Curriculum
Expanded courses. Faith Integration. Real World Application.
We seek to prepare students for the world ahead of them by allowing them to have hands-on experiences exploring the material they study everyday. Similar to college, students are offered classes in liberal arts subjects, as well as opportunities to study courses that develop their own academic interests and broaden their horizons. Our faculty then guides them through the process of bringing those studies to life. For example, students don't just study industrial design, they build life-size projects right on campus.
We believe that by engaging students in the content they are studying, it builds confidence and character, and gives them experiences to set them apart when they are ready to apply to college and enter the modern world.
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Advanced Band
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Advanced Finance Honors
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Advanced Functions and Modeling
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Advanced Weight Training
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Algebra 1
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Algebra II
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AP Biology
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AP Calculus AB/BC
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AP Chemistry
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AP Computer Science Principles
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AP English Language and Composition
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AP Environmental Science
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AP Literature and Composition
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AP Macroeconomics
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AP Psychology
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AP Spanish
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AP U.S. Government and Politics
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Beginning Band
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Courses by Subject Area
- Theology
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- World Languages
- Fine Arts
- Health and Wellness
- Information Technology
- Business and Finance
- Biomedical Pathway
- Broadcast and Communications Pathway
- Engineering Pathway
- Miscellaneous Courses
Theology
The goal of the CTK Theology program is to instill and nurture within the students both a knowledge of, and a love for, the Revelation of Jesus Christ through His Holy Church. The program has, at its aim, to bring students to a deeper understanding of the content of the Catholic Faith and to aid the students as they internalize the teachings of Christ. Of fundamental importance is the utilization of class discussions on the theological, moral, spiritual, and social dimensions of the life of a believer in our age and culture. Students will go deeper in their faith through a practical study of the Church's teachings, technology-based exploration of the richness of Christian culture, discussions, lectures, and other teaching techniques. Through a careful study and discussion of Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, the Magisterium, and the beauty of the Church's history, the students will come to a more comprehensive understanding of the truth, beauty, and reliability of the Revelation of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
The study of the Catholic Faith will take place, for the students of our generation, in the context of a culture characterized by doubt, disbelief, indifference, and even hostility toward the Christian faith and moral values. Being a school founded on the twin pillars of faith and reason, the Faith will be presented at CTK as something both reasonable and challenging, beautiful and demanding. As students are led into a deeper understanding of the Faith, they will be guided how to wrestle with the demands it makes of them and how to develop the skills to respond to the saving Truth.
The progression of the courses is determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops who set out a general curriculum for Catholic high schools.
COURSES
Theology 9A - The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
Theology 9B - Who is Jesus Christ?
Theology 10A - The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)
Theology 10B - Jesus Christ's Mission Continues in the Church
Theology 11A - Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
Theology 11B - Life in Jesus Christ
Theology 12A - Our Life in the Church
Theology 12B - Our Call to Evangelize
Theology Through Film
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Theology 9A - The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
The purpose of this course is to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through their study of the Bible they will come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the course they will learn about the Bible, authored by God through Inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. They will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students will pay particular attention to the Gospels, where they may grow to know and love Jesus Christ more personally. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 9B - Who is Jesus Christ?
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. In this course students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God. In learning about who He is, the students will also learn who He calls them to be. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 10A - The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)
The purpose of this course is to help students understand all that God has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Through this course of study, students will learn that for all eternity, God has planned for us to share eternal happiness with him, which is accomplished through the redemption Christ has won for us. Students will learn that they share in this redemption only in and through Jesus Christ. They will also be introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what life as a disciple entails. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 10B - Jesus Christ's Mission Continues in the Church
The purpose of this course is to help the students understand that in and through the Church they encounter the living Jesus Christ. They will be introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by Him through the Holy Spirit. The Student will come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today. This Body has both divine and human elements. In this course, students will learn not so much about events in the life of the Church but about the sacred nature of the Church. Material related to the ongoing plan of salvation history, revelation and tradition, the nature of the teaching authority of the Church and the ongoing need in the Church to address concerns of the times throughout its history in ways that are faithful to the proclamation of the Gospel will be key areas of study throughout the semester. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 11A - Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 11B - Life in Jesus Christ
The purpose of this course is to help students understand that it is only through Christ that they can fully live out God’s plans for their lives. Students are to learn the moral concepts and precepts that govern the lives of Christ’s disciples. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 12A - Our Life in the Church
In this course students will examine their own role within the Church, by considering their vocation and the social teaching of the Church.
Part 1: Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ - The purpose of this unit of study is to help students to understand the vocations of life: how Christ calls us to live. In this course, students should learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. The quarter will be structured around married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life. Students should learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the Christian community. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Part 2: Living as Disciples of Jesus Christ in Society - The purpose of this unit of study is to introduce students to the Church’s social teaching. In this quarter, students will learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology 12B - Our Call to Evangelize
In this course students will explore the call to share the Gospel with others. They will examine the beliefs of other religious groups and learn how to share their faith in the world today.
Part 1- Apologetics - The purpose of this course is to enable students to engage in a conversation about the fundamental principles of the Church and explain clearly with effective reason the truth of those principles of faith on which the Church is grounded. With a solid foundation in the doctrine and teachings of the Catholic faith, the student will learn reasoned answers to various questions of faith and be able to use these answers in an apologetic dialogue. Students will be given the abilities to understand the nature, power and limitation of apologetics, learn about the relationship between faith and reason, explore arguments for the existence of God, and understand objective truth and the dichotomy between Christianity and other religions. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Part 2- Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues - The purpose of this unit of study is to help the students understand the manner in which the Catholic Church relates to non-Catholic Christians as well as to other religions of the world. Building on the foundational truth that Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and entrusted to her the fullness of God’s Revelation, the course is intended to help students to recognize the ways in which important 13 spiritual truths can also be found in non-Catholic Christian churches and ecclesial communities as well as in non-Christian religions. It is also intended to help them to recognize the ways in which other systems of belief and practice differ from the Catholic faith. (USCCB Curriculum Framework)
Theology Through Film
Part 1: The Biblical Story through Film - The purpose of this unit is to examine biblical themes through film. In this quarter, students will build on their knowledge of God’s salvation for his people, in and through his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Some of the main themes that will be explored are Creation, Fall, the Incarnation, and Redemption. Students will also learn how these themes are interconnected, as well as how they can be presented through cinema.
Part 2: The Church’s Story through Film - The purpose of this unit is to examine how God works in and through his Church for the sake of his world through film. In this quarter, students will build on their knowledge of the history of the Church, through watching selected films on different time periods, from the end of the 1st century to the 21st century. Some of the themes that will be explored are martyrdom, the Protestant Revolution, and the Church in the modern era.
English
The role of the English Department is to challenge students to be:
- Accomplished writers. Students will formulate arguments; weigh, select, and correctly cite evidence; reason logically and effectively; express personal views; use language imaginatively; and present their collected works in clear, grammatically-correct prose.
- Critical readers. Students will cultivate a respect for reading a rich diversity of genres, becoming intellectually and emotionally engaged, and comprehending and appreciating an author’s diction, syntax, tone, style, ideas, and methods in the historical context of the work.
- Empathetic, Catholic beings. Students will analyze and respond, both orally and in writing, to the universal connections made between works of literary merit and cultural history, as well as their own lives and the lives of others, as we all participate in the process of nurturing our faith.
- Interactive scholars of the world. Students will establish and understand the interconnectedness among each discipline in the context of our faith.
