High School Electives

1/2 credit | Fall | Grades 9-12

This course provides the opportunity for students to explore, discuss, and workshop the skills that will help them become productive, compassionate, and responsible leaders.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Develop Goals and Priorities
• Reflect on Personal Values
• Show Respect and Empathy
• Handle Peer Pressure
• Manage Emotions
• Express Gratitude
• Develop Employability Workplace Skills and Communication Skills
• Apply Citizenship in the Community
• Understand and Explain Cultural Competence.

½ credit | Fall or Spring | Grades 10-12 

This is an elective Pass/Fail Course for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students only. Successful completion of this course does not replace taking the Keystone Exams. All students taking a Keystone eligible must take the associated Keystone Exam.

Students can earn an elective 1/2 credit for successfully completing the ACT WorkKeys Curriculum and Assessment in Applied Graphic Literacy, Applied Workplace Documents, and Applied Math and for completing a minimum of one service learning project (10 hours). To pass and earn an elective half credit, students are required to successfully complete the work keys curriculum and related assignments and successfully complete one 10 hour service learning project. What are the ACT WorkKeys? ACT® WorkKeys® is a system of assessments, curriculum, and job profiling that determine, build, and measure essential workplace skills that can affect job performance and increase opportunities for career changes and advancement.

To ensure that students are career ready and to improve their employability, PALCS offers the WorkKeys system of assessments and curriculum that build and measure essential workplace skills. By successfully completing the assessments, students can also earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

Important: Be sure to review testing site locations with your counselor or before enrolling in the course.

Students can use the ACT WorkKeys curriculum and assessments to meet the requirements outlined in the Alternative Assessment and Evidence-Based graduation pathways.

½ credit | Fall or Spring | Grades 9-12 | Introductory

This 1⁄2 credit technology elective course focuses on general computer technology and the use of various applications within the Google Suite of Applications (G Suite). Students will learn by completing an assortment of assignments using Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Forms creating a variety of personal and professional related projects. Advanced knowledge will deal with the inter- relation and cross-functionality of the applications to maximize effective usage. This course requires basic typing skills.

Topics Covered in Google Applications:

• History of the Computer
• The Internet and Digital Citizenship
• oogle Drive and Suite of Applications Overview
• Google Docs
• Google Slides
• Google Sheets
• Google Forms

½ credit | Fall | Grades 9-12 | Introductory

The emphasis on this course is based upon successful implementation of PA Science and Technology Standards and the National Standards for Technological Literacy. Students will develop a well rounded concept of technology.

In this course, students will:

• Concentrate studies on concepts in communication, transportation, and energy and power technologies with an emphasis on the design process.
• Understand how technological concepts function and affect society.
• Examine current advancements in various fields of technology.
• Analyze and use the technological design process to solve problems.
• Make connections between science and technology.

½ credit | Spring | Grades 9-12 | Introductory

The emphasis on this course is based upon successful implementation of PA Science and Technology Standards and the National Standards for Technological Literacy.

In this course, students will:

• Concentrate studies on concepts in manufacturing, construction and bio-related technologies.
• Understand how technological concepts function and affect society.
• Examine current advancements in the manufacturing, construction and biotechnology industries.
• Explore the influence and benefits of robotics in manufacturing and production.

½ credit | Fall or Spring | Grades 9-12 | Intermediate

This course will focus on graphic communications, helping to explain how communication happens and how graphic items are made. The class will have a focus on design and student lead projects. Students will learn everything they will know on how graphic items are designed and produced, touching on everything from pre-press to post-press. By the end of this course students will have an exposure to as many a dozen different graphic communication topics which will prepare them for introductory post-secondary or trade school programs. This course is designed from the National Standards for Technological Literacy and the PA Technology Standards.

