Elective Courses Offered

Exploring Computer Science

This course provides a rigorous, but accessible, introduction to computer science. No previous computer science course is required to take this course. The goals of Exploring Computer Science are to develop the computer science skills of algorithm development, problem solving and programming. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers and societal and ethical issues of software engineering.

Topics to be covered include: Introduction to computers, Human/computer interaction, Web design, Introduction to programming, and hopefully robotics.

Fiber Arts

This class is fun, hands on, project based learning in which students create items out of fabric and/or yarn.  Each of the 6 units (sewing, embroidery, weaving, knitting, crochet, and dyeing) will include practice of techniques, a practice project, and conclude with a project of the student’s choice, each of which will be assessed for participation, completion, and use of techniques.

Film Analysis

Film analysis is a class for anyone who loves watching and talking about movies.  Students who are interested in a career in entertainment or want to get a job doing creative writing will benefit from this course.  In Film Analysis you will learn about how movies are made, including how films create emotions in the audience through editing, cinematography, plot structure, and more!  

Food & Nutrition

The Food and Nutrition course is a vegetarian cooking class that focuses on healthy eating. Students will learn cooking skills, kitchen hygiene, and various cuisines. Please sign up for this class if you are interested in expanding your culinary skills and palate.

Psychology

Psychology is a college prep elective that offers students the opportunity to explore the vast field of Psychology. Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology is a science that seeks to describe, predict, understand and influence maladaptive, [patterns that can hurt self and others], thoughts and behavior. There are multiple theories and approaches in Psychology, some successful for one type of disorder but not for another. Motivation, moods, memory, reactions, attitudes, perceptions, attraction, talent, what you enjoy – or despise – all of these things have their roots in your Psychology. While Psychology is in the Social Science curriculum; it is in reality a Behavioral Science that often overlaps with the Natural Sciences.

AP Psychology

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals in preparation to take the AP Psychology Exam. The course will cover psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the following topics within psychology: History and Approaches, Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Testing and Individual Differences, Abnormal Behavior, Treatment of Abnormal Behavior, and Social Psychology.  It is a rigorous, college-level course, requiring copious amounts of reading and writing assignments, as well as frequent multiple-choice quizzes and in-class Free Response Questions.

Race & Membership in American History

This course will examine stories and histories that are often overshadowed or ignored in the mainstream telling of U.S. history.  Through the examination of counterstories and often times neglected narratives of all people, students will learn to humanize and respect themselves, their families, and their communities.  Students will think critically about race, ethnicity, and culture in the context of both their own identities and their lived experiences and that of peoples who have shaped and influenced California and the United States’ development through struggles for greater justice.  Among particular groups of focus are African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Arab American, and Chicanx/Latinx communities, along with other ethnic groups. This class will explore these themes through readings of prose and poetry and informational articles, watching of film, and writing.

Senior Ex Seminar

Senior Ex seminar is a period of time set aside during the school day for students to work independently in the library. This course is intended for students taking three or more AP courses in order to give them time during the day to work on their senior exhibition project and other homework.

Teacher Assistant/Service Commission

Service Commission is an opportunity for students to gain job skills while performing valuable service to the school. Experience acquired through Service Commission can be cited as legitimate work experience on a resume when applying for a job. Students are entrusted to work as teaching assistants, tutors, and clerical aides. Students will be required to apply to a T.A. position at the start of the school year and commit to the position for the entire school year.

Dual Enrollment Electives

Early Childhood Education 212: Child, Family & Community

An overview of contemporary family and community issues influencing childhood. Interaction among the child, family, school, peers, media and the community are explored. The course focuses on the socialization process, including cultural and ethnic diversity, parenting styles, gender roles, and the role of the community. Community resources available to children and families are also covered.

Early Childhood Education 210: Early Childhood Principles

An examination of the underlying principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs, environments, emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development for all children. This course includes a review of the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and personal identity.