Harmony School of Political
Science and Communication
13415 Fm 620 N
Austin, TX 78717
http://www.hspaustin.org/
Phone (512) 284 9880
Course Selection Guide
2 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Request Scheduling
4
Grading Scale/ GPA Scale
5
Graduation Requirements
6
Advanced Placement Program
7
Dual Credit Program
9
Local Credit Courses
10
Testing/Summer Schools
11
Extra Curricular Activities
12
Safety Net Program
23
Athletics
25
College Counseling
27
Course Descriptions
30
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 3 Course Selection Guide
Course Request
Scheduling
Schedule Changes/ Dropping
Courses
Early in the Spring Semester students complete
the registration/request process for the following
year. After carefully reviewing available courses, students, parents, and teachers choose an appropriate
and realistic course plan.
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend one of
the help sessions or schedule an appointment with
the school counselor.
Course requests will be final by the end of April.
After this date, only changes to classes that require
tryouts/auditions, or courses to be completed during
the summer will be made. Students who are concerned about scheduling should meet with a counselor prior to the April deadline.
Additionally, electives will not be altered if listed
as the first choice or an alternate. Students should
carefully think through their choices during the registration period.
the class instructor about problems being experienced in the class.
• For a year-long course, a student can change
from an advanced to a lower level of the same
course before the end of the 1st marking period;
otherwise the student will remain in the class
until the end of the first semester.
• Necessary paperwork (Level Change Request
Form) must be completed with all signatures and
turned in to the Advisors Office.
• Grades from the dropped course will be carried into the added course. No adjustment in
grades from AP, Pre-AP, or Honors will be made
to the new course.
• If a student exits a course where no transfer
levels are available, after 1st marking period into
a semester, a grade of withdrawn passing (WP)
or withdrawn failing (WF) is recorded for that
course. When as determined by the teacher computing semester GPA, WP is not included and WF
is averaged as a zero.
Transcripts
New enrolled students will only receive a transcript in January. Sophomore, Junior and Senior
transcripts include current GPA.
Level Change procedures
For students enrolled in AP, Pre-AP, or Honors
courses the following guidelines will need to be met
in order to transfer courses:
• Parent and student will communicate with
4 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Grading Scale & GPA
Rank in Class
the right to specify their own guidelines to qualify
Harmony School of Political Science is a non-rank- for final exemptions.
ing school. Due to the policies of many universities,
Senior schedules:
HSP will identify students who are among the top
All seniors must be scheduled for eight periods.
10% of their class.
Grade Point Average
The grade point average (GPA) is determined using
the standard 4.0 system. A weighted scale is applied
for AP courses. The GPA is calculated as follows:
TABLE - GPA COMPUTATION DATA
Grade
90-100
80-89
70-79
Below-69
Regular
4.0
3.0
2.0
0
AP&DualCredit
Alternatives are:
1. Seven credit courses and one study hall
2. Six credit courses and two study halls
5.0
4.0
3.0
0
Senior Exemption
To exempt from his/her final exam, a senior must
have a minimum of a 95 average and may not have
more than 3 absences, excused or unexcused, in that
particular class for the semester in which the student wishes to be exempt. Each department reserves
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 5 Course Selection Guide
graduation Requirements
Course
Recommended High
School Program
Distinguished Achievement
English
Mathematics
Science
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Social Studies
Economics
Physical Education
Languages Other Than English
Fine Arts
Speech
3.5
0.5
1.0
2.0
1.0
0.5
3.5
0.5
1.0
3.0
1.0
0.5
Elective Courses
TOTAL
5.5
26
4.5
26
Advanced Measures Required for the Distinguished Achievement Program
The Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP)
recognizes students who demonstrate levels of performance equivalent to college students. As a college preparatory school system, Harmony Schools
strongly encourages the students to follow the DAP.
In order to graduate under DAP, students must complete the requirements described in §74.1 of the
Texas Administrative Code and receive any combination of four of the following advanced measures:
Original Research Project that:
•
Is judged by a panel of professionals in a
field of focus; or conducted under the direction of
mentor(s) and reported to an appropriate audience.
•
Is related to the required curriculum set forth
in TAC §74.1.
•
May not be used for more than two of the four
advanced measures.
Tests:
•
A score of three or above on The College Board
Advanced Placement examination (may be used as
one advanced measure per test).
•
The PSAT score may count as only one advanced
measure regardless of the number of honors received
by the student.
College courses:
•
A grade of 3.0 or higher on college credit
courses.
6 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Advanced Placement
program
Purpose
The purpose of the AP entrance and exit guidelines
is to provide information to parents and students and
to facilitate students’ success in academically challenging courses. AP classes in Harmony High School
stimulate and challenge students to perform at an
advanced academic level. Therefore, AP coursework
requires students to engage in more independent analytical reading and writing assignments, both inside
and outside the classroom.
Entrance Guidelines
AP curriculum is written two grade levels above
traditional curriculum. Instruction is fast-paced and
much of the work is done outside of class. Therefore,
AP students should be independent learners who have
demonstrated prior success in the subject area as demonstrated by:
PSAT Scores
The PSAT test in the subject is a good predictor of
success in an AP class ;therefore, it is required.
Teacher Recommendations
Students who want to enroll in any one or more AP
Courses listed in the class selection sheet, must have
teacher recommendation(s) from a teacher in the same
subject (English, Social Studies, and Science etc.)
Performance Considerations
AP classrooms are fast-paced and challenging
environments, with most lesson preparation done
at home. Therefore, students taking these courses
should be self-motivated learners willing to invest
time and energy into their activities and assignments.
AP students should be independent learners who
demonstrate:
•
Motivation
•
The ability to prioritize their time
•
A positive attitude toward challenging
coursework
•
A strong work ethic
Student Guidelines
Students Withdrawal Guidelines from AP Course
Students may withdraw from AP Courses without
Previous grades in that discipline
An A or a B in a particular subject is required to any penalty if withdrawal is submitted on or before
enroll in AP. It indicates that the student has the aca- two weeks after the start of the AP Class.
demic ability to succeed at the AP level in that subject.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 7 Course Selection Guide
Advanced Placement
program
AP Courses
On Level Equivalent
AP Calculus AB
Mathematics
AP Statistic
Mathematics
AP Chemistry
Science
AP Physics
Science
AP Biology
Science
AP Env. Science
Science
AP Computer Science
Computer
AP English Language
English Language Arts
AP English Literature
English Language Arts
AP Human Geography
Social Studies
AP World History
Social Studies
AP U.S. History
Social Studies
AP Psychology
Social Studies
AP Comparative Government
Social Studies
AP European History
Social Studies
AP Economics
Economics
AP Art History
Fine Arts
AP Studio Art
Fine Arts
AP Spanish Language
Languages
AP Spanish Literature
Languages
Any student enrolled in an AP course who
withdraws from the course after that date
may be placed in to regular class, depending
on availability. In such conditions, the student
may be faced with a lower level of course credit
being taken, or other undesirable course schedule adjustments being required.
A student with a grade average less than 70
will be placed on probation for the following
three week period, upon communication with
student, teacher, parents and an academic
counselor. If the grade average for the class
remains less than 70 at the end of the threeweek probation period, student will be withdrawn from the AP Course and scheduled into
a standard level class in that subject.
Additional AP Guidelines
•
Students are expected to maintain their
school attendance for classes and AP Testing
days.
•
Students must attend summer school,
after school and Saturday tutorial sessions if
provided.
•
Students are expected to complete and
turn in the summer assignment during the
first week of school.
•
Students must take College Board’s AP
exam(s) for the course enrolled.
8 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Dual Credit Program
A dual credit course is a college course taken by a
high school student for which the student earns both
college and high school credit. Dual credit courses
are typically taught at the high school. Dual credit is
successful because the program offers something for
everyone involved.
ACC Dual Credit Course Curricula and Grading
A dual credit course is a college course in all
respects. The curriculum is the curriculum for the
college course. The textbooks are the same books
used on the college campus and the grading standard
is the same.
goal can best be accomplished by adding hours to the
college course and assigning a high school instructor
to enrich the curriculum. Because of the length of
high school periods and the length of the high school
semesters, more class time is usually available than is
needed for the 48-hour college course.
The college instructor will assign grades on the
standard ACC grading scale: 90-100 percent is a
grade of A, 80-89 percent is a B, 70-79 percent is a
C, 60-69 percent is a D, and less than 60 percent is
a failing grade. College students have the option of
withdrawing from the class and may be withdrawn by
their instructor if they have excessive absences.
College instructors will work with the high school
administration to provide periodic grade reports for
school records. The rules of dual credit allow college
faculty to use two grading scales, one for the high
school class and the other for the college class.
High school administrators sometimes want to
enrich the college course. They may want to include
course materials that are part of the high school curriculum that are not stressed in the college course
or to add materials to satisfy AP requirements. This
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 9 Course Selection Guide
Local Credit Courses
Algebra Lab
Grade:9th Prerequisite:N/A Credit:1.0
This course is an intensive review of material
covered in previous math courses for freshman
preparing for Algebra II and beyond. This course is
designed to help students maximize their potential
on the Algebra Particular focus on how to answer
the open response questions in a well-organized,
detailed manner is also emphasized.
