Louis and Sarah Block Yeshiva High School
General Studies Course Descriptions
English
English 9/10—Cycle 1
The material covered in this course includes the components of short stories and poems; several
novels; an introduction to drama; and a unit on speech and debate. Writing is emphasized as a
unit itself and is stressed throughout the course in the form of projects, essays, and book reports.
Spelling and vocabulary building are also included.
Required, Grade 9 and 10, 4 Semesters, 2.0 Credits.
English 9/10—Cycle 2
This year spotlights grammar. Quarter I includes parts of speech and basal parts; Quarter II,
phrases and clauses; Quarter III, usage; Quarter IV, punctuation and capitalization, sentence
structure, and editing. All four quarters include some reading: short stories, essays, novels, and
plays. The students write approximately once a week with an emphasis on organization, word
economy, elimination of sentence errors, spelling, and vocabulary. In addition, each student must
give a formal speech to the class.
Required, Grade 9 and 10, 4 Semesters, 2.0 Credits
American Literature (AP)
In this yearlong survey of American literature the students read writers from the earliest Indians
to the latest modern. Each quarter emphasizes a different period – the colonial, the federal and
romantic, the realist and the modern. Students write expository, argumentative and literary
analysis paragraphs and essays, including a research paper done in conjunction with their
American history class. Other skills spotlighted include note taking, critical listening, debating,
extemporaneous speaking, discussion leadership, and both objective and essay test taking.
Required, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit.
World Literature (AP)
Students undertake a historically based, chronological study of the significant works of British
literature including representatives of the British Commonwealth nations. Among the teaching
strategies are journals, peer-editing, collaborative writing, critical thinking, computer-based
instruction, and independent reading. Students write a clear thesis statement about a literary work
and develop the idea with clear examples and citations from the texts discussed; they prepare an
essay which describes some aspect of a literary period and relate it to a text; they write creatively
in conjunction with the study of a literary work, modeling important characteristics of the
literature of the period under discussion; and they occasionally keep a reader response journal
based upon information being discussed.
Required, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit.
Introduction to Journalism
This course is a two semester-long overview of the skills required of a journalist. The junior class
will meet for two semesters. Meetings are one day per week. The student enrolling in this course
should expect to be writing almost every day. Units will cover news writing, feature writing,
editorial writing and sports writing. Editing (including proofreading) will also be a crucial part of
the class. Also included will be units in page design and layout, and photography. There will be
a monthly issue of the school newspaper. The second semesters, the senior class will be working
on the production of the school yearbook.
Elective, Grade 11 & 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Drama
In this course students will explore acting and scene production. Areas to be explored will
include how to create characters through body and voice, meaningful realistic interaction between
characters, and the shape of a dramatic scene. These goals will be accomplished through theater
games, improvisation, and actual performance. Homework will include line memorization and
some rehearsal.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 1 Semester, 0.5 Credit
Creative Writing
This course, as the name suggests, will focus on writing of a more “creative” nature. The student
enrolling in this course should expect to complete short- and long-term assignments such as
character portraits, short stories of various types, and poetry. Students should expect to be
writing almost every day.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 1 Semester, 0.5 Credit
Social Studies
World History
This is a broad introductory course, which surveys world history from its earliest periods to the
mid-fifteenth century. The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the major civilizations
in world history. The students will become acquainted with the major movements in history, the
historical framework of our current political systems, the geographical changes made by
historical events and the prevailing worldviews of civilizations other than our own. The course
should provide the students with a sound basis for understanding historical developments covered
in other courses of study.
Required, Grade 9 or 10, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit.
American History
This is a survey course, which traces the history of our country from its Native American origins
until the present day. The readings trace the history of the country from its earliest European
settlers, emphasizing life in colonial America, the reasons for the independence movement, the
early era of nation building, and the events leading to the Civil War. We will discuss the
Reconstruction, America’s rise to economic and political preeminence, the social changes of the
nineteenth century, and the dramatic events of the twentieth century. For those students
interested in studying the subject in more depth, there will be an optional additional reading list,
outside the usual class schedule. These extra assignments will prepare students to take an
Advanced Placement test in U.S. History.
Required, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Twentieth Century History
Twentieth Century History is a more advanced course, which covers world history throughout
this century. The lectures trace the major developments in each region and focus on recurring
themes in modern studies. The topics covered include the devastating effects of the two World
Wars, the rise of totalitarian governments, both communist and fascist, the decline of
imperialism, the origins of the Cold War, the United States’ role as a major world power, wars for
national liberation in the developing nations, the modernist intellectual movement in cultural
history, the fall of communism, and challenges for the future. The texts include a modern survey,
as well as some primary sources. Term papers based on original documents from the period are
assigned both semesters.
