High School Electives

Description of High School Electives

American Literature

A collection of stories, poems, nonfiction articles and other literary works that is organized chronologically into seven units spanning early America to the present. Background information is provided to help make the student's reading experience more meaningful. A timeline helps keep track of major literary and historical events. A section titled Historical, Cultural, and Social Forces explains the influence that shapes a specific literary period.

Anatomy & Physiology

This is a college level course that helps advanced students to develop a working knowledge of (1) human anatomy and physiology that is based on conceptual understanding rather than rote memory; (2) medical technology that will increase the student's confidence in their chosen field; and (3) clinical applications to broaden their horizons beyond the core principles.

Animal Husbandry

Provides a condensed, highly illustrated, easy-to-read version of the wonders, as well as the technical aspects, of animal science. Text includes chapters on beef cattle, diseases, dairy industry, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and rabbits.

Drive Right

This course provides basic instruction in vehicle operation, maneuvers, and more. The taking of this course in no way guarantees the student will receive a driver's permit or license. Please check your local state requirements.

Exploring Art

Takes a media approach to art, focusing on the elements and principles of art and how artists use various media and techniques, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting. The concepts of aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and art production are applied and reinforced. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Arts.

Understanding Art

Takes a chronological approach to art, focusing on art works from ancient to contemporary times. The text blends art history with cultural and social traditions, emphasizing the role of art in everyday life. The images and content present art as historical evidence of the creative process. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Arts.

Automotive Mechanics

This course is correlated with federal, state, apprenticeship, and industry guidelines for automotive technician training. The text along with the consumable student workbook can be used for reference, study, and test preparation by anyone preparing for automotive technician certification programs.

Business Law

Provides activities to let students monitor their progress while new unit end case activities prompt them to analyze the issues and "be the judge." Numerous examples and case anecdotes clarify concepts and enable students to "apply" the law to real life situations. All the important legal topics are covered.

Computer Literacy

This course teaches the student how to program the computer using the BASIC computer language. The student will learn how to actually write computer code or statements to solve problems and then print or display the answers. This presents the fundamentals of programming and following this course, the student will be able to grasp other programming languages (such as C, C+, Pascal, HTML, and others) more easily.

Computer Technology

The Internet Core Competency Certification (IC3) is the worldwide benchmark to gauge a student’s understanding of computer systems (e.g., hardware, software, firmware, networking). This course is organized into three parts: (1) computing fundamentals, (2) key applications, and (3) living online. There are 35 chapters that each contain an overivew, objectives, terminology, "Did You Know?", real-world tech, a career corner, think critically, and extend your knowledge. This course is designed to prepare the student for career success in a technology-based world.

Cosmetology

This course is available for up to 40 elective credits (10 each course). The introductory course covers topics such as looks, skin, hair, nails, anatomy and physiology, bacteriology and sanitation. The intermediate course covers shampoos and rinses, scalp treatments and hair conditioners, basic hair shaping, precision hair cutting, wet and thermal hair styling.

Developing Child

This course covers observing children, baby sitting, child care, preschools, exceptional children, teen pregnancy and parenthood, and family stresses. Comprehensive and up to date coverage of physical, mental, social, emotional, and moral development theories of child development by Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, parenthood, pregnancy and birth.

Experience Technology Manufacturing & Construction

This book includes a science and math handbook, glossary of terms, and chapters on topics such as Forming a Company, Researching and Developing a Product, Materials, Controlling Manufacturing Quality, Construction Processes, and many more. It comes with a consumable student workbook that contains chapter reviews, basic skills activities, and technology activities.

Food for Today

This course is a well-balanced introduction to foods and nutrition that gives students the background knowledge and skills in 25 chapters that are in five basic units: (1) food, nutrition, and you, (2) workspace, tools, and techniques, (3) consumer decisions, (4) foods for meals and snacks, and (5) expanding your horizons (careers in food).

Food Science & Safety

Explains how to achieve career success in the food industry. The chapters explain the role and potential that food science has in the food industry. This introductory book helps the student explore the relationship of Food Science to disciplines such as marketing, product development, and international development.

