Academics

This is a career oriented and project based curriculum that includes content creation and production, while maintaining creative balance within the world of video and sound. Career skills are developed with the students co-working as small teams to brainstorm, create production and marketing schedules, and role playing company positions for video and sound projects. Artistic growth is developed with video and sound productions via such projects as the creation of songs and music videos, social media content, and public service announcements, all aimed at a professional level, to support the goal of future careers and college readiness within the Arts, Media and Entertainment. Students will use a wide variety of software such as BandLab and Blender to support their progression to the industry standard software such as ProTools and Avid Media Composer. Students will acquire knowledge and explore the trends, elements and principles of video and sound production, with the use of correct, current and continually adapting technologies, to complete and present their successful video and sound projects. 

The Agriculture Metals I course is designed to give students a basic understanding of hot and cold metal processes and how they are essential in the agriculture industry. Shop safety, proper tool use and organization, and basic construction and metalworking skills will be taught in this course. Students will practice these skills while working in the metal shop as well as on the school farm.

The Agriculture Metals II course is designed to give students a basic understanding of advanced hot and cold metal processes and how they are essential in the agriculture industry. Shop safety, proper tool use and organization, and advanced construction and metalworking skills will be taught in this course. Students will practice these skills while working in the metal shop as well as on the school farm.

The Agriculture Metals III course is designed to give students an advanced understanding of hot and cold metal processes, project design and development, and the importance of the two and how they relate in the agriculture industry. Shop safety, proper tool use and organization, and advanced construction and metalworking skills will be taught in this course. Students will practice these skills while working in the metal shop as well as on the school farm.  

The Agriculture Metals IV course is designed to give students an advanced understanding of hot and cold metal processes, project design and development, and the importance of the two and how they relate in the agriculture industry. Students will also cover advanced GMAW and GTAW processes. Shop safety, proper tool use and organization, and advanced construction and metalworking skills will be taught in this course. Students will practice these skills while working in the metal shop as well as on the school farm.

The Agriculture & Mechanics class is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the significance of agriculture in our society and to develop skills and knowledge for working in a shop environment. Shop safety, proper tool use and organization, and basic construction and maintenance skills will be taught in this course. These skills will be developed while constructing projects in the Mechanics and Wood Shops, as well as at the School Farm. Completion of the course projects is essential for a satisfactory grade and daily participation is key. Emphasis is made on doing "hands-on" activities and also establishing correct shop safety and tool use. 

Advanced Agriculture Mechanics is designed to be a secondary shop class where students will build upon skills that were established in prior Ag Mechanics courses. Students in this class have the opportunity to be a part of the design and construction  of the Upper Lake Agriculture/FFA School Farm.  Projects range from installing water lines, building animal pens & fences, building planter boxes, and many other outdoor learning lab activities. Advanced Ag Mechanics also provides individualized instruction in developing skills in cold metal/sheet metal work, woodworking, small engines, and electricity may also be covered. 

** Welding curriculum may be added as projects require

Advanced Agriculture Mechanics is designed to be a secondary shop class where students will build upon skills that were established in prior Ag Mechanics courses. Students in this class have the opportunity to be a part of the design and construction  of the Upper Lake Agriculture/FFA School Farm.  Projects range from installing water lines, building animal pens & fences, building planter boxes, and many other outdoor learning lab activities. Advanced Ag Mechanics also provides individualized instruction in developing skills in cold metal/sheet metal work, woodworking, small engines, and electricity may also be covered. 

** Welding curriculum may be added as projects require.

Advanced Agriculture Mechanics is designed to be a secondary shop class where students will build upon skills that were established in prior Ag Mechanics courses. Students in this class have the opportunity to be a part of the design and construction  of the Upper Lake Agriculture/FFA School Farm.  Projects range from installing water lines, building animal pens & fences, building planter boxes, and many other outdoor learning lab activities. Advanced Ag Mechanics also provides individualized instruction in developing skills in cold metal/sheet metal work, woodworking, small engines, and electricity may also be covered. 

** Welding curriculum may be added as projects require. 

This course provides lecture information, activities, and skills in the area of scientific method, classification systems, mammalian production, production management, health care, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, mitosis, meiosis, respiration, and genetics. Emphasis is placed on animals used for human consumption. Nutrition, reproduction, and health of livestock are explored at great depths. This exploration includes many laboratories, projects, consumer concerns, and real-life implications. This elective is part of the Agriscience Pathway.