COURSES
English 9 - Composition and Literature
English 10 - World Literature
English 11 - USA Literature
English 12 - English Literature
HONORS
English 9 Honors - Composition and Literature
English 10 Honors - World Literature
English 11 Honors - USA Literature
English 12 Honors - English Literature
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP English Language and Composition
AP Literature
ELECTIVES
Belmont Abbey - Literary Classics of Western Tradition I & II
Creative Writing
Modern Literature and Film
Mythology
BROADCAST AND COMMUNICATIONS PATHWAY (see separate tab for course descriptions)
Digital Design
Digital Design Honors
Journalism
Photojournalism
Public Speaking
Broadcast Media Honors
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
English 9 - Composition and Literature
The CTK freshman English class sets the framework for the writing process. In conjunction with the principles and theories learned in Logic class (see course description) and in keeping with the CTK twin pillars of faith and reason, students will navigate through the writing process, reading and
referencing classic literary works. Students will recognize that successful writing requires sustained effort, sound argumentation, and persistence.
English 9 Honors - Composition and Literature
The CTK freshman English class sets the framework for the writing process. In conjunction with the principles and theories learned in Logic class (see course description) and in keeping with the CTK twin pillars of faith and reason, students will navigate through the writing process, reading and
referencing classic literary works. Students will recognize that successful writing requires sustained effort, sound argumentation, and persistence.
Prerequisites:
- Recommendation of Middle School English Teacher and,
- Combination of score on essay and multiple-choice on CTK Placement Exam.
English 10 - World Literature
To facilitate an understanding of the commonalities and the differences created by cultures, CTK sophomores will explore the strikingly similar patterns of characters and themes throughout the world. In conjunction with World History (see course description) and in keeping with the CTK twin pillars of faith and reason, through the mediums of art, literature, politics, and religion; students will make and support assertions about texts at an evaluative level.
English 10 Honors - World Literature
Honors students will complete the similar coursework as the World Literature students (see above) at an advanced pace. They will write additional essays and read additional texts. Honors students will additionally independently read assigned texts as well as read supplementary texts in class.
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of B or above in Honors English OR (2) Grade of A or above in CP English and,
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 500.
English 11 - USA Literature
This survey course of USA literature incorporates the major genres, enabling students to understand the imagery and recurring themes that define USA literature. In conjunction with USA History (see course description), and in keeping with the CTK twin pillars of faith and reason, students focus on the essential questions of "What does it mean and has it meant to be a citizen of the United States and a Catholic?" The practice of close reading is emphasized in all literature units, while writing assignments focus on literary style and audience. Students also practice for the SAT and prepare for the college entrance personal essay.
English 11 Honors - USA Literature
This survey course of USA literature incorporates the major genres, enabling students to understand the imagery and recurring themes that define USA literature. In conjunction with USA History (see course description), and in keeping with the CTK twin pillars of faith and reason, students focus on the essential questions of "What does it mean and has it meant to be a citizen of the United States and a Catholic?" The practice of close reading is emphasized in all literature units, while writing assignments focus on literary style and audience. Students also practice for the SAT and prepare for the college entrance personal essay.
In addition to the reading and essay writing required in English 11, students in Honors classes will read independently an additional minimum of two major literary works per semester. Evaluations for these works will include essays, tests, and projects requiring higher level thinking skills.
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of B or above in Honors English or (2) Grade of A or above in CP English and,
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 500.
English 12 - British Literature
This year-long course offers a comprehensive survey in British Literature and Shakespeare.
Semester 1: This course will explore, read, perform, and analyze many of the plays of William Shakespeare. In addition to discussing the themes and ideas that emerge in these plays, we will also explore Shakespeare’s linguistic and dramatic achievements through careful readings of the texts. One very important guideline- to remember that Shakespeare’s plays are just that- plays that were meant to be performed on a stage in front of a live audience. And so while the course is not an Acting or Performance course, everyone in the class should be open to and willing to participate in this aspect of the study of Shakespeare’s plays.
Semester 2: Students will examine other major works of literature from Great Britain. These works will span multiple historical and literary periods. The curriculum will require students to dedicate time to analyzing literature from the perspective of Catholic doctrine, in addition to studying the developing role of the Church through British history, as it is construed through fictional texts. Students will seek to make strides in their written and verbal communication as we discuss timeless themes present in literature. Works may include Canterbury Tales, Gulliver’s Travels, Frankenstein, 1984, The Importance of Being Earnest, And Then There Were None, and A Man for All Seasons.
English 12 Honors - British Literature
Honors English 12 is a year-long course built around Shakespeare, British Literature, and composition.
Semester 1. In addition to the English 12 requirements, the Honors students will read and study two additional plays by Shakespeare, to be determined by the instructor(s) teaching the class. The students will have a number of additional writing assignments and assessments on these plays, exploring the themes, storylines, and characters in Shakespeare's works.
Semester 2. The intent is for students to develop as strong writers through reading, writing, and revising. Students will focus on exemplary British literature, which displays different writing techniques spanning from diction to prolonged narrative tools. Beginning with the choice of a single word the student will notice the deliberateness behind the act of writing, and develop the rigor, focus, and attention required of the craft. Students will also dedicate time to uncovering perspectives of Catholic teaching in the studies of time honored literary works. Works may include Canterbury Tales, Pride and Prejudice, Gulliver’s Travels, Frankenstein, 1984, Brave New World, Jekyll and Hyde, and Pygmalion. Shorter works may include poetry and prose selections from Coleridge, Wordsworth, Blake, Shelley, Byron, Yeats, Thomas, and McCourt.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of B or above in AP English, (2) Grade of B or above in Honors English, or (3) Grade of A or above in CP English, and
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 480, and
- Teacher recommendation.
AP Language and Composition
In AP English Language and Composition, a college-level composition course, students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through the use of non-fiction texts. Students will read and analyze these texts as they explore the literary devices of rhetorical situations, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. Weekly, students will write in-class and out-of-class
essays, as well as read a full-length text every-other week. All students will be required to take the AP Exam. In addition to the College Board requirements for AP Language, students in this course will fulfill the requirements of their appropriate grade level English course (USA Honors Literature or Honors Shakespeare/Honors British Literature).
Prerequisites:
- Grade of A or above in Honors World Literature, and
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 550, and
- Teacher recommendation.
AP Literature
In AP English Literature and Composition, a college-level composition course, students will engage in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students will deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to create meaning. In this process, students will consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as smaller-scale elements such as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Weekly, students will write in-class and out-of-class essays, as well as read a full-length text every-other week. All students will be required to take the AP Exam.
In addition to the College Board requirements for AP Literature, students in this course will fulfill the requirements of their appropriate grade level English course (USA Honors Literature or Honors Shakespeare/Honors British Literature).
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of A- or above in AP English Language and Composition, or (2) Grade of A or above in Honors USA Literature, and
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 550, and
- Teacher recommendation.
Belmont Abbey - Literary Classics of Western Tradition I & II
This English elective is open to Juniors and Seniors and students can receive 6 Belmont Abbey English credits if desired. This course offers reading, analysis, and discussion of major western literary works representing different national cultures and historical epochs, from ancient times through the Renaissance.
Prerequisites:
- Grade of B or above in Honors World Literature or Grade of A or above in CP World Literature, and
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 500.
Modern Literature and Film
This class will explore the multifaceted relationship between modern literary pieces and their film adaptations. Selections to be studied in the different genres will range from the 1950s to today. Students will analyze stories for literary elements and draw parallels between their film companions. Students will explore themes and motifs, as well as symbolism, in the novels and the films. After learning cinematographic terms, students will take both an analytical and a critical approach to the movie adaptations. The students will be exposed to different genres of literature and film ranging from Science Fiction to Historical Fiction and Romance to Horror. Students will also learn the skill of editing a novel to become a screenplay. During this semester class, they will gain an appreciation for modern literature and film.