English I Writing
Grade:9th Prerequisite:N/A Credit:1.0
In Writing I, students will gain knowledge
and practice in writing for all audiences. Topics
covered will include literary analysis, descriptive, narrative and expository. Upon completion
of this course, students will be able to compose
effective writing with attention to organization,
conventions, voice, focus, sentence fluency and
word choice.
English II Writing
Grade:10th Prerequisite:English I Wri. Credit:1.0
In Writing II, students will perfect writing skills
acquired in Writing I. Topics covered in greater detail
will include literary analysis, descriptive, narrative
and expository. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to compose more effective writing
with attention to organization, conventions, voice,
focus, sentence fluency and word choice.
S.A.T Math
Grade:11th Prerequisite:N/A Credit:1.0
This course is designed to prepare students to take
the mathematics sections of the SAT exams. This SAT
math review course will familiarize students with the
format of the SAT, and teach testing techniques and
strategies. A diagnostic test will first be given. Then
each class will consist of a space timed practice test,
followed by a discussion of any questions the students
have about problems they could not successfully work.
There will be a comprehensive review of basic mathematics, algebra and geometry concepts in each class.
10 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Testing/Summer School
Credit by Exam Remediation
Credit by Exam (CBE) is available for students who
failed the course with a grade of 60 or above. A student failing a fall semester course must take CBE
during the spring semester. Likewise, a student failing a spring semester course must take CBE during
the summer. Credit by exams must be complete with
the final grade reported to the counselor’s office in
order to participate in graduation exercises. The cost
must be paid by the student. Students must make
prior arrangements for testing. The exam grade
(if above 70) will be recorded on the transcript for
credit, but will not be averaged into the overall grade
point average.
Correspondence Courses/Summer School
Credits may be earned by correspondence from
other high school. Correspondence courses are to be
used as enrichment or in case of emergency and are
not a substitute for the regular school program. Students should get approval from their counselor prior
to enrolling in any correspondence course and should
obtain a counselor signature and exam date prior
to ordering a final exam. All correspondence work
must be completed with the final grade reported to
the high school in order to participate in graduation
exercises. Correspondence Course grades will be used
in the overall grade point average.
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It’s a standardized test
that provides firsthand practice for the SAT.
Readistep
ReadiStep is a middle school assessment that measures skills students need to be on track for college
success. It provides insight into students’ academic
progress and also equips educators with tools they
can use to make informed decisions in the classroom.
EOC/Mock EOC Exam
In 2007 Senate Bill 1031 was enacted, which called
for the development of “end-of-course assessment
instruments for secondary-level courses in Algebra
I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English I, English II, English III, World Geography, World History and United States History.” The
purpose of the end-of-course (EOC) assessments are
to measure students’ academic performance in core
high school courses and to become part of the graduation requirements beginning with the freshman
class of 2011–2012.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 11 Course Selection Guide
Extracurricular
Activities
CLUB INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTIONS
• After-school clubs will be held after school
Monday through Friday. Clubs will not be held on
Wednesdays due to weekly Staff and Department
Meetings. Clubs may be held a minimum of once a
week, depending on the teacher sponsor(s). Clubs
may not be held during any designated exam weeks;
if this is the case parents will be notified a week in
advance.
•Clubs offered may have membership fees.
• Students may sign up for as many clubs as they
wish, but if they get into more than one club that
meets on the same day, they will have to select which
club they want to be in.
• Students who are failing any classes or are in
after-school tutorials may not participate in clubs.
Students with academic obligations, such as for the
Science Department, must place these obligations as
priority over clubs.
• At the first meeting of each club, teacher sponsors should provide a permission form for parents to
sign. Without this signed permission slip, students
may not attend clubs. Attendance will be taken on
each day the club is held. Students are responsible
for arranging transportation to be picked up on club
meeting days.
• Students may not get into the club(s) they sign
up for, depending on the limit the teacher sponsor
has provided. Most clubs will have a waiting list that
teachers will use to contact them should any students
drop the club. New clubs may also open up within the
year, and some clubs may stop meeting if attendance
is inconsistent.
• Once a student signs up for a club, it is his/her
responsibility to attend that club and stay committed
to it. Clubs will not welcome “drop-ins” – teachers are
responsible for each student in their clubs. Because
of this, students must inform teachers as soon as
possible if they can no longer attend clubs for any
reason.
Drama Club
Students interested in the dramatic arts will be
able to participate in all elements of putting on a dramatic production. All students will participate in putting on the school play, either on stage or behind the
scenes. The club is open to middle school students.
Oral Interpretation Club
This club serves as a supplement to the oral interpretation class and provides an opportunity to prepare for local competitions. Students will rehearse
and prepare selected acting pieces as well as write
12 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Extracurricular
Activities
and perform their own poetry for local competitions.
Regular participation in Friday/Saturday speech/
debate/acting tournaments is crucial to student
success in this club. It is open to all students and is
required for students taking an oral interpretation
class.
Student Council
Student Council is the voice of students in HSP.
The elections are held yearly. Students competing for
a position should have a good academic and disciplinary standing. Student Council will attend an administrators meeting, a department chairs meeting and a
staff meeting to voice students concern or ideas. FurMusic Club
This club will provide an opportunity to prepare, thermore student council will host a monthly meetpractice and perform instrumental and vocal pieces ing with the student body where they will discuss
for students interested in music. It is open to all stu- students issues. An administrator will be present to
dents, especially those on the vocal or instrumental answer possible questions.
music track.
Sketchbook Club
Students interested in art will be able to experiment with art making tools and techniques in their
sketchbooks. It is open to high and middle school
students, regardless of experience or enrollment in
an art class. Sketchbook is not provided.
NHS
The National Honor Society is a prestigious organization that stands for hard work, dedication and high
academic status. The four characteristics that are the
criteria for qualification include scholarship, leadership, service and character.
Language Olympiads
This is an outlet for the multiple languages taught
throughout the Harmony School system. Students
will perform poems, songs, cultural dance, and other
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 13 Course Selection Guide
Extracurricular
Activities
talents centered on language and culture in this com- events and mentoring to promote Hispanic or Spanpetition based program.
ish culture/studies. A Membership fee of $10.00
is charged and paid to the Society for national and
Student Leadership
This course provides opportunities to study prac- chapter dues. There will be an induction ceremony to
tice and develop group and individual leadership and elect chapter officers.
organizational skills. These skills include decisionmaking skills, problem-solving techniques, communication skills, leadership roles, human relation skills
and understanding of the need for civic responsibility.
Hispanic Honor Society
Any student in 10th – 12th grade who has maintained an honor average in the study of Spanish or
Portuguese for a minimum of three semesters is eligible to be part of the Hispanic Honor Society. Student
benefits of joining involvement competitions for
scholarships, sponsored cultural trips for immersion
in Spanish-speaking countries (Junior travel awards),
opportunities for publishing and receiving payment
for articles; story or prose in a Spanish-speaking literary magazine, be involved in community activities,
Recycling Club
Helps students peruse a greener world through the
organization and implementation of a school wide
recycling program.
Open Studio
Pre-AP and AP art students are required to spend
extra time to create and complete artwork for AP
portfolios. Open Studio provides these students that
opportunity.
14 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Extracurricular
Activities
MuAlphaTheta
Mu Alpha Theta is the National High School and TwoYear College Mathematics Honor Society with over
88,000 student members by June each school year in
more than 1,800 schools. We are dedicated to inspiring
keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and two-year college students.
availability. Practices are mandatory. If a student
misses practice three times they will be removed from
the team. During a competition build Saturdays are
also mandatory.
Science Olympiad in Competition
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science education. What began as a grassroots assembly of science
teachers is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation. Science Olympiad’s ever-changing
event lineup provides a variety of career choices and
exposure to practicing scientists and mentors.
Practices
Invitationals
Science Olympiad Invitational Tournaments allow
Science Olympiad teams to participate in “practice”
tournaments that do not impact regional or state
advancement or rankings, but are often used as tryouts
for team members and to form official teams which do
advance.
State Tournament
Educational Outreach and Women’s Programs is
The after school component of Science Olympiad proud to host the 2012 Texas Science Olympiad (TSO)
meets once a week from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. The actual for Divisions B & C (grades 6-12). This 2-day event will
days of the week are determined based on student be held on the campus of Texas A&M University with
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 15 Course Selection Guide
Science at HSP
All students will be required to participate in a sciScience Competitions
ence experiment or demo assigned by his/her priHarmony High Schools participates in TSTEM
mary Science teacher. Students may be required to based extracurricular competitions that teach scienstay afterschool to prepare and conduct their science tific concepts as mouse trap, bottle rocket, spaghetti
experiment or demo. Students will be expected to
give an in class presentation about the experiment to
the class during the appropriate classroom unit.
Basic information and guidelines are as follows:
•
Students will receive grades from the teacher
bridge, and a variety of other competitions.
based upon their performance and attendance at
scheduled meeting times.
•
Students may participate in Houston Science
fair for extra credit but it is not required (with the
exception of Scientific Research and Design students)
•
All the events will be scheduled for two semesters. There will be assignments, practices, exhibitions
and competitions throughout the course.
•
Students are responsible to participate in all
programs, competitions, orientations, practices, and
exhibitions related to their event.
16 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Robotics at HSP
Robotics
The Robotics program at HSP is a combination of
the history of robots, robot ethics, designing, prototyping, building and programming. There are three
major builds during the school year and each one
culminates in a tournament. The after school program focuses on the engineering, construction and
programming of robots to perform a series of specific
tasks.