This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout this course.  Additionally, students will develop and present a capstone soil management plan for agricultural producers, using the content learned throughout the course. 

• Unit 1: Agriscience Practices
• Unit 2: The Nature of Soil
• Unit 3: Water & Soil Management
• Unit 4: Plants and Soil Management
• Unit 5: Animals and Soil Management
• Unit 6: Soil Sustainability

The freshman year is one of metamorphosis between the process-oriented middle school experience and the increased demands of a content-oriented high school experience. Students will gain independence, build strong content knowledge, learn to value evidence, and use technology and digital media strategically and capably.

This course is designed to offer balanced instruction, guided by the Common Core State Standards in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, to enable students to be proficient readers, writers, and thinkers in today’s world. Students will have regular practice with complex texts and their academic language.  Reading, writing, and speaking is grounded in evidence from texts, both literary and informational. The students will build knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, as well as through study of contemporary and classic literature with scaffolding as needed. 

Freshman English is a writing-intensive learning experience. Students use the writing process: planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing, to produce a minimum of six process pieces per year. Students write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. One of these will be a research-based document.

In addition, students develop poise as speakers, communicate effectively in an organized manner, and become discriminate listeners.

Sophomore year continues to develop the educational foundations necessary for students to succeed in college, career, and life.  Students will gain independence, build strong content knowledge, learn to value evidence, and use technology and digital media strategically and capably. 

This course builds on the foundation of  balanced instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening from English 9. The Common Core State Standards for English 9 and 10 are closely linked--in fact, they are presented as one unit. The students will still have regular practice with complex texts and their academic language.  Reading, writing, and speaking is still grounded in evidence from texts, both literary and informational. The students will continue to build knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, as well as through study of contemporary and classic literature. However, the difference is reading and writing with independence on the high-end of the complexity band. 

Like Freshman English, Sophomore English is a writing-intensive course. Students use the writing process: planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing, to produce a minimum of eight process pieces per year. Students write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. One of these will be a research-based document.

In addition, students develop poise as speakers, and initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.

Junior English focuses on American literature, which corresponds with their study of American history. The students are introduced to literary periods and the historical and cultural influences on each. This course is designed to offer balanced instruction, guided by the Common Core State Standards in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, to enable students to be proficient readers, writers, and thinkers in today’s world. Students continue to have regular practice with complex texts and their academic language, using the skills they developed in English 10.  Reading, writing, and speaking is grounded in evidence from texts, both literary and informational, will build knowledge through content-rich nonfiction, as well as through study of contemporary and classic literature with scaffolding as needed. 

Junior year, students generally develop a greater maturity both in their personal lives and in academics. Students use a variety of tools to develop sophisticated syntax. They are encouraged to think creatively, logically, and critically--and use this awareness to enhance their learning.

Students will develop their skills in reading fluency, comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation through examination of  texts from a variety of genres and nonfiction text.  The curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for 11th-12th grade. For access to the full text of the standards, please visit English Standards 11/12

This course is designed for students who plan to enter the world of work after completing their education. Students must be prepared to complete real world assignments and activities which simulate the world of work. This is a thought-provoking course involving reading of  texts of varying sizes and difficulty, writing with a real world purpose, and applying critical thinking related to various thematic topics.

Rationale: Senior  year continues to develop the educational foundations necessary for students to succeed in career and life.  Students will gain independence, build strong content knowledge, learn to value evidence, and use technology and digital media strategically and capably. 

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge of the structure of the English language and enable them to acquire the necessary proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking to function proficiently in the ELA standards for their grade level. Students enrolled in this ELD course are concurrently enrolled in an additional ELD lab course.  

ELD 1: Proficiency in English is at Beginning. 

ELD 2: Proficiency in English is at Beginning or Early Intermediate Level.

ELD 3:  Proficiency in English is at the Early Intermediate Level. 

This two semester elective course targets the linguistic and academic needs of At Risk English Learners (ARELs) or Long-Term English Learners (LTELs). This course addresses the CA English Language Development Standards in tandem with the Common Core English Language Arts Standards for reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. It is designed to extend and enrich academic language, critical thinking, and critical writing skills. This course will explicitly teach high-level academic language that can be used in a variety of academic and social contexts.