Topics covered in Graphic Communications:

• Typography
• Design and Layout
• Text Composition
• Page Composition
• Color Science
• Printing Processes (Lithography, Flexography, Gravure and Screen Printing)
• Pre-press
• Graphic Design (Vector Art, Raster Art and Photography)

½ credit | Fall | Grades 10-12 | Intermediate

This course will expose students to key concepts of design and engineering, by exploring the design process, professional communication and technical documentation. The CAD software used in this course provides students with the tools they need to solve real world problems by designing and creating solutions.

In this course, students will:

• Discover and apply the technological design process.
• Create 2D drawings that utilize proper labeling and dimensioning techniques.
• Learn basic 3D modeling techniques.
• Learn how to work in the 3D computer environment to take individual parts and turn them into full assembly models.

½ credit | Spring | Grades 10-12 | Advanced

Prerequisite: Introduction to CAD or teacher recommendation.

This course will expand on material taught in Introduction to Computer Aided Design. 3D design is the core of the class with a focus on detail drawings, assemblies and collaborative design.

In this course, students will:

• Learn advanced 3D modeling techniques.
• Learn how to make engineering drawings.
• Work in a real-world collaborative environment to develop a product.
• Learn how to work in the 3D computer environment to take individual parts and turn them into full assembly models.

1 credit | Grades 10-12 | Advanced

Prerequisite(s): Algebra II or higher, concurrently
Introduction to Engineering provides an exciting theme for student immersion and investigation of the electromechanical design. This introduction to engineering subject uses a combination of project based active and experiential learning, with the explicit goals of fostering passion, excitement and creativity. The class will introduce core engineering themes, principles, and modes of thinking. Topics include: historical reflection, societal impact, fundamental principles, system uncertainties, teamwork, ethics, communications, engineering abstractions, constraints and boundaries. In addition to classic problem sets and exams, student teams complete various electromechanical labs as well as a final exploration-based hands-on design project. Specialized learning modules enable teams to focus on knowledge required to complete their projects, such as machine elements, electronics, software, structures, design process, visualization and communication.

This course introduces students to the world of business. This class offers the content you need for a solid overview of business. Topics discussed in this course include: Business Basics, Economics and Banking, Ethics in Business, Business in a Global Economy, Small Business and the Entrepreneur, Business Management and Organization, Marketing, Finance and Accounting.

This Stock Market course is a semester, half credit course focused on learning about stocks and the stock market. We will use a variety of materials to cover these topics. The big feature of the course will be working in teams to play the stock market simulator. Students will be expected/required to be an active participant with their teammates while using the stock market game simulator to learn valuable lessons about the stock market.

This 1⁄2 credit elective introduces students to the various principles and strategies of marketing. Students will learn the process of creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging products or services that have value for customers, clients, and society. This course is designed from the Pennsylvania Standards for Business.

Topics covered in Principles of Marketing will include marketing around us, the marketing plan, marketing research, promotional concepts, visual merchandising, advertising, selling, and customer retention.

Prerequisite: Permission slip allowing students to create the social media accounts used in this course–please contact your guidance counselor.

This course provides students with an introduction to the history, technology, and uses of social media with a focus on marketing.

Social media (such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) are technologies that enable individuals to create, collaborate, and share personal and professional messages with audiences of all sizes. Students will explore the extensive possibilities of social media and will have hands-on experience with several forms of social media technology with a focus on effectively marketing themselves as well as business organizations.

In this course, students will be asked to participate in social networks, forums, and blogs as well as analyze case studies on a variety of social media marketing advertisements and campaigns. Students will also learn how to create the most effective and engaging profiles and pages for personal and professional productivity. Those who complete this course will know how to use social media effectively and have a framework for understanding and evaluating new tools and platforms.

Class discussions, readings, establishment of new profiles, and the analysis of case studies will highlight effective methods, strategies and applications of these platforms.

