Lebanese Baccalaureate (Grade 9-12) Course Guide
The American Community School at Beirut | Revised January 2013 (Reflecting courses offered for the 2013-2014 school year)
ENGLISH
Course descriptions provided by the English department
English 9
Grade 9 English is designed with a special emphasis on writing skills; students will practice various forms of writing and work to improve their ability
to write analytical essays, poems and short creative pieces. In addition, Brevet students will also be exposed to Brevet type questions and exams on
a regular basis.
Text:
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Proof (a short play) by David Auburn
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A selection of short stories, poems, vignettes and non-fiction texts
English 10
Students develop close reading and commentary writing skills by examining a variety of texts, grammar and vocabulary practice, many writing
opportunities, and additional learning mediums. As well, time is given to familiarizing students with PSAT and SAT vocabulary and test formats.
Text:
Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” Tim Melley’s “My Crap Life” and Joyce Carol Oates’s “Where Are You Going,
Where Have You Been?” as well as other short stories.
The Kiterunner by Khaled Hosseini
Shakespeare’s Othello
A variety of non-fiction articles and essays covering a range of subjects
A selection of poems from different eras and a spectrum of themes
English 11
Through literary pieces that dealt with deep political, social, and religious issues, this course examines forces that impacted the Nineteenth Century
and Twentieth Century. A number of writing, speaking, and reading skills will be reviewed and further developed throughout the year including:
essay and commentary writing; oral presentation and speaking skills; and research methods. There will be a specific focus on language, critical
thinking skills, and comparison of works of literature and/or media.
Text:
1984
The Stranger
Midaq Alley
Additional Short Stories and articles
IB English Year 1
IB English is generally regarded as the best university preparation course in the world. Students needs to have a strong command of English and
required course skills (writing, analysis, etc.), work smart, and manage their time appropriately. Summative IB assignments include: Literature in
Translation Paper (1200-1500 words), Reflective Statement (300-400 words), and Oral Presentation.
Text:
1st Semester
The Stranger, Albert Camus
Season of Migration to the North, Tayeb Salih
A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen (HL Only)
2nd Semester
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Selected poems, E. Dickinson/William Blake
English 12
This course is designed to introduce students to different skills that can aid success in university and in the work place. In this class, students will be
introduced to literary pieces and other media that correlate with the course’s general objective, analyze these works, and reproduce the newly
acquired concepts in various creative ways. A number of writing, speaking, and reading skills will be reviewed and further developed throughout
the year including: essay and commentary writing; oral presentation and speaking skills; and research methods. There will be a specific focus on
language, critical thinking skills, and comparison of works of literature and/or media.
Text:
The Things They Carried
Works by Famous Essayists
Selected articles and short stories
IB English Year 2
Though Year 2 is technically the halfway point of this two year course, please don’t forget that 70% of your IB grade will be determined by the
work you do this year. Work smart and manage your time appropriately. Summative IB assignments include: Individual Oral Commentary and
Paper Two.
Text:
1st Semester
Macbeth, William Shakespeare
Poetry of Robert Frost
Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut (HL Only)
Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet (HL Only)
2nd Semester
A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams
Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Edward Albee
For more information, please contact
Hayat Shehab, Head of Department
hshehab@acs.edu.lb
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Course descriptions provided by the Social Science department
Brevet and Bacc. II Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics)
The LB Social Studies courses focus on the relationship between History, Geography, and Civics. Students will study social and economic
developments, traditions, and norms within a range of cultures, with a specific focus on the interplay between History and Geography. Their skills of
analysis, comparison, and critical thinking will be further developed through study of economic, social and political issues and the constitutions of
different governments and social institutions.
Grade 10 History: World History 1750-1900
A sub-title of this course is the “Age of Revolutions”; after a study of the Enlightenment most of the course is devoted to revolutions of political,
economic and social character: The American War of Independence/Revolution, the classical French Revolution, the Haitian Revolution and finally the
Industrial Revolution. Imperialism is also a major topic in this course and this study involves an in-depth look at both European and African/Asian
societies in the 1800s. The course builds on and further develops skills introduced in grade 9.
Grade 11 History: World History 1900-2000
The “long 20th century” is the time period studied in this course; it starts with the causes of the First World War and ends with the fall of
Communism. Main topics include: the First and Second World Wars; Hitler’s Germany; Stalin’s Soviet Union,; Mao’s China; Castro’s Cuba; and the
Cold War. This is the first part of the two-year IB course in history and the major assessments include an individual research paper, essays and
document-based assessments.
LB Philosophy
The Grade 11 Philosophy course will complete the first year requirements of the LB Philosophy syllabus. Students will understand the meaning of
philosophy and identify its different schools to prepare them for the Grade 12 Philosophy course. This course will teach basic philosophical ideas
regarding the Sophists’ concepts and the different interpretations expressed by the natural philosophers. Students will learn about the different
elements of Ethics.
