COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BY DEPARTMENT
BIBLE
Freshman Bible/Christian Ethics
The students will demonstrate an understanding of the bible through a complete biblical narrative, in chronological order. The course will cover the narratives and significant characters of the Old Testament in the first half of the school year. The second half of the year will cover the New Testament and its main characters. The overall theme of the class will be for students to demonstrate knowledge of Jesus Christ being the main character of the entire bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Senior Bible
This class is going to be a very relevant to each student. We are going to explore the Bible and its influence on society. To do this we will be doing studies on various religions vs. Christianity, learning differences between the Old and New Testaments, and doing a study on the Reformation and the spread of Missionaries. We will be doing some outside reading from C.S. Lewis to strengthen our faith. The books we will read will be The Great Divorce and The Screwtape Letters. The first book deals with the relationship between Heaven and Hell and how people cannot get to Heaven. The Screwtape Letters is a conversation between two demons strategizing on how to take the focus of their patient (a human) away from God.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Consumer Finance
Consumer finance covers a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: how to open a checking and savings account, how to balance the checkbook, making a budget, how to take out a loan, how to buy a house, how to invest in the stock market, the dangers of credit cards, interest rates, and your credit score. The class is structured to provide students with the financial skills become better stewards of their money, so that they will be able to provide financial security for their family and the Kingdom. By financial security we mean that they will be able to provide a home for their family and an education for their children.
ENGLISH
American Literature
American Literature at CHA is devoted to the study of the democratic and diverse voices that have constituted our country's letters and poetry. From the marginalized literature of women and Native Americans to the jazzy prose of the Harlem Renaissance; from Emerson's transcendental 'Self Reliance' to Whitman's epic songs of celebration to Dylan's vocalization of his generation and changin' times; from witch trials in Salem to the Gothic tales of Hawthorne and Poe to the grotesque tales of Faulkner, O'Conner and the Coen brother's South; from Thoreau's staunch disobedience to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's dreams and Malcolm X's nightmares. These are just some of the voices students will be exposed to. Akin to college literature courses, student assessment is heavily based on essays and examinations. In the tradition of American literature, the purpose of this course is to inspire free-thinking, independent, socially conscious, democratic individuals within the body of Christ who, as Uncle Walt Whitman bids each of us: "love the earth and sun, and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence towards the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men...read these leaves in the open air every season of every year."
British Literature
At CHA, our study of British Literature adheres to the suggestion of the Welsh poet above. It is with exuberance that we confront texts as old as the English language (Beowulf) all the way up through the recent poetry of English innovators like Thom Yorke. From then English Renaissance and The Bard (otherwise known as William Shakespeare) and his adolescent tragedies (Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet) through gothic stories written by adolescents (Frankenstein penned by 18-year-old Mary Shelly) and the ground breaking work of their parents (Mary Shelly's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women, the first book on women's suffrage). We descend with Milton's Paradise Lost, sing William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, sail with Coolridge's Ancient Mariner, and travel to Huxley's futuristic but eerily familiar Brave New World (soma not included). Moreover, we'll spend time on European literature that emerged from the hysteria and horror of World Wars I and II, including Elie Wiesel's Night and war poets such as Siegfried Sassoon. In the manner of college literature courses, British Literature will emphasize essay-writing (including a research paper) and exams.
Introduction to Shakespeare
This course will introduce students to a range of Shakespeare’s comedies,
tragedies, histories and romances – with an emphasis on close reading of the text. Students will consider these plays in their Early Modern context-cultural, political, literary and theatrical.
Survey Literature
This course is designed to introduce the student to major genre in literature, to some notable authors, and to critical writing. It integrates major principles of grammar and edited English with writing. Students will have daily reading assignments assigned for homework; take daily quizzes on the reading, and will then apply the lessons learned to their own papers. The goal is to have students realize writing is an ongoing process. Students will concentrate on the form of the five-paragraph argumentative paper. They will use the classical form for argument with which to organize their thoughts and to develop critical analysis.