Integrated Math I topics include recognizing and developing patterns using tables, graphs and equations. Mathematical modeling is stressed as a methodology for approaching the solution to problems. Students will explore operations on algebraic expressions, and apply mathematical properties to algebraic equations. Students will problem solve using equations, graphs and tables and investigate linear relationships, including comparing and contrasting options and decision-making using algebraic models. Reinforcement of topics from two-dimensional Geometry is integrated into this curriculum. This includes applications of area and perimeter, the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications, as well as geometric proportion. Finally, introductory instruction in the area of mathematical probability is provided to reinforce the use of fractions and numerical modeling. Technology will be used to introduce and expand upon the areas of study listed above.

The course covers functions (both quadratic and exponential), probability, and a variety of geometry topics (triangles and similarity, quadrilaterals, circles, and simple surface area and volumes).

The course covers the understanding of area and volume (by use of geometric modeling). Students study a variety of functions (polynomial, radical, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric). Students will also study different types of data and probability distributions and learn how to analyze them statistically and display them visually.

Physical Education, Fitness, and Health is a required, one-year course of a two-year program. Physical Education, Fitness, and Health is an essential component of the overall education of a well-rounded student, and a vital part of the school community. Ninth grade students will develop and design physical fitness plans that will support and enhance their individual fitness goals with an overall focus on PFT. They will assess their personal needs, abilities, and interests while experiencing various opportunities in the area of fitness. The program will emphasize the physiological, psychological, and social benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Physical Education classes are designed to practice and develop skills in activities that will help students maintain fitness throughout their life.   We will explore fitness activities designed to improve all areas of fitness.  Students will be introduced to life-long activities designed to increase their likelihood of exercising in the future.  Students will understand the benefits that regular exercise can provide for a person’s mental, physical and social health.

This class is for students and athletes wishing to take their health, training, fitness and athletic skills to the next level. We will focus on advanced training methods and conditioning, including weight training. This class is designed for students looking for an intensive training experience and advanced skill development.

Prerequisite: Students must be on track for graduation, have good attendance, & discipline record. Office Ambassador is for enthusiastic student leaders who are active on campus and/or in the community and willing to learn more about ULHS. Student Ambassadors are integral members of our Student Services Team who have the responsibility of representing ULHS on campus.  Student Ambassadors work together under the direction of the Student Services Team  to provide valuable assistance to the school.   

A student who chooses to be a cafeteria aide is expected to perform routine food service activities related to the setting up of serving areas and the serving of food to students and staff. Students will be well-prepared to contribute effectively to the success of their school's food service program while upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism.

Prerequisite: Application, interview and teacher recommendations for enrollment, minimum 2.25 GPA and no loss of credits during the previous semester.Leadership is for students who want to improve their leadership skills. Students elected to serve as class or Associated Student Body (ASB) officers are expected to sign up for the leadership class.  They develop leadership skills by participating in the planning and implementation of a variety of student and staff activities. Leadership students will participate in teacher led discussions about topics such as goal setting, communication, decision making, habits of highly effective teens and leadership styles. Students who apply for the Leadership Class must have outstanding citizenship and no discipline referrals during the school year; students who do not meet these criteria may be removed from the course. 

Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, Link Crew trains selected mentors in 11th and 12th grade to be Link Crew Leaders. As positive role models, Link Crew Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide freshmen/transfers to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school. Through this class, students will become more empowered peer leaders as they hone their public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

Learning Lab  is designed to develop, strengthen, and improve skills for positive academic performance and achievement.  Through content area course work, pre- and post- teaching, cognitive learning strategies are taught which focus on comprehension and memory skills, organizational and study skills, test taking, and the enhancements of written expression.  Self-advocacy skills and transitional planning are also part of the instructional program.  Students' progress is monitored and reviewed throughout the year according to their IEPs (Individual Educational Plans).

Application & Interview RequiredThe Ag Mechanics/Metal Shop Internship is an unpaid placement that allows students who have experience in the Ag Mechanics/Metal Shop to gain valuable management, communication, leadership and mentorship skills.  Since off-campus internships are limited, the shop internship is a valuable way to offer students a hands-on opportunity for real world experience, and build up their resumés at an earlier age, making them stronger candidates for jobs after graduation and better prepared for post-secondary education.

This course does not fulfill the English graduation requirement.
Students are responsible for planning, designing, marketing, and distributing the yearbook, all while meeting publisher’s deadlines. Students will use the latest technology while learning about reporting, writing, editing, marketing, photography, design and business.  Seniors who have been on staff for two or more consecutive years will be eligible to become the editor-in-chief. Summer get-togethers are held for new and experienced staff members, and meetings are mandatory for those who wish to participate in selecting the design of the yearbook.

