Pre-AP/AP/Dual Credit Courses

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Description
The AP Language and Composition course is equivalent to the introductory year of college composition. The course helps students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of disciplines and rhetorical contexts. The primary purpose of the course is to help students become skilled writers who leave the course with the ability to write, analyze, and synthesize arguments. The overarching goal of the course is to enable students to write effectively and confidently in their high school and college course work across the curriculum. The course expectation is that students will become critical readers, writers, and thinkers from a local, national, and global standpoint. An integral part of the course is the development of research skills that enable students to evaluate, use and cite source materials. In addition, the course emphasizes visual literacy skills. Here, students learn to deconstruct photographs, political cartoons, graphs, charts, and film as texts. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website. Additional English

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Description

Dual Credit: See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines.

This course melds the requirements of the English III high school curriculum with the college coursework for English Language and Composition I and II. The first semester of the class is an intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively.

There will be an emphasis on effective rhetorical choices including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Writing the academic essay will serve as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis. The second semester is an intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. There will be an emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis and documentation of sources. Second semester also includes a survey of American Literature. Students should be self-directed, academically mature, and prepared for rigorous reading and writing assignments. Students taking Dual Credit courses may be required to purchase college textbook(s) selected by college faculty. Teacher will provide information in the course syllabus on the first day of school. Additional English

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Juniors: English I and II

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. Students will explore the ethics of argumentation as they analyze and compose arguments about American identity and identity formation. Students meeting university criteria will receive the six college credits equivalent to English 1301 and 1302. Tuition fee not to exceed $150 per semester will be collected at the beginning of the year. Additional English

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Description
Literature and Composition is generally considered to be the university equivalent to an introductory literary analysis course. It is a rigorous course intended to prepare students for college level English. Students will be expected to have a sense of academic maturity and should be prepared for intensive literary style analysis to include reading, writing and discussion on a daily basis. While not a prerequisite, it is highly recommended that students have taken the Advanced Placement: Language and Composition course. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website. Additional English

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Dual Credit
See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines.

Description
This course melds the requirements of the English IV high school curriculum with the college coursework for English Language and Composition I and II. The first semester of the class is an intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. There will be an emphasis on effective rhetorical choices including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Writing the academic essay will serve as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis. The second semester is an intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. There will be an emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis and documentation of sources. The second semester also includes a survey of British Literature. Students should be self-directed, academically mature, and prepared for rigorous reading and writing assignments. Students taking Dual Credit courses may be required to purchase college textbook(s) selected by college faculty. Teacher will provide information in the course syllabus on the first day of school. Additional English

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Successful completion of Dual Credit English III

Dual Credit
See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines.

Description
This course is a survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions. This course fulfills the Language, Philosophy, and Culture foundational component area and the Component Area Option of the core, and addresses the following required objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. Students taking Dual Credit courses may be required to purchase college textbook(s) selected by college faculty. Teachers will provide information in the course syllabus on the first day of school. Additional English

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. This course includes the study of quadratics; polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants. Students will be enrolled in both the high school course and distance college course and will have the opportunity to accept or decline the college credit if he/she meets the required grade. This course satisfies the core mathematics requirement at The University of Texas at Austin and is guaranteed to transfer and apply to any undergraduate degree at all other public colleges and universities in Texas. Students meeting university criteria will receive the three college credits equivalent to MATH 1314. Tuition fee not to exceed $150 will be collected at the beginning of the school year. Additional Mathematics

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. Students will deepen and extend their knowledge of functions, graphs, and equations from their high school algebra and geometry courses so they can successfully work with the concepts in a rigorous university-level calculus course. This course is designed to push students well beyond “drill and kill” type exercises, with an emphasis on unpacking mathematical definitions and making logical arguments to their peers. Each unit consists of a series of explorations designed to engage students and empower them to develop their problem-solving skills alongside the teacher. In each exploration, students will create connections with prior concepts in developing the current topic. Students will experience high-quality curriculum designed by the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin. The pedagogy of the course, Inquiry-Based Learning, encourages students to take an active role in the construction of their learning. Students meeting university criteria will receive the three college credits equivalent to MATH 2312. Tuition fee not to exceed $150 will be collected at the beginning of the year. Additional Mathematics