Journalism Matters

This course brings the student up to speed as a working journalist. The chapters train the student to write well--summarize information, describe observations and accurately record the views and comments of others. Other chapters also cover interviewing, sports writing, feature writing, and the special demands of column and review writing. Still other chapters cover the knowledge and skills required to bring a product to the public's attention.

Livestock

This course serves as an introduction to animal science and veterinary technology. It is about far more than cattle, swine, and chickens, though these are included. Basics of biology and veterinary technology practices are included. The course covers aquatic animals, draft animals, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles and service, laboratory, and exotic animals.

Marketing Practices and Principles

Contains 42 chapters dealing with the world of marketing, the consumer market, special markets, marketing research, the product, pricing, channels of distribution, wholesaling, advertising, marketing management, business management, and entrepreneurship.

Landscape Design, Construction, and Maintenance

Introduces various aspects of the landscape industry. Plant selection and care are the foundation of the book. Landscaping has been one of the fastest growing segments of the horticulture industry. The design of new landscapes, the building of landscapes, and the maintenance of existing landscapes are in high demand. The steps to developing a complete and functional landscape plan for the residential setting are identified and explained.

Mechanical Drawing (CAD-Communications)

Introduces students to CAD (Computer Aided Drafting). The student learns to visualize in three dimension, to build technical imaginations, to think precisely, and to understand the language and gain the skills required by today's industry. The course heavily emphasizes the basic elements and concepts of drafting. A student workbook is provided which includes drawing assignments that thoroughly cover all basic elements of drafting. A variety of advanced problems are also included to accommodate the student who has progressed at a quicker rate.

Personal Finance

The Financial Fitness course is for everyone. Just as one becomes physically or mentally fit, one becomes financially fit through the same two requirements: knowing what to do and taking the necessary action to do it. Regardless of your current financial situation, you can learn to prosper, conserve, and multiply the fruits of your labor through a basic understanding of the principles behind the Offense, Defense, and Playing Field of personal finance. This course brings all of these fundamentals together in one convenient location so you can become the master of your money and prosper in any economy.

Digital Photography

This e-book (or electronic book supplied as a DVD) focuses on core material--those aspects of photography that are essential to understand. Included are separate online animations, movies, Web sites, Excel worksheets and PDFs designed to help you better understand the basic concepts of digital photography so that it is easier for you to master your camera and its controls. Although having a digital camera will enhance your experience during this course, it is not mandatory that you have such a camera.

Understanding Psychology

As a social science, psychology explores the influence of society on individual behavior and group relationships. As a natural science, psychology looks for biological explanations for human behavior. The student will learn to think like a scientist and use the scientific method to solve problems. The student will learn more about himself/herself and more about others. Psychologists attempt to explain and predict why people behave, feel, and think as they do. They attempt to learn ways in which people can improve the quality of life.

Glencoe Speech

The text covers a full range of topics, from different types of interpersonal communication to preparing and presenting speeches to debate and parliamentary procedure. The tone of the text is friendly and engaging. The authors believe strongly that communication is a key skill for all people and have, therefore developed the exercises and activities to address the various aspects of communication as well as how it relates to life at school, at work, and in relationships. The text includes many cartoons and humorous anecdotes. The quips and quotes will entertain you. The writing style is personal and friendly.

Street Law

Presents topics dealing with the most current law-related issues, including terrorism, technology, and immigration law. Emphasis is placed on promoting alternative (nonjudicial) forms of dispute resolution. This course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities that provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for survival in a law-saturated society. The curriculum includes case studies, mock trials, and role-plays.

Glencoe Theatre

Assists the student in learning about theatre by offering a variety of interesting and stimulating activities and performance projects. There are exercises in which the student can immediately apply the skills that he/she are learning. Three major strands deal with Acting, Directing & Producing, and Technical Theatre. These strands are organized into four sections: Exploration which explains the basic tools and techniques; Preparatory which gets the student ready for a production; Performance which moves through the rehearsal process to opening night; and Specialization which presents various types of specialized theatre activities. This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Arts.