Prerequisites:
- 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students only.
Creative Writing
The Abstract Expressionist painter Willem De Kooning once stated about art, “All we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves.” With this idea in mind, the design for the creative writing class aims to ignite the imaginative part of the brain, build critical thinking, and guide students to a deeper understanding of the beauty of language. Taught in three sections, the course introduces the main genres of the contemporary literary landscape: creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. By its very nature this course focuses intensely on reading and writing. Students will study examples of each genre as well as compose and workshop their own pieces. The workshop stands as a unique place for students to learn constructive critique techniques that will aid them in their future endeavors.
Prerequisites:
- 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students only.
Mythology
Why are things the way they are? What is our place in the world? How did ancient man think we should interact with the gods and each other? In this survey of Greek and Roman mythology students will become better acquainted with this body of traditional stories which are more than just stories, exploring not only what Greeks and Romans thought about gods, heroes, and the universe, but also how that thinking influences the art, literature and culture of our own time and place. Using a variety of media and assessments, students will develop the tools needed to identify and analyze mythology, both ancient and modern, from all over the world.
Broadcast and Communications Pathway
Public Speaking
This course explores a wide variety and range of public speaking skills, including: Extemporaneous Speaking, Declamation, Original Oratory, Oral Interpretation (prose and poetry), and Storytelling at the novice level. Additionally, students are introduced to basic researching, argumentation, questioning, and rebuttal skills through a variety and range of debate disciplines, including: Congressional Debate, Public Forum Debate, and the basics of philosophy for Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Skill focus includes the development of techniques in diction, articulation, enunciation and projection. Students begin to analyze pieces of literature, create and deliver orations, write arguments, and evaluate performances.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of photography and to provide them with opportunities to apply those skills to the more specific practice of journalistic photography.
Journalism
In this one-semester elective course, students will learn the history of journalism, how it has drastically changed, and the impact it has made throughout the decades. Students will study important ethical principles and professional norms in the news industry and other mass media, examining the dilemmas journalists face today.
Prerequisites:
- 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students only.
Digital Design/ Honors Digital Design
Digital design students work as a team to collaborate on the school yearbook, social media, community advertisements, and photography. Students in this course commit to learning and using different technological programs to work on design, advertising, photo composition, and social media. Additionally, students will evaluate pieces of journalism and develop their own writing and interviewing skills. Students with interest in advertising, social media, photography, and digital design, are encouraged to take this class. This individualized course allows students to build upon their skills each semester and assume more responsibilities and lead their peers. Students need to display good time-management and an ability to adhere to deadlines.
Prerequisites:
- Students must obtain and complete a staff application. Applications are due one week before the first day of class registration. Applications are available through the current Digital Design instructor.
Broadcast Media Honors
This course is a professionally-oriented media course intended for students wanting to continue their learning within the Broadcast Journalism program. On-the-air experience, including announcing skills and production techniques, will be expected of students, as well as leadership with other Broadcast Journalism students. This class will be responsible for The Sword (student newspaper) and dip their feet in everything from sports broadcasts for CTK Varsity games to developing a school broadcast and social media content. Evaluation is based on daily media-based projects, quality of story segments, and attention to process and deadlines.
Prerequisites:
- Must have earned a B or higher in Journalism or Photojournalism.
Math
The goal of the CTK math program is to give students the mathematical skills, quantitative information, problem-solving techniques, and analytical skills necessary to function in today’s society. Through student-centered discussions, technology-based explorations, discovery exercises, lectures, and other teaching techniques, we encourage students to investigate and analyze a variety of mathematical problems. From exposing our students to age-old traditional problem sets to less traditional new-age real world application problems, we strive to impart in our students an ability to competently solve problems in a manner that demonstrates a well-organized effort on the task at hand. We seek to place students in math sections relevant to their skill level, and in which they will be challenged to think quantitatively, work efficiently, and contribute actively in class discussions. The department will determine the appropriate placement of students in math courses.
COURSES
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Precalculus
Advanced Functions and Modeling
Statistics
HONORS
Honors Geometry
Honors Algebra II
Honors Calculus
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP Calculus AB/BC
AP Statistics
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Algebra I
First-year algebra deals with the properties of numbers extended to include the real number system. Linear and quadratic functions, their graphs and solutions to equations involving these functions are the core topics. Sets, equations, inequalities, and polynomial, exponential and rational functions are introduced.
Geometry
Through deduction and logical reasoning students are encouraged to investigate and then formalize their ideas relating to plane and spatial relationships. Concepts of congruence, translation, similarity, proof, area and volume are applied to triangles, polygons, circles and three-dimensional figures. Using coordinate geometry, students are encouraged to make the connections between algebra and geometry. Students will also have a brief introduction to the three basic trigonometric ratios, simple applications, and geometric probability. Students will use ALEKS, a web based artificially intelligent assessment and learning system, to complement the Geometry textbook.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra 1
Honors Geometry
The same topics as Geometry (see above) are covered in greater depth and at an accelerated pace at the Honors level. The course is a problem-based course where the course material is largely presented through the problems that students solve each day. Students will also have a brief introduction to the three basic trigonometric ratios, simple applications, and geometric probability. Additional topics may include coordinate geometry, vectors and more advanced trigonometry. Students will use ALEKS, a web based artificially intelligent assessment and learning system, to complement the geometry textbook.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra grade A- or above, and
- PSAT Math Score of 500,
OR
- Freshman with successful completion of Algebra I for high school credit with A- or above
- Meets benchmark on CTK placement exam.
Algebra II
Second-year algebra builds on the understanding and the skills developed in the first-year course. Students are taught to use mathematical thinking in problem solving; emphasis is placed on developing student communication skills, both written and oral. The mathematical content includes the study of a variety of mathematical functions — linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, rational, and polynomial. Trigonometry is introduced.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra I, and
- Geometry.
Honors Algebra II
The same topics as Algebra II (see above) are covered in greater depth and at an accelerated pace at the Honors level. Additional topics may include linear programming and sequences.
Prerequisites:
- Either Geometry grade A or above or Honors Geometry grade B or above, and
- PSAT Math Score of 500.
Precalculus
Students develop a firm grasp of the underlying mathematical concepts, while using algebra as a tool for solving problems. Topics include the expansion of trigonometry into the polar grid, sequences and series, extensive function analysis and transformations on these functions. This course differs from Honors Precalculus in its depth and pacing.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra II grade B or above.
Honors Precalculus
The same topics as Precalculus (see above) are covered in greater depth and at an accelerated pace at the Honors level. This course is meant to prepare you for Calculus, and additional topics may include parametric functions and limits.
Prerequisites:
- Either Algebra II grade A or above or Honors Algebra II grade B or above, and
- PSAT Math score of 500.
Honors Calculus
The purpose of this introductory Calculus course is to establish a firm understanding of the fundamental ideas of Calculus. The course begins with an in-depth review of topics in Precalculus to ensure that all students have a strong foundation for Calculus. The course will include differentiation and integration techniques for the elementary functions and applications of these techniques in real world problems.
Prerequisites:
- Honors Precalculus grade B or above, and
- PSAT Math Score of 550.
AP Calculus AB/BC
The course covers the topics in differential and integral calculus that are normally covered in the first semester or two of college Calculus. This Calculus course follows the Advanced Placement syllabus and students are required to take the AP examination at the end of the year. This class is structured for Calculus AB, however the teacher may invite students to continue on into Calculus BC content and take the Calculus BC AP exam.
Prerequisites:
- Honors Precalculus grade A- or above, and
- PSAT Math Score of 600.