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Pre-Calculus

Description
Students explore differential and integral calculus. They study the relationship between functions, graphs and limits, derivatives and their application as well as integrals and their application leading to an understanding of the Fundamental Theorem and basic techniques of anti-differentiation. This course is equivalent to the first semester of college calculus. This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website. Additional Mathematics

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Pre-Calculus (Highly recommend that student conference with Pre-Cal teacher/Counselor on placement in this advanced math class)

Description
Calculus BC AP is offered as a one-year alternative to AP Calculus AB for well-prepared, motivated students, or as the course after Calculus AB AP course. Calculus BC is a more extensive and demanding study of Calculus than Calculus AB. Students study all topics covered in AB (limits, differentiation, integration), in addition to advanced integration techniques, sequences and series, and parametric, vector, and polar equations. The course will emphasize different ways to approach calculus: graphically, numerically, algebraically, and verbally. Proficiency using graphing calculators is expected. Students taking BC calculus are expected to take the AP exam. Most colleges and universities will grant two semester’s credit for a score of 3 or better on the AP Calculus BC test. About 40% of the BC test involves BC topics only. A separate AB subscore will also be provided. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website. Additional Mathematics

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Algebra I and Geometry

Recommended Prerequisite
Algebra II or PreCal

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. This course is designed to help you learn the basics of data analysis, including the descriptive and inferential statistical procedures that are commonly used in basic statistical research. You will learn techniques for graphing and describing data; explore common function patterns including linear, logarithmic, exponential and logistic functions; be introduced to correlation and linear regression; learn the basic principles of hypothesis testing and the inferences that can be drawn from them; and develop skills necessary for evaluating the conditional probability of events. Students will be enrolled in both the high school course and distance college course and will have the opportunity to accept or decline the college credit if he/she meets the required grade. Students meeting university criteria will receive three college credits equivalent to MATH 1342. Tuition fee not to exceed $150 will be collected at the beginning of the school year. Additional Mathematics.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Algebra I

Description
The purpose of this rigorous Advanced Placement course in Human Geography is to introduce the students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface.  Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences.  They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.  Students will also be addressing all TEKS for the state’s World Geography standards.  While there is no official prerequisite, students are expected to be highly motivated and self-disciplined. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
World Geography Honors or teacher recommendation

Description
This rigorous, college-level course develops greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. Emphasis is on relevant factual knowledge deployed in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence. Periodization forms an organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity throughout the course. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with the consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study.  All World History TEKS will be covered with an emphasis on Modern World History.  Daily reading is required to achieve success in this course. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
World Geography

Description
Advanced Placement US History provides a broad survey of US History from the Pre-Columbian era to the present.  This advanced course is based upon a topic outline provided by the College Board and focuses upon the cultural, political, economic and social issues related to US History.  As this is meant to be a college level course, students must be highly motivated to read, write, and study about US History both during and after school hours.  Daily reading is required to achieve success in this course.   For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Description
An introduction to the history of North America from the time of European contact through the present. The fall semester is a survey of American history through the Civil War, emphasizing the European background, the colonial contribution, the American Revolution, the republican government, the growth of democracy, and the background and course of the Civil War. The spring semester will emphasize industrialization, immigration, the world wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War era. Themes that will be addressed include American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, the expansion of the federal government, and the study of U.S. foreign policy. This is a dual credit course (Hist 1301 and 1302) through San Antonio College and is writing intensive. Dual Credit: See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
World Geography

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers.  Students study significant themes to uncover the range and depth of the American story. Using lectures, primary and secondary readings, videos, maps, and other graphics, students work both independently and collaboratively to develop the critical thinking skills to evaluate the historical record. The first semester surveys America from the colonial beginnings through the Civil War, and the second semester considers the post-Civil War era to the end of the 20th century. Students are assessed in multiple formats. The Research Enhanced Timeline project (RET) challenges students to engage with primary sources and practice archival research in order to make an argument about an episode in US History.  Students will be enrolled in both the high school course and distance college course and will have the opportunity to accept or decline the college credit if he/she meets the required grade.  Students meeting university criteria will receive the college credit equivalent to HIST 1301 and HIST 1302.  Tuition fee not to exceed $150 per semester will be collected at the beginning of the year.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – .5