Typing

This course is supplied in text book form or the student may utilize any computer typing tutor program of their choice (usually available at any software retail store).

Advancing in the World of Work

Shows how to meet challenges with confidence and provides knowledge needed to advance in your career. Explore skills such as communication, math, and computer skills.

Succeeding in the World of Work

An easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend text divided into seven units which lead students from Self Assessment, Exploring Careers, and Finding a Job through Joining the Workforce and Professional Development, and on to Lifelong Learning. Special features in each chapter are designed to engage students interest, for example Exploring Career Do's and Don'ts and others.

Additional High School Electives

Beginning Speech

One semester (1/2 year) of Speech credit is issued for each 80 hours of field service activity. A maximum of 480 hours can provide credit in three different courses: Beginning Speech (160 hours), Advanced Speech (160 hours), and Career Planning (160 hours). Only those who are regular pioneers can receive credit for Career Planning.

Work Experience

Work experience credit may be issued for documented employment. The employer (and not the school) is responsible for obtaining the required insurance and liability coverage. Check with your local school district office regarding issuance of a work permit.

Horsemanship

Horsemanship as a career is available to those distant students involved in Parelli equestrian training as well as local students using the full service on site equestrian facility which includes a lighted arena. Credit for Horsemanship is granted upon completion of any Parelli Savvy Level (1 through 4) and submission of a copy of an Official Level Certificate to Pearblossom Private School, Inc.

Driver's Education

The textbook portion of Driver's Education is recognized by many states (not Texas) and allows the student to be issued a temporary driver's permit upon passing the state exam. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Highway Patrol for requirements in your area.

Intro to Quilting

Student's will follow along with an 8-part video series as they are taken step-by-step through the process of creating their first quilt. This vibrant quilt finishes to 33" x 45", making it the perfect size for a first project! Kit includes the following items (subject to change): all fabrics to complete the quilt, including borders, binding, and backing; practice kit which contains fabric to practice cutting, sewing, and pressing; coordinating bonus pillow project. The bonus pillow (pillowform not included) includes the fabric and pre-fused & laser-cut applique by Shabby Shapes. Additionally, a 14-piece sewing kit includes 1 of each: magnetic pincushion with 60ct pins, 100ct glass head pins, 60" tape measure, seam ripper, 9-1/2" titanium black tailor scissors, thread snips, 10ct craft clips, 20ct safety pins, sewing gauge, water erasable pen, iron vanishing pen, 45mm rotary cutter, 12" x 18" cutting mat, and 12" x 16" ruler. Items shown in illustration.

Hands-on Drawing Program

This satisfies the 1 Credit required in Arts. Drawing Program (using pencil and/or charcoal) is great! The drawing program is not meant to teach creativity, but rather to teach a number of skills: how to draw, use basic art tools, practice the concepts of gridding and scaling, use various erasing and blending techniques, apply color tinting, and more. Students will also learn the importance of positive and negative space, how to appreciate the thinking and work that goes into making good drawings, and understand their historical reference. Available for an additional fee of $75. The art kit has materials for beginners to advanced artists. The art set includes the following:

  • 3 Charcoal Pencils
  • 3 Narrow Charcoal Sticks
  • 3 Wide Charcoal Sticks
  • 1 Graphite (Soft 6B) Pencil
  • 12 pencils (8B through 5H)
  • 1 vinyl eraser
  • 1 kneaded eraser
  • 1 sandpaper block
  • 2 sharpeners
  • 3 tortillons
  • 2 stumps
  • 1 art knive
  • 1 pencil extender
  • 100 sheets 9"x12" sketch pad
  • 1 travel case

(Contents Subject to Change Without Notice)

Foreign Language

Student will learn desired language from experienced instructors from Online Global Classroom--receiving immediate feedback, ensuring they master the skills necessary to reach their language goals. Pricing is minimum of $240 (payable to Online Global Classroom) and more information is available at this link: Online Language Costs

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