The daily comprehension quizzes will have a two-fold purpose. First, the comprehension quizzes will indicate whether the students understand the material that they are reading. Many questions are generally easy, but the student must read the text in order to answer the questions correctly. Most lessons also have critical thinking questions to help students think more deeply than just the plot. These questions are intended for discussion, and will be covered during class; however, students will be encouraged to take notes on the discussion. Many of the critical thinking questions offer rhetorical issues that can be used for papers.
This course was created for high school English students to learn ideas, to build vocabulary, and to practice critical writing. College entrance exams, particularly the SAT, are essentially vocabulary tests. The better the student’s vocabulary, the better the student will score on the SAT. The best way to learn and to build the student’s vocabulary is by reading quality literature. Currently, the SAT, ACT and most college placement exams require students to have knowledge of standard edited English. This course will help students to become aware of the major concepts that appear on these tests. Students need to know how to write critically before they enter college. This curriculum will have the student writing seven argumentative papers.
It is critically important for students to do the daily reading in order to be prepared to write credible papers and to build vocabulary. Most weeks, students will be given fifteen to twenty vocabulary words. The words appear in daily readings. Many of the same words appear often within the various readings which will help reinforce learning the words. Students are required to make flash cards using index cards with the word on one side and the definition on the reverse side. Vocabulary quizzes will familiarize students with several different types of questions. Questions will call for matching, sentence completion, analogies, and definitions.
Speech, Logic, and Debate
This course will be a very relevant integration of public speaking, formal and informal logic, and argumentation and debate. Students will become more comfortable with speaking to large groups, improve their abilities to argue effectively, develop critical thinking skills, and learn how to conduct themselves while interviewing. Emphasis will be placed on engaging topics from a Christian worldview as well as on practicing critical consumption and manipulation of information.
World Literature
This course is one whose primary goal is introducing students to a variety of World Literature. Through this content and these experiences, students will become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. Students will achieve these goals through:
- Reading a variety of World Literature works such as short stories, novels, plays and poetry.
- Learning the proper usage and mechanics of grammar.
- Writing in a variety of forms for an assortment of audiences and reasons.
- Participating in a variety of individual and group projects
FINE ARTS
Introduction to Music Theory
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of harmony and basic elements of sight-singing, melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation, keyboard, timbre, texture, and form used both in aural and visual analysis.
Introduction to Visual art
This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of contour, gesture, shading, and other drawing alternatives. Students will also work from still life, nature, and models. Students will also learn to understand basic perspective and the fundamentals of design organization.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I
Students will be introduced to basic and advanced aspects of Algebra through intense practice and repetition. Through this, students will become stronger math students as well as independent learners.
Algebra II
In this course, fundamental concepts learned in Algebra will be taken to the next level and applied in more critical thinking and problem solving situations. The course will emphasize solving quadratic equations through factoring, completing the square, graphing, and the quadratic formula. Systems of linear equations with two and three unknowns and nonlinear systems (conic sections) will be covered. Also included in the course is an introduction and limited application to trigonometry, logarithms, probability, logic, and calculus.
Geometry
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for more advanced mathematics and problem-solving by building a solid base of comprehension in the fundamentals of logic and geometry. The word geometry is derived from the Greek words for “earth” and “measure.” Geometry was founded in the measuring of shapes and figures, but it has expanded into understanding properties and relationships dealing with space, shapes, figures, and numbers. Students will review the basic geometric concepts learned in previous math classes, and learn to apply their skills to prove why certain geometric theorems are true.
Pre-Calculus
Pre-Calculus is not a distinct field of mathematics. It is a combination of everything needed for a student to take calculus. Therefore, we will jump between many different topics. However, our common theme throughout the course will be attention to functions. Most of first semester will be spent mastering the concepts and properties of functions, especially polynomials. We will devote second semester to studying exponential and logarithmic functions and trigonometry.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH
Physical Education
Physical Education is both a fitness and classroom based course. Three days a week all students will be required to participate in a fitness class. Classes will be led by certified personal trainers and fitness instructors. Classes will teach basic body movements and focus on upper body, lower body, and core workouts. Each fitness class will help students learn how to properly move their bodies and how to develop stronger and leaner muscles. Health classes will be taught two days a week. Classes will focus the five components of physical fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Classes will teach basic anatomy and physiology and basic fitness principles. Classes will also teach health concepts.