Prerequisite
U.S. History/U.S. History AP

Description
This is a rigorous, college level course. Instruction will focus on the content and skills necessary for success on the AP exam.  This course is an introduction to the history and organization of the institutions and domestic policies of the US government.  Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the principles underpinning American politics, how the major political institutions operate, what issues and policies have developed through history and who plays a role in the development and implementation of political policy.  Students will be required to read numerous primary source documents in addition to the founding documents of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Dual Credit: See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – .5

Prerequisite
U.S. History/U.S. History AP

Description
This is a rigorous, college level course. Instruction will focus on the content and skills necessary for success on the AP exam.  This course is an introduction to the history and organization of the institutions and domestic policies of the US government.  Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the principles underpinning American politics, how the major political institutions operate, what issues and policies have developed through history and who plays a role in the development and implementation of political policy.  Students will be required to read numerous primary source documents in addition to the founding documents of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Dual Credit: See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – .5

Recommended Prerequisites
Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra II

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. OnRamps Economics introduces students to the principles, models, and conditions that influence how consumers, businesses, governments, and workers make and evaluate economic decisions. The course places emphasis on microeconomics concepts and quantitative reasoning as students employ logic, mathematics, and technology to interpret basic statistics and apply economic analysis. It also features macroeconomics topics and personal financial literacy content in addition to core concepts including scarcity and opportunity costs, supply and demand, market structures, competition, and behavioral economics.  Students meeting university criteria will receive three college credit equivalent to ECON 2302.   Tuition fee not to exceed $150 will be collected at the beginning of the school year.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – .5

Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.  Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principals, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Areas of study include research methods, the human brain, human development, learning and motivation, personality, and abnormal psychology.  Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  Students choosing this course should be very mature and serious scholars. This course concentrates on college-level skills.  Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – .5

Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.  Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principals, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Areas of study include research methods, the human brain, human development, learning and motivation, personality, and abnormal psychology.  Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  Students choosing this course should be very mature and serious scholars. This course concentrates on college-level skills.  Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Biology and Chemistry I

Description
Biology AP is a course designed to challenge students with a strong aptitude and achievement level in science.  It is specifically designed and taught as a college level course.  The student may take the official AP exam upon completion of the course or, if

offered as a dual credit, may receive college credit.  The course consists of basic biological principles as well as the specialized areas of cytology, biochemistry, developmental biology, genetics, and ecology with strong emphasis on genetic engineering, gene manipulation, and recombinant DNA.  Relationships and application of concepts within and among the various sciences are explored.  There are twelve labs designed and required by The College Board, which represent select studies of specific topics in Biology.  This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.   Additional Science

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Completion of Algebra II or higher, Chemistry I

Description
This course is designed as a college course in first year chemistry, with a lab intensive emphasis. The fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry are explored in advanced detail, including: problem solving, atomic theory, Lewis bonding and molecular orbital, states of matter, solutions, stoichiometry, predicting complex chemical reactions, and basic redox. Small amounts of organic and nuclear chemistry are covered as well.  This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.  For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.   Additional Science

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Algebra I and 2 years high school lab science (1 life and 1 physical science

Description
This course follows the College Board curriculum and standard thought at a college level. Students will complete class work and conduct laboratory and fieldwork using scientific methods, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving techniques to study processes and topics that include: interactions of biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystems; conservation; natural resources and cycles; energy sources and energy flow in ecosystems; the major terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems and their typical plant and animal life forms (including those common locally and regionally); water, air, soil pollution; pest control; human responsibilities and population dynamics. The course is interdisciplinary in which students relate and apply principles and skills from the physical, earth and biological sciences along with certain concepts from social studies to understand environmental problems. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.  For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.   Additional Science

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Algebra I and Geometry

Description
This college-level dual enrollment course from UT Austin brings the college experience to high school using class-work designed by UT Austin faculty and delivered by campus teachers. Mechanics, heat and sound introduces big ideas in physics, such as Newtonian mechanics, which describes objects changing their state of motion because of forces causing them to accelerate.  Taken together, the topics reinforce the general idea that the behavior of many objects in the world can be described precisely with simple mathematics.  This is an algebra-based (non-calculus) course in mechanics that fulfills a general physics requirement.  Proficiency in algebra and geometry is assumed.  Students will practice problem-solving and analyzing physical situations involving motion, force, energy, rotations, heat, oscillations, waves and sound.  They will explore concepts in small groups, develop ideas, and explain them.  The course lays the groundwork for college majors including engineering, physics, chemistry, or mathematics.  Students meeting university criteria will receive four college credits equivalent to PHYS 1302 and PHYS 1101.  Tuition fee not to exceed $150 will be collected at the beginning of the school year.  Additional Science

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Spanish II

Dual Credit
See counselor for Alamo Colleges application and acceptance deadlines.

