee evaluation as well as completing and uploading documents
related to the student's work experience. By the end of the course, students will learn how to analyze their personal
skills and strengths as they relate to current and future jobs, explore different careers through interviews and
observations, discover what it means to be successful at work.
May 2015
ENGLISH
EN105
English I A
Grade: 9
1 semester
1/2 Credit
Students read, analyze, and respond to a variety of literature, such as short stories, novels, and essays. This analysis
consists of reading for understanding, answering comprehension questions, researching literary elements, and
writing for a variety of purposes. The variety of writing consists of paragraph writing, literary analysis, fables,
personal narrative, and persuasive writing. This course also focuses on grammar, conventions, research, and the six
traits of writing. This course aligns with State standards.
EN105
English I B
Grade: 9
1 semester
1/2 Credit
Students read, analyze, and respond to a variety of literature, such as novels, poetry, epic, and drama. This analysis
consists of reading for understanding, answering comprehension questions, researching literary elements, and
writing for a variety of purposes. The variety of writing consists of paragraph writing, literary analysis, persuasive
writing, and poetry. This course also focuses on grammar, conventions, research, and the six traits of writing. This
course aligns with State standards.
EN205
English II A
Grade: 10
1 semester
1/2 Credit
During the first semester of this course, students write for a variety of purposes and audiences. The variety of
writing consists of descriptive, definition, summary, compare/contrast, persuasive, and critique writing. An
emphasis is placed on the importance of prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing. This course also focuses on
grammar, conventions, vocabulary, journaling, and the six traits of writing. This course aligns with State standards.
EN205
English II B
Grade: 10
1 semester
1/2 Credit
Students read, analyze, and respond to a variety of literature, such as short stories, drama, nonfiction, poetry, and
novels. This analysis consists of reading for understanding, answering comprehension questions, researching literary
elements, and writing for a variety of purposes. This course looks at themes in literature and emphasis the
importance of literature. This course aligns with District and State standards.
EN305
English III A
Grade: 11
1 semester
1/2 credit
Students read, analyze, and respond to a variety of literature by American authors. This course requires the student
to demonstrate creative writing skills, develop critical thinking skills, and establish relationships to American ideas
and issues. This course also focuses on extensive reading comprehension, literary elements, and essay writing. This
course aligns with State standards.
EN305
English III B
Grade: 11
1 semester
1/2 credit
Students write for a variety of purposes and audiences. The variety of writing consists of descriptive, persuasive,
personal narrative, compare/contrast, and literary review. An emphasis is placed on the importance of prewriting,
drafting, revising, and publishing. This course also focuses on grammar, conventions, vocabulary, journaling, and
the six traits of writing. This course aligns with State standards.
EN405
English IV A
Grade: 12
1 semester
1/2 credit
This course fulfills senior English requirements upon completion of the entire year.
This course consists of an emphasis on rhetoric and composition with a focus on expository writing and
understanding writing as a process. Students will establish effective college-level writing strategies through five
writing projects comprising at least 3,000 words in total.
May 2015
EN405
English IV B
Grade: 12
1 semester
1/2 credit
This course fulfills senior English requirements upon completion of the entire year.
During this one-semester course, students will study a variety of literary genres which are representative of the
cultural diversity in the United States. Course content includes, but is not exclusive to, themes and authors from
Black, Hispanic, Native, and Asian American cultures. Course work includes critical thinking and reading, essay
writing, and research. This course aligns with State standards.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
All courses in this department will meet the Districts requirement for Elective Credit.
ES105
Life Strategies for Teens I
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will provide daily strategies designed to guide students in building better character, in boosting self
confidence, in resisting negative peer pressure, in building good relationships, and in setting and achieving goals.
Materials: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (Book), pick up at the Global Academy office
FINE ARTS – VISUAL
All courses in this department will meet the District requirement for Fine Arts Credit.
VA146
Digital Photography I
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course addresses technical and conceptual concepts in relation to historic and contemporary photography.
Students experiment with a variety of lighting techniques, parts and use of a digital SLR camera, digital solutions,
and conceptual approaches in order to create visually compelling photographs. Students learn how to transfer skills
into a career in professional photography.
Note: A digital camera is required, DSLR is highly recommended for this course. Inexpensive cameras can be
purchased at most drugstores or technical shops.
VA800
Art History
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This is a one-semester course in the history of art (primarily western art). The course is designed to increase the
student's knowledge of art, artists, schools and movements; chronological periods and specific dates; and the
subjects, styles and techniques of particular works of art.