9th Grade Science is the first of a three-year course in science. This course prepares students for Biology and the science electives. It is designed to integrate GeoScience, Chemistry, Physics and Earth/Space Science in a thematic approach with an emphasis on matter and energy, time,  problem-solving and critical thinking. Student participation in laboratory exercises, critical thinking exercises, problem-solving skills, scientific discussion, discussion methods and student-designed and/or performed demonstrations will be stressed in this course.

This is a full year college preparatory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards.  This course encourages students to work collaboratively, ask testable questions, design experiments, gather and analyze data, and draw and communicate conclusions based on evidence.  Major topics of study include the structure and function of organisms, the inheritance and variation of traits, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and natural selection and evolution.

This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout this course.  Additionally, students will develop and present a capstone soil management plan for agricultural producers, using the content learned throughout the course. 

• Unit 1: Agriscience Practices
• Unit 2: The Nature of Soil
• Unit 3: Water & Soil Management
• Unit 4: Plants and Soil Management
• Unit 5: Animals and Soil Management
• Unit 6: Soil Sustainability

*Students enrolled in any Ag class are also members of the National FFA Organization and will have access to leadership and career development activities. 

This course is part of the comprehensive 4-year CA Partnership Academy program. The Academy model of courses includes standards-aligned curriculum, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom. As students continue with the AESA Academy, they will have the opportunity to participate in mentorship, internships and community service programs. The topics of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Agriculture will be incorporated into the NGSS Standards.

Physics is a laboratory course that provides a systematic understanding of the fundamental principles of physical phenomena that govern chemical, biological, terrestrial and astronomical processes. The course provides a foundation for the intensive studies of most of the other sciences and for an understanding of many technological applications of science. Major areas of content include mechanics, work and energy, wave motion, light, electromagnetism, and modern atomic and nuclear physics. Science attitudes, thinking processes, and skills, and applications of science and technology to social problems and personal decision-making are emphasized.

This course is designed to familiarize students to the concepts of engineering, design, and programming through development of collaborative teamwork, problem solving, ideation, project management, and communication skills. All students in the robotics courses will learn the fundamentals of robot design and implementation of these designs with hands-on engineering practices leading to a cumulative build of a competition robot.

Modern World History presents global historical developments from the Age of Revolution to the present. It will trace the major developments and transformations in politics, cultural/society and economics. We will examine what political, social, economic and environmental forces shaped the world in the past and what forces continue to shape our world today.

This course introduces the student to the history of the United States from the colonial period to the present.  The course will be divided into two halves (pre- and post-1877 United States), but each half will not be of equal duration.  Some of the major topics examined during the first half of the course will include the colonial system and the American Revolution, the U.S. under the Articles of Confederation, the development of its political institutions and economy under the Constitution, the nature of society as divided between the North and the South, the role of the national government and its relationship with local governments, and determinants of U.S. foreign policy.

The second half of the course addresses issues and events in U.S. history from 1877 to the present.  Some of the major topics examined include industrialization and modernization, the role of the middle and working classes, the impact of reform movements, the continued evolving relationship between the federal and local governments, and the emergence of the United States as a global power.

The course provides a basic knowledge of U.S. history, of the nature and impact of U.S. social, economic, and political institutions, and tools for critical reasoning and analysis for responsible citizenship. 

Economics is the study of decision making.  Young adults that are moving from High School, graduation, and work or college readiness are making decisions that could affect the rest of their lives.  In studying the decision making of individuals, businesses and governments,  we can then learn to make better decisions. Economics is a required course for graduation at ULHS.  Students will examine the study of decision making in their own lives, businesses and governments.

Students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American Government. They draw on their studies of American history and of other societies in the world today. This course prepares students to vote, to reflect on the responsibilities of citizenship and to participate in community activities. Topics include the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the Courts and the Government process, our government today, the legislative and executive branches, federalism and state and local government. Contemporary issues, including key passages from the Federalist Papers and similar primary sources in light of democratic principles.

