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Course Descriptions

Business/Computer

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Keyboarding (semester)
Students are taught touch typing on the alpha and numeric keypads. Students are challenged to build speed with accuracy utilizing skill building software. Word processing software will be introduced. Taught by: Westendorf

Office 1 (semester)
Microsoft Word, Basic Internet research skills, e-mail, and Power Point. This is a one semester course in which the student will use parts of Office 2000 and the Internet, acquire basic Word Processing skills, become proficient at research using the Internet, send and receive e-mail and develop basic Power Point skills in which to make presentations. Taught by: Westendorf

Office 2 (semester)
Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word. This is a one-semester course in which the student will acquire skills in using Access and Excel. The course will require several projects so that the student will be able to use this software to solve real life problems and challenges. The student will also be required to use the Internet to research and gather information. (Prerequisite: Office One)

Office 3 (semester)
All parts of Office 2000, the Internet and e-mail will be utilized. This is a project-based course. Students will improve their skill in all areas of Office 2000 by researching and developing several project-based units. Many of these projects will require students to present their research and results to the class using all of the above software. (Prerequisite: Office One and Office Two)

English

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English I
This course reviews and builds on the basics of grammar, writing, vocabulary and literature. It is appropriate for students seeking to strengthen their foundation in these areas so that they can more effectively meet the School's reading and writing expectations. Taught by: Kaelberer

English II
This is the foundational course for the 4-year English curriculum. The course provides the basic content that will be expanded upon and shaped in subsequent English classes and includes elements of effective writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literature. Taught by: Flora

English III
This course develops and cultivates an understanding and appreciation for World Literature through experiences in reading and writing. Students will gain insights into cultures and modes of thought which gave rise to writings from various countries. A speech and communication component is also part of this course. Throughout the course, students are exposed to a variety of modes of presentation, and gain an understanding of how they function effectively as communicators. Taught by: Hall

English IV
This course develops and cultivates an understanding and appreciation for American Literature through experiences in reading and writing. Students will learn about literary movements during which various pieces of literature were written. They will recognize the correlation between history and literature, develop skills as a writer, and identify ways in which literature relates to their lives. Taught by: Winter

British Literature
This course centers around a tour through almost twenty centuries of English verse and prose, as well as historical backdrops responsible for the creation of these literary works. Some of the major literary movements that will be explored are: the Medieval epic, the Medieval allegory and morality play, Elizabethan drama, neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism. Taught by: Winter

Composition (semester)
The purpose of this course is to develop a student’s skills as a creative and critical writer through a variety of writing activities. They will learn to recognize the difference between simplistic and sophisticated writing through self-examination, peer critique, and study of published and professional works. Taught by: Hall

Modern Literature (semester)
Students explore a variety of genres within twentieth and twenty-first century (contemporary) literature. Understanding of the literary themes is demonstrated through experiences in writing. Students choose at least one of the books that will be studied. Taught by: Winter

Advanced Placement (AP) English
Students will be provided with experiences and information necessary to complete the Advanced Placement English exam. Some of the topics covered are syntax, elements of fiction, reading of classic literature, vocabulary, and effective writing. Taught by: Hall

Fine Arts

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Art I
This is an introductory course that everyone in the Art program must take. It includes the study of the elements of art, “master” artists, techniques, style, and art history. Art production is woven in and around these studies. Taught by: Kaelberer

Art II
Advanced art builds upon the Art I foundation of artists and art elements. This course uses “master” artists and their works in the study of techniques, media, and approaches to art. Developing techniques of their own and opinions of their own is one of the goals for students, as well as the production of art. Taught by: Kaelberer

Studio Art
This is an advanced art course that expands and utilizes the knowledge of the elements of art and artists gained in Art I and Advanced Art. The course is built around the motivation and creativity of its third and fourth year artists. New media, new ideas, new subject matter, and new techniques are developed by the teacher and student. Taught by: Kaelberer

Art Graphics (semester)
This course utilizes an industry standard graphics design program. Students are instructed on how to use the software to produce the assigned projects. This course gives students an opportunity to work with and in technology to create artwork. Art I is a prerequisite.

Drama (semester)
Drama is an interactive expression of a performing art, which crosses into many other areas besides the narrow definition of theater. A student can learn to appreciate and express him/herself in drama class whether a beginner or experienced actor. Dramatic presentation is worked into the class in the form of a play or chancel drama as opportunity and time allows.