Practices
The after school component of robotics meets once
or twice a week from. The actual days of the week are
determined based on student availability. Practices
are mandatory. If a student misses practice three
times they will be removed from the team. During a
competition build Saturdays are also mandatory.
•
FLL Robotics
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/
•
FRC Robotics
http://www.usfirst.org/
Mandatory Participation Forms
Bring the following forms with you on the first day
of class:
Robotics in Competition
•
After-school permission slip
In the robotics class students will design, build and
•
Student Information sheet
program robots based on specific criteria for each
•
Syllabus
robot. They will
•
Robotics specific policy and procedures
compete against agreement
each other on
These forms will be available during orientation.
courses
that
have
been
designed
to
assess their engineering skills including design, construction and programming.
National robotics competitions are scheduled year
round.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 17 Course Selection Guide
DEbate at HSP
Debate
In debate, students will learn the fundamentals of
Mandatory Participation Forms
public speaking and speech/argument writing as well
Bring the following forms with you signed on the
as become familiar with and participate in competi- first day of class:
tive speech and debate in and around the Houston
•
After-school permission slip
area. Students are required to research and present
•
Student Information sheet
information on current events and will participate
•
Syllabus
in group work as well as give speeches on a regular
•
Copy of the calendar
basis. Organization, following deadlines, and keepThese forms will be available during orientation.
ing up with materials are important skills that will
be practiced in this class. Many opportunities will
be available through this class for students to travel,
develop leadership skills, and earn scholarships/build
their resumes.
Debate Competitions
Competitions are held on Fridays and Saturdays
throughout the school year. Students are required to
attend and compete in a minimum of one competition per six weeks and are required to participate and
serve at any competitions held on the HSP campus.
A schedule of competitions will be available at the
beginning of the school year. This schedule is subject
to change.
In addition, please bring all requested supplies
Practices
the first day of class. A personal agenda/calendar is
Participation at after school practices is expected mandatory.
and mandatory prior to a performance at a
competition.
18 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Science Olympiad at HSP
Science Olympiads
Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science
ducation. What began as a grassroots assembly of
science teachers is now one of the premiere science
competitions in the nation. Science Olympiad’s everchanging event lineup provides a variety of career
choices and exposure to practicing scientists and
mentors.
Regional Tournaments
All Texas teams are expected to compete at a
regional qualifying tournament to advance to State
competition.
Mandatory Participation Forms
Bring the following forms with you on the first day
of class:
•
After-school permission slip
•
Student Information sheet
•
Syllabus
•
Science Olympiad specific policy and procedures agreement
These forms will be available during orientation.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 19 Course Selection Guide
Community Service
Guidelines for what Qualifies as Community
Service
•
Students cannot get paid for the work, nor
can they fill a position that would normally be a paid
position.
•
Service MAY NOT be performed for family
members or for profit making organizations.
•
Community service must be completed at a
non-profit organization; therefore students should
ask the organization or business if they are nonprofit prior to performing activities. The term “nonprofit” does not relate to whether or not the student
is paid for the activities performed. As a general rule,
activities performed at places like libraries, schools,
Meals on Wheels, hospices, Habitat for Humanity
and faith-based organizations are acceptable. Please
keep in mind that hair salons, barber shops, martial
arts studios, doctors’ offices and physical therapy
facilities are for profit businesses and therefore unacceptable, even if you volunteer to help in them. It is
the responsibility of the student to make sure that
the hours are properly logged in by the organization.
•
Membership in a service club or organization
is not counted as service. Still, if the club performs
service activities in the community or school beyond
club meeting times, this can be counted as service.
•
Service must be performed before or after
school and/or during weekends.
Exceptions
Activities performed at faith-based organizations
such as churches, synagogues or mosques will be
counted towards the community service requirement
as long as the activities are NOT religious in nature.
For example, activities performed at an after school
program housed in a church will count, but assisting
in a worship service or Bible Study does not count.
Record Keeping
It is the responsibility of the student to make sure
that the hours are properly logged by the organization. Students will turn in the service letters to the
Dean of Academics office. Letters that describe service performed must be on official letterhead produced by the organization. Letters must include the
organization’s official work phone numbers only; cell
phone numbers are not acceptable. Community service letters cannot be written on behalf of a family
member or relative. Certificates are not acceptable as
proof of service performed.
20 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Internships/ Summer
Programs
Internships
The High School Science Research Internship Program is a partnership between the HSP and UT.
Students from HSP are partnered with research
professors at Universities each year. The goal of the
program is to provide an authentic
science research
experience
for
the intern. Each
intern develops
and researches a
question of their
own, designs protocols for data
collection,
and
collects data over
the course of the
year under the
guidance of a professor, degree candidate, postdoctoral candidate or research associate. As the year
ends and during the spring semester, interns write a
formal research paper and design a scientific poster.
The concluding event of the program is a scientific
poster session, which allows the interns to communicate their findings to a larger audience and also
to celebrate the completion of their internship with
associates from the university, teachers, friends and
family.
Leadership Camp
Students will have the opportunity to build their
confidence and leadership abilities in this Harmony
School System based summer camp. In June students
will have outdoor activities while staying in cabins for
a camping experience. Students will
receive team based
assignments
to
develope team and
leadership skills.
SAT Junior Camp
This
intensive
SAT study held at
the end of May
will be a SAT crash
course.Students
will be given practice exams and will
work in groups along with an instructor to understand SAT style questions in preparation for the
exam.
Harmony Summer Program
This day time summer program is held for a week at
the Harmony campus. This program focuses on SAT
preparation, including an introduction to the Texas
Instruments standard calculators.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 21 Course Selection Guide
Internships/ Summer
Programs
Language Summer Study Abroad
This once in a life time experience spans a month
long course studied in another country. Students will
see and experience a new language and culture, while
gaining credit .
Poetry Summer Program
22 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Safety Net Program
In the event that a student should be failing or in
danger of failing a class, HSP has a program in place
called the Safety Net Program that will help each student regain a passing grade and perform on gradelevel. There are several different strategies that HSP
will use in order to help struggling students. Students
who are struggling in a class are required to attend
tutorials for that class. If tutorials are not sufficient
for a student, other strategies will be employed. The
strategies within the Safety Net Program are:
immediately take advantage of these tutorials, as
they represent the best way for a teacher to help with
whatever is causing the student to struggle. Many
teachers have tutorials multiple days of the week.
Some teachers will require tutorials, while others are
available for student help, should the student seek
that help. Students should be proactive in seeking
help in a course in which with they struggle. Furthermore, notification will be sent out to the students’
parents if the teacher believes that the student needs
extra support for the designated class. Students must
HSP Online Database
HSP offers parents and students access to grades, follow these interventions. If the teacher requires the
homework, test scores, schedules, and DPS points student to attend the tutorials, it is the students’ and
from their home computer through the use of a pass- the parents’ responsibility to follow up on that.
word to connect to the school database. Students and parents should check the database
frequently to keep updated on grades and conduct in each class.
Progress Reports
Progress reports and report cards are sent
out every 3 or 6 weeks respectively. Progress
reports are handed out specifically for students and parents to see how students are
doing in their classes. Progress reports should
be used to determine which tutorials students
should be attending.
Tutorials/Office Hours
Every teacher has designated times during
the week that they hold tutorials and/or office
hours. Students who are struggling should
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 23 Course Selection Guide
Safety Net Program
Mentoring Program
HSP National Honor Society will provide older students to mentor younger students throughout the
year. If students are interested in this program, they
should see the NHS Sponsor teacher. Mentors help
students with time management, homework help,
and visiting teachers of classes with which students
struggle.
EOC Saturday Tutorial
The Saturday Tutorial is designed to help students
with needs in Mathematics and Science. All the
tutors are qualified people with varied backgrounds
and broad knowledge in different areas of study.
Tutorials are supervised and guided by school teachers and alumnus.
Academic Advisor
HSP provides a grade level acadamic advisor to help
students get on track academically for their future
education goals. If students are struggling academi-
cally, speaking to a counselor for strategies or help
should be an option. The counselors will help students find out what they are missing, check their
grades, and help contact the teacher for information
on how a student may improve his/her grades.
24 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Athletics
I. Introduction
The athletic program is an integral part of the
total school experience for both boys and girls. It
offers a variety of sports and activities to all students who have potential skill and the desire to
participate. The policies, procedures, and regulations in this handbook are in compliance with
administrative procedures. They are designed
to provide for successful experiences for students and the efficient operation of the athletic
program.
II. Participation
It is the goal of this athletic program to offer
the opportunity of participation to every student
who has the ability and desire to do so. However,
no student is obligated to take part in athletics,
nor is participation in athletics required. It is
also to be stressed that participation in HSP athletic program is a privilege, not a right. Since it is
a privilege, the coaching staff, in accordance with
HSA-Houston High policy and due process procedures, has the authority to suspend or revoke the
privilege when the rules and standards of this
athletic program are not followed.