Elective, Grade 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Political Science
This one-semester course introduces the students to the fundamentals of American government.
It covers the Constitution’s basis in Enlightenment thought, the controversies surrounding its
design, and the changes that have occurred though amendments. The lectures discuss both the
theoretical and actual operations of the three branches of government, the historical basis of our
legal system, basic legal terminology and landmark legal decisions, as well as the United States’
role in international affairs and in multi-national organizations.
Elective, Grade 11, 1 Semester, 0.5 Credits
Ancient and Medieval History
A two-semester course focusing on the ancient and medieval roots of Western Civilization. The
course covers the roots of our varied religions, the development of modern commerce and trade,
the origins of our modern political systems and the key traditions of philosophy and the arts.
Special units include the study of Homerian epics, Socrates and his students, daily life in the
feudal ages, cathedral building and the Jews in medieval Spain.
Elective, Grade 10/11, 2 Semesters, 1 Credit
Holocaust and Zionism
A two-semester course covering twentieth-century Jewish History. Students study the origins of
the modern Jewish state as well as the unprecedented destruction of the Jewish people. Students
develop their skills in analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating and reviewing recent
studies and composing self-analytic essays on these important issues.
Required, Grade 11/12, 1 Semester, .05
US Government and Politics (AP)
This course examines the American system of government and politics, and addresses the
following questions—What are the origins of the American political system and principles?
What are the roots of the Constitution, and how has this document helped to shape the political
process? What are the roles of the various institutions of the federal government, and how do
they interact with one another? What do the political parties stand for? How do people make up
their minds about which candidates to support, and what ways are there of measuring public
opinion? How are laws made, and what outside organizations influence the drafting of
legislation? How does the news media cover politics and government, and how has the nature of
the media changed over time? The textbook is supplemented by numerous readings, and the class
also explores many of the websites that archive the American political experience from the past to
the present.
Elective, Grade 12, 2 Semesters, 1 Credit
European History (or AP)
This course examines the political, economic, intellectual, and social history of Europe from 1450
to the present, and addresses the following questions—How and why did Europe transform from
a feudal, agrarian society to one that is heavily industrialized and urbanized? What explains the
tumultuous political transformations that have shaken Europe over the past five hundred years?
How has the worldview of Europeans changed over the past five centuries? How has everyday
life changed for people since the end of the Middle Ages? The textbook is supplemented by
numerous short historical readings.
Required, 11/12, 2 Semesters, 1Credit
US History (AP)
This course examines the political, economic, diplomatic, social, and cultural history of America
from pre-Columbian times to the present day, and will explore a wide range of topics, including
European discovery and colonization, slavery, the Revolutionary War, the formation and history
of the Constitution, reform movements, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Great Depression
and New Deal, the changing roles of women, the Civil Rights movement, and America’s role on
the world stage. The textbook is supplemented by numerous historical documents, ranging from
speeches by political leaders to first-person accounts of what life was like in the past.
Required, 11/12, 2 Semesters, 1 Credit
Practical Arts
Computer Applications
Computer Applications is designed to provide the student with the fundamental concepts of
microcomputer applications, including spreadsheet, database, word-processing, desktop
publishing, and telecommunications. Recognizing that students enter high school with a wide
range of computer skills, this course will be highly individualized.
Elective, Grade 10, 1 Semester, 0.5 Credits
Marketing
This course exposes students to product distribution and promotion. The nature of marketing is
discussed, including the role of marketing in today’s economy. Students study marketing mix,
product life cycles, and the future of marketing in a global society. They review and analyze
electronic and print advertising, and study the consumer strategies of individuals, households, and
both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Elective, Grade 10 or 11, 1 Semester, 0.5 Credits
Finance/Economics
The Finance/Economics course is a competency based, objectively oriented yearlong course
divided into two sections. The first semester is spent helping the student understand and develop
competencies in personal finance. The students learn about basic financial needs such as
budgeting, insurance, banking, credit, and developing financial plans. They are exposed to
investment strategies within the stock market and the process of developing a strong financial
plan. In the second part of the course students learn about the basic components of the American
Economic system and its relationship to production and consumptions. The students are exposed
to market theory, supply and demand, business and labor, financial institutions and how they
work, and basic monetary and fiscal policy. The final part of Economics concern itself with
Global and ethical perspectives and how economics affects those perspectives.