Text: Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder
The Philosophy National Book (Ethics)
Grade 12 (LB) / Philosophy
The Grade 12 Philosophy and Civilization course is a requirement for the official program of the Baccalaureate in Life Science and Socio-economic
tracks. The program deals with philosophical questions concerning psychology and knowledge, with specific focus on: tendencies, the consciousness,
the unconsciousness, perception, memory, imagination, and intelligence.
For more information, please contact
Else Saoud, Head of Department
esaoud@acs.edu.lb
MATH
Course descriptions provided by the Math department
Brevet Math
Prerequisites: LB Math Grade 8
This course follows the program set by the Ministry of Education and prepares students for the official Brevet exam. The course includes
number systems, operations on polynomials, linear equations, proportions, systems of equations, vectors and translation, right triangle
trigonometry, coordinate and analytic geometry, geometric proofs, geometry of the circle, similar triangles and statistics
Text: Building Up Mathematics, 9th Grade Basic Education. National Textbook
Additional worksheets selected from different resources.
Pre-Bacc 10 Math
Prerequisites: Brevet Math
This course follows the program set by the Ministry of Education and prepares students for the governmental Baccalaureate exam. The
course covers essentially the following topics: Set theory, Real numbers, equations and inequalities, polynomials, vectors and lines,
functions, and trigonometry.
Text: Building Up Mathematics, Secondary Education; first year secondary. National textbook
Additional worksheets selected from different resources.
Pre-Bacc 11 Math
Prerequisites: Pre-Bacc 10 Math
This course is similar to that of the High School Precalculus course, but goes at a faster pace to include additional topics and
applications that are required for the Lebanese Baccalaureate program such as space geometry, vectors, trigonometry, derivatives and
integrals.
Text:
Building Up Mathematics, Secondary Education; second year
Secondary (scientific) . National textbook
Additional worksheets selected from different resources.
Bacc. II Life Sciences Math
Prerequisites: Pre-Bacc 11 Math
This course follows the program set by the Ministry of Education and prepares students for the external Baccalaureate exam. The
course builds on concepts introduced in the pre-Bacc. 11. Topics covered are calculus and functional analysis, complex numbers, statistics
and probability, trigonometry, and 3-D analytic geometry. The language of functions is used to deal with instantaneous change and
infinite summation. The theory and application of derivatives and integrals is widely developed in this course.
Text: Building up Mathematics, Secondary Education, Third year,
Life Sciences: National textbook, 2000
For more information, please contact
Akram Abdallah, Head of Department
aabdallah@acs.edu.lb
SCIENCE
Course descriptions provided by the Science department
LB 9 Biology (Brevet)
This course introduces students to the human body and helps them understand the processes of digestion, respiration, circulation, and
cellular metabolism. It also explains the basics of genetics. This course uses different approaches including lots of investigation and
interpretation that are based on scientific reasoning. Lab sessions, computer experiments, projects, and software programs are used to
reinforce the concepts learned. Lab experiments include: testing for organic compounds; dissection of the heart; dissection of the
respiratory system; dissection of a diecious flower; testing for blood groups; and observing cellular division in onion root tip.
Textbook:
Life and Earth Sciences. National textbook; Educational Center for Research and Development
LB 9 Chemistry (Brevet)
The Brevet chemistry course is an introductory course at grade 9 level. It provides to students fundamental chemical principles, which are
necessary for understanding the composition and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. The course is offered for two
blocks per cycle for the whole year and covers the following basic topics: The Atom, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding,
Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemistry and the environment. The course contains a lab component and students are required to
write lab reports. Lab experiments include identification of chemical and physical changes, flame tests, and Periodic trends in reactivity.
Textbook:
Chemistry, Basic Education, Grade Nine, Educational Center for Research and Development.
LB 9 Physics (Brevet)
This course is an introductory course in physics intended to prepare students for the governmental Brevet exam. It introduces the basic
concepts in optics, electricity, and mechanics and emphasizes problem-solving strategies. It is offered on three blocks per cycle basis for
the whole year.
Textbook
Physics-Basic education by Ali Abbas, Ahmad Fawaz, Antoine Skaf & Ibrahim Rashidi, Educational Center for Research
and Development.
LB 10 Chemistry
Prerequisite: LB Chemistry 9
The Grade 10 Chemistry course for the Lebanese Track is a complementary course to the introductory course provided at grade 9
level. It provides to students deeper insights into chemical principles, which were tackled in Brevet, and also adds new concepts
necessary for grade 11 and grade 12 courses. The course is offered for two blocks per cycle over one semester and covers the
following topics: The Structure of Matter, Chemical Reactions and Solutions. The course contains a lab component and students are
required to write lab reports. Lab experiments include stoichiometry of chemical reactions, pH-metry, and acid-base titrations.