Description
This course melds the requirements of the Spanish III  high school curriculum with the college coursework for Beginning Spanish I and II.  Students will study the fundamentals of the Spanish language and culture in order to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.  Students should be self-directed, academically mature, and prepared for rigorous reading and writing assignments.  Students who successfully complete the course will earn college credit for SPAN 1411 and SPAN 1412.  Students taking Dual Credit courses may be required to purchase college textbook(s) selected by college faculty. Teacher will provide information in the course syllabus on the first day of school.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Spanish III Honors or Spanish IV Honors

Description
The AP course is conducted primarily in Spanish (90% of the time) and is designed to meet the requirements of freshmen and sophomore college course work. Successful completion of Spanish 3 Honors and/or Spanish 4 Honors + teacher recommendation (or with an 80 or above) is required.

The first semester focuses on intense grammar review plus listening, speaking, reading, and culture. Students will develop writing and conversational skills and prepare for advanced college placement exams. This course is for the committed language student who desires to integrate the Spanish language in professional and personal goals. Because the course concentrates on college-level skills, students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. Performance on Interpretive, Interpersonal, & Presentational Skills will be of utmost importance and a main focus for all students. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
AP Spanish Language and Culture

Description
This course prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Literature Examination. This course will be taught primarily in Spanish (90-100%).The students will be taught to understand a lecture in Spanish and to participate actively in discussions on literary topics and themes in Spanish, to do a close reading of Hispanic literary texts in all genres, and to analyze critically the form and content of literary works, orally and in writing, using appropriate terminology. College credit and/or advanced standing may be achieved by demonstrating competence on the Advanced Placement Exam in Spanish. Credit received depends on the exam score and college policy. This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
German III Honors

Description
This course is conducted primarily in German and is designed to meet the requirements of freshmen and sophomore college course work.  The first semester focuses on intense grammar review plus listening, speaking, and culture.  Students will develop writing and conversational skills and prepare for advanced college placement exams.  This course is for the committed language student who desires to integrate the German language in professional and personal goals.  This course concentrates on college-level skills. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
French III or Teacher Approval

Description
Students taking this course continue to study advanced French grammar and syntax in preparation for the College Board AP French Language exam. They also read and discuss various pieces of French literature and other mediums of authentic resources.  For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Art II Honors 2D Design or portfolio review by instructor

Description
AP 2D Design is an advanced studio course for the serious and dedicated student.  It is designed for talented art students who wish to pursue college level studies while in high school.  Emphasis will be on advanced drawing and painting styles, 2-D designs, printmaking and color study.  Computer manipulated works are incorporated into the curriculum.  Students will compile portfolios that fulfill current College Board requirements.  This course prepares the student to take the AP exam.  Students are expected to be highly motivated and work during and after class hours.   The supply cost is $25.00 plus the cost of the AP exam. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

* Supply fee required: $25

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Art II Honors 3D Design or portfolio review by instructor

Description
AP Three Dimensional Design is designed for the serious and dedicated art student. Students will study various aspects and techniques of sculpture and will work with a variety of sculptural media including clay, wire, fabric, metals, paper and recycled objects.  This course prepares the student to take the AP exam.  Students are expected to be highly motivated and work during and after class hours.   The supply cost is $30.00 plus the cost of the AP exam. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

* Supply fee required: $30

Rank Points – 8
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Art II Honors 2D Design or portfolio review by instructor

Description
This is an advanced studio art course for the serious and dedicated student.  This course deals with various techniques and media involved in painting and drawing . Curriculum provides advanced challenges in the visual arts through which students can develop and display their skill, understanding, insight and personal artistic voice through a body of works.  Students will compile portfolios that fulfill current College Board requirements.  The supply cost is $25.00 plus the cost of the AP exam.   Students are expected to be highly motivated and work during and after class hours. For a more complete description of this or any Advanced Placement course, please visit the College Board website.

* Supply fee required: $25

Please note: Course Catalogs will be updated as needed to reflect new information from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education