Mock Trial is a course that develops the following skills; critical thinking, communication, listening, role playing, public speaking, composition, and note taking.  The course is built around the curriculum the Constitutional Rights Foundation publishes each year;  The case packet.  The packet supposes a fictional defendant and plaintiff while setting up for a mock trial.  Witness statements are the main source of evidence.  The course prepares students for the roles of lawyers, witnesses, bailiff, and clerk.  Throughout this preparation students will be exposed to relevant issues to the constitution, government at various levels, economics, contemporary social issues, and history.

Modern Music I is for students who want to develop the skills necessary to perform instrumental music.  Students grow in technical knowledge and abilities while being exposed to a variety of genres and styles including culturally diverse works. Professions in the musical arts are explored. This course examines the historical significance of popular music in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present.

Students choose and learn their favorite songs from the mid-twentieth century onward to develop these skills. Students can perform solo or form groups to learn and play songs together. One-on-one or small-group instruction with the instructor is used to build technical skills and musical knowledge. This instruction then guides practice time. No formal music training is required to enroll in this course. Students have the option of performing at athletic events and other activities.

Modern music II and III is for students who have passed Modern Music I with a C or higher. Students will engage in a combination of solo, small group, and whole group performance to deepen their technical skills and musical knowledge. A refined focus on theory (rhythm, harmony, and melody) will develop students' musical language and comprehension.

Beats and production is for students who want to learn the basics in modern music composition and production. Students will use rhythm, harmony, and melody to compose original works. They will bring their compositions to life with a wide array of digital instruments, and they will refine them with the tools and techniques of sound design. No formal music training is required to enroll in this course.

Drumline and performance is for students who want to build musical skills and support their school by performing live. The class will be centered around a drumline and percussion section, and will also offer opportunities to explore other instruments. Through regular guided group practice, students will develop expert precision, teamwork, and rehearsal habits. Students will learn a variety of well-known songs used to support athletics and other activities. No formal music training is required to enroll in this course.

Students will develop their communicative skills by using Spanish daily, with integrated practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. They will use the language to explore Hispanic countries and cultures, and will make comparisons and connections with their own. This course is taught primarily in Spanish and requires daily preparation and practice.

Students will develop their communicative skills by using Spanish daily, with integrated practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. They will use the language to explore Hispanic countries and cultures, and will make comparisons and connections with their own. This course is taught primarily in Spanish, and requires daily preparation and practice.  

This college prep course is designed for students who are proficient in spoken Spanish. It is also an immersion class for students who have completed two years of Spanish.   The course is designed to enrich reading and writing skills with integrated instruction in history, geography, culture, and literature.

This college prep course is designed for students who are proficient in spoken Spanish. It is also an immersion class for students who have completed two years of Spanish.   The course is designed to enrich reading and writing skills with integrated instruction in  history, geography, culture, and literature.

This course will cover the history, definitions, concepts, principles and practices of sustainable agricultural systems. The course will also examine case studies and expose the student to field-based learning through labs and field trips.

This course will explore the horticultural industry and the many aspects such as plant morphology, plant propagation practices, plant systems such as photosynthesis, transpiration, etc. You will also analyze plant nutrients, soils, fertilizers, and basic landscaping maintenance practices such as pruning, irrigation, and vegetable and fruit production.

This is a three-unit CSU transfer level class that counts towards a Mendocino College Business Management A.S. degree as well as Business Information Worker and Business Management certificates of achievement from Mendocino College. This course will cover the principles and techniques of delivering excellent customer service. Relevant Career Interests: Accountant, Financial Manager, Company Executive, Office Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Billing Clerk, Management Analyst, Business Start-up/ Entrepreneur and more.

This course will enable students to earn college credit for learning or improving skills or knowledge on-the-job. Occupational Work Experience is "discipline-specific" in that students' job and learning objectives relate to their academic and career goals. There are no prerequisites or concurrent enrollment requirements, and there are no classroom meetings after the initial orientation. Student can earn up to 8 units per semester (for a total of 16 combined CWEE units). Units are Degree applicable and transferable. Units are awarded upon achievement of approved learning objectives. Each unit requires paid employees to document 75 hours (volunteers or unpaid employees - 60 hours) during the semester.

This course will prepare students for transfer-level college writing. Students will review English fundamentals, read and analyze professional essays, and write essays with an emphasis on exposition and critical thinking and access student services.

This course will fulfill the requirements of the first semester of freshman composition at the university level. All sections are both writing and reading intensive. Topics covered include thesis development and support, writing essays in various rhetorical modes, close reading, and completion of a thorough, properly cited research paper.