Health
The Health and Wellness course provides an overview of a range of topics that relate to the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health. The curriculum introduces aspects of basic anatomy and physiology, psychology, and environmental science with the goal of cultivating strategies that improve personal and environmental health.
SCIENCE
Biology
Biology is the study of living things. This is a general biology curriculum that makes frequent use of human examples to engage students in the fundamental concepts of biology.
Topics for the First Semester:
Being a scientist, relevancy of the study of biology, what makes human unique, behavioral disorders of the brain, evolution, intelligent design, structure and characteristics of virus, characteristics of living things, the five kingdoms, biological hierarchical classification, internal environment of organisms, and the human body systems.
Topics for Second Semester:
Homeostasis, health and diseases, performance and fitness, cellular basis of activity, cycling of matter and flow of energy in communities, reproduction, patterns of inheritance, gene action, processes and patterns of development, the human life span, inter-dependence among organisms in the biosphere.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Chemistry in the Community is a two-semester class used to expand the students’ knowledge of chemical concepts. Students will realize the important role of chemistry in their personal and professional lives. Students will use chemistry to make informed decisions and develop an awareness of the potential and limitations of science and technology. The students will be assessed through projects, presentations, labs, tests, and quizzes.
Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Design and perform experiments using a variety of laboratory techniques and technology to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of chemical bonding to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of chemical reactions to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of stoichiometry to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of thermodynamics to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of organic chemistry to solve a scientific problem.
- Apply concepts of nuclear chemistry to solve a scientific problem.
Physics
Physics is the most basic study of the natural world. In this course, we will cover everything from movement of atoms to the make up of stars. During the first semester, we will primarily study motion, energy, forces, and the atomic nature of matter. The second semester includes the topics heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. While we will devote plenty of time to physical equations, our primary interest will be developing conceptual understanding along with relevance to important world issues.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
United States Government
American Government is an introductory course that is required for graduation in the State of Illinois. It is a two-semester survey of American Government from the establishment of our constitutional republic to the present. The course is designed to promote understanding of and hands-on experience with a main component of the study of politics: the application of theory to real world examples. This course will, in part, be an active-learning experience. Students will be required to participate in groups and complete hands-on analytical activities.
It is designed to be challenging and will involve a considerable amount of reading, writing, analysis, and directed individual research. There is a substantial amount of homework involved in this course and students are expected to complete outside readings beyond what is contained in their texts. Students are to maintain an organized notebook which must contain the following items: the course syllabus, daily notes, assignments, exams, quizzes, analysis of current events and corresponding news articles, and any other requested materials. Students will also be required to complete several major projects on various aspects of government. Solid reading and writing skills, along with the willingness to devote a considerable amount of time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography.
The course, American Government, is designed to give students a chance to learn about their government and political behavior. Students will understand that levels of frustration and disagreement are characteristic of a free and pluralistic society; thus they will find ways to express themselves and persuade others appropriately. The course is designed to prepare students to become effective citizens. Effective citizens possess a clear understanding of government: its purposes, its processes, and its shortcomings. Effective citizens believe that willingness to question is a characteristic of critical thinking, and that positions that are examined and scrutinized are more successfully justified. Students will participate in individual and group projects surrounding a specific public policy issue to apply themes and debates in political science to analyze how the concepts manifest themselves in current policy debates.
United States History
American History is an introductory course that is required for graduation in the State of Illinois. It is a two-semester survey of American history from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with the willingness to devote a considerable amount of time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. The course is designed to promote understanding of and hands-on experience with a main component of the study of history: the application of lessons learned from the past to current issues. This course will, in part, be an active-learning experience. Students will be required to participate in groups and complete hands-on analytical activities.
It is designed to be challenging and will involve a considerable amount of reading, writing, analysis, and directed individual research. There is a substantial amount of homework involved in this course and students are expected to complete outside readings beyond what is contained in their texts. Students are to maintain an organized notebook which must contain the following items: the course syllabus, daily notes, assignments, exams, quizzes, analysis of current events and corresponding news articles, and any other requested materials. Students will also be required to complete several major projects on various aspects of American History.
