Secondary Education, Grades 9 to 12 and Adult

Courses Offered
Below is a list of the courses offered by American Worldwide Academy and our school code in parenthesis. Also, a description of each course is provided.

LANGUAGE ART

English 1 (1001310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: English 1 provides instruction in the Language Arts strands of reading process, literary analysis, writing process, writing applications, communication, and information and media literacy. It offers instruction in reading and vocabulary strategies necessary for comprehension of printed materials; research; the writing of effective paragraphs and multi-paragraph papers, with emphasis upon all stages of the writing process in timed and untimed assessments (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing); speech instruction including formal and informal presentations; evaluation of mass media; the analysis of genres and the study of language in conjunction with writing, concentrating on conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the course.

English 2 (1001340)
Prerequisite: English 1
Course Description: English 2 provides instruction in the Language Arts strands of the reading process, literary analysis, writing process, writing applications, communication, and information and media literacy. Content includes instruction in reading literature and in vocabulary strategies necessary to comprehend printed materials; the writing of essays for various purposes and audiences, using literary and nonliterary subjects; untimed and timed writings, utilizing all elements of the writing process where appropriate (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing); emphasis of applicable research; analysis of selections found in world literature; study of grammar, mechanics, usage and other conventions of standard written English in conjunction with writing; study of mass media, including analysis of propaganda and persuasion techniques; and instruction in speech, including analysis of effective techniques in oral presentations. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the course.

English 3 (1001370)
Prerequisite: English 2
Course Description: English 3 provides instruction in the Language Arts strands of reading process, literary analysis, writing process, writing applications, communication, and information and media literacy. Composition instruction includes frequent practice in writing various types of multi-paragraph papers, including documented papers/projects. Referencing and summarizing skills will be stressed as well as all phases of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing). This study will include the analysis of representative examples of American literary works in various genres, as they illustrate distinctive national qualities and the ethnic and cultural diversity of the American experience. Vocabulary, grammar, and usage are studied in conjunction with literature and writing. Listening, speaking, researching, and writing assignments are related to the study of American literature when appropriate. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the course.

English 4 (1001400)
Prerequisite: English 3
Course Description: English 4 provides instruction in the critical analysis of representative examples from British literature, as they reflect changes in the language and the development of the literary traditions of the English language. Writing experiences are structured to provide practice in real-life writing situations likely to be encountered beyond secondary school, including technical, creative, and traditional academic modes. Opportunity is provided to extend speaking, researching, and listening skills. Content includes instruction in vocabulary strategies and reading necessary for comprehension of printed materials. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the course.

MATHEMATICS

Consumer Math (1205370)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: This course helps to prepare students for real life situations involving mathematical reasoning through extensive practice and application. Mathematical and problem solving strategies are learned and enhanced through the development of skills in areas such as: money management; buying and maintaining a car and home; completing tax forms.

Business Math (1205540)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: The work text for this comprehensive course has two basic components: (1) the rules of and practice with the fundamental mathematical principles of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, measurements, estimations, and ratios; and (2) the use of these principles for common applications as they apply to the workplace such as wages and benefits, kinds of businesses, human resource departments, business travel, corporate banking, business management and operating expenses, casualty insurance, government regulations, sales and marketing and risks for business owners, and mail-order business.

Pre-Algebra (1200300)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: Pre-Algebra is a course to review benchmarks from grades 6-8 and introduce concepts from algebra, probability and statistics.  New topics shall include, but not be limited to, know equivalent forms and perform operations on real numbers (including integer exponents and radicals, percents, scientific notation, absolute value, rational and irrational numbers), identify and apply properties of real numbers, compare and simplify real number expressions, use dimensional (unit) analysis, create and interpret a graph representing a real-world situation, solve linear equations in one variable, simplify monomial expressions, use counting principles to determine size of finite sample spaces and probabilities of events in those spaces, determine probabilities of independent events, and apply the definition of random sample and basic types of sampling.

Algebra 1 (1200310)
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Course Description: Algebra 1 is a course designed to develop the algebraic concepts and processes that can be used to solve a variety of real-world and mathematical problems.  The content shall include, but not be limited to, perform set operations, use fundamental concepts of logic including Venn diagrams, describe the concept of a function, use function notation, solve real-world problems involving relations and functions, determine the domain and range of relations and functions, simplify algebraic expressions, solve linear and literal equations, solve and graph simple and compound inequalities, solve linear equations and inequalities in real-world situations, rewrite equations of a line into slope-intercept form and standard form, graph a line given any variation of information,  determine the slope, x- and y- intercepts of a line given its graph, its equation or two points on the line, write an equation of a line given any variation of information, determine a line of best fit and recognize the slope as the rate of change, factor polynomial expressions, perform operations with polynomials, simplify and solve algebraic ratios and proportions, simplify and perform operations with radical expressions, graph systems of linear equations and inequalities in two and three variables and quadratic functions, and use varied solution strategies for quadratic equations and for systems of linear equations and inequalities in two and three variables.

Algebra 2 (1200330)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry
Course Description:  Algebra 2 is a course designed to continue the study of algebra and to provide the foundation for applying these skills to other mathematical and scientific fields.  This course provides the necessary preparation for College Algebra. Topics shall include, but not be limited to, structure and properties of the complex number system, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, identify and graph transformations of functions such as linear, rational, quadratic, cubic, radical, absolute value, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic, describe end behavior of polynomial functions, perform operations and compositions of functions, varied solution strategies for linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities, and varied solution strategies for variations, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic equations.