III. Available Sports/Leagues
The following sports are available for High
School athletes grades nine through 12:
Volleyball:
GirlsVarsity
TCSAAL
Boys Basketball:
Varsity& JV
UIL
Girls Basketball:
Varsity
UIL
Boys Soccer:
Varsity
Club
Girls Soccer:
Varsity
Club
Cross Country:
Varsity
UIL
Track&Field:
Varsity
TCSAAL
IV. Athletics Fees
Throughout the year the athletics program will
participate in fundraisers to help raise money for
the athletics program. There will also be a onetime $80 athletics fee charged to each student
that participates in athletics at the beginning of
the school year. The athletics expenditures will
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 25 Course Selection Guide
Athletics
include equipment, league fees, referee fees, bus fees,
uniforms, etc. Students may try out and participate
in as many sports as they would like, with the permission of the coaches, and will not be charged any
additional fees.
Additional forms may be required before participating in particular sports. The head coach of that
sport will be responsible for distributing such needed
paper work.
V. Athletics Forms
To participate in the HSP athletics program, certain
forms are required. Please review the following information and complete the required forms accordingly.
Athletics Class:
1. Contract
2. Physical form
3. Medical History form
4. Athletic Participation form
5. Steroid form
6. Acknowledgement of Rules form
7. Medical Release/Liability form
26 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
College Counseling
The college admission process is an integral part of
the total experience of a HSP education. The College
Advisor Office (CAO) recognizes the vast diversity in
students and families and therefore provides individual guidance in college selection. The college counseling program is grounded in the belief that discovering good matches between students and universities
is what the college admissions process is all about.
This process is an exciting one, filled with opportunities for self-discovery, but it can also be a time of
some anxiety for students and parents.
Freshman and Sophomore Years
The college Advisors and the resources of the CAO
are available to students. Freshmen and sophomores
are encouraged to attend the spring College Fair. In
the spring of their freshman and sophomore years,
the class meets with the advisors and begins the college research process.
Junior Year
During the first semester, juniors will meet with
the college advisors to discuss aspects of the college
research and admission process. In the second semester, each junior will have individual college-planning
meetings with his or her college advisor to create a
Process at HSP
list of colleges to be researched. The advisors offer
•
Meet with parents to discuss college planning. essay writing tips workshops and encourage juniors
•
Publicize dates of college admissions tests, to schedule follow-up meetings as needed during the
spring semester.
scholarships, etc.
•
Review and process students’ college
applications
•
College fairs/ college-night programs
•
College Trips
Senior Year
In the early fall seniors will meet again with their
advisor to continue finalizing a college application
list and to discuss college application procedures. The
College Office will assist and advise students throughout the application process. All of these interactions
Process Timetable
help to sharpen students’ understanding of the colWhile students are encouraged to take advantage of leges, as well as enhance the colleges’ familiarity with
the resources of the College Advisor Office through- HSP and the distinguished strengths of HSP students
out their time at HSP the college planning process and graduates.
takes place in the following stages:
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 27 Course Selection Guide
College Counseling
Naviance Family Connection
Students and families at HSP will be provided with access to Naviance Family Connection,
a web-portal that provides a unique individualized customized experience for our students to
engage in early career and college readiness activities.
We are truly excited about the opportunities and experience this tool will provide to our
students and families. We encourage you to register and utilize the account with your child
through their career at HSP.
28 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
College Counseling
COLLEGE ENROLLMENT:the following is the list of institutes Harmony graduates have attended or
are currently attending.
Amherst College
Boston College
Tufts University
University of Houston
Rice University
Houston Baptist University
UT Austin
John Hopkins University
UT Dallas
Lehigh University
UT San Antonio
Emory University
Rhode Island School of Design
Drexel University
Texas A&M-College Station
University of Notre Dame
Texas AM-Corpus Christi
University of the Incarnate Word
Texas AM-Galveston
Brandeis University
University of Rochester
Penn State University
Wesleyan University
Texas Tech University
Harvard
Cornell University
University of California-San Diego
University of North Texas
Lamar University
NYU-Poly
Baylor University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Texas Tech University
Hampshire College
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 29 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
English
The HSP English Department strives to instill in
our students a genuine love of language through
interaction with a variety of texts as well as provide
one-on-one assistance in developing an authentic
writing style and the ability to use rhetorical techniques in their own writing. To these ends we create
a safe and comfortable learning environment which
offers multiple opportunities for experimentation,
creativity, craftsmanship in writing, interactive reading, and critical thinking. We rely heavily on a variety
of discussion techniques to encourage connectivity
among ideas and holistic thinking; we focus on the
“why” as well as the “what.” Our special mission is to
help our students experience the pleasure and excitement of studying literature as a unique and specialized sub-category of written expression that enables
us to connect to the human experience.
English I
Grade:9
Prerequisite: 8th Grade English
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
In English I, students begin developing college level
skills in the use and interpretation of language to
better understand themselves and their world. Students read and analyze a wide variety of World Literature, including novels, short stories, plays, essays,
and poems. Reading instruction centers not on mere
comprehension, but focuses on building higher level
thinking skills to evaluate the literary techniques of
the author and interpret the themes of the work.
Students learn literary forms and terms associated
with selections being read and apply these in analysis. Teachers model writing strategies that students
apply in their work, centering on the development
and mastery of focus and coherence, voice, depth
of thought, and conventions. Students refine their
listening skills to better participate in lecture, classroom discussion, and cooperative group activities.
English II
Grade:10
Prerequisite:English I
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
In English II, students continue developing college
level skills in the use and interpretation of language
to better understand themselves and their world.
Reading instruction centers not on mere comprehension, but focuses on building higher level thinking
skills to evaluate the literary techniques of the author
30 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
English
and interpret the themes of the work. Students learn connection with the themes of the text. Students
literary forms and terms associated with selections develop speaking skills to express their ideas clearly
being read and apply these in analysis.
and effectively. Students refine their listening skills
to better participate in lecture, classroom discussion,
and cooperative group activities.
English IV
Grade:12
Prerequisite: English III
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
In English IV, students master college level skills
in the use and interpretation of language to better
understand themselves and their world. Students
read and analyze a wide variety of British literature,
including novels, short stories, plays, essays, and
poems, as well as literature from other cultures.
Pre-AP English I and IIGrade: 9-10
Prerequisite Teacher and Counselor Approval
English III
Grade:11
Prerequisite:English II
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Students compose college level analytical papers
using appropriate formatting and documentation.
Students find the tools to express their ideas through
vertically aligned vocabulary development stressing
mastery of Greek and Latin roots. Students learn to
view art and other visual representations as a compliment to the written word and determine an image’s
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
In 9th and 10th grade, students may take Pre-AP
English Language Arts. Pre-AP prepares students for
high school AP courses in language and literature
by further emphasizing students’ skills in using and
analyzing language. In addition to the goals of onlevel language arts courses, students read from more
advanced texts and seek to offer more in-depth interpretations. Students compose more advanced analytical papers using a college level rubric with appropriate formatting and documentation.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 31 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
English
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
Grade:11
Grade:12
Prerequisite: Teacher and Counselor Approval
Prerequisite:Teacher and Counselor Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
In 12th grade, students may take AP English Literature and Composition. Teachers create a course
audit approved by College Board for accreditation.
This course should include the in-depth reading of
texts drawn from multiple genres, periods, and cultures. In their AP course, students should also read
works from several genres and periods -- from the
sixteenth to the twenty-first century -- but, more
importantly, they should get to know a few works
well. They should read deliberately and thoroughly,
taking time to understand a work’s complexity, to
absorb its richness of meaning, and to analyze
In 11th grade, students may take AP English Lan- how that meaning is embodied in literary form. In
guage and Composition. Teachers create a course addition to considering a work’s literary artistry,
audit approved by College Board for accreditation. students should consider the social and historical
As College Board states, “An AP course in Eng- values it reflects and embodies. Careful attention
lish Language and Composition engages students to both textual detail and historical context should
in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a provide a foundation for interpretation, whatever
variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming critical perspectives are brought to bear on the litskilled writers who compose for a variety of pur- erary works studied.
poses. Both their writing and their reading should
Journalism
make students aware of the interactions among a
writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subGrade 10-12
jects, as well as the way genre conventions and the
Prerequisite: Application Required
resources of language contribute to effectiveness
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
in writing.”
This is a workshop course in which students
32 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
English
produce the school newspaper. They learn every
aspect of newspaper reporting, writing, editing,
publishing and advertising. Students learn journalism concepts and terminology through hands-on
work with each phase of newspaper production.
Radio, television, and internet news gathering are
also covered in this entry level course.
and responsibilities of student journalists. Students
will learn to write the various forms of newspaper
articles including straight news stories, editorials, feature articles, and reviews. The course will
enhance students’ writing and grammatical skills
while exploring the elements of newspaper style,
layout and design, interviewing techniques and the
language of newspaper publishing. Students will
produce the school Newspaper. Students learn how
to use computer software for desktop publishing,
specifically Publisher and Microsoft Word.
Yearbook
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Application Required
Newspaper
Grade:10-12
Prerequisite: Application Required
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The purpose is to publish the yearbook. All aspects
of yearbook production will be taught using the
computer. As a team, the students will combine
their skills of layout and design techniques, photo
journalism, copywriting and fitting, advertising
graphics, and marketing and ad sales to make the
yearbook staff function as an efficient business. The
students will learn to work and plan toward deadlines and to work with each other as well as with
the photography class in the publication of a good
yearbook.