Golden Voice
This audition-only choral ensemble is open to grades 10 – 12. Quality multicultural music from the Renaissance to the 20th century provides the opportunity to teach open and resonant tone, vowel/pitch theory, and expressive and purposeful phrasing. Performances occur throughout the year. Taught by: Eschmann

Mixed Chorus
This choir is open to any student interested in a choral music experience. Students will learn rehearsal and performance skills. Students will learn about rhythm, reading music, sight reading, and other voice building exercises. Performances occur throughout the year. Taught by: Eschmann

Symphonic Band
This audition-only instrumental group is open to all grades. Students are required to demonstrate moderate to advanced high school proficiency in individual and group paying skills, performing a broad variety of quality multi-cultural music. Performances occur throughout the year. Taught by: Meyer

Wind Ensemble
This course is designed to provide a transitional year between grade school band and Symphonic Band for the student who needs extra time developing the basic elements in instrumental playing. Emphasis is placed upon tone production, intonation, rhythms, style, scales, and beginning music theory. Performances occur throughout the year. Taught by: Meyer

Foreign Language

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French I
This one year course is designed to enable the student to use the French language to engage in basic conversation and to gain a sensitive appreciation for the French nation. This is a prerequisite for French II. Taught by: Flora

French II
Designed to build the student’s knowledge base of the French language, students will engage in a deeper study of grammar and the four areas of language acquisition (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). A cultural emphasis is placed on discovering the uniqueness and aura of Paris. Taught by: Flora

Latin I
This course provides a basic foundation of the grammar and vocabulary of the Latin language. Students work on memory and translating skills and read Latin for understanding. Emphasis is placed on our cultural and linguistic debt to the Latin language and the Romans.

Latin II
Second year Latin students (who have completed Latin I with at least a C) increase their grammar skills especially with verb usage including subjunctives, deponents, participles, and infinitives. Students translate major passages from Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts. Projects include an in depth study of a classical Roman author and a cumulative project emphasizing composition. Taught by: Feldkamp

Spanish I
Students will develop a foundation in basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary and begin to attain proficiency in the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish for daily living. Students will begin to appreciate the diversity of the many cultures of people who speak Spanish. Taught by: Brenner

Spanish II
Students will build upon basic foundation skills developed in Spanish I with the primary goal of developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and thinking. Students will recall and accurately utilize in conversation and writing a basic body of vocabulary for daily living. Students will continue to develop an understanding and appreciation of the culture of people in various Spanish speaking countries. Taught by: Brenner

Spanish III
Students will continue to build their Spanish skills with the goal of mastering the concepts of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will continue to learn and appreciate the culture of the people in Spanish-speaking countries. The focus of the class well be on preparing students for college and applying the concepts they have learned to real-life situations. Taught by: Brenner

Spanish IV
Students will continue to build their Spanish skills with the goal of mastering the concepts of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will continue to learn and appreciate the culture of the people in Spanish-speaking countries. The focus of the class well be on preparing students for college and applying the concepts they have learned to real-life situations. Taught by: Brenner

Mathematics

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Algebra 1A
This course reviews the fundamentals of mathematics as applied to integers, fractions, and decimals. Students are taught to solve equations involving variables and how to graph in the coordinate plane. Problem solving is covered involving ratio and proportions, percentages, area and perimeter, interest, profit or loss, commissions, markup and mark down, and uniform motion. Taught by: Doyle

Algebra 1B
This course continues to build skills and understanding in the fundamentals of mathematics, while building Algebra skills. Topics covered include operations of signed numbers, exponents, polynomials, equation solving, factoring, graphing, and basic concepts of geometry. Taught by: Roekle

Algebra
This course will begin with a review of basic concepts of arithmetic. Following this review many topics fundamental to algebra will be discussed. Some of these topics are: solving simple equations, operations involving polynomials, factoring, ratio, proportion, percent, simultaneous equations, graphing in two dimensions, inequalities, irrational numbers, and quadratic equations Taught by: Roekle

Informal Geometry
This course is intended to introduce the students to the characteristics of lines, angles, polygons, circles, solids, and spheres. The students study the properties that apply to these shapes and then apply them as they solve problems that require application. Some of the topics covered are triangles., shape similarity, area, surface area, and volume. Taught by: Doyle

Geometry
This course covers all of the basics of Euclidean geometry by means of a connected set of theorems and postulates. Topics include area, volume, and analytic geometry. Inductive and deductive reasoning are developed through the introduction and application of the formal proof. Students will become familiar with common geometry terminology used through mathematics. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared to move on to the next level of Algebra. Taught by: Eschmann