Textbook:
Chemistry, Secondary Education, First year, National Center for Educational Research and Development.
LB 10 Physics
Prerequisite: LB Physics 9.
This course reinforces and provides deeper insights into the concepts introduced in Brevet, and also introduces new ones necessary for
grade 11 and grade 12 courses. It aims to develop problem-solving abilities, promote critical thinking, and emphasize the
experimental aspect of science by including a laboratory component. This course is offered on two blocks per cycle basis for the whole
year and covers the following topics: Electricity, Mechanics, Waves, and Optics.
Textbook:
Physics, Secondary Education, First year, National Center for Educational Research and Development.
LB 11 Biology
Prerequisite: LB Biology 9
This course will introduce the students to genetics, protein synthesis, molecular renewal, energy expenditure, cellular respiration,
fermentation and the process of photosynthesis. Lab sessions, computer simulated experiments and software programs are used to
reinforce the concepts learned and students are expected to write lab reports.
Textbook:
Life Science (2nd year of secondary education). National Textbook published by the Educational Center for Research
and Development
LB 11 Chemistry
Prerequisite: LB Chemistry 10
The Bacc. I Chemistry course provide students specific chemical principles which are related to conceptual chemistry and industrial
chemistry. The course assumes that students are acquainted with basic concepts of chemistry offered at grade 9 and 10. The course is
offered for three blocks per cycle for one whole year and covers the following topics: Thermochemistry, Electrochemistry, Industrial
Inorganic Chemistry and Metallurgy, Principles of manufacturing of important inorganic raw materials, principles of extraction of
important metals, Atomic Orbitals, Organic Chemistry, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Pollution. The course contains a project component
and a lab component and students are required to present their work and write lab reports. Lab experiments include redox titrations
and organic reactions, projects include metallurgy, CFC’s, and aromatic reactions.
Textbook:
National Textbook; Chemistry, Secondary Education, second year, Sciences Section, National Center for Educational
Research and Development.
LB 11 Physics
Prerequisite: LB Physics 10
This course is intended to introduce and reinforce major Physics concepts in mechanics, waves, electricity, and magnetism. This course
aims to develop problem-solving abilities, promote critical thinking, and emphasize the experimental aspect of science by including a
laboratory component. It is offered on four blocks per cycle basis for the whole year.
Textbook:
Physics secondary education. Second year. Sciences Section. National Center for Educational Research and
Development.
College Physics, Serway and Faughn, 6th edition, Volumes 1 and 2, Thomson, Brooks/Cole
LB 12 Biology (Life Sciences Bacc. II)
Prerequisite: LB Biology 11
This is a higher-level biology course that covers the important anatomical and physiological aspects of genetics and animal physiology
including immunology, neurophysiology, and endocrinology. This course helps students not only build up knowledge in different fields of
animal physiology but also apply acquired knowledge to similar situations, relate acquired knowledge to new given, and solve
problems by practicing scientific reasoning. One research project presented in a power point form is requested every term. Lab
sessions, computer simulated experiments (virtual labs), and software programs are used to reinforce the concepts learned. Lab
experiments include: dihybrid cross in corn: The X2 method; neurophysiology of nerve impulses: computer simulation; endocrine system
physiology: computer simulation; and ELISA test: computer simulation
Textbook:
Life Science (3rd year of secondary education)- Life sciences section. National textbook; Published by the Educational
Center for Research and Development
LB 12 Chemistry (Life Sciences Bacc. II)
Prerequisite: LB Chemistry 11
The LB 12 Chemistry course is a general course in chemistry allowing students to graduate from high school with a comprehensive and
thorough understanding of the basic concepts in chemistry and the role it plays in their
everyday life. With a strong emphasis put on problem solving skills, it also prepares students for the Lebanese Baccalaureate Exam in
Chemistry. The course consists of a series of activities, discussions, problem-solving sessions, cooperative learning sessions, video
projections, demonstrations, and laboratory work sessions in advanced analytical, physical, organic and nuclear chemistry, all these
activities being essential to enable students to gain a more practical understanding of the principles. The course assumes that students
are acquainted with concepts of chemistry offered at grade 9, 10 and 11. The course is offered on a four blocks per cycle basis for
the whole year and covers the following topics:
The Gaseous State: Partial pressure, total pressure, mole fraction mean molar masses.
Chemical Kinetics: Rate of formation and disappearance, kinetic curves, average rate, instantaneous rate and initial rate, kinetic
factors, rate constants, reaction orders, halflife, and catalysis.
Chemical Equilibrium: Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, equilibrium constants, shifiting equilibria, solubility equilibria.