Chicago History
A survey of the history of Chicago focused primarily between the time of the city’s founding and the turn of the twentieth century. This class follows the scope of its text, City of the Century, by Donald L. Miller.
Geography
This course is a survey of the geography of the world and its related concepts: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions. This course will examine the interrelationship between people and their geographic environments—physical, social, economic, political, demographic, and cultural. Students will be expected to learn basic place names and locations, understand the nature of geography, and comprehend geographic relationships.
World History
A survey of the human history of the world, with attention paid to many major events, individuals, civilizations, and nations from every continent and every age, and with an emphasis on world geography.
SPANISH
Spanish I
Spanish I concentrates on understanding and mastering basic sound patterns and meaningful vocabulary and grammar to prepare the learner to use the language appropriately in a variety of situation. The skill of listening, speaking, reading and writing are all emphasized to develop abilities in oral and written expression. This course is for students learning Spanish as a second language.
Spanish II
Intermediate Spanish stresses essential vocabulary, sentence structure and idioms necessary for communication, oral and written, concerning daily life, using the Total Physical Response (TPR) Method. Lessons are introduced orally with the aid of correlated written and reading materials. Dialogues are taught audio-lingually. Grammar is presented inductively with the use of generalization. The foreign language is used extensively throughout class periods. Student learns to understand, speak, read, and write in the target language.
Spanish III / Spanish for Native Speakers I
Spanish Level III stresses essential vocabulary, sentence structure and idioms necessary for communication, oral and written, concerning daily life, using the Total Physical Response (TPR) Method. Lessons are introduced orally with the aid of correlated written and reading materials. Dialogues are taught audio-lingually. Grammar is presented inductively with the use of generalization. The foreign language is used extensively throughout class periods. Student learns to understand, speak, read, and write in the target language.
Spanish for Native Speakers II
This course is designed from a Contemporary Literature point of view, an academic discipline established in the nineteenth century. One if its major objectives is to establish a fruitful dialog between several cultural traditions based on the literary works. In this sense, the course will teach reading and the analysis of literary texts, some read in translations and some written originally in Spanish. The course is written in alignment with the requirements of the Polimodal Program and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The course has also been designed to meet the foreign language standards of the state of Illinois.
El curso está diseñado desde la perspectiva de la Literatura Comparada, disciplina académica creada en el XIX y que tiene como objetivo establecer un diálogo fructífero entre las diversas tradiciones culturales a partir de las obras literarias. En este sentido el curso destacará la lectura y el análisis de textos literarios -en su mayoría obras literarias canónicos de cada tradición-, leídos en traducción y algunos escritos originalmente en castellano. El curso está dictado siguiendo los lineamientos y requisitos del Programa Polimodal y el Bachillerato Internacional (IB)en específica relación con la preparación del examen internacional a fin del próximo año.
Spanish for Native Speakers III
This course studies the reality of Iberoamérica from a historical and geographic perspective. Historically, the course highlights the formation and consolidation of the various Iberoamerican states and their political, economic and social histories throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Such an analysis also requires the study of some world history of the same period. Geographically, the course analyzes the physical, environmental, political and social realities of contemporary Iberoamérica.
Estudio de la realidad iberoamericana desde una perspectiva histórica y geográfica. Desde la historia, se trata de un análisis de la formación y consolidación del estado iberoamericano y su historia política, económica y social a lo largo de los siglos XIX y XX, análisis que se realiza sincronizadamente con el estudio de la historia mundial durante el mismo período. Desde la geografía, se trata de analizar la realidad física, ambiental, política, económica y social de Iberoamérica contemporánea.
TECHNOLOGY
Introductory Concepts and Techniques of Computers
This course provides an overview of microcomputer applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint, and integration of the applications. At the end of the course students will be familiar with:
• creating an announcement, research paper, business letter, and resume
• working with spreadsheets that include formulas, functions, charting, formatting, and absolute cell references
• creating presentations using a design template and autolayouts, using outline view and clip art to create a slide show, and creating a presentation on the web.
Introduction to Computer Programming
This course provides students with an introduction to the theory and practice of computer programming. Topics include control structures, objects, classes, inheritance, simple data structures, and basic concepts of software development. Currently, Java and Html are the programming languages utilized in this course
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