Intermediate Algebra
This course is intended for the college-bound student who isn’t ready for Advanced Algebra. Most of the topics in this course mirror those within a standard advanced Algebra course, but aren’t covered in as much detail. Some of the topics discussed include properties and operations of real numbers, factoring, solving equations, inequalities, functions, graphing, irrational numbers, quadratic equations, exponents, logarithms, series, sequences, and trigonometry. Taught by: Eschmann

Advanced Algebra
This course expounds on the algebraic concepts and fundamentals introduced in Algebra and Geometry. Students will explore such topics as: simplifying expressions; solving absolute value equalities; solving linear, quadratic, and higher degree equations; working with radicals and logarithms; and the properties and application of the trigonometry. Taught by: Doyle

Pre-Calculus
This advanced mathematics course is intended for those who desire to continue the study of mathematics in the future. A review of topics found in geometry and advanced algebra is followed by discussion of new topics. Topics covered include coordinate geometry, polynomials, inequalities, functions, exponents, logarithms, trigonometry, advanced graphing, polar coordinates, complex numbers, conic sections, vectors sequences, probability and statistics. Taught by: Roekle

Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus
This course covers the Calculus curriculum as mandated by the College Board. The focus of the first semester is the concept of the limit and the derivative. Second semester focuses on integral calculus. Application of concepts is emphasized as well as method and process. Students will have the option of taking the Advanced Placement exam. Taught by: Meyers

Physical Education

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Boys and Girls Fitness and Health
In the area of physical education, our goal is to encourage the development of strength, stamina, agility, and basic motor skills together with lifetime fitness skills and recreational appreciation that foster good health. This will be accomplished through the learning of basic skills in the following team sports which include but are not limited to: soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and track. Health will focus on current health issues, which will be approached from a Christian perspective. Topics may include self-concept, stress, drugs (including alcohol and tobacco), violence, nutrition, sex education, diseases, and first aid. Taught by: Baldwin, Smith

Fitness for Life
This course for upper level students will incorporate fitness activities, flexibility training, strength training, and aerobic conditioning in order to teach students how to develop and maintain good fitness for life. Students set and work toward individual goals. Taught by: Baldwin, Smith

Religion

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Old Testament
This course is designed to keep students actively reading their Bible and applying what they learn to their lives. Selected verses of the Bible are memorized. Each of the books of the Old Testament are read and discussed. Taught by: Hofmeister, Smith, Zill

New Testament
An intense look at the life of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises given in the Old Testament will take place. The servant role demonstrated by Jesus, His teachings through the parables, and the miracles He performed will be covered. The beginning of the new church after Christ’s ascension and the journey’s of Paul will be discussed. Students will study the revelation of the end times and our response to it with the preparation of our own lives. Taught by: Zill

Church History (semester)
In this course, we will study and explore the history of Christianity from the time of Christ to the present day in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Major topics to be covered are Martin Luther and the Reformation era, heresies combated through the ages, liturgical and dogmatic origins and meanings, the Christian church today, and the challenges we face. Taught by: Frank

World Christianity (semester)
This course will present the major religious thoughts of the world through the study of eight world religions: Christianity (with an emphasis on Lutheranism), Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and the Occult. Each religion is not only taught historically with its teaching, but it is compared to Christianity with special emphasis on salvation. Each student will encounter ways to witness about Jesus to people involved in each major religion in order to win them to the Kingdom of God. Taught by: Mueller

Christian Ethics
This course seeks to challenge students to apply God’s Word to a variety of topics with the goal of demonstrating that the Word of God is alive and applies to every day living. Major topics include creation/evolution, marriage, rock music, heaven, angels, aliens, occult, spiritual warfare, prophecy, and end times. Taught by: Mueller

Science

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Biology
Biology is the study of life. The class will explore many different life forms in our world. Many biological theories will be discussed from a Christian viewpoint. Students will learn utilizing the textbook, laboratory experiments, and classroom discussions. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the scientific method, characteristics of living things and taxonomy, cells, photosynthesis and respiration, mitosis, DNA and genetics, worms, arthropods, and amphibians. Taught by: Baldwin, Guenther

Anatomy and Physiology
This class is an in-depth look at the human body, its parts and how it works. Each unit studied is a system of the body, with a look at the fetal pig and a writing assignment for each unit. Tests are essay and writing is an integral part of this college prep class. A research paper is assigned along with many out of class readings and critiques. Taught by: Guenther

