DHS ELECTIVE OFFERINGS 2015-2016
ACADEMIC ELECTIVES
Foreign Language: Spanish, French, & Latin. Levels I – IV available.
Learn skills related to reading, writing, listening, & speaking. Study about
cultures & customs & become globally aware of other nations.
World Geography: (9th graders only) Understand the roles, responsibilities, &
relationships of people & places throughout the world.
Psychology/Sociology: (11th/12th graders) Psych introduces you to
understanding your behavior & the behavior of others; Sociology studies
human society in combination with social behavior.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES
All AP courses are taught & evaluated at the college level. These courses
will require 5-10 hours of study per week and the commitment is for the
entire school year. AP Exams will be administered in May with the
opportunity to earn college credit. Students taking AP courses are expected
to take the AP Exam. The AP course of study is based on a national
curriculum. Please talk to your current teachers if you are interested in
taking an Advanced Placement class next school year.
AP 2D Design/3D Design/Drawing Portfolio: Submission of portfolio
required; Works could include graphic design, typography, digital imaging,
photography, painting, printmaking, & more.
Yearbook: Levels - 1, 2, or 3; Involves the production & sale of the school’s
AP Art History: Examine major forms of artistic expression, from the ancient
yearbook; Application required - See Ms. Thomas, 521B.
world to the present and from a variety of cultures.
AP Biology: 4th year Science! Successful completion of biology required;
College-level biology coursework; advanced labs; analyze & explain the
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
“whys” of biological science.
*ALL science electives meet the 4th year science credit. Successful
AP Calculus AB: Topics include limits, derivatives & integrals of algebraic &
completion of biology and chemistry is required.
Anatomy & Physiology: Rigorous, in-depth study of the structure and function transcendental functions, & continuity.
AP Calculus BC: In-depth coverage of limits, derivatives & integrals of
of the human body. The course is based on a systems approach with an
algebraic & transcendental functions, & continuity.
emphasis on tissues, metabolic processes, homeostasis, and clinical
AP Chemistry: 4th year Science! Successful completion of biology and
applications.
chemistry required; Advanced lab activities that integrate mathematical
Environmental Science: Study of ecology, effects of natural & human activity
on land, water, air, energy resources & conservation.
problem solving with chemical concepts.
Forensics: Explore the scientific & technological aspects of criminal
AP Computer Science: 4th year science! Strong math skills required;
investigations. Topics include the study of DNA, glass, blood, fingerprinting,
Intense study of structured programming in Java & advanced programming
chemical residues, and evidence collection as it relates to forensic issues.
analysis.
AP Environmental Science: 4th year science! Successful completion of
biology and chemistry recommended; College level course work that covers
OTHER ELECTIVES
ecology, energy resources & conservation, pollution, & bio-technology.
Directed Study: This elective course is for students in grades 10 through 12
AP French: Develop speaking, reading, writing, & listening skills, as well as
who are identified as gifted learners. Students spend a semester completing
continue the acquisition process of French cultures. This class is conducted
an in depth study of a topic that interests them. This is an opportunity for
in French.
gifted students to develop motivational and organizational skills needed for
AP Government: One semester (12th graders); Examine the structure,
college.
Gifted Internship: This elective course provides students in the gifted program functions, & inter-relationships of various levels of government.
AP Macroeconomics: One semester (12th graders); Study of national
with the opportunity to work as an unpaid opportunity in an area related to
income, price determination, & economic performance & growth.
their career interests.
See Ms. Flanary in room 6-213 for more information regarding Directed Study
AP Human Geography: Study of patterns & processes of human languages,
and Gifted Internship.
religion, politics, & population. Great first course for being introduced to
the rigors of the AP Curriculum.(9th grade only)
Comparative Religions: This yearlong course is for rising 10th – 12th graders. Fall AP Language: Read complex texts with understanding & write engaging
Semester: Comparative Religions
prose that emphasizes content & purpose.
Spring Semester: Social Justice in the New Testament
AP Latin: Read, translate, analyze, understand, and interpret Latin.