Advanced Functions and Modeling
The course provides students with an in-depth study of modeling and applying functions. Work, recreation, consumer issues, public policy, and scientific investigations are just a few of the areas from which applications will originate. Some skills utilized to solve problems include linear, quadratic, cubic, and exponential functions, systems of two or more equations or inequalities, trigonometric ratios, and logic and deductive reasoning to draw conclusions.
Prerequisites:
-
Algebra II
Statistics
This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students will see how statistics is used to analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra II grade B- or above
AP Statistics
This course will help students develop key tools and critical thinking skills needed to become well-informed consumers and citizens. Because we live in a data-driven world, the focus of the course will be more on statistical thinking than statistical calculating, though there will be that, too. Using real-world data sets, students will learn to display and describe various types of data, understand and compare data distributions, explore relationships between statistical variables, learn how to gather data, study randomness and probability, and test statistical hypotheses. All students are required to take the AP Statistics exam at the end of the year.
Prerequisites:
- Either Honors Precalculus grade B or above, or Precalculus grade A or above, or Honors Algebra II grade A- or above, and
- PSAT Composite Score of 1100 - must have at least 500 in Math and must have at least 500 in Reading and Writing.
Science
Our science curriculum is designed to foster scientific literacy in a genuinely Catholic setting. Students will ascertain knowledge and skills to ask good questions, to design and conduct investigations, to interpret data, to build and evaluate arguments, to propose models, and to competently critique their own scientific work and the work of others. In order to execute this vision, we use a curriculum that starts with freshman physics, the most approachable of sciences. We build on this with chemistry and then biology, each vertically aligned with the other science courses and laterally integrated in a rich way with all other courses taught at our school. This sequence gives each student a portfolio of at least three solid lab sciences. We then provide our students with the opportunity to continue their science experience via a selection of upper-grade science electives and AP courses.
COURSES
Conceptual Physics
General Chemistry
Chemistry
Biology
HONORS
Honors Physics
Honors Chemistry
Honors Biology
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
ELECTIVES
Introduction to Horticulture
BIOMEDICAL PATHWAY
Sports Medicine
Principles of Biomedical Science Honors (PLTW)
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
Biomedical Ethics Honors
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Conceptual Physics
Conceptual Physics is a required lab science course for 9th grade, which anchors the physics-first sequence in our science curriculum. This sequence allows students to learn the scientific method using approachable concepts and human-scale hands-on lab experiences. It lays a foundation for a robust Chemistry course and more importantly allows the ensuing Biology course to be truly rigorous. Freshman Physics teaches the student to think like a scientist, to design proper experiments, to deal competently with precision, to make valid graphs and interpret them, and to use the Systeme Internationale measurement system. Because Freshman Physics is an introductory course, it is offered only at the college prep, not honors, level.
Honors Physics
Honors Physics is a year-long elective course available to juniors and seniors who seek to strengthen their science credentials. It builds upon the freshman physics course, and addresses all topics essential for college readiness in physics. Depending on time available and student interest, the course might also include structural analysis and an introduction to astronomy.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra II grade A- or above or
- Honors Algebra II grade B or above
General Chemistry
Chemistry explores how matter reacts with other matter. The content of this chemistry course meets the expectations set forth in the NC Essential Standards for chemistry. The course is vertically integrated with CTK freshman physics by building on the concepts of the scientific method, the SI measurement system, energy, and waves. It is vertically integrated with CTK biology courses by providing knowledge and skills for analyzing organic processes. This course will also provide connections between religion and science that are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
General chemistry is designed as a course that moves at a slower pace, specifically for those who struggle with algebra. This course will not cover all of the material that is covered in the CP and Honors courses, but it will provide the necessary overview to be able to move on to our biology courses. Students in general chemistry cannot take AP Chemistry or AP Biology in their next year.
Chemistry
Chemistry explores how matter reacts with other matter. The content of this chemistry course meets or exceeds expectations set forth in the NC Essential Standards for chemistry. The course is vertically integrated with CTK freshman physics by building on the concepts of the scientific method, the SI measurement system, energy, and waves. It is vertically integrated with CTK biology courses by providing knowledge and skills for analyzing organic processes. This course will also provide connections between religion and science that are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra I grade C or above
Honors Chemistry
Chemistry explores how matter reacts with other matter. The content of this chemistry course meets or exceeds expectations set forth in the NC Essential Standards for chemistry. The course is vertically integrated with CTK freshman physics by building on the concepts of the scientific method, the SI measurement system, energy, and waves. It is vertically integrated with CTK biology courses by providing knowledge and skills for analyzing organic processes. This course will also provide connections between religion and science that are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The honors level chemistry course is similar to the college preparatory level course in topics covered, but includes some more challenging work and more-demanding rubrics on similar work. It is not intended to include merely a greater quantity of work.
Note: While not a corequisite, material from Algebra II will be used at the end of the year.
Prerequisites:
- PSAT Math score of 500
AP Chemistry
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. The goal is that students will take the AP Exam to receive college credit or placement at the student’s college of choice. Students may be able to undertake second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or take courses for which general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, this course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses. Students who take the AP Chemistry course, designed with this curriculum framework as its foundation will develop a deep understanding of the concepts within the big ideas through the application of the science practices in the required laboratory component of the course. Students must complete a minimum of 16, hands-on lab investigations to support the learning objectives in the curriculum framework. At least six of the lab investigations must be guided inquiry-based labs. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses — a goal of every AP course.
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of A or above in CP Chemistry or (1) Grade of A- or above in Honors Chemistry, and
- PSAT total score of 1050
- Algebra II (co-requisite or prerequisite)
Biology
In Biology, students study all living things, from the most basic forms of life to the most complex. Students learn about life through the four major units of study: the Unity and Diversity of Life, the Structures and Processes of Molecules and Cells, Inheritance and Variation of Traits and the Interactions, Energy and Dynamics of Ecosystems. Students will participate in a variety of activities to enhance learning including Project Based Learning, concept mapping, flipped classroom formatting, in depth reading and writing, and extensive lab and field work. Students will study a variety of topics in an outdoor classroom of 100+ acres that will extend scientific learning, allowing students to study plants and creatures in their natural settings.
Honors Biology
Honors Biology is a more in depth, faster-paced study of all living things, from the most basic forms of life to the most complex. Honors students learn about life through the four major units of study: the Unity and Diversity of Life, the Structures and Processes of Molecules and Cells, Inheritance and Variation of Traits and the Interactions, Energy and Dynamics of Ecosystems. Students will complete labs, projects, readings, reports, and field studies in the 100+ acre outdoor classroom that will enhance the scientific experience, allowing students to study plants and creatures in their natural settings.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of A- or above in CP Chemistry, (2) Grade of A or above in General Chemistry, or (3) Grade of B or above in Honors Chemistry.
AP Biology
AP Biology is a very challenging and fast-paced course. In this college-level course, students are expected to process large amounts of information outside of class. Learning will be achieved through a variety of methods including Project Based Learning, concept mapping, flipped classroom formats, in depth reading and writing, and extensive lab and field work using both the laboratory and grounds of the school. AP Biology is based on four big ideas:
- The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
- Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic.
- Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
- Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.
Students will practice questions modeled after the AP Biology exam, are required to take the AP Biology exam as part of the class, and will complete an in-depth, scientific paper.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of A or above in CP Chemistry or (2) Grade of A- or above in Honors Chemistry, and
- PSAT Total Score of 1060.
AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, where students will study the natural world. The goal for the course is for students to be able to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, including topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. All students are required to take the AP Exam.