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Students in this course will study the history of
newspapers, journalistic ethics, and the legal rights
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 33 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department provides a comprehensive and extensive program of study for all
students. The curriculum will enhance and further
develop computational proficiency, problem-solving
techniques, critical thinking skills and the conceptual understanding of the language and science of
mathematics in all students. In keeping with the recommendations formulated by the National Council
of Teachers of Mathematics in their Standards for
Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Guide,
independent research, mathematical modeling, and
the use of new technological aids, such as the graphic
calculator, and the computer are paramount to the
instructional program.
We require that a student successfully complete
four full- year mathematics courses at Harmony. Students may take more than the minimum four fullyear courses; any course taken beyond the required
four courses is an elective.
problems. The depth and breadth of the course will
develop a strong foundation for the more theoretical and rigorous experience students will encounter
at the Advanced Placement level. Algebra I provides
a formal development of the algebraic skills and
concepts necessary for students who will take other
advanced college-preparatory courses. In particular,
the instructional program in this course provides for
the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problemsolving situations. The concept of function is emphasized throughout the course.
Algebra I
Grade:9
Prerequisite: N/A
Credit1.00 (2 semesters)
In this two-semester course, students use algebraic
Geometry
methods to explore, model and describe patterns,
relationships and functions. There is a strong emphaGrade: 9-10 Prerequisite:Algebra I
sis on writing, graphing, and solving linear equations.
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Students will use data collection and analysis; statisIn this course, students use geometric methods,
tics and probability to make inferences, decisions, properties and relationships as a means to recognize,
and arguments as they solve a variety of practical
34 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Mathematics
draw, describe, connect, and analyze shapes and representations in the physical world. Students will also
apply algebraic models and probabilities to physical applications. Students develop powers of spatial
visualization while building their understanding of
geometric figures. Students develop an understanding of the deductive reasoning method. Through
applications and measurements, students use and
strengthen their algebra skills. Geometry offers
students many opportunities to explore geometric
situations, develop conjectures and prove conjectures using a variety of methods. Geometry students
examine the properties of two-and three-dimensional objects. Proof and logic, as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions, are stressed.
fluency in problem-solving contexts.
Algebra II
Grade:11-12 Prerequisite: Mathematical Models
with Applications
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This course reviews and builds on those concepts
learned in Algebra I and Geometry. It places more
emphasis on applying the basic concepts of Algebra
to rational numbers and irrational numbers. The
course expands techniques in analytical geometry
and trigonometry learned in Geometry as a preview
of the next two courses offered. Algebra II is a course
which extends the content of Algebra I and provides
further development of the concept of a function.
Mathematical Models with Applications
Grade:11 Prerequisite: Geometry
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Students use a variety of representations (concrete,
pictorial, numerical, symbolic, graphical, and verbal),
tools, and technology (including, but not limited to,
calculators with graphing capabilities, data collection
devices, and computers) to link modeling techniques
and purely mathematical concepts and to solve
applied problems. As they do mathematics, students
continually use problem solving, language and communication, and reasoning (justification and proof)
to make connections within and outside mathematics. Students also use multiple representations, technology, applications and modeling, and numerical
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 35 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Mathematics
Pre- AP Algebra II
Pre-Calculus
Grade:10 Prerequisite: Pre- AP Algebra I, Counselor and Teacher Approval
Grade:11 Prerequisite:Pre- AP Algebra II, Counselor and Teacher Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Students in this course use algebraic methods to
explore, model and describe patterns, relationships
and functions involving numbers, shapes, data and
graphs within a variety of real-world problem solving
situations. The course expands techniques in analytical geometry and trigonometry learned in Geometry
as a preview of the next two courses offered. Algebra
II is a course which extends the content of Algebra I
and provides further development of the concept of a
function.
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
In Pre-Calculus, students use symbolic reasoning
and analytical methods to represent mathematical
situations, to express generalizations, and to study
mathematical concepts and the relationships among
them. Students use functions, equations, and limits
as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as
means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of mathematical relationships. Students also use
functions as well as symbolic reasoning to represent
and connect ideas in geometry, probability, statistics,
trigonometry, and calculus and to model physical
situations.
AP Statistics
Grade:11-12 Prerequisite: Pre- AP Algebra II,
Counselor and Teacher Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Students are introduced to major concepts and
tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. This course prepares students for the
College Board AP Statistics Examination for possible
college (one-semester, non-calculus based statistics)
credit. Students collect, organize, analyze, interpret,
and report data using statistical formulas and processes. Students distinguish between random sampling and biased sampling. Students use statistical
36 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Mathematics
STATISTICS
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite:Algebra II
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Students are introduced to major concepts and
tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.Students collect, organize, analyze,
interpret, and report data using statistical formulas
and processes. Students distinguish between random
sampling and biased sampling. Students use statistical measures to analyze real-world phenomena.
measures to analyze real-world phenomena. Upon
completion of this course students are well prepared
and expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics test which can result in one semester of college
credit. Successful completion of the AP Exam for any
AP course will allow for acquisition of college credit
upon approval of the college.
AP Calculus AB
Grade:11-12
Prerequisite:Pre- AP Algebra II,
Counselor and Teacher Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Students explore functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, and integrals. This course prepares students for
the College Board AP Calculus AB Examination for
possible college credit (1st semester calculus).
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 37 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Science
Science courses at Harmony Science Academy
Houston High School are offered at all levels. Four
years of science are required. Laboratory exercises
are integrated with lecture and hands-on activities.
The Science Department views nature as an integral
part of the human experience. It is felt that an understanding of nature enhances one’s life experience by
offering awareness of how one affects the other. A
respect for nature may lead to increased self-respect,
and an understanding of nature and its processes may
lead to increased understanding of self. This important link is viewed as a worthy goal for our students.
The department makes extensive use of laboratory
facilities and up to date equipment and technology.
Local experts and university facilities are utilized to
pursue research goals. A bridge is built between the
sciences and math through statistical data analysis,
computer applications and quantitative explanations
for natural phenomena.
Biology
Grade:9
Prerequisite: N/A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Biology is designed to acquaint students with basic
concepts in science process skills, laboratory skills,
and the study of life and living organisms. Topics
discussed include cells, DNA, genetics, the living
kingdoms on our earth and how they interact. This
science incorporates a study of the fundamental concepts, including the origin and development of life,
the similarity of living organisms, the classification,
characteristics, structure, reproduction and function of plants and animals, as well as the interrelationships of plants, animals and the physical environment. Students in this course will be required
to complete a grade level appropriate science event
project that will constitute 20% of the final grade in
the course.
Pre-AP Biology
Grade:9
Prerequisite:Instructor and Counselour Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Pre-AP Biology is designed to acquaint students
with basic concepts in science process skills, laboratory skills, and the study of living organisms. Topics
discussed include the living kingdoms on our earth
and how they interact, the origin and development
of life, the similarity of living organisms, the classification, characteristics, structure, reproduction
and function of plants and animals, as well as the
38 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Science
interrelationships of plants, animals and the physical
environment. The first semester’s study includes the
study of cells, DNA, genetics. The class can be considered college preparatory, suggested for the average to above average student. Any student enrolled
in this course will be required to take the SAT II Biology exam. Students in this course will be required
to complete a grade level appropriate science event
project that will constitute 20% of the final grade in
the course.
Chemistry
Grade:10 Prerequisite:Biology
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Chemistry provides a broad survey of basic chemistry. The first semester examines chemical and
physical properties, the qualitative nature of chemical reactions, chemical periodicity, and bonding. The
second semester continues with the quantitative
nature of chemical reactions, states of matter, gaseous behavior, solutions, equilibrium, and acid-base
chemistry. Throughout the year, the course makes
use of laboratory investigations to develop the relationships between experiment and theory. Students
in this course will be required to complete a grade
level appropriate science event project that will constitute 20% of the final grade in the course.
Pre-AP Chemistry
Grade:10-11 Prerequisite: Biology, Instructor and
Counselor Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Pre-AP Chemistry covers many of the same topics
as Chemistry in greater depth. Special emphasis is
placed on a rigorous mathematical examination of
chemical principles. The first semester focuses on
basic concepts of chemistry including the qualitative
nature of chemical reactions, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular geometry. The second
semester opens with stoichiometry and the quantitative nature of chemical equations. These concepts
are then applied to various topics such as the kinetic
theory of gases, condensed phases of matter, reaction
kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry and oxidation-reduction chemistry. Any student enrolled in
this course will be required to take the SAT II Chemistry exam. Students in this course will be required
to complete a grade level appropriate science event
project that will constitute 20% of the final grade in
the course.
Physics
Grade:11 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Physics, as the most basic of all sciences, introduces the nature of basic things around us such as
matter, energy, heat, motion, forces, light and sound.
This course has been designed to teach the laws of
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 39 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Science
nature in their simplicity, and problem solving skills
corresponding to both in ideal and real world situations. The course of physics is integrated with very
basic mathematical rules including mechanics, heat
and thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity
and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. A
set of experiments will allow students to implement
the theory into the real world and appreciate the
beauty of the natural world. Students in this course
course is to prepare students for the college level
physics courses. Any student enrolled in this course
will be required to take the SAT II Physics Exam. Students in this course will be required to complete a
grade level appropriate science event project that will
constitute 20% of the final grade in the course.