Required, Grade 9 or 10, 1 credit
Medical Ethics
This groundbreaking class focuses on interactive (teacher and students) case presentations rather
than lectures. Students get a first-hand perspective on the development of Halacha and its
application to actual medical cases. The physician reviews the details (cases known to the faculty
or published in the media) and an exploration of medical ethical concerns follows. The Rabbi
explores basic sources in an interactive manner, beginning with Chumash and the Talmud and
concluding with the most recent response. Students offer suggestions about material appropriate
to each case and they read original documents with the Rabbi. Finally, the Rabbi assists the
students in the development of the Torah’s response to each modern-case dilemma. Curriculum
includes: end of life experimentation, genetics, role of prayer, organ transplantation, self-induced
illnesses, terrorism, health care delivery and rationing, industry, malpractice, health concerns and
Jewish law, gender problems and birth abnormalities.
Elective, Grade 12, .05 Credit
Business Ethics
The focus of the course is to develop Talmudic moral principles on a more nuanced level in order
to optimally frame and analyze the multi-faceted and multi-dimensional moral issues of the
modern marketplace.
Elective, All grades, .05 Credits
Science
General Biology
Topics covered include the basic principles of life, the five kingdoms of living things, and a
survey of cell structure and function, basic genetics and gene engineering. Lectures are
supplemented by textbook readings, bi-weekly presentations by students from current articles,
laboratory experiments, and field trips.
Required, Grade 9 or 10, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit. Fee: $50.00
General Chemistry
General Chemistry is the study of various forms of matter and the changes, which occur among
them. Topics include atomic structure and bonding; elements, compounds, and mixtures; solids,
liquids, and gases; nuclear chemistry; chemical equilibrium systems; and solutions. For most
students, chemistry is the first course, which combines science and mathematics, and laboratory
work is an integral part of the course.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit. Fee: $50.00
AP Biology
The goal of this course is to prepare the student for advanced studies in biology beyond high
school. Topics studied are cytology, biological and organic chemistry, cellular respiration and
fermentation, photosynthesis, cellular division, molecular genetics, genetic inheritance patterns,
nutrition and transport in vascular plants, regulation and response in plants, and structures and
functions of invertebrates and vertebrates including comparative anatomy.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit Fee: $50.00
AP Chemistry
Students should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in
dealing with chemical problems. This course should contribute to the development of the
students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and
logic. The topics covered will include structures and states of matter, reactions, and descriptive
chemistry. To develop intellectual and laboratory skills, students will spend time in both the
classroom and lab.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit Fee: $50.00
CC Anatomy
This course offers one semester of college credit (4 credits) from UMSL for the completion of the
equivalent of one year of college anatomy. The course covers all body systems in both lab and
lecture format.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit Fee: $50.00
Survey of Science
This course is symposium based, with heavy emphasis on the Socratic method of teaching.
Students read current novels as well as view contemporary films while considering the scientific
merit of each.
AP Psychology
This course gives an overview of the field of psychology, covering such topics as the history of
psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral psychology, abnormal psychology and more.
The course material is covered through lecture and discussion groups with students mastering the
material through reading, worksheets and tests. A research project may also be included as part
of the final exam.
Elective, Grades 11-12, 2 Semesters
AP Physics
Advanced physics is the study of Newtonian Mechanics using calculus. Topics include
kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, power, impulse, momentum, gravity, oscillations, collisions,
and rotational motion. Success requires strong skills in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and
calculus.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Fine Arts
Studio Art (or AP)
This is an introductory course designed to expose both experienced and neophyte students to the
fundamental principles and concepts of drawing and painting. Development of individual
creativity will be explored through such projects as rendering and figure drawing, portraiture,
architectural drawing, and still-life composition. Various artistic media such as graphite and pen
studies, watercolor, and acrylic painting will be employed.
Required, Grade 9 or 10, 2 Semesters, 0.5 Credits.
Music Appreciation
The Music Appreciation is a one-semester survey course covering Western Europe from medieval
times to the present. The course includes an introduction to music terminology, a history of
cultural and technical musical developments throughout each century and a brief discussion of the
major composers of each period. The course ends with a discussion of modern jazz, rock and
ethnic musical traditions. The course should provide students with an enhanced understanding of
classical Western music, and European and American Cultural history.
Required, Grade 9 or 10, 2 Semesters, 0.5 Credits.
Foreign Languages
French I
This course is an introduction to the French language and to the culture of French-speaking
countries. Dialogues concerning cultural differences serve as an integral part of the class.
Students learn basic vocabulary, grammatical structure, and pronunciation. An emphasis is
placed on writing, speaking, reading, and listening proficiencies through various individual,
paired, and group activities, according to the ACTFL requirements.
Required, Grade 10, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credits.
French II
These courses continue to strengthen writing, speaking, reading, and listening proficiencies, with
continued learning of the cultures of French-speaking countries. Students review grammar of the
past, present, and future tenses of regular, irregular, and reflexive verbs. Vocabulary mastery is
expanded through student compositions and projects. Students continue to learn idiomatic
expressions and colloquialisms, and dialogues continue to be an important aspect of the course,
according to the ACTFL requirements.
Required, Grade 11, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credits
Ivrit (Hebrew) I-IV
An intensive four-year language course, which develops students’ skills in reading, writing, and
conversational Hebrew. Vocabulary enrichment is achieved through a multimedia instructional
approach, and the culture of contemporary Israel is an integral part of the curriculum.
Required, Grades 9-12, 2 Semesters, 0.5 Credits
Spanish I
Spanish I is an introductory course to the Spanish language for the beginning student with a focus
on vocabulary and basic grammar. Students will build their knowledge through practice of
reading, writing and speaking the language. Individual work, as well as partner or group work,
will be encouraged. Cultural projects will allow students to use their creativity as they learn
about other cultures.
Elective, Grade 10, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Spanish II
Spanish II is the continuation course to Spanish I. Students will build on their previous
knowledge by expanding their vocabulary and tackling more complex grammar. Students will
learn preterit, imperfect, present progressive and imperfect progressive verb tenses of regular,
irregular and reflexive verbs. Students will work on more extensive writing projects, and will
also continue their study of Hispanic culture.
Elective, Grade 11, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Mathematics
Algebra I
This class introduces students to basic concepts of algebra and forms a transition between
arithmetic and algebra. The major topics presented in the class include: fractions, signed
numbers, evaluation of expressions, solutions of equations with one unknown, adding like terms,
number word problems, natural number exponents, factoring, percent word problems, value word
problems, addition of rational expressions, simplification of radicals, linear equations,
simultaneous equations, and uniform motion word problems.
Required, Grade 9, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credits.
Geometry
The course provides abundant opportunities for the student to learn to reason logically and
mathematically, and to try new ideas to solve problems. The emphasis in the first semester is on
algebraic applications and formal deductive proofs in the study of angle relationships,
perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles and quadrilaterals. The second semester
covers similar triangles, right triangles, circles, and area and volumes of geometric figures.
Required, Grade 9 or 10, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credits
Algebra II
This course begins by reviewing and strengthening the mathematical techniques learned in
Algebra I and Geometry. Some of the topics studied are inequalities and proofs, linear equations
and functions, polynomials, rational expressions, and irrational and complex numbers. In the
second semester the course continues with quadratic equations and functions, variations and
polynomial equations, analytic geometry (conic sections), exponential and logarithmic functions,
sequences and series, and trigonometry.
Required, Grade 10 or 11, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Pre-Calculus
The objective of Pre-Calculus is to form the bridge between Algebra II and Calculus. This is
done by challenging students with the fundamental concepts necessary for success in Calculus.
These concepts include sets, order, inequalities, coordinate geometry, conic sections, sequences,
series, functions, limits, polynomial solutions, derivatives, maximum/minimum problems,
vectors, matrices, antiderivatives, trigonometric functions, solving triangles, trigonometric
identities and graphs, polar equations, parametric equations, trigonometric limits and derivatives,
exponential functions, and logarithmic functions.
Elective, Grade 11 or 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Algebra III
The course is designed for the student who wants a fourth year of mathematics without
the rigors and the abstract thinking of pre-calculus. The course will provide a strong
foundation of pre-calculus concepts, techniques, and applications to prepare students for
more advanced work. Topics covered are functions, graphs, applications, and in-depth
study of trigonometry and probability. The graphing calculator is used extensively in the
course.
Elective, Grade 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
Calculus (AP--AB or BC)
This course is intended for students who have a thorough understanding of previous college
preparatory mathematics courses. It covers such topics as functions and their graphs, analytical
geometry, limits and continuity, derivatives, differential calculus, and integral calculus.
Techniques of differentiation and integration are emphasized relative to applications and problem
solving. Graphing calculators are required.
Elective, Grade 12, 2 Semesters, 1.0 Credit
AP Statistics
AP Statistics covers the following major topics: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating
patterns, and statistical inference. Students should have access to a computer for work both in
and out of the classroom.
Elective, Grade 12, 2 Semesters, 1 Credit
Mathematical Analysis
Course designed on the formulations of the MIT freshmen course. Covers the rationale
underlying calculus. Only mathematically brilliant students may register.
Elective, Grade 12, 2 Semesters, 1 Credit
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education is an activity-oriented program. Emphasis is placed on improving fitness
levels through daily activity. A variety of individual and team sports is played during the year,
with time devoted to knowledge of the rules and basic skills necessary to play these games.
Physical Education also incorporates lifetime activities in an effort to help students develop
wellness plans for their future.
Required, Grade 9 and 10, 4 Semesters, 1.0 Credit.