Geometry (1206310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description:  Geometry is a course designed to develop the geometric relationships and deductive strategies that can be used to solve a variety of real world and mathematics problems.  The content will include, but not be limited to, geometric constructions, terminology and fundamental properties of geometry, deductive and inductive reasoning and their application to formal and informal proof, properties and applications of polygons and circles, formulas pertaining to the measurement of plane and solid figures, coordinate geometry involving circles, apply transformations to polygons, applications of the inequality and Pythagorean Theorems, exploration of geometric relationships such as parallelism, perpendicularly, congruence, and similarity, and right triangle trigonometry.

NATURAL SCIENCES

Physical Science (2003310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: This course includes, but is not limited to, dynamics, classification and interaction of matter, periodic table, forms of energy, electricity and magnetism, chemical interactions, nuclear reactions and career opportunities in physical science.

Biology 1 (2000310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description:  Biology 1 will provide opportunities to students for general exploratory experiences and activities in the fundamental concepts of life.  Topics will include but not be limited to:  the scientific method, measurements, laboratory apparatus usage and safety, cell biology and cell reproduction, principles of genetics, biological change through time, classification, microbiology, structure and function of plants and animals, structure and function of the human body, and ecology.

Chemistry 1 (2003340)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: Chemistry 1 will provide opportunities for students to study the composition, properties, and changes associated with matter.  Topics will include but not be limited to:  classification and structure of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, bonding, chemical formulas, chemical reactions, balanced equations, behavior of gases, physical changes, acids, bases, and salts.

Physics 1 (2003380)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: Physics 1 is a laboratory-based course in which students synthesize the fundamental concepts and principles related to matter and energy, including mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, atomic and subatomic physics.  Through regular laboratory study using such quantities as velocity, acceleration, force, energy, momentum, and charge, students (1) examine the nature and scope of physics, including its relationship to other sciences and its ability to describe phenomena using physical laws, (2) describe the history of physics and its role in the birth of technology, (3) explore the uses of its models, theories, and laws in various careers, and (4) investigate physics questions and problems related to personal needs and societal issues.

SOCIAL STUDIES

World History (2109310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: World History will provide students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of civilization by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, dynastic, scientific, and cultural events that have affected humanity.  Specific content to be covered will include, but not be limited to, an understanding of geographic, historic and time-space relationships, a review of pre-history, the rise of civilization and cultural universals, the development of religion and the impact of religious thought, the evolution of political systems and philosophies, the development of nationalism as a global phenomenon, the origin and course of economic systems and philosophies.  One credit of world history is required for graduation.

American History (2100310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: American History will provide students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of the American people by examining the political economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural events that have affected the rise and growth of the nation.  Content to be covered will include, but not be limited to, an understanding of geographic-historic and time-space relationships, the synthesizing of American culture through the centuries, the origin of American ideals, the American colonial experience, the American Revolution and the Federal System, the Civil War as the solution to the secession issue, the technological and urban transformation of the country, and American foreign policy development. 

American Government (2104310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: American Government will provide students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of American government and political behavior.  Content to be covered will include, but not be limited to, an analysis of those documents which shape our political traditions (the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), a comparison of the roles of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national levels, an understanding of the evolving role of political parties and interest groups in determining government policy, how the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic state have evolved and been interpreted, and the importance of civic participation in the democratic political process. 

Economics (2104310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: Economics will provide students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the way in which society organizes its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants.  The student will be introduced to the major characteristics of the mixed market economic system in the United States and how the basic economic questions are answered.  Content will include, but not be limited to, using economic principles and reasoning in reaching decisions in the market place.  Necessary to that understanding are the roles and impact of economic wants, productive resources, scarcity and choices, opportunity costs and trade-offs, economic incentives, specialization, comparative advantage, division of labor, interdependence, how markets work, savings and investment, the role of the citizen as producer, consumer, and decision-maker, the role and function of government policy, the role of money, financial institutions and labor, distinctions between micro and macro economic problems, and the similarities and differences of other economic systems. 

HEALTH/LIFE MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Personal Health 1 (0800300)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge and skills related to health topics, which will enhance their ability to make wise health decisions for themselves, their families, and communities. Take appropriate safety measures for various hazardous situations and activities. Apply first aid skills. Explain the process of human growth and development throughout the life stages. Recognize the need for and select practices which promote good personal health and hygiene. Explain causes, effects, symptoms, and methods of preventing or controlling major diseases and disorders, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Describe personal safety precautions in the handling of body fluids with regard to communicable disease.

Consumer Skills (0800310)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: Skills for Consumer Success covers core topics of consumer education such as: the job market; paychecks; checking accounts; savings accounts and other banking services; credit; budgeting; investment opportunities; insurance (health, car, home, life); owning and operating a car; housing; and consumer protection.

Personal Fitness (1501300)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: This course provides students with opportunities to develop an individual optimal level of physical fitness, acquire knowledge of physical fitness concepts and the significance of lifestyle on one's health and fitness. Topics include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular endurance, strength training and flexibility.

Parenting 1 (0800370)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: This course looks at the realities and responsibilities of parenthood. It covers decisions as when to have children, what health practices to follow during pregnancy, how to prepare for childbirth, recognizing children's stages of development from prenatal to adolescence, and how parents' roles change as their children grow. The text explores the many decisions related to parenthood and presents information to help students successfully meet the challenges they may face as parents or in a child-related career.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish 1 (0708340)
Prerequisites: None required
Course Description: This course is designed introductory approach to acquire proficiency in the basic skills (of the language)--listening/understanding, speaking, reading, writing, and cross-cultural awareness. Emphases are placed on practical vocabulary and accurate pronunciation. Furthermore, this course will highlight the understanding and using the spoken language; reading and writing with progressive grammatical explanations.

Spanish 2 (0708350)
Prerequisites: Spanish 1
Course Description: This course is a continuation of Spanish 1. Intermediate Spanish is a proficiency-oriented course that emphasizes the mastery of the basic skills of the language.