Environmental Science
Grade:12 Prerequisite:Biology, Chemistry, and
Physics
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Environmental Science is designed to provide students the environmental aspects, explore Earth’s
natural systems, and impacts of human activity on
the environment. The topics covered in this course
are introduction to ecology, the atmosphere of the
Earth, food on Earth, water, and energy. The theory
is supported with lab and field investigations, and
discussions in cooperative learning groups on environmental issues enabling students to improve their
will be required to complete a grade level appropriate critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Students
science event project that will constitute 20% of the are expected to become more sensitive on environfinal grade in the course.
mental issues.
AP Chemistry
Pre- AP Physics
Grade:11 Prerequisite:Biology,Chemistry, Counselor Approval
Grade:10-12
Approval
Prerequisite:Biology,Counselor
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the
This advanced level physics course will allow students to learn the same physical concepts with more equivalent of the general chemistry course usually
depth and mathematical basis. The purpose of this taken during the first college year. Students in this
40 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Science
analysis
•
demonstrate an ability to compare, analyze
and relate chemical processes
•
analyze data and generate valid conclusions
•
demonstrate mastery of the course material
on the AP exam
•
formulate a procedure that will result in real
data measurement
Special Note: This course requires special enrollment considerations. Any student enrolled in this
course will be required to complete summer assignments and attend 2 afterschool sessions per week.
Please see the instructor for more information.
AP Biology
course should attain a depth of understanding of
fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems.
The curriculum prepares students to take the AP
chemistry exam for AP credit. Five general areas are
intensively studied: the Structure of Matter, Chemical Bonding, States of Matter, Physical Chemistry
and Chemical Reactions. Advanced laboratory work
is done in each topic area. Students are expected to
take the AP Examination given by the Educational
Testing Service in May. Most colleges, in turn, grant
college credit to students who have done well on the
examination.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
•
use advanced equipment in laboratory
Grade:11-12
Prerequisite:Biology, Chemistry and Instructor/Counselor Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually
taken by biology majors during their first year. The
course is centered on preparation of students for the
College Board AP Biology Exam given in the spring.
The course syllabus therefore follows the course outline recommended by the AP Biology Committee.
Topics covered include: biochemistry; cell biology;
energy transformations; molecular genetics; heredity; evolution; systematic; microbiology; plant diversity and structure; animal diversity and physiology;
and selected topics from ecology.
This course requires special enrollment
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 41 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Science
circumstances. Please see the instructor for more
information.
AP Physics B
Grade:12 Prerequisite:Physics and
Counselor Approval
Teacher/
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This course is structured to prepare students to take
the AP PHYSICS B examination. AP Physics B covers
Newtonian Mechanics,Kinematics, Newton’s Laws
of Motion, Work, Energy, Power, Linear Momentum,
Circular Motion and Rotation, Oscillations and Gravitation, and Thermal Physics. This course meets ten
periods per week and primarily deals with the theory
of proceeding topics. This course fulfills a laboratory
Science requirement for college admissions. This
course satisfies a science graduation requirement.
Science Research and Design
Grade:10-12 Prerequisite: N/A Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This course boasts the various applications of scientific concepts presented in the scientific method.
Students will learn how to design, construct, and
create scientifically valid and reliable experiments
while facilitating all of the major steps of the process. Students enrolled in this course will be required
to attend Houston Science and Engineering Fair and
other competitions as seen fit.
AP Environmental Science
Grade:12 P re re q u i s i te : Te a c h e r / C o u n s e l o r
Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Environmental Science course is designed
to be the equivalent of an introductory college course
in environmental science. The course draws from
a diverse range of scientific disciplines, including
biology,chemistry, geology and ecology. AP Environmental Science combines scientific principles and
analysis with an extensive research and field-based
laboratory component to provide students with the
methodologies and concepts to understand the interrelationships in the natural world, to identify and
analyze problems both natural and human-made, to
evaluate the risks associated with these problems,
and to examine alternative solutions to preventing
and resolving them. Students will be exposed to and
participate in forward-moving research and problem
solving in the environmental science community.
42 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Social Studies
Social Studies courses intend to broaden student
understanding of themselves, their society, and the
world in which they live, through studying and analyzing man’s past and present in a developmental
sequence that enhances a critical and appreciative
understanding of the present and prepares students
to be more creative, active participants in the social
past and present. Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions
and analyze the impact of technology and human
modifications on the physical environment. Students
use problem-solving and decision-making skills to
ask and answer geographic questions.
AP Human Geography
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: Counselor Approval
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Human Geography course is intended
to expose students to the many issues involving
human-to-human and human-to-environment interactions. Additionally, the rigor and level of content
for this course will be equivalent to that of collegelevel coursework. Throughout this course, students
will look at data to identify, explain and understand
geographic processes and patterns throughout the
world. “Geography is everything and everything is
dynamics of their time. All social studies courses geography.” This course is one of the most comprerequire research.
hensive courses your student will ever take and the
World Geography
broad spectrum of topics discussed will give your student an essential global view of our world today.
Grade:9
Prerequisite: N/A
World History
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
In World Geography Studies, students examine
Grade:10 Prerequisite:N/A
people, places, and environments at local, regional,
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
national, and international scales from the spatial
World History Studies is the only course offerand ecological perspectives of geography. Students ing students an overview of the entire history of
describe the influence of geography on events of the humankind. The major emphasis is on the study of
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 43 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Social Studies
significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present. Students evaluate the
causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th
century. Students analyze the connections between
major developments in science and technology and
changing. Instead of approaching the discipline from
the point of view of a specific person, hemisphere,
nation or political party students of history are now
taught to regard the images of the past from the
point of view of the global community. The continuities over time of human behavior, the environment
and the structure of civilization are analyzed across
the various regions and time-periods of World History. Likewise, the varied changes to human behavior, the environment and the structure of civilization
over time are understood in terms of their effects on
the course of history.
Prerequisites:
Any student wishing to take AP World History must
obtain a letter of recommendation from their Social
the growth of industrial economies, and they use the Studies teacher and take a diagnostic test which will
process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, be administered at the end of 9th grade. Any student
who already has credit for World History who wishes
and use multiple sources of evidence.
to take this course as an elective should speak with
AP World History
the instructor.
Grade:10
United States History since Reconstruction
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP World History course requires students to
do more than memorize history; it requires them to
be able to interpret patterns in human development.
Presently, globalization has made people from around
the world socially, culturally, politically and economically inter-dependent. The concerns of every nation
are becoming the shared concerns of the global community. Parallel to this, the concerns of history are
Grade: 11 Prerequisite:N /A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
In this course, which is the second part of a two-year
study of U.S. history that begins in Grade 8, students
study the history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses
on the political, economic, and social events and
issues related to industrialization and urbanization,
44 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Social Studies
major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold and persuasively in essay format
War and post-Cold War eras, and reform movements
U.S. Government
including civil rights. Students examine the impact
Grade:12 Prerequisite: U.S. History of geographic factors on major events and analyze
causes and effects of the Great Depression. Students
Credit: 0.5 (1 semester)
use critical-thinking skills to explain and apply difIn Government, the focus is on the principles and
ferent methods that historians use to interpret the beliefs upon which the United States was founded
past, including points of view and historical context. and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This
AP United States History
course is the culmination of the civic and governmenGrade: 11 Prerequisite: Counselor Approval
tal content and concepts studied from Kindergarten
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
through required secondary courses. Students learn
The AP U.S. History course is designed to provide major political ideas and forms of government in
history. Students examine the relationship between
governmental policies and the culture of the United
States. Students identify examples of government
policies that encourage scientific research and use
critical-thinking skills to create a product on a contemporary government issue.
AP European History
Grade:10- 12
students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems
and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares
students for intermediate and advanced college
courses. Students learn to access historical materials and scholarship and evaluate their reliability and
importance. This course develops the skills necessary
to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed
judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP European History Course introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social
developments that played a fundamental role in
shaping the world in which they live. The goals of AP
European History are to develop an understanding
of some of the principal themes in modern European
history, gain the ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and to express
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 45 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Social Studies
historical understanding in writing. Students are
expected to understand and interpret the important geographic, political, economic, religious, social,
intellectual, and artistic themes of European History
from 1450 to the present.
Pre-requisites:
It is highly suggested that students have prior AP
Social Studies experience, but may be placed in the
course without such upon counselor and instructor
approval.
AP Comparative Government
Grade:12
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Comparative Government and Politics
course focuses on the methodology that political
scientists use to compare political systems in the
present and the past. The axiomatic principle of this
course is that nothing productive can be said about
any government in a global world without considering both the global and local context of a government’s actions. This involves comparisons of political systems, political processes and public policy. The
six countries this course will focus on will be Great
Britain, Russia, Mexico, China, Iran and Nigeria as
determined by the AP College Board and include use
of the United States and other countries for further
context.
students taking this course to have taken either, AP
World History, AP U.S. History or AP European History. Any student wishing to take the class who has
not taken one of those courses should obtain a letter
of recommendation from their Social Studies teacher
and speak with the instructor.
AP Psychology
Grade:10- 12
Prerequisite: Student Interest
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce
students to the scientific study of human behavior,
mental processes and experiences. Students will
be exposed to psychological facts, principles, and
phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology as well as exploring scientific methods and ethics. AP Psychology is a course
that covers material similar to what is taught in an
introductory Psychology in college, and students will
have the opportunity to earn a college credit equivalent to an introductory psychology course.Students
have opportunities to apply statistical methods for
the interpretation of data, while preparing students
to perform successfully on the AP Examination. This
course may be used to meet only elective course
requirements for state graduation.