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of A- or above in Biology or (2) Grade of B or greater in Honors Biology or AP Biology, and
- PSAT Total Score of 1120.
Introduction to Horticulture
This courses will introduce students to the art and practice of gardening. Students will have an opportunity to learn about the growth and care of trees, vegetables, and flowers. Students in this course will also be responsible for the care and maintenance of the school’s greenhouse, outdoor gardens , and compost bins. Students will go outside to work on the school grounds and/or the greenhouse. Fall Horticulture: This class will specifically focus on gardening practices that are important in the late summer and fall growing seasons. Spring Horticulture: This class will specifically focus on gardening practices that are important in the winter and spring in preparation for the summer growing season.
Social Studies
The Social Studies Department at CTK will play a vital role in the intellectual, moral, and social development of the school’s students. Inspired by Blessed John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio, all of the social science courses will strive to illuminate the human condition. In each course, students will consider fundamental, perennial questions that stem from social science investigations. What does it mean to be a human? From where have humans come? To where are humans going? What is the meaning of the Incarnation in human history? What is a just law? What is a humane economy? How ought governments operate? What is the purpose of society? What is the relationship between individual and social development? Through these and other inquiries, teachers will aim to impart a Catholic worldview and develop an authentically Catholic anthropology within the hearts and minds of Crusaders. The social science courses will also be designed to equip students with the academic tools that are readily acquired through study of the social sciences—critical thinking, analytical reading, intensive research with primary and secondary sources, persuasive and elegant writing, and public speaking.
COURSES
Foundations of Civilization
Logic
World History 10
United States History 11
Introduction to Philosophy
Government
HONORS
Honors World History 10
Honors United States History 11
Honors Government
ADVANCED PLACEMENT/DUAL ENROLLMENT
AP World History
AP Psychology
United States History (Dual Enrollment)
AP United States Government and Politics
AP Macroeconomics
ELECTIVES
Introduction to Economics
Introduction to Sociology
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Foundations of Civilization
This ninth-grade course will acquaint the student with the major world civilizations from the dawn of history (with a brief glance at prehistory) down to the fall of the Roman Empire. In doing so, we will be engaging ancient texts that attest to this history and the archaeology that supplements and even in some cases improves our understanding of the various civilizations and empires. We will have occasion, as our study moves forward in time from the hazy fringes of history, to consider in greater depth issues of politics, international affairs, economics, society, culture, and religion and how these things contributed to the rise and fall of successive city-states and empires over the several thousand years we will study. The course culminates with the Roman Empire, the later centuries of which correspond to the early Church and the period of the Apostolic and Church Fathers. This will give us the opportunity to study the sources of our own Catholic faith.
Logic
Traditional Logic & Argumentation is a foundational course within the CTK curriculum. The course is designed to train students to think and write seriously about intellectual matters. Students will inquire philosophically into man’s ability to reason, and consider the ways that Catholics are called to put this unique human capability to use. In order to develop and hone their reasoning powers, students will learn Aristotelian logic, and complete exercises, which demonstrate the usefulness of Aristotelian logic in all branches of knowledge. The course will also be quite concerned with imparting the disposition and skills (namely the development and analysis of arguments, systematic thinking, and precise writing) necessary for success in a rigorous academic environment. Public speaking and debate will also be incorporated throughout the course.
World History 10
To facilitate an understanding of the commonalities and the differences World History is a survey of the human experience from the earliest civilizations to contemporary times. By approaching each unit as historians, students seek to make real world connections by evaluating the impact that past events have on the present. The role of the Church and how the Church has shaped our world is a theme that is explored throughout the course. Historical simulations, case studies, multi-genre projects, interdisciplinary activities, primary source analysis, historical fiction, and essays will be used to accomplish the course objectives.
Honors World History 10
Honors World History students will be expected to explore the same topics as World History (see above) in more depth. This will be accomplished through complex readings, primary and secondary source analysis, Socratic seminars, document -based questions, essay writing, and personal research projects. Students in Honors World History will also learn critical reading and writing skills to equip them to take Advanced Placement courses in the social sciences.
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of A- or above in Honors English OR (2) Grade of A or above in CP English and,
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 500.
AP World History
The Advanced Placement Course in World History is a college-level survey course of all of the world’s history. The grandness of the course requires a presentation of the material that is both quick and broad; the focus is on the big picture of the history of humankind, from the point of origin to the present. In addition to familiarizing students with major themes in world history, a heavy emphasis is also placed on the development of thinking and writing skills that are readily acquired through the study of history. Students who enroll in this course will take the AP World History exam during May, and those who do well will be able to earn college credit from many colleges and universities.
Prerequisites:
- Grade of A or above in Foundations of Civilization
- One of: (1) Grade of A- or above in Honors English OR (2) Grade of A or above in CP English and,
- PSAT Total Score of 990
- Teacher recommendation based on Historical Essay Writing sample.
AP Psychology
AP Psychology is a college level survey course that examines the study of human behavior from various perspectives such as sociocultural, biological, psychodynamic, and behavioral. Topics studied in this course include research methods, personality, sensation and perception, abnormal psychology, treatment of psychological disorders, testing and individual differences, social psychology, and states of consciousness. Students will also learn the biological basis of behavior by exploring the brain, nervous, and endocrine systems. Case studies, primary and secondary source analysis, free response essay writing, project-based learning, experiments, and critical reading of college level texts will be used to accomplish course objectives. Students who perform well on the AP Psychology exam will have the opportunity to be awarded college credit by many colleges and universities. All students are required to take the AP Exam.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of B or above in AP World or AP US History, (2) Grade of A- or above in Honors World History or Honors US History, or (3) Grade of A in CP World History or CP US History and,
- PSAT Total Score of 1050.
United States History 11
The eleventh-grade survey course in United States history is designed to acquaint students with significant events, eras, trends, and themes of United States history and to provide an interpretation of the meaning of those events, eras, trends, and themes. The course will examine the nation’s politics, economics, geography, society, culture, and religion from pre-colonial times to the present. A deliberate effort will also be made to cover significant developments in the country’s Catholic history and to interpret the meaning of our nation’s past through a Catholic lens. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on the development and honing of skills that are readily acquired through the study of history—analytical reading and writing, critical thinking, public speaking and debating. This course builds upon all of the history courses offered at CTK, and students will be expected to move at ease through the text and primary sources.
Honors United States History 11
CTK’s 11th Grade Honors United States History course is designed to provide students with an understanding and appreciation for the significant events, eras, trends, and themes of United States history and to provide them with the critical thinking skills necessary to interpret historical events. The course will examine the nation’s politics, economics, geography, societies, cultures, and religions from pre-colonial times to the present. The primary emphasis of this course will be on developing and honing students' historical thinking skills: chronological thinking; historical comprehension; historical analysis and interpretation; and historical research. Students will be required to think critically as they read historical accounts, analyze and evaluate sources and documents, explore cause and effect connections, and present their interpretations of historical events orally and in writing. This course builds upon all of the history courses offered at CTK, and students will be expected to move at ease through the Honors-Level readings and assignments.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of B+ or above in AP History, (2) Grade of A- or above in Honors History, or (3) Grade of A or above in CP History, and
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 500.
United States History (Dual Enrollment) 11
CTK’s 11th Grade Dual Enrollment United States History course is a college-level course designed to provide students with a deep understanding and appreciation for the significant events, eras, trends, and themes of United States history and to provide them with the critical thinking skills necessary to interpret historical events. The course will examine the nation’s politics, economics, geography, societies, cultures, and religions from pre-colonial times to the present. The primary emphasis of this course will be on developing and honing students' historical thinking skills: chronological thinking; historical comprehension; historical analysis and interpretation; and historical research. Students will be required to think critically as they read historical accounts, analyze and evaluate sources and documents, explore cause and effect connections, and present their interpretations of historical events orally and in writing. This course builds upon all of the history courses offered at CTK and students will be expected to move at ease through college-level readings and assignments. All students have the option to take the AP® Exam at the end of the year if they want to pay the AP Exam fee.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of B+ in AP World History, (2) Grade of A- in Honors World History, or (3) Grade of A in CP World History and,
- PSAT Total Score of 1100.