In this 1⁄2 credit elective course, students will embark on a journey to develop a comprehensive understanding of risk and its multifaceted impact on personal, professional, and societal levels. In this course, students will explore the principles and practices of risk management, gaining valuable skills applicable to various aspects of life. Specifically, this course will focus on critical areas: risk identification, risk analysis and evaluation, risk mitigation strategies, insurance and financial risk management, ethical considerations, and communication and reporting. We will concentrate on theoretical learning and case studies to give a practical application to the material learned.

This course is designed from the National Business Education Association standards for Accounting and from the Pennsylvania Accounting standards. It includes the study of the accounting equation and techniques for journalizing and recording different accounts. The student will learn about ledgers and journals. The accounting cycle will be studied with exercises in adjusting entries and closing entries. Completing financial statements for a proprietorship will show how accounting is used in businesses every day. Students also explore career opportunities in the accounting field. This course helps students develop an understanding of financial literacy. It also prepares students to study accounting or other business fields at a college level.

Prerequisite: Business Accounting 1 and teacher recommendation.

This course is a continuation of Accounting 1A. It is designed from the National Business Education Association standards for Accounting and from the Pennsylvania Accounting standards. Students will continue to work with ledgers and journals. Accounting procedures for a merchandise business and a service business will be explored for similarities and differences. Payroll, taxes and financial statements for a corporation will also be introduced. This course helps students develop an understanding of financial literacy. It also prepares students to study accounting or other business fields at the college level.

This course may be used to fulfill Technology graduation requirements. This course has limited availability.

Prerequisite: Good keyboarding skills.

This 1 credit elective prepares students to be effective and productive users of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These are the industry standard word processing software, spreadsheet software and presentation software. This course meets Pennsylvania Computer Standards, along with National Standards for Technology Literacy and National Business Education Association Standards. Students must use their PALCS-issued computer to receive Microsoft products.

This ½ credit elective introduces the fundamentals of small business startup and growth. Topics include development of the business concept, strategic planning, marketing, financing, and an overview of international business. Examines important principles for businesses of any size.

In this course, students will learn about the procedures and philosophies of business management, leadership, business startup, human resources, communication, motivation, ethics, time management, performance appraisals, delegation, and entrepreneurship. This course is recommended for those who may have their own business or who are interested in operating a business. It is also recommended for those interested in pursuing a management or business-related major or employment. The course is designed from the National Business Education Standards for Management the Pennsylvania Management Standards.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Business.

This course Business Law is designed to give students a rudimentary understanding of the legal ramifications of being in business and operating in the business. The course is designed as a two part course. The first portion of the course looks at what constitutes a legally binding contract and the components of a legally binding contract. The course also looks at how the courts typically look at and enforce contracts and the appearance of a contract when there is not one. The second part of the course looks into the basis of the various legal aspects of running and working for a business such as the application of the Uniform Commercial Code within Pennsylvania, employment law, the structuring of the court system in Pennsylvania, and the implications of the various forms of legal entities.

Topics covered in Business Law:

• The Components of a Legally Binding Contract
• How the Courts Interpret Contacts
• Various Forms of Contracts
• Non-Compete Clauses
• The Court System
• Business Entities
• Uniform Commercial Code
• Employment Law
• Bankruptcy

In this course, students will:

This course is the first in a set of three art history/art appreciation courses. (These courses do not have to be taken in order.) Arts & Culture courses are perfect for students who would rather learn about art than create art. Students will begin by learning how to talk about and critique artwork, using the elements and principles of art and design. The course is designed to walk students through the timeline of art history, learning how the history and culture of each time
period influenced the art/architecture that was created at that time. Content will cover art critique, prehistoric art, early and rising civilizations, and the ancient arts of every continent.

This course is reading/writing intensive.

Textbook:
McGraw Hill: Art in Focus

In this course, students will:

This course is the second in a set of three art history/art appreciation courses. (These courses do not have to be taken in order.) Arts & Culture courses are perfect for students who would rather learn about art than create art. The course is designed to walk students through the timeline of art history,
learning how the history and culture of each time period influenced the art/architecture that was created at that time. This particular course begins in the Medieval period and covers the major art styles leading up to 1900, where the next course continues the sequence.