Prerequisites:
It is highly recommended but not required for
46 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Social Studies
AP Art History:
Grade: 11-12; Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP Art History course engages students at
the same level as an introductory college art history
survey. AP Art History involves critical thinking and
should develop an understanding and knowledge of
diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting and other media. In the
course, students examine and critically analyze major
forms of artistic expression from the past and the
present from a variety of cultures. While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, art history emphasizes understanding how and why works
of art function in context, considering such issues as
patronage, gender and the functions and effects of
works of art. The course marries the humanities and
the arts in which the student gains a better understanding of the arts as a reflection of society.
economics at the societal level. The course places
primary emphasis on state economic planning, governmental decision making, and the financial sector
as a whole. Students learn about economic performance measures, stabilization policies, economic
growth, and international economics. In addition, it
addresses the key economic schools of thought. The
course prepares students to master the AP Macroeconomics examination, as well as provide students
with a thorough introduction to the social scientific
method of inquiry.
Economics: 12
Grade: 12
Satisfies Economics requirement
Students study the economic behavior of nations.
This course is designed to survey and apply basic
macroeconomic concepts relating to personal, institutional, and social decision-making. The main focus
of the course is on how decisions to buy, sell, lend,
Prerequisites:
and regulate effect output, employment, income disStudents interested in this course should have per- tribution, and the balance of trade. Students examformed well in other humanities courses (history and ine the factors that determine national income,
literature), and obtain instructor and/or counselor employment, and prices. Students analyze patterns
approval.
of consumption and saving, private investment, government policy, business fluctuations, and the interAP Macroeconomics:
action between money and national income.The last
Grade: 12
part of the course looks at international economics
Satisfies Economics requirement
including exchange rates, markets, and monetary
The course in AP macroeconomics provides students systems.
with a thorough understanding of the principles of
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 47 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
WORLD Languages
Spanish I
reading, listening, writing and comprehension of
Spanish are taught, as is the culture of the countries
Grade:9
Prerequisite: N/A
where the language is spoken. An emphasis is placed
Credit1.00 (2 semesters)
on speaking and comprehension of Spanish. Class
This class serves as an introduction to the basics of participation is required as is daily study and practhe Spanish language. The basics of speaking, read- tice time (outside of the classroom) to ensure the stuing, listening, writing and comprehension are taught, dent’s success in the course.
as are aspects of the culture in countries where SpanSpanish III
ish is spoken. An emphasis is placed on speaking and
comprehension of Spanish. Class participation is
Grade:11 Prerequisite: Spanish II
required, as is daily study and practice time (outside
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
of the classroom) to ensure the student’s success in
This class serves to further develop the student’s
the course.
ability to use the Spanish language. More emphasis is
placed on the culture of Spanish—speaking countries
than in previous levels, as well as a higher emphasis
on the utilization of Spanish in conversation, presentations, etc. Texts, films and other cultural resources
are studied in the target language. Class participation
is required as is daily study and practice time (outside
of the classroom) to ensure the student’s success in
the course.
Pre AP Spanish I
Grade:9
Prerequisite: Counselor Approval
Credit1.00 (2 semesters)
Students will learn basic communication in present
Spanish II
time. Students will be introduced to language strucGrade:10 Prerequisite: Spanish I
ture and form through initial vocabulary and conversation. Throughout the year, students will learn to
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This class serves to further develop the student’s use simple verbs, verb structures, and pattern verbs
ability to use the Spanish language. Speaking, for self expression. Students will learn speaking and
48 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
WORLD Languages
questioning techniques in order to increase fluency.
Pre AP Spanish II
Grade:9
Prerequisite: Counselor Approval
Credit1.00 (2 semesters)
Students will communicate in present and past
AP Spanish Language
Grade:10-12
Prerequisite:Counselor Approval
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
The AP course in Spanish Language covers the
equivalent of a third-year college course in advanced
Spanish composition and conversation. It stresses
oral skills, composition and grammar. Course content might best reflect intellectual interests shared
by the students and the teacher (the arts, history,
current events, literature, culture, etc.). Materials
include recordings, films, newspapers and magazines.
The course seeks to develop language skills that are
useful in themselves and that student can apply to
various activities and disciplines rather than to the
mastery of any specific subject matter.
AP Spanish Literature
times. Students will learn to use multiple tenses in
Grade:11-12 Prerequisite:Counselor Approval
context including present indicative and subjunctive,
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
preterite and imperfect. Students will produce multi
The Advanced Placement course in Spanish and
clause structures and increase fluency.
Spanish Literature is the equivalent of a college thirdPre AP Spanish III
year survey of Hispanic Literature, covering selected
Grade:9
Prerequisite: Counselor Approval
works from Spain and Spanish America. There is a
Credit1.00 (2 semesters)
reading list of required works from the Medieval
Pre AP Spanish III is the last year of preparation Period to the 20th Century. Students will read one or
for AP level. Students will increase communication more full-length works of various authors as well as
in present and past times and begin to use future, some shorter works; excerpts from longer works are
conditional, and complex tenses. Students will read read in conjunction with a complete novel or play. For
level appropriate literature and demonstrate increas- authors who have written in more than one genre,
ing fluency in speech and writing.
students read representative works in each genre.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 49 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
WORLD Languages
Turkish I
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: N/A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Introduction to Turkish Language is an introductory course which aims to have its attendants grasp
the logic of Turkish Language, that is, the logic of its
pronunciation, and the logic of its grammar, including word and sentence structure. Our objective is to
get familiar with the Turkish sounds and obtain necessary vocabulary for higher levels.
purpose, this year’s curriculum includes all basic
tenses and sentence structures in grammar- like present, future and past tenses, must, need to, etc.; basic
conversation examples in speaking and listening- like
“at the bus station”, “in the restaurant”, etc.; related
words in vocabulary; basic information about Turkish Culture; and improving writing skills.Last year in
Turkish-II , we underscored grammar and we tried to
grasp the logic of the language. This year we continue
with the application of the skills we learned, namely,
we are going to build conversation skills.
Turkish II
Grade:10 Prerequisite: Turkish I
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Turkish -II is an introductory class which aims to
have its attendants grasp the logic of Turkish Language, that is, the logic of its pronunciation, and the
logic of its grammar, including word and sentence
structure. Our objective is to be able to make threeword sentences and to be able to understand preintermediate level of conversations by the end of the
term.
Turkish III
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: Turkish II
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
The goal of this course is to have its students gain
a command of Turkish language by which they are
going to be able to communicate with native speakers of this language in simple daily settings. For this
French I
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: N/A
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
This course is an introduction to French language
50 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
WORLD Languages
and its many diverse cultures. In French I, the students will learn to engage in simple conversations.
They will be able to introduce themselves, talk about
family structures, learn about food, colors, clothing,
traveling, sports and leisure activities. They provide
and obtain information in French, express feelings
and emotions, and exchange opinions. They will learn
about sentence structures, using verbs in present
and past tense and interpret and apply the French
language in spoken form, in writing and in reading. They will expand their knowledge of the French
culture, make comparisons with their own culture
and the English language and by doing that, gain a
deeper understanding of their own language as well
as the French language and culture. At the end of the
year, the goal for the students is to become life-long
learners by using French for personal enjoyment and
enrichment.
German I
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: N/A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This course is an introduction to the German language and its culture. In German I, the students will
learn to engage in simple conversations. They will be
able to introduce themselves, talk about family structures, learn about food, colors, clothing, traveling,
sports and leisure activities. They provide and obtain
information in German, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions. They will learn about
sentence structures, learn to apply the nominative,
accusative and dative cases correctly, using verbs in
present and past tense and interpret and apply the
German language in spoken form, in writing and
in reading. They will expand their knowledge of the
German culture, make comparisons with their own
culture and the English language and by doing that,
gain a deeper understanding of their own language as
well as the German language and culture. At the end
of the year, the goal for the students is to become life-
long learners by using German for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 51 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Fine Arts
The arts engage the imagination, foster flexible
ways of thinking, develop disciplined effort, build
self-confidence, and instill respect for other cultures.
They enrich our lives through self-expression and
study of world art. We encourage students to pursue
arts electives as an essential part of a balanced, wellrounded education.
their imagination. In addition to in-class projects,
students will be expected to use an art journal to
sketch, and respond to artworks and various prompts
given by the teacher. Students will be asked to critique their own and others’ artwork by using critical
thinking skills to analyze and evaluate said artwork.
Art I is a prerequisite for all art courses and should be
taken as a freshman or sophomore.
ART COURSES
Art I
Drawing II
Grade:9-12 Prerequisite: N/A
Grade:10-12
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This class will be an introduction to several strands
of art including art processes and production, art
history and art appreciation. Students will learn art
vocabulary and apply vocabulary in critiques and
discussions. This course will cover drawing, painting, graphic design, printmaking, and sculptural
processes. Students will be making original artwork
based on personal experiences, art movements and
Prerequisite: Art I
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
In this course, students will build upon the fundamentals of drawing, with an emphasis on life drawing. Students will be using a variety of dry and wet
media such as pencil, graphite sticks, Ebony, vine and
compressed charcoal, pastels, and ink to draw from
direct observation, personal experience, and imagination to create works of art to build their portfolios.