Introduction to Philosophy
This course will serve as an introduction to major thinkers, writers, and philosophies. Students will be asked to examine a wide array of ideas and be pressed to analyze philosophical texts with a critical eye. Introduction to Philosophy will seek to extend the mind of Christ the King students in their pursuit of becoming critical Catholic thinkers.
Prerequisites:
- This class is open to seniors only.
Government
The 12th grade Government course is a survey of the United States political system, including its foundations in Western political thought. The course is taught through a series of seminars on topics that include Greek and Roman antecedents (particularly Plato and Aristotle), Sts. Augustine and Aquinas, and the early modern philosophers Locke and Montesquieu. With that foundation, we then examine the constitutional underpinnings of the United States government, political ideologies and parties, the role of interest groups and mass media in the political process, voting behaviors, institutions of government, public policy, and civil rights and civil liberties. Through a continual interaction with Church teachings, we will also learn the nature of virtuous statesmanship.
Honors Government
Honors Government students will explore the same topics as Government (see above), but will be expected to explore these topics in greater depth. Honors Government students will take on leadership roles by presenting topics and leading discussions in the seminar series. Honors students will also have more outside reading and writing, and assignments that require higher-level thinking.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of B in AP History, (2) Grade of A- in Honors History, or (3) Grade of A in CP History and,
- PSAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score of 500.
AP United States Government and Politics
AP® U.S. Government and Politics is a 12th Grade, college-level course that introduces students to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other documents and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project. College-level readings, online discussions of current events, data and political cartoon analysis, and essay writing will be used throughout the course and students will be expected to move with ease with all readings and assignments. All students must take the AP® Exam at the end of the year.
Prerequisites:
- One of (1) Grade of A- in AP U.S. History, (2) Grade of A in Honors U.S. History, or (3) Grade of A+ in CP U.S. History and,
- PSAT Total Score of 1160.
Introduction to Economics
Economics is the study of human action, particularly as it is directed toward the use of means to achieve ends. In this course students will learn how to think like an economist: they will learn the various major “laws” of economics and how they form the foundation for understanding anything that occurs within the realm of economic activity. Students will also learn the major fallacies in economic thinking, with ample opportunity to apply their learning to current events in the economic life of Charlotte, the Carolinas, or wherever they choose to live. Economics is not history, but an understanding of history—particularly post-Renaissance Western history—supports the study of economics very well. It is not “political” in nature, but invariably “the economy” becomes a political issue and subject to political manipulation. In addition, though economics is a social science (akin to political science or sociology), it grew out of the musings of the philosophers and theologians and still contains a significant philosophical and even theological component, particularly in terms of its doctrine of man (anthropology) and its theory of knowledge (epistemology). A good grasp of economics serves our overall objective of cultivating wisdom and virtue in students who will one day take leadership in the economic sphere.
Prerequisites:
- This class is open to juniors and seniors only.
AP Macroeconomics
This class is only offered in the second semester.
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. Course description taken from College Board. All students are expected to take the AP Exam and pay applicable fees.
Prerequisites:
- This class is open to juniors and seniors only.
Introduction to Sociology
The Intro to Sociology & Social Justice class is an interdisciplinary approach in examining the role of the individual as a community participant. The class emphasizes theories in Metaphysics, Sociology, Theology, and Social Activism.
Combined, these fields will effectively prepare students to become effective advocates poised to tackle complex changes that impact our society and to protect those who are the most vulnerable among us.
At its core, the class will predominantly emphasize truth (Love God) and social activism (Love of Neighbor). As Christians, we are called to be both a disciple and an apostle of Christ. Being a disciple means following in the footsteps of another, and being an apostle means being sent to emulate one’s discipleship. These are important concepts for a Crusader to understand, as it cultivates the heart in regulation of instincts and intelligence.
Being a semester elective, the class predominantly targets Juniors and Seniors with a background in Logic, Theology, Government and History. The course emphasizes quantitative and qualitative research, comparative analysis, activism and community outreach, so participants must be comfortable with these areas before registering for the class.
World Languages
Students are encouraged to undertake the study of a world language while at Christ the King. Aside from the gratification of mastering listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in a second language, world language study enables students to enhance their understanding of the subtle and complex relations among the world’s peoples. The world languages department aims to not only help students become literate in another language, but to increase their awareness of the history and current issues facing other countries and societies where the target language is spoken.
COURSES
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
HONORS
Spanish III Honors (Dual Enrollment)
Spanish IV Honors (Dual Enrollment)
Latin I Honors
Latin II Honors
Latin III Honors
Latin IV Honors
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP Spanish
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Spanish I
Spanish I introduces students to effective strategies for beginning Spanish language learning and to various aspects of Spanish-speaking culture. This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address, participate in guided conversations on familiar topics, and write short passages with guidance. Additionally, students will examine the practices, products and perspectives of Spanish-speaking culture; recognize basic routine practices of the target culture; and recognize and use situation-appropriate non-verbal communication.
Spanish II
Spanish II builds on the effective strategies for Spanish language learning by encouraging the use of the language and cultural understanding for self-directed purposes. This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to requests and questions in expanded contexts, participate independently in brief conversations on familiar topics, and write cohesive passages with greater independence and using appropriate formats. This course also emphasizes the development of reading and listening comprehension skills, such as using contextual clues to guess meaning and comprehending longer written or oral directions.
Prerequisites:
- Spanish I.
Spanish III
Spanish III encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to initiate, sustain and close conversations; exchange detailed information in oral and written form; and write cohesive information with greater detail. This course also emphasizes the continued development of reading and listening comprehension skills, such as using cognates, synonyms and antonyms to derive meaning from written and oral information, as well as comprehending detailed written or oral directions. Additionally, students will continue to develop understanding of Spanish-speaking culture through recognition of the interrelations among the practices, products and perspectives of the target culture; discussion of significant events in the target culture; and investigation of elements that shape cultural identity.
Prerequisites:
- Spanish II.
Spanish III Honors(Dual Enrollment)
Spanish III Honors takes the principles of Spanish III (course 435) at an accelerated pace and in greater depth. This course is designed for students who desire to pursue additional years of a foreign language, specifically Spanish IV Honors. Spanish III encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to initiate, sustain and close conversations; exchange detailed information in oral and written form; and write cohesive information with greater detail. This course also emphasizes the continued development of reading and listening comprehension skills, such as using cognates, synonyms and antonyms to derive meaning from written and oral information, as well as comprehending detailed written or oral directions. Additionally, students will continue to develop understanding of Spanish-speaking culture through recognition of the interrelations among the practices, products and perspectives of the target culture; discussion of significant events in the target culture; and investigation of elements that shape cultural identity.
Prerequisites:
- Spanish II with a B or above.
Spanish IV Honors (Dual Enrollment)
Spanish IV Honors provides a context for integration of the continued development of language skills and cultural understanding with other content areas and the community beyond the classroom. The skill sets that apply to the exchange of written and oral information are expanded through emphasis on practicing speaking and listening strategies that facilitate communication, such as the use of circumlocution, guessing meaning in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, and using elements of word formation to expand vocabulary and derive meaning. Students will develop understanding of Spanish-speaking culture through explaining factors that influence the practices, products, and perspectives of the target culture; reflecting on cultural practices of the target culture; and comparing systems of the target culture and the student‘s own culture.