This course is reading/writing intensive.

Textbook:
McGraw Hill: Art in Focus

In this course, students will:

This course is the third in a set of three art history/art appreciation courses. (These courses do not have to be taken in order.) Arts & Culture courses are perfect for students who would rather learn about art than create art. The course is designed to walk students through the timeline of art history, learning how the history and culture of each time period influenced the art/architecture that was created at that time. In this course, students will learn about 15 of the most
remarkable art styles of the twentieth century. Think art history is a dry subject to learn about? Think again! This course is inviting and interactive, sure to convert anyone into an art history buff!

This course is reading/writing intensive.

In this course, students will:

In this introductory class, students will explore using different art media while learning the Foundations of Art – The Art Elements (Line, Shape and Form, Value, Color, Space, Texture) and Principles of Design (Balance, Unity, Contrast, Emphasis, Pattern, Movement and Rhythm). We will investigate how the
elements and principles are combined in mindful, purposeful ways by artists to create artistic compositions. Students will participate in discussion and critique about famous artwork in the context of material learned in each unit. Students will be required to use their PALCS provided printer/scanner or a digital camera to document and submit their art assignments. This course includes writing and studio activities.

This course includes writing and studio activities.

In this course, students will:

Drawing I is a beginning course designed to be an exploration of drawing techniques and concepts and how to apply the art elements and principles of design to create dynamic drawing compositions. This class has an emphasis on observation and learning how to make your drawings look three dimensional by using proper shading and perspective with pencil and charcoal. Students will create a variety of drawings such as still life, portrait, abstract, surreal, landscapes. We will end with a Unit on human proportions and how to draw faces. A working scanner (provided by PALCS) or a digital camera is required for this course.

Prerequisite: C or above in Foundations of Art and Design or Honors Art Portfolio, and/or teacher recommendation/portfolio review.

In this course, students will:

Drawing II is an advanced course designed for students who are interested in acquiring new skills and further developing their drawing talents. Students must first successfully complete Drawing I. This class has an emphasis on observational drawing (still life) and will continue to study the human figure and faces. Students will use graphite, charcoal and colored pencils. A working scanner (provided by PALCS) or a digital camera is required for this course.

Prerequisite: B or higher in Drawing I.

In this course, students will:

The field of Architecture is as concerned with aesthetics as it is with functionality. In “Art of Architecture”, students learn the foundational components of architectural design as well as the aesthetic qualities of famous buildings throughout history. Through the exploration of the form and function of historic and modern buildings, students begin to understand more about the cultural significance of those buildings. In addition to predominately reading/writing activities, students will participate in basic design sketching with each unit.

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation or Portfolio Review.

Students will practice, understand and apply graphite and values, pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor and acrylic painting.
Portfolio development will include drawing from observation, one-point perspective, color theory, and applying the principles of design.
This course is creatively challenging. It is designed for students who wish to study art at a college level or seek a more challenging art course. A working scanner (provided by PALCS) or a digital camera is required for this course. A Portfolio Review is required prior to enrollment in the course.
Mandatory 1:1 meetings with the teacher.

Prerequisite: Honors Art Portfolio, Teacher Recommendation, or Portfolio Review

Students will demonstrate development and proficiency positive/negative space, charcoal portraiture, watercolor, clay sculpture, textural acrylic painting, independent study, and a digital portfolio project

This course is creatively challenging. It is designed for students who wish to study art at a college level or seek a more challenging art course. A working webcam (provided by PALCS) or a digital camera is required for this course. A Portfolio Review is required.

Music has seen many revolutions in its styles, echoing the political revolutions that occurred throughout the eras. With these changes, orchestras grew in number, musical pieces lasted longer, and there was a strong integration of drama, power, hopes, agonies and passions of the composers who wrote them. This course explores the growth and change of music and musicians over time. No music background is required to take this course.