Honors Biology
This course is a look at some of the most up to date and discussion oriented topics that science has to offer. An in depth look at genetics, DNA and chromosomes takes up over half the year with labs involving extracting DNA, breeding fruit flies and numerous probability studies. A look at the creation/evolution controversy is also included in the class. Many discussions are open-ended, along with assignments, making the students support their ideas either through discussion or written answers. Taught by: Guenther

Introduction to Chemistry (semester)
Course description coming soon. Taught by: Reed

Chemistry
General chemistry is a survey course in Chemistry with an emphasis on common chemicals and study techniques. The aim is to give the student some chemical and general scientific literacy rather than training to be a chemist. Taught by: Reed

Advanced Chemistry
Advanced chemistry expands on the concepts learned in basic chemistry through the use of laboratory experiments. The aim is to prepare students who are planning on a science major in college. Additional concepts in organic and biochemistry are introduced. Taught by: Reed

Introduction to Physics (semester)
Course description coming soon. Taught by: Zill

Physics
This course deals with the way nature behaves. The first semester deals with the concepts of forces and momentum involved in walking, riding, or driving. The second semester explores optics, waves, and electricity and explains such things as rainbows, sound, and lightning.

Physical Science
This course is designed to bring a wide overview of all science disciplines into one course. The course is divided into six disciplines which include: chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and biology. Much of the material covered is done so in a “hands on” approach or through demonstrations.

Topics in Science
This course is available to sophomores through seniors. Topics covered would include climatology, astronomy and geology. A brief overview of chemistry and physics is also included.

Social Studies

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Global Issues
A full year course required of all students for graduation taken during the freshman or sophomore year. Course focus is on issues pertinent to people in different areas of the world as they interact with their environment and with one another. Included are such issues as deforestation, pollution, apartheid, tolerance and intolerance, human rights, world hunger, poverty, disease, technology, politics, and war. Current events are a major part of class discussion. Since it is impossible to understand global issues without a basic understanding of world geography, place is also important. Climate, relief, and resources are understood as they become applied to various areas and issues. Taught by: Feldkamp

U. S. History
Students will examine the history of the United States beginning at the colonization of America through the present. An understanding of the causes and effects of historically significant events is emphasized. Taught by: Wittig

Government (semester)
In this course, we will explore the history and basic facts of our form of government. Major topics to be covered will be: different types of governments, the history of how our government came to be and why the founding fathers established it as they have, the constitution, the rights we have as Americans, the three branches of our government and how they work, and the political process. Taught by: Frank

Economics (semester)
Economics is a social science in which the student examines how business and the consumer interact in the U. S. Economy. A group project that involves simulation of operating a business is a major component of this course. Taught by: Frank

Psychology (semester)
Students will explore the basic concepts of the human psyche including motivating forces, behavioral patterns, and human development. Taught by: Frank

Western Civilization (semester)
A one-semester course open to all students. This history of western civilization from its beginning to the rise of European nations examines political, cultural, and historic contributions of such peoples as the Greeks, Romans, and English to Western civilization as we know it today. Taught by: Feldkamp

Non-Western Civilization (semester)
A one-semester course open to all students. This history of the non-western world includes examination of ancient India, China, Japan, and Africa. Also considered are the Byzantine world, the rise of Islam, and the development of an early Russian empire. Political, cultural, and historic aspects of these societies will be examined as one sees their impact on the world today. Taught by: Feldkamp

Vocational Education

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Accounting
This class studies the complete accounting cycle for a small business (service and merchandising). The double entry accounting system is taught, including creating of business statements. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Accounting. Taught by: Westendorf

Advanced Accounting
The course will begin with corporate accounting for a merchandising business that uses special journals. Accounting control systems will be covered. Students will also be introduced to such topics as: cost accounting, management accounting, and other types of accounting systems.

Business Co-op
Co-op allows students to experience possible career choices firsthand by working part time while receiving 2 credits per year. This program is available to seniors only. All jobs must be related to the student’s career goal, and be approved by the Co-op coordinator. Other criteria for the program are found in the student handbook. Taught by: Westendorf

Saginaw Career Complex (SCC)
Juniors and seniors may choose to enroll at SCC during the first three periods of the school day. Some possible courses of study that may be pursued are construction, car mechanics, computer network systems, welding, and child care. To explore these or other options available at SCC contact Valley Lutheran’s guidance counselor. Classes at SCC grant 3 credits per year.

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