Prerequisites:
- Honors Spanish III with a B or above.
AP Spanish
AP Spanish continues the development of language acquisition skills through the use of authentic resources, film, literature and music. Emphasis will be on refining presentational speaking and writing skills, interpersonal communication, and interpretation of written and spoken language. Instruction will prepare students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, should they choose to take it.
Prerequisites:
- Spanish IV Honors with a B or above.
Latin I Honors
This course emphasizes the elements of Latin grammar, level-appropriate readings, and basic Latin vocabulary, and culture. Students will learn Latin language usage mainly through the exercises which reinforce the lessons in each chapter. They will begin to read Latin passages adapted to the beginners’ level and expected to understand elementary Latin literature.
Latin II Honors
A continuing study of elementary Latin grammar, literature and culture: students will learn Latin grammar usage through reading passages adapted from the original Latin for the intermediate level. Students will be expected to read and understand elementary Latin literature.
Prerequisites:
- Latin I
Latin III Honors
A continuing study of Latin grammar, literature and culture: students will further learn Latin grammar through writing and reading passages of original Latin. Students will be expected to read and understand higher-level Latin literature.
Prerequisites:
- Latin II
Latin IV Honors
A reading course designed both to develop students’ facility in reading authentic Latin texts and to transition students away from mere passive recognition of Latin words and grammatical constructions toward active generation of written Latin. Latin composition will largely be based on imitation of a selection of the writers whom we read. In order to develop students’ reading fluency, the class will read excerpts from a variety of genres and periods, including, but not necessarily limited to, Republican prose (e.g., Caesar, Cicero, and Sallust); Augustan poets (primarily Virgil); the Latin Vulgate; and Church Fathers (e.g., Augustine).
Prerequisites:
- Latin III
Fine Arts
The role of the Fine Arts Department of Christ the King Catholic High School is to challenge students to be the following:
- accomplished artists. Students will learn to expand on individual creativity through hands-on projects, incorporating the principles and elements of design or drama, demonstrating initiative and self-direction.
- critical thinkers. Students will use problem solving skills to promote innovation in the fine arts, learning to communicate effectively through in-class critique sessions and small group collaboration. Flexibility and adaptability are highly regarded in the fine arts classroom.
- empathetic, Catholic beings. Students will analyze and cultivate a respect for differences through the study of cross-cultural and historical genres of works of art.
- interactive scholars of the world. Students will establish and understand the interconnectedness among each discipline in the context of our faith, especially through the introduction and analysis of Catholic works of art.
COURSES
Visual Art I
Visual Art II
Visual Art III
Photojournalism (see Broadcast & Communication Pathway for course description)
Digital Design and Honors Digital Design (see Broadcast & Communication Pathway for course description)
Introduction to Industrial Design
Industrial Design
Glassworks
Ceramics
Choir
Guitar (Acoustic/Electric)
History of Modern Music (Rock 'n' Roll)
Advanced Band
Beginning Band
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Visual Art I
Through the mediums of graphite pencil, color pencil, and oil pastel drawing, as well as, watercolor, and acrylic painting, this course emphasizes the use of basic elements, color theory, and principles of design in two-dimensional art.
Visual Art II
Building upon Art I, this course will introduce additional mediums such as relief carving with linoleum-block prints, scratchboard and micro mosaics using glass tiles, hand-cut by the students.
Prerequisites:
- Visual Art I.
Visual Art III
The course begins with pattern design, clay sculpture and architectural model making. Students are then free to create their own portfolio pieces.
Prerequisites:
- Visual Art II
Introduction to Industrial Design/Industrial Design
This hands-on course is an introduction into the creative process of product design that covers orthographic and isometric drawing, modeling, prototype development and reverse engineering. Students visualize and create 3D designs. Students will become familiar with woodworking and the proper handling of related tools.
Glassworks
Students in this course explore the beauty of glass with an introduction into traditional stained glass window making and kiln formed glass. Students will learn to design and create their own pieces of glass art. Each consecutive course builds on previous skills. Additional costs may apply. This class can be taken multiple times.
Ceramics
This class introduces students to the ancient craft of working with clay. Students will experience hand-building techniques including pinch, coil, and slab. Wheel throwing is introduced with expectations for basic levels of achievement, including cylinder, bowl, and plate forms. As the semester progresses, experimentation with basic techniques will lead to more freedom and individual creativity. Informal group critiques and instructor demonstrations will reinforce student learning. Clay works created in this class, whether functional or sculptural will be enjoyed for a lifetime.
This class can be taken multiple times.
Choir
This course will teach students to be confident in their singing voices, and be able to demonstrate proper vocal techniques. Students will be able to read music, including note reading, rhythms, key and time signatures, etc. They will be exposed to choral elements, such as ensemble singing, blend, and vocal techniques. Students will sing and perform a variety of music in both formal and informal situations, both individually and in an ensemble, and they will grow a love and appreciation for music and its influence in society.
This class can be taken multiple times.
Guitar (Acoustic/Electric)
This course will be designed to accommodate beginning and intermediate level students. Beginning students will learn music notation and basic chords. Intermediate level students will work on advanced chords and scales, technique, and improvisation. Students will need to provide their own instrument.
This class can be taken multiple times.
History of Modern Music (Rock 'n' Roll)
In this class, students will learn the history of modern music starting with the roots and leading up to the present day. Special emphasis will be placed both on the historical and cultural impact of certain artists and bands over the years and what the future may hold for the genre and the next generations of musicians in the age of streaming media.
Advanced Band
The course is designed to work with students at their current skill levels. The mainstay of the course is a practicum in playing music in a group setting. In addition, students learn music theory, sound mechanics, and foundational performance skills. Participation in this course involves attending periodic lessons during the school day, either one-to-one or in a small group setting. Students will be expected to attend and perform in periodic concerts where the large band will showcase their talents.
This class can be taken multiple times.
Beginning Band
The course will introduce the basic fundamentals of music literacy as well as the basic fundamentals of learning a brass, percussion, or woodwind instrument. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to read music and begin to learn how to play a band instrument of their choice. This course will consist of written and playing assessments, music literacy assessments, and a required concert at the end of the school year.
Health and Wellness
COURSES
Freshman Physical Education
Team Sports
Introduction to Weight Training and Fitness
Advanced Weight Training
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Freshman Physical Education
Students enrolled in this course will learn how to play a variety of team sports in which they can participate in throughout their adult lives. From common team sports, like basketball, volleyball, and soccer, to uncommon team sports, like speedball and ultimate frisbee, students will be able to identify sports that they enjoy playing. Team sports provide an opportunity for exercise, socialization, friendship, and stress relief in a world where technology and working remotely tend to limit human interaction.
Team Sports
Students enrolled in this course will learn how to play a variety of team sports in which they can participate in throughout their adult lives. From common team sports, like basketball, volleyball, and soccer, to uncommon team sports, like speedball and ultimate frisbee, students will be able to identify sports that they enjoy playing. Team sports provide an opportunity for exercise, socialization, friendship, and stress relief in a world where technology and working remotely tend to limit human interaction.
Health
The course content will help establish patterns of behavior that will assist a person in achieving complete health. Complete health is accomplished by having a balance of physical, social, mental/emotional, and spiritual well-being. This course is designed to offer the students opportunities to acquire knowledge, integrate skills, and develop positive attitudes about life, and make healthy decisions. Development of a healthy body and a healthy mind will assist young people in living active, productive, and successful lives.