In this course, students will:

• Study the music and lives of the most famous composers of early, middle and late history.
• Gain a greater understanding of the historical issues that inspired these composers.
• Analyze the music for its musical and historical merits.

This course offers an individual approach toward acquiring and developing piano skills at any level. Piano class emphasizes a hands-on experience so live weekly lessons are a participation requirement to remain in the class. Students will be receiving a grade for their weekly lessons as well as asynchronous assignments and will be required to sign a participation agreement stating they’re able to attend a live weekly lesson. Students will need a keyboard/piano or one will be provided to you. Students must request a piano before the semester begins. No previous piano background is required; however, as the course is individually paced, advanced pianists may take the course as well. Advanced pianists may bring their own music or appropriate repertoire will be provided.

In this course, students will:

This course will explore different styles of music present in film, video games, and television. In our studies, we will learn specific terminology around music, music theory, specific forms of media, and apply them directly to scenes from movies, television shows, or live game play. No music background is required to take this course.

This is an introductory music course where students will discover the different aspects of music with regard to various cultures, genres, dances, rhythms and aesthetic experiences.

In this course, students will:

• Study the instruments in an orchestra.
• Recognize the factors that influence the musical preferences of an individual.
• Explore how globalization has affected the music that we hear.
• Study the universal instrumental timbre categories and how they apply to traditional, classical, and popular music genres.
• Critique musical performances based upon a set of criteria while engaging in perceptive listening.
• Study the timing elements of music. Explore various styles of dance while exploring the benefits of the musical and physical collaboration of dance.
• Study and critique the various aspects of vocal music.
• Study the roots of jazz, including the musical characteristics of the various jazz styles as well as the key contributing musicians of each style

In this course, students will:

• Study the basic foundations of music theory.
• Read and notate simple note and rest values in the grand staff.
• Read and notate music in basic time signatures.
• Read and notate music using repeat signs, 1st and 2nd endings, D.C. al Fine, D.C. al Coda, D.S. al Fine, and D.S. al Coda.
• Study and apply performance elements of music, including dynamics, tempos, and articulations.
• Read and notate music with accidentals as well as half steps, whole steps, and enharmonics.
• Practice ear training skills with learned concepts, including musical notation of aural dictation.
• Apply learned concepts and skills in an original composition, following specific criteria.

This is an introduction to the basics of music notation, which includes ear training with melodic and rhythmic dictation. Attendance and participation at weekly chats are strongly encouraged for comprehension.

Workbook:
J.W. Peppers: Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory

Prerequisite: 80% or higher in Music Theory I or placement test.

In this course, students will:

• Read and notate major and chromatic scales while identifying the intervals and scale degrees in each.
• Read and notate music in various key signatures.
• Read and notate various intervals and solfege syllables as they relate to intervals as well as transposition of provided melodies.
• Review simple note and rest values while reading and notating more complex note and rest values.
• Review basic time signatures while reading and notating music in more complex time signatures.
• Read and notate music containing incomplete measures and syncopation.
• Read and notate primary and major triads as well as the dominant seventh chord.
• Read and notate triad and dominant seventh inversions as well as Roman numeral analysis with figured bass and chord names.
• Practice ear training skills with learned concepts, including musical notation of aural dictation.
• Apply learned concepts and skills in an original composition, following specific criteria.

This is a continuation of Music Theory 1 and requires students to read and notate music using more complex concepts. Attendance and participation at weekly chats are strongly recommended for comprehension.

Prerequisite: Placement test or 85% or higher in either Honors Music Theory II or Music Composition, and completion of AP course application.

This course will prepare the student for the study of music at the college level. The ultimate goal of AP Music Theory is to develop the student’s ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score.

In this course, students will:

• Develop aural skills through listening exercises.
• Enhance sight-singing skills through performance exercises.
• Improve compositional skills through creative exercises.
• Strengthen writing and analytical skills.

This course will culminate with the student taking the AP Music Theory exam.

In this course, students will learn about personal fitness and