AP Literature: Deepen the understanding of the ways writers use language
Music Technology: Learn computer basics as well as MIDI sequencing
to provide both meaning & pleasure for their readers; Focus on critical
applications. Create original multi-track sequences and original musical
reading, writing, & thinking.
compositions. See Mr. Groves in room 406 for more information.
AP Music Theory: Emphasis is placed on harmonic structure of music &
aural analysis of harmony.
JUNIOR ROTC
AP Physics I: An in-depth study of matter in motion; students should have a
The Junior ROTC program is a one to four year progressive leadership course
strong math background.
co-sponsored by the Gwinnett County Public School System and the United
AP Physics C: 4th year Science! Calculus-based problem solving at a high
States Navy. The mission is to instill in students the values of leadership,
level; study mechanics, electricity and magnetism.
services to community, personal responsibility, self-discipline, and a sense of
AP Psychology: Successful completion of World History required; Examine
accomplishment. See Captain Roger in room 102 or Master Gunnery Sergeant
the scientific nature of psychology, as well as brain & human development
Martin in room 104.
& function; behavioral processes.
AP Spanish Language: Develop speaking, reading, writing, & listening skills,
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
as well as continue the acquisition process of Hispanic & Latin cultures.
*Advanced classes are available, but will require a teacher recommendation
This class is conducted in Spanish.
Introduction to Life Fitness & Health: Required courses for graduation;
AP Statistics: In-depth experience in statistical concepts & methods.
Personal Fitness requires dressing out every day.
AP US History: Successful completion of World History required; Factual
*Body Sculpting (Girls only): Basic instruction on methods to condition the
knowledge and analytical skills in the interpretation of the history of the
body; Lifting weights & physical fitness training
U.S. from the 1600s through the 1990s.
*Weight Training (Boys only): Focus on building strength & endurance;
AP World History: Builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional &
requires lifting weights & physical fitness training
technological foundations of the past 10,000 years.
Team Sports: Learn official rules and play sports like basketball, volleyball,
soccer, or softball. Dressing out is required.
VISUAL ARTS
2D ART: One semester course introduces elements and principles of two
dimensional design including designs exploring line and texture, depth and
space and color theory.
3D ART: One semester course introduces elements and principles of
design in three dimensions including clay, papier-mâché, and plaster to
create a variety of sculptural forms.
*Both 2D Art and 3D Art are Pre-requisites for all other Art electives
(See Ms. Adamson 404, Mr. Pezoldt 402, or Ms. Caldwell 411)
Pottery I, II, III: Create pottery pieces through various methods such as
throwing on pottery wheels, hand building and special firing techniques.
Sculpture I, II, III: Work with variety of forms such as instillation pieces,
three-dimensional pieces from metals and wood, and jewelry techniques.
Draw/Paint I, II: Drawing & painting techniques with chalk, charcoal, ink,
pencils, acrylic, & mixed media
Photography: Introduces creation of images using light sensitive materials
as well as addressing camera and lens theory, basic lights and topics,
exposure controls, darkroom operations and equipment usage.
Printmaking: This course will introduce students to a variety of image
printing techniques that allow for the multiple printing of images.
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Audio & Video Technology & Film Pathway (Ms. Sutton 521A)
Levels 1, 2, or 3; Prepares students for employment or entry into a
postsecondary education program in the audio and video technology
career field. Students also work on School Broadcast.
Entertainment & Sports Marketing Pathway (Mr. Patillo 208)
Marketing Principles: Creative, fun class about the basics of marketing in
a hands on environment.
Intro to Entertainment and Sports Marketing introduces students to the
major segments of the Sports and Entertainment Industry and the social
and economic impact on economies. (Prerequisite: Marketing Principles)
Financial Services Pathway (Ms. Wilson 211)
Intro to Business Technology: Intro to business course—computers,
marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, human resources, risk
management
“Money & Me” Financial Literacy: Money management, investments,
insurance, how to buy a car/house, how to live debt free (Prerequisite:
Intro to Business Technology)
Banking & Investing: How and why did banking begin, how do banks make
money, the how/why/what to investing (Prerequisites: Intro to Business
Technology and Financial Literacy)
Web & Digital Communication Pathway (Ms. Cown 210)
Intro to Digital Technology: Explore emerging technologies that impact the
digital world, one’s personal life, and society
Digital Design allows students to create and learn digital media application
using elements of text, graphics, animation, sound, video, and digital
imaging. (Prerequisite: Intro to Digital Technology)
Web Design will equip students with the ability to plan, design, and create
a web site by writing code and using graphical authoring tools.