This course will offer instruction in argumentation and critical writing, critical thinking, analytical evaluation of texts, research strategies, information literacy, and proper documentation.

This course will introduce students to the process of writing and revising creative work in four primary genres: fiction, poetry, drama and creative nonfiction. ENG 210 is a creative writing course suitable for students who are beginning their exploration of writing, as well as those who have been writing for several years. The course explores the primary genres via instruction and the "workshop" model that provides written and verbal feedback to submitted manuscripts.

This course teaches an introduction to the mathematical problem solving skills required in today’s business market.  It is designed to give students an understanding of financial matters and language through modeling and practical examples.  Since there are students with completely different backgrounds in mathematics, the course will provide a common ground by starting from simple concepts.

This course will cover the general muscular endurance and strength components of physical fitness and are enhanced and investigated through active participation in resistance exercise program.

This course will cover the fundamentals of the dynamic European martial art of foil fencing. Students will be instructed in the basics of the Italian School of Foil Fencing which will include (but not be limited to) proper foil fencing etiquette, vocabulary/terminology, placements of the weapon and corresponding hand positions, right-of-way rules, families of actions, proper footwork and movement patterns, and proper bouting etiquette.

This course will introduce students to modern and contemporary history from 1500 to the present. Topics to be covered include the impact of Western expansion on the Americas, Africa and Asia; the reaction of non-western people to Western expansion; the growth of nationalism; the industrial revolution; and the World Wars of the 20th century. Students will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of historical events.

This course will introduce the student to major political, social and cultural developments of the US from the Reconstruction era through the present day. This course includes the perspectives and contributions of diverse groups of Americans.

This course will provide an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. The course also examines political behavior and its influences, as well as key contemporary political issues.

Students will study history and culture from a Native American perspective while improving their analytical skills. Students will identify the culture and history of a variety of tribes, explain the historical and contemporary relationship between the U.S. Government, state and local governments and “domestic dependent sovereign nations,” articulate historical themes repeated through centuries of Native-American/European contact, such as attempts by the Europeans to assimilate Native American and resistance to assimilation, articulate a relationship between Native American history and the contemporary state of Native America.

This course will examine the development of diverse Mexican American communities throughout the US. Topics will include how Mexican American men and women have struggled for economic, political, and social equality in their local communities, as well as on the national scene. Students can expect to learn about the aftermath of the Mexican American war, ongoing immigration and its effect on receiving communities; changing gender roles; tension between assimilation and maintenance of an ethnic identity; and the development of civil rights organizations. Special emphasis will be given to the history of labor and its impact on the development of the Mexican American community.

This course will introduce students to the history and key formal elements of film. It will help students cultivate an appreciation for the contributions made by actors, directors, writers and technicians in the film industry. Through examination of a variety of film styles and periods, students will become more familiar with the history and present day realities of the film industry.

This course will have students combine skills in digital graphic design, creative writing, and movie-making (using Adobe Premiere), with music and voice over to produce multimedia videos in a digital format. Recording formats and mechanics, basic cinematography styles and techniques, lighting, sound-recording; planning shoots with scripts, directorial guidance, and postproduction specifications in studio and field environments will be addressed. The student will gain the basic knowledge and skills needed to create digital video projects for marketing, advertising, PR, instruction and more.

This course will introduce students to fundamental acting techniques and terminology. While the class is challenging and useful for students with varying levels of experience, no prior work in theatre is required. Through exercises, scene work, and improvisation, students develop their ability to "live truthfully under imaginary circumstances." The course focuses on Stanislavky's technique of realistic action (objectives)for characterization and script analysis. The class will explore fundamental acting skills, such as: relaxation, concentration,listening and spontaneity. The course culminates in a public performance of student scenes.

This course will continue to develop fundamental acting techniques and terminology, with an increased emphasis on physicalization, ensemble techniques and personalization of given circumstances. The course culminates in a public performance of a group project.

This course will begin the instruction in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. The development of pronunciation, vocabulary and conversational skills within the context of the exploration of cultures, histories and peoples of the Spanish-speaking world.

This course will assist in the development and advancement of oral and written Spanish for the Spanish Speaker or other linguistically qualified students. It provides instruction that builds upon the existing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and the cultural heritage and knowledge of students. The course develops awareness of linguistic registers, and appreciation for Latino cultures as manifested in Spanish speaking countries and in the United States. The study of language and literature will be approached from the perspective of a first language, not a foreign one. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.