Introduction to Weight Training and Fitness
Students enrolled in this course will learn how to properly perform weight lifting techniques that will improve strength, increase muscle mass, and limit injury. With the busyness of everyday teenage life, weight training class provides an opportunity for students to receive a personalized workout during the school day. Students should expect a combination of athletic conditioning exercises, body weight exercises, flexibility, and weight training.
Advanced Weight Training
This class will be an advanced weight training class for students who have demonstrated experience and comfortability in a weight room. The instructor and students will work with multiple coaches in order to build a student-athlete-specific weight training plan to achieve the individualized goal(s) of the athlete.
Prerequisite:
• Completion of the Introduction to Weight Training and Fitness or equivalent experience
Information Technology
COURSES
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP Computer Science Principles
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. Course description taken from College Board. All students are required to take the AP Exam and pay applicable fees.
Prerequisites:
- Either (1) Grade of A in previous-year Math class or (2) Grade of B in previous-year Honors-level Math and,
- PSAT Total Score of 1060.
Business and Finance
Personal Finance
The Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course is intended to be a course on wealth management and creation. It will incorporate a wide range of topics from business, economics, finance, theology, and philosophy. This is an introductory course intended for Juniors to create a framework for making wise financial decisions.
Advanced Finance
The Advanced Finance course builds directly off of the skills developed in the Personal Finance class and is designed to help students understand the impact of individual choices on occupational goals and future earnings potential. Topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing.
Prerequisites:
- Personal Finance
Biomedical Pathway
BIOMEDICAL PATHWAY
Sports Medicine
Principles of Biomedical Science Honors (PLTW)
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
Biomedical Ethics Honors
Sports Medicine
This course provides high school students with a general overview of athletic training, sports medicine and its history. It includes introductory information about the AT's scope of practice: injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency injury management and administrative functions. This course is intended to help students gain an understanding of sports medicine, various associated disciplines and the role they play in the physically active community. Students enrolled in this class will not provide patient care.
Principles of Biomedical Science Honors (PLTW)
This Project Lead the Way course serves to provide foundational knowledge and skills in fields such as biology, anatomy & physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology as well as engage students in how this content can be applied to real world situations, cases, and problems.
Prerequisites:
- Conceptual Physics with a B or above.
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
This course provides a comprehensive and advanced study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization; homeostasis; cytology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory work includes dissection of preserved specimens, microscopic study, and physiologic experiments.
Prerequisites:
- Biology, and
- Teacher recommendation, and
- Either (1) Grade of A- or greater in CP Biology or (2) Grade of B or greater in Honors Biology or AP Biology.
Biomedical Ethics Honors
This course provides students with the philosophical foundation whereby they are able to understand both the nature and the dignity of the human person as well as how he can best use his human faculties to achieve genuine fulfillment as a human being in this life and the life to come. Equipping students with the specific ethical principles normative in the fields of healthcare and the life sciences, the biomedical ethics class analyzes the bioethical issues of our day, integrating ethical knowledge with that of other disciplines in order to determine how the human person should act in order to secure his true happiness.
Prerequisites:
- Grade of B or above in Theology 9, 10, or 11
- Grade of B or above in Conceptual Physics.
Broadcast and Communications Pathway
BROADCAST AND COMMUNICATIONS PATHWAY
Digital Design
Digital Design Honors
Journalism
Photojournalism
Public Speaking
Broadcast Media Honors
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Broadcast and Communications Pathway
Digital Design/ Honors Digital Design
Digital design students work as a team to collaborate on the school yearbook, social media, community advertisements, and photography. Students in this course commit to learning and using different technological programs to work on design, advertising, photo composition, and social media. Additionally, students will evaluate pieces of journalism and develop their own writing and interviewing skills. Students with interest in advertising, social media, photography, and digital design, are encouraged to take this class. This individualized course allows students to build upon their skills each semester and assume more responsibilities and lead their peers. Students need to display good time-management and an ability to adhere to deadlines.
Prerequisites:
- Students must obtain and complete a staff application. Applications are due one week before the first day of class registration. Applications are available through the current Digital Design instructor.
Journalism
In this one-semester elective course, students will learn the history of journalism, how it has drastically changed, and the impact it has made throughout the decades. Students will study important ethical principles and professional norms in the news industry and other mass media, examining the dilemmas journalists face today.
Prerequisites:
- 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students only.
Photojournalism
Photojournalism is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of photography and to provide them with opportunities to apply those skills to the more specific practice of journalistic photography.
Public Speaking
This course explores a wide variety and range of public speaking skills, including: Extemporaneous Speaking, Declamation, Original Oratory, Oral Interpretation (prose and poetry), and Storytelling at the novice level. Additionally, students are introduced to basic researching, argumentation, questioning, and rebuttal skills through a variety and range of debate disciplines, including: Congressional Debate, Public Forum Debate, and the basics of philosophy for Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Skill focus includes the development of techniques in diction, articulation, enunciation and projection. Students begin to analyze pieces of literature, create and deliver orations, write arguments, and evaluate performances.
Broadcast Media Honors
This course is a professionally-oriented media course intended for students wanting to continue their learning within the Broadcast Journalism program. On-the-air experience, including announcing skills and production techniques, will be expected of students, as well as leadership with other Broadcast Journalism students. This class will be responsible for The Sword (student newspaper) and dip their feet in everything from sports broadcasts for CTK Varsity games to developing a school broadcast and social media content. Evaluation is based on daily media-based projects, quality of story segments, and attention to process and deadlines.
Prerequisites:
- Must have earned a B or higher in Journalism or Photojournalism.
Engineering Pathway
ENGINEERING PATHWAY
Principles of Engineering (POE) Honors
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Honors
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Principles of Engineering (POE) Honors
This Project Lead the Way course introduces students to engineering concepts that are applicable to a variety of engineering disciplines and empowers them to develop technical skills through the use of engineering tools such as 3-D modeling software, hands-on prototyping equipment, programming software, and robotics hardware to bring their solutions to life. Students apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems across a breadth of engineering fields such as mechanical, robotics, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and product design and development.
Prerequisites:
- Algebra I grade B or better, or administrative approval after appeal
- This class is only open to Freshmen and Sophomores.
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Honors
This Project Lead the Way course enables students to explore engineering tools and apply a common approach to the solution of engineering problems, an engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to plan, document, communicate, and develop other professional skills.
Prerequisites:
- This class is only open to Juniors and Seniors.
Miscellaneous Courses
COURSES
Student Internship
Senior Independent Study
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Student Internship
A student internship is an unpaid, career-focused experience during which students become directly involved in the workplace. This experience provides an opportunity for a student to apply the skills obtained in school to real work situations and to learn additional skills. An internship will also help students to define career goals. Some of the internships that may be available are Sports Management, Informational Technology, Campus Ministry, Personnel Management, and Social Media.
Prerequisites:
- By teacher invitation only with administrative approval.
Senior Independent Study
For a senior student to be considered for an independent study course, they must submit the following components to administration during the course registration process in their junior year:
- Selection of a narrowed topic of study. This topic cannot be similar to a student's Horizon Project.
- Student development of course syllabus (meeting times, topics of study, and grading rubric)
- Learning Objectives (What does the student expect to learn throughout the course?) Arrange by units or topics
- Benchmarks (projects, papers, presentations, etc.)
- A final assessment (project, presentation, paper, portfolio, etc.)
- Mentor request and approval for administrative consideration.
Prerequisites:
- Only available to senior students and,
- Student must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 and,
- Students must be enrolled in or have previously taken at least 2 AP courses and,
- Student must maintain and excellent attendance record and,
- Topic proposal must be approved by Administration.