(Prerequisites: Intro to Digital Technology and Digital Design)
WORK BASED LEARNING
Work Study 1, 2, & 3 gives students an opportunity for career exploration
and on-the-job experience while earning money and course credit.
Students are released from school early (1, 2, or 3 periods) every day to go
to work or complete an internship and earn credit hours. 5-15 work/intern
hours are required per week. Application and teacher recommendations
required. (Go to DHS Website – Class registration tab). See Mrs. Cown in
room 210 with any questions.
PERFORMING ARTS
Band (Mr. Groves or Ms. Bradberry - 406)
Intermediate Band: Designed for advancing student and will provide
performance opportunities
Advanced Band: Designed for students that are musically advanced with provide
performance opportunities. Required out-of-class activities.
Mastery Band: Most advanced band class at DHS that consists of students who
are at the highest level on their instrument. Membership is determined by
audition only. Required out-of-class activities.
Chorus (Ms. Lykin or Mr. Green - 401)
Beginning Women’s Chorus: Open to any student who is taking chorus for the
first time. Building block for progressing into a further ensemble. Class will
perform minimally with few or no out of school requirements.
Intermediate Chorus (Women or Men): Open to any student with past choral
experience or ability. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills emphasized.
Required out-of-class activities. (Teacher recommendation required)
Intermediate Women’s Chorus: Developing vocal technique and upper level
musicianship is emphasis. Required out-of-class activities. (Audition required).
Advanced Mixed Chorus (Women & Men): Develops skill in vocal performance
with emphasis on vocal technique development. Required out-of-class activities.
(Audition required).
Mastery Women’s Chorus: Most advanced choral class at DHS. Required out-ofclass activities. (Audition required).
Orchestra (Dr. Lemonds or Ms. Morton- 405)
Beginning Orchestra: Open to any student who is taking orchestra for the first
time. Students develop playing skills in fundamental string instrument technique.
Intermediate Orchestra: Students should have mastered two-octave scales and
will begin on three-octave scales. Emphasis on building technical skills to
perform music at level IV.
Intermediate Instrumental Ensemble: Students should have mastered threeoctave scales and will continue to advance their technique. Emphasis on building
musicianship skills to perform level V music.
Advanced Orchestra: Class focus is on techniques of bowing, higher positions, and
rhythm. Emphasis on building musicianship skills to perform at level V/VI.
Mastery Orchestra: Most advanced orchestra class at DHS. Focus on
performance of standard professional repertoire. Emphasis on building
musicianship skills to perform at level VI and beyond.
Drama (Ms. Baraban 6-107)
Fundamentals of Theatre I/II: Come join the dramatic introduction into Theatre!
Learn everything you need to know to become a star on ANY stage! No extracurricular events required.
Dramatic Arts/Fundamentals III/IV: Put your skills to the test! This course will
spotlight you in our very own Duluth Mainstage Productions! Learn and practice
the art of performance and technical theatre! Extra-curricular events required.
Teacher recommendation/Audition required.
ENGINEERING
Foundations of Engineering and Technology: Introductory course
for all other engineering classes; Study various careers in engineering with a
focus on CAD based programs and design
Engineering Concepts: This course introduces students to the fundamental
principles of engineering. Students learn about areas of specializations within
engineering and engineering design, and apply engineering tools and procedures
as they complete hands-on instructional activities. (Prerequisite: Foundations of
Engineering and Tech)
Appropriate and Alternative Energy Technologies: Counts as 4th year
Science! Learn about alternative energies with a focus on architecture. (Prerequisites: Foundations of Engineering and Energy and Power Technology)
See Mr. Roy in room 301 for more information.