Acid-base Chemistry: Definitions, pH, acid-base titrations, equivalence point, pH-metry, weak acids and bases, conjugate pairs, acid
and base constants, acid-base equilibria, titrations of weak acids and bases and buffers.
Organic Chemistry: Functional groups, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines and amino
acids, properties and reactions.
Polymers: Natural and synthetic polymers, characteristics and uses, economic and environmental impact.
Soaps and Detergents: Preparation of soaps, principle of detergency, synthetic detergents.
Current Medicinal Drugs: Analgesics, anesthetics, antacids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, tranquilizers, and antidepressants.
Textbook:
National Textbook; Chemistry, Secondary Education, third year, General and Life Sciences Section, National Center for
Educational Research and Development.
LB 12 Physics (Life Sciences Bacc. II)
Prerequisite: LB Physics 11
This course is a college preparatory course that prepares students in the Life Science track for the official Baccalaureate II exam in
Physics. It is an intensive mathematical-based course that provides in depth coverage of a wide range of physics concepts in the topics
of Mechanics, Electricity, Aspects of light, Atomic, and Nuclear physics. It is offered on four blocks per cycle basis for the whole year.
Textbook:
Physics secondary education. National Center for Educational Research and Development
For more information, please contact
Dania Maaliki, Head of Department
dmaaliki@acs.edu.lb
LANGUAGES
Course descriptions provided by the Arabic and French departments
Brevet Arabic | Bacc 10 Arabic | Bacc 11 Arabic | Bacc 12 Arabic
The aim of these courses is to prepare students ready for the Lebanese official exams in grades 9 and 12. Students in these courses will
participate in language activities that enable them to meet the requirements of the Lebanese National curriculum. The writing process
and 6 traits will continue to be a major learning activity in these courses.
For more information, please contact
Hanadi Dayyeh, Head of Department
hdayyeh@acs.edu.lb
FINE ARTS (Grade 10 Only)
Course descriptions provided by the Fine Arts department
2D Art
Students will work with a variety of media including assorted papers and cardboards, assorted drawing and painting media, textiles
and textile paints, threads, found objects, mixed media and clay. Skills and topics covered include: investigating the proportions of the
human form and face through drawing and brushwork; producing a self -portrait on canvas based on a famous portrait; working with
atmospheric perspective and one and two point perspective; learning watercolor techniques and skills; and ceramics and large canvas
work. The class includes a major Research Assignment on the Renaissance and each project includes a historical/cultural research
component.
3D Art
Students will work with a variety of media including wire and wire mesh, plaster, assorted papers and cardboards, foam and foam
board, mixed media, found objects, metal sheeting and clay. Students will create an additive and a subtractive sculpture as well as
explore mobiles, relief sculpture, casting and assemblages. The class includes a major Research Assignment on the Renaissance and each
project includes a historical/cultural research component.
Students can take either 2D or 3D art. It is not possible to take both courses.
Choir
HS Choir is open to all interested students and musicians. This class follows upon the experiences and skills learned in MS Music. HS
Choir includes instruction in vocal technique, solo and ensemble singing and basic musicianship. We use both contemporary music
suggested by choir members, as well as traditional works for choir as learning materials. All members will be invited to audition early in
the school year to determine level of ability and vocal range.
Drama 1
Students will explore the theatre process, theatre in performance and theatre in the world. Improvisation, creative dramatics, and scene
work are used to introduce students to acting and character development. Drama I provides opportunities for students to develop skills
in critical listening and thinking, as well as stage presence and ensemble work culminating in periodic classroom and/or public
performances.
Drama 2
This course is designed for students who have completed Drama I and promotes opportunities to build on existing skills. Classwork
focuses on characterization, devising theatre and playwrights. Improvisation, creative dramatics and scene work are used to help
students challenge and strengthen their acting skills. Drama II provides opportunities for students to strengthen skills in critical listening
and thinking, as well as stage presence and ensemble work culminating in periodic classroom and/or public performances
Graphic Design
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the skills and work of graphic design. Student will explore Photoshop, Illustrator, and
InDesign through themed projects. By the end of the course, students will have built a large portfolio of work based in these three
programs.
Symphonic Band
This class is open to flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, percussion, keyboard, guitar and tuba players. Students
will continue to develop instrumental skills through scales, sight-reading and performing pieces of music as well as building the skills of
improvisation and composition. There will be two major performances each year as well as other informal opportunities to perform.
Yearbook
This course focuses on the creation and production of the school’s yearbook. Students gather all materials needed for the project
(photos, etc.), learn design and layout concepts, practically apply their learning through use of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and
gain hands on experience with the process of printing a large scale project.
For more information, please contact
Jim McLean, Head of Department
jmclean@acs.edu.lb