GUIDANCE & COUNSELING
GC105 Community Volunteer Service
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Note: notarized and scanned documents are required for this course. Students must have access to a scanner
for submitting documentation throughout the course.
This course combines online study of community issues, civic engagement, and career interest with field experience
helping out in the community. Students work through online lessons and activities while volunteering at one or more
sites such as schools, community organizations, or sports leagues. Online activities focus on personal and
interpersonal skill development, leadership, project planning, and employment skills. Online lessons and volunteer
hours combined total over 90 hours for a 1/2 elective credit.
May 2015
MATHEMATICS
To advance from first to second semester in any yearlong course or to continue in a series of
successive mathematics courses, a grade of “C” or better is strongly recommended.
MA200
Algebra I A
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This is the first semester of a two-semester course. The first year algebra course prepares a student for more
advanced study of mathematics. The curriculum includes symbolic manipulation, data analysis, patterns, and
functions represented in multiple forms, linear and quadratic equations.
MA201
Algebra I B
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This is the second semester of a two-semester course. The first year algebra course prepares a student for more
advanced study of mathematics. The curriculum includes symbolic manipulation, data analysis, patterns, and
functions represented in multiple forms, linear and quadratic equations.
MA300
Geometry A
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This is the first semester of a two-semester course. Curriculum includes the study of geometric methods, properties
and relationships as a means to recognize, draw, describe, connect and analyze shapes and representations in the
physical world.
MA301
Geometry B
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This is the second semester of a two-semester course. Curriculum includes the study of geometric methods,
properties and relationships as a means to recognize, draw, describe, connect and analyze shapes and representations
in the physical world.
MA310
Algebraic Functions I A
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite – Geometry B (Math Topics 4)
This course, Algebra II B (Math Topics 6), or a Math personal curriculum plan must be successfully completed as
part of Math graduation requirements.
Students who have successfully completed Algebra II (Math Topics 5-6) may not take this course.
This course fulfills Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course extends and applies the concepts of Algebra I and introduces concepts from Algebra II. The curriculum
includes the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, and exponential functions.
MA310
Algebraic Functions I B
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite – Geometry B (Math Topics 4)
This course, Algebra II B (Math Topics 6), or a Math personal curriculum plan must be successfully completed as
part of Math graduation requirements.
Students who have successfully completed Algebra II (Math Topics 5-6) may not take this course.
This course fulfills Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course extends and applies the concepts of Algebra I and introduces concepts from Algebra II. The curriculum
includes the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, and exponential functions.
May 2015
MA400
Algebra II A
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite – Geometry B
This is the first semester of a two-semester course. This course extends and applies the concepts of Algebra and
Geometry. The curriculum includes the study of linear and quadratic functions, linear systems, conics, powers, roots
and radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions, probability, sequences and series.
MA401
Algebra II B
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite – Geometry B
This is the second semester of a two-semester course. This course extends and applies the concepts of Algebra and
Geometry. The curriculum includes the study of linear and quadratic functions, linear systems, conics, powers, roots
and radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions, probability, sequences and series.
MA410
Pre-Calculus A (with Trigonometry)
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisites – Algebra II B (Math Topics 6)
This course fulfills Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course will focus on the study of algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
Materials: Pre-Calculus book, pick up at the Global Academy office
MA410
Pre-Calculus B (with Trigonometry)
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisites – Algebra II B (Math Topics 6)
This course fulfills Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course will focus on the study of algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
Materials: Pre-Calculus book, pick up at the Global Academy office
MA500
Financial Applications for Life I
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course introduces students to the basics of financial literacy including such topics as creating personal financial
goals, saving and investing, banking, using debit and credit cards, making major purchases, paying payroll and other
taxes, and purchasing insurance. By emphasizing the importance of setting goals and creating a financial plan,
students learn to think before spending. Students will learn how credit scores can impact one's ability to secure a
loan and, in some cases, determine whether they will be hired for a job. Students will also become familiar with
some of the reality that faces everyone when they get their first job, their first apartment, or just take on more
personal financial responsibilities.
MA501
Financial Applications for Life II
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course introduces students to the basics of financial literacy including such topics as creating personal financial
goals, saving and investing, banking, using debit and credit cards, making major purchases, paying payroll and other
taxes, and purchasing insurance. By emphasizing the importance of setting goals and creating a financial plan,
students learn to think before spending. Students will learn how credit scores can impact one's ability to secure a
loan and, in some cases, determine whether they will be hired for a job. Students will also become familiar with
some of the reality that faces everyone when they get their first job, their first apartment, or just take on more
personal financial responsibilities.
May 2015
MISCELLANEOUS
PE505
Driver’s Education
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course is aimed at the development of knowledge, skill, and attitude necessary for performing as a competent
vehicle operator and highway user. Driver Education consists of three components: content instruction, simulator
experience, and behind the wheel experience. This course fulfills only the first component of driver education;
content instruction. This course is open to all students who will be turning 15 and 7 months during the course. This
course does not qualify for the Arizona driver's license waiver. Students must have access to a scanner for
submitting documentation throughout the course.
MODERN LANGUAGE
FL109
Spanish I A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course introduces students to the basic vocabulary of the language and components of the culture of the
countries in which the language is spoken. Prepares students to begin to read, write, speak, and understand the
language. Students must have access to a Windows computer, microphone and headset for taking speaking tests in
this course.
FL109
Spanish I B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course introduces students to the basic vocabulary of the language and components of the culture of the
countries in which the language is spoken. Prepares students to begin to read, write, speak, and understand the
language. Students must have access to a Windows computer, microphone and headset for taking speaking tests in
this course.
FL110
Spanish II A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course features application of language skills in reading, writing, and conversation. Level 1 skills are reviewed
and maintained and appropriate cultural components are studied. Students must have a Windows computer and a
headset or microphone and speakers to take speaking tests in this course. Prerequisite: Spanish I
FL110
Spanish II B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course features application of language skills in reading, writing, and conversation. Level 1 skills are reviewed
and maintained and appropriate cultural components are studied. Students must have a Windows computer and a
headset or microphone and speakers to take speaking tests in this course. Prerequisite: Spanish I
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PE100
Physical Education
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course requires a minimum of 9 weeks to complete the course. This is NOT a 6 week course. The student will
learn about mental, physical and social wellness. Wellness describes a lifestyle in which the physical, social,
intellectual, psychological and environmental components of health are integrated. The course requires physical
activity along with unit reviews, unit activities, and unit tests. This course includes 13 weeks of exercise logs;
including 6 weeks of heart rate logs, 4 weeks of weight and circuit training logs, and 3 weeks of leisure sport logs.
These logs are mandatory to complete the course. All 13 weeks of logs must be completed to earn credit for the
course. Students must have the ability to verify physical activities with the use of digital photos, and the ability to
submit the photos electronically.
May 2015
PE102
Physical Education – Bowling I
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course is designed for the student who wants to learn the basics of bowling so that they may participate, enjoy,
and be successful in this popular sport. Students must bowl 18 games at a bowling center. Payment for the 18 games
is the student's responsibility. Students must have access to a scanner for submitting documentation throughout the
course.
PE103
Physical Education – Bowling II
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Bowling I
This class is designed for the students who have successfully completed Bowling I. It is an expectation that students
have already learned the basics of bowling. Students must bowl 18 games at a bowling center. Payment for the 18
games is the student's responsibility. Students earn points in this course by completing a wide range of assignments,
bowling 18 well documented games, completing reflections after a grouping of games, and scoring percentage
points based on personal handicaps. Students' grades are partially determined on consistently scoring within a
personal handicap. Students must have access to a scanner for submitting documentation throughout the course.
PE850
Independent Physical Education
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Only one high school credit of P.E. can be earned through Independent PE.
Independent PE will be granted for the following areas: (for non-GPS School competitive teams)
- Individualized training activities for competitive Gymnastics, Dance, Martial Arts, Swimming, or other Olympicgeared activities. Students will need to submit the following: Official letter from coach, activity log with 90 hours
of documented training activities per semester, and a research paper. Students will receive a “letter grade.”
SCIENCE
SC110
Essential Elements of Science A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will satisfy half of a physical science credit (.5) for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course is an entry-level science course for high school and provides the conceptual foundation for the entire
high school science curriculum. Students in this course receive instruction and practice in developing and refining
scientific skills and methods that are prerequisites for success in subsequent high school science courses. Using
mostly chemistry and physics concepts as a framework, students discover and collect evidence that supports the
atomic/molecular theory of matter. These principles lay the groundwork for understanding all biological and
chemical relationships. Topics included in this class are scientific processes, the nature and history of science, earth
science, basic physics and chemistry.
SC110
Essential Elements of Science B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will satisfy half of a physical science credit (.5) for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course is an entry-level science course for high school and provides the conceptual foundation for the entire
high school science curriculum. Students in this course receive instruction and practice in developing and refining
scientific skills and methods that are prerequisites for success in subsequent high school science courses. Using
mostly chemistry and physics concepts as a framework, students discover and collect evidence that supports the
atomic/molecular theory of matter. These principles lay the groundwork for understanding all biological and
chemical relationships. Topics included in this class are scientific processes, the nature and history of science, earth
science, basic physics and chemistry.
May 2015
SC115
Earth Science A
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will satisfy one earth science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This is a lab course which explores forces and processes that operate in the universe. Major areas of study will
include astronomy, geology, hydrology, meteorology, and environmental issues.
SC115
Earth Science B
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will satisfy one earth science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This is a lab course which explores forces and processes that operate in the universe. Major areas of study will
include astronomy, geology, hydrology, meteorology, and environmental issues.
SC120
Lab Biology A
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will satisfy one biological lab science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
Lab Biology is a two-semester course. Major areas of study are cell structure, function and processes, genetics,
classification, microbiology, plants, animals, human systems and ecology. This course includes the topics of human
reproduction and evolution.
SC120
Lab Biology B
Grades: 9,10,11,12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will satisfy one biological lab science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
Lab Biology is a two-semester course. Major areas of study are cell structure, function and processes, genetics,
classification, microbiology, plants, animals, human systems and ecology. This course includes the topics of human
reproduction and evolution.
SC135
Chemistry A
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This course will satisfy one chemistry science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course includes the study of the atom, atomic energy, the formation of molecules, the mathematics of
chemistry, and related experimental work. The vocabulary of the chemist is emphasized as are correct laboratory
procedures and techniques.
SC135
Chemistry B
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This course will satisfy one chemistry science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course includes the study of the atom, atomic energy, the formation of molecules, the mathematics of
chemistry, and related experimental work. The vocabulary of the chemist is emphasized as are correct laboratory
procedures and techniques.
SC140
Physics A
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Two years of Lab Science and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.
This course will satisfy one physical science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course will cover physics, problem solving, experimentation, and design. Topics will include mechanics,
energy, electricity, sound and light.
Materials: Conceptual Physics (Book), pick up at the Global Academy office
May 2015
SC140
Physics B
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Two years of Lab Science and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.
This course will satisfy one physical science credit for Arizona university entrance requirements.
This course will cover physics, problem solving, experimentation, and design. Topics will include mechanics,
energy, electricity, sound and light.
Materials: Conceptual Physics (Book), pick up at the Global Academy office
SOCIAL STUDIES
SS100
World Studies A
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will trace the development of civilizations from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance and Reformation
and includes the teaching of geographic concepts.
SS100
World Studies B
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will trace the Traces the development of civilizations from the Enlightenment to the present and
includes the teaching of geographic concepts.
SS105
American/AZ History A
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course examines the causes and events leading to the Civil War and its multiple effects on the economic, social,
political life of the nation. Other major topics include America's industrialization expansionist foreign policy,
progressivism, and the United States involvement in World War I.
SS105
American/AZ History B
Grades: 10, 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course examines the histories of the U.S. and Arizona through the many challenges faced in the twentieth
century including: the "Roaring Twenties," the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights
Movement, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Watergate.
SS110
Economics
Grade: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will familiarize the student with basic principles of economics, with an emphasis on capitalism and
resource allocation. Included are the principles of financial management and career planning. Close attention is
given to micro and macro-economic applications.
SS115
American/Arizona Government
Grade: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
This course will cover the fundamentals of government on the national, state, and local levels, including the three
branches of government, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, and the development and role of
political parties.
SS135
Sociology
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Elective credit will be issued for this course
This course will offer materials essential to understanding ourselves and the complexities of today's society.
Includes understanding basic social units, social institutions, social norms and social changes, each of which are
relevant in our present society. The study of sociology requires that students and teachers alike study various aspects
of society from a non-biased point of view.
May 2015
SS140
Psychology I
Grades: 11, 12
1 Semester
1/2 Credit
Elective credit will be issued for this course
The purpose of this course is to develop a curiosity about and appreciation of the extent to which scientific methods
can be applied toward a basic understanding of human behavior. The course includes a basic introduction to what
psychology is, its relationship to learning, personal and social adjustments, the brain and behavior, and behavioral
disorders and treatments.
May 2015