Line, composition, value, etc. will all be investigated
52 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Fine Arts
fully. Students will actively use their journals to
sketch, draw, record, and write and must complete
assignments in them at home and in class. Keeping a
journal will be crucial to individual progress and success. Critiques will require students to practice and
engage in critical thinking through judging and analyzing their own work and the work of others.
Painting II
Grade:10-12
Prerequisite: Art I
painting materials. During critiques, painters will
use their vocabulary and critical thinking skills to
analyze and evaluate their own artwork and the artwork of others. Art journals will serve as a place to
make sketches and respond to bellwork and homework prompts. In class, students will create original
paintings that convey personal themes and creative
imagination.
Printmaking II
Grade:10-12
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Art I
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
Printmaking II will serve as an introduction to
printmaking processes and techniques. Students
will learn about the different printmaking processes
as well as be introduced to vocabulary, artists, and
safety procedures specific to printmaking. In this
course, students will be using water-based inks to
create collagraphs, monoprints, relief prints, and
drypoint etchings. Printmaking II is a prerequisite
for Printmaking III. [Prerequisites: Art I]
Printmaking III
This class will be a continuation and further exploration of painting and painting processes. Painters
will be experimenting with different painting materials and application methods as well as discussing,
analyzing and evaluating famous paintings and artists. Students will also learn painting vocabulary
and care and safety procedures when dealing with
Grade:11-12
Prerequisite: Printmaking II
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Printmaking III will serve as a continuation of the
exploration of previously learned processes and techniques. Students will use different printmaking processes to create a portfolio of traditional and nontraditional prints. Printmaking II is a prerequisite for
Printmaking III.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 53 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Fine Arts
Pre-AP Studio Art
Grade:11-12 Prerequisites: Art I, Art II, and
Teacher Recommendation
Students will create themes for personal artwork that
integrate a broad range of visual observations, experiences, and imagination. Students will investigate all
three sections of the AP portfolio: Quality, Concentration, and Breadth by producing an original body of
work that demonstrates self-directed investigations
into specific themes. The AP Studio Art Portfolio
requires students to produce a minimum of twenty
four (24) works of art. It addresses a broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues which utilize
the elements and principles of art. Drawing, paintAP Studio Art
ing, mixed media, collage, printmaking, illustration,
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisites: Art I, Art II, Pre-AP photography, and digital imagery are all appropriate
approaches. A spring exhibition of all students’ portand/or Printmaking III
folios will serve as the culmination.
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
MUSIC COURSES
AP Studio Art is designed for serious and highly
motivated art students wishing to develop their skills
Choir I , II, III
in composition, problem solving, and execution.
Grade:9-12 Prerequisite: N/A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This class will prepare students for AP art. Students will practice creating breadth pieces, writing
artist statements, and putting together a portfolio.
Students are expected to use a sketchbook to explore
themes, create sketches, and experiment with art
mediums.
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Students will learn music literature and apply knowledge and
skills to developing proficiency in
choir. Students will perform vocal
music from various periods and
styles. Students will perform in
concerts and various school programs and assemblies. Choir I is a
prerequisite for Choir II; Choir II is
a prerequisite for Choir III.
54 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Fine Arts
THEATER ARTS COURSES
Students are involved with a specific aspect of the
production, such as cast, technical crew, stage manTheater Arts I
ager, stage crew, costume designer, wardrobe misGrade: 10-12 Prerequisite: N/A
tress, props, set designer, publicity, or support staff.
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
Each student completes assigned tasks, demonstratThis class offers a general overview of world the- ing individual accountability and necessary skills and
atre, introduces elementary concepts, methods, the- techniques. Determining the intent of the playwright
atrical terminology, and discipline, and explores the and communicating intent to an audience is considcreative process. Participants are given opportunity ered in every production decision that is made. Stuto stretch their imagination, focus creative energy, dents learn that all facets of theatrical production
work together to achieve a common goal. Participants demonstrate personal commitment by preparing for each rehearsal. Students learn the importance
of stage production etiquette.
DEBATE COURSES
Debate I
Grade:9-12 Prerequisite: N/A
Credit1.00 (2 semesters)
Students will learn the fundamentals of public
speaking and speech/argument writing as well as
become familiar with and participate in competiand work alone and in groups to tell stories and bring tive speech and debate in and around the Houston
characters to life. Students are required to attend area. Students are required to research and present
information on current events and will participate
outside performances.
in group work as well as give speeches on a regular
Theater Production I -II
basis. Competitions are held on Fridays and SaturGrade:10-12 Prerequisite: Theater Arts I
days. Students are required to attend and compete
in a minimum of one competition per semester and
Credit: 1.0 (2 semester)
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 55 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Communications
are required to participate and serve at any competitions held on the HSP campus. Participation at after
school practices is expected prior to performance at
a competition. Organization, following deadlines,
and keeping up with materials are important skills
that will be practiced in this class. Many opportunities will be available through this class for students
to travel, develop leadership skills, and earn scholarships/build their resumes.
Debate II
Grade:10-12 Prerequisite: Debate I
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This course builds off of Debate I and focuses more
on various types of debate and argumentation. Students will leave the class with a detailed knowledge
of domestic and world politics, philosophy, and legal
policy. Students are required to attend at least two
competitions a semester and must compete in at least
one competition a semester. Attendance at any competitions held on the HSP campus is also required.
Debate II offers an increased opportunity for students to make the most of their high school experience through travel opportunities, scholarships, and
leadership skills.
chosen from the current National Forensic League
approved topics. Students may take this course for
two years.
Oral Interpretation
Grade:10-12 Prerequisite: N/A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This class will focus on individual speaking and
acting performances. Students will learn rules and
techniques for competition and performance in
events such as dramatic and humorous interpretation, duo interpretation/acting, poetry and prose
reading, and will participate in Austin area poetry
slam competitions. Students are required to attend
at least one competition/performance per semester
and will gain opportunities for travel, develop
leadership skills, and earn scholarships/build their
resumes. After school practice is encouraged before
performances.
Speech
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: N/A
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
This class will focus on the fundamentals of human
interaction. Students will learn and understand conDebate III – Independent Study
cepts and processes involving verbal and non-verbal
Grade:11-12 Prerequisite: Debate I, Debate II
communication as well as interpersonal, group, and
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
public interaction. A focus on business communicaThis course allows students to pursue a specific tion will be included.
debate topic in depth in order to expand knowledge
and prepare for competition. Subject areas will be
56 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Communications
Speech – Independent Study
Grade: 11-12
tion
Prerequisite: Oral Interpreta-
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
This class is for students who wish to continue
performance and acting skills. Students may take
this course for two years.
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 57 Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Technology Applications
Digital Media Arts
project. Projects will allow students to design and
build computer interface boards, learn basic comDigital Graphics and Animation, Web Mastery
Pre-Production planning and design for anima- puter programming, and master the control of simple
tion and interactive media. Students learn to apply robot functions. Other skills covered include soldercreative thinking, design principles and production ing, metering, and working with L.E.D.’s, resistors.
processes essential to the creation of successful aniWeb Mastering
mations and multimedia programs. Practical experience in concept generation, concept drawing, storyboarding, and project organization. Special courses
in specific digital art forms allow students who have
completed regular course offerings to continue their
studies at advanced levels. Individual students and
faculty develop a project contract that sets forth
objectives, standards of quality, evaluation guidelines, and deadlines.
Good design and planning are essential to the success of these two related media which are very expensive to produce. This course focuses on concept genGrade:9-12 Prerequisite: N/A
eration, development, and communication before
production begins. Students will learn the planning
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
process and written and visual communication skills
The World Wide Web (WWW) is the fastest growby producing written concept descriptions, character ing part of the Internet. The popularity of the WWW
designs, concept sketches, and storyboards.
is due largely to the ease with which users can not
only access and navigate the web but also create
Robotics
pages of information to share with others Students
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
will learn how to design, create, and maintain web
Credit:1.00 (2 semesters)
pages. Projects will incorporate tools such as HTML,
This course explores concepts related to basic resi- Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Flash, Fireworks, digital
dential wiring, serial and parallel electrical circuits, cameras, and scanners.
and wiring connections. The students will also learn
about designing and etching a solid state electronic
58 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 2012-2013
Course Selection Guide
Course Descriptions:
Technology Applications
Digital Graphics and Animation
digital manipulation, color correction, masking, and
the use of channels, paths, background, and layers.
Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: N/A
Animation, both 2-D and 3-D, will be introduced in
Credit: 1.00 (2 semesters)
this course. Students enrolled in this course will be
Digital Graphics and Animation is an introduc- computer literate and have experience with the basic
tory course in design, typography, and imaging techelectronic productivity and telecommunication
tools. A prerequisite for this course is grades 6-8
Technology Applications Knowledge and Skills.
niques. The course includes topics such as digital
composition, color, imaging, editing, and animation.
An integral component in other areas, understanding
design elements is essential in the creation of a successful product in this course. The student will use
the computer’s set of tools, common to bitmapped
and object-oriented software programs, to produce
and edit digital designs as well as to incorporate
design principles when capturing digital images with
the scanner and camera. Students will work with
color, resolution, and halftones as well as other image
enhancing strategies including outlining, cropping,
2012-2013 Harmony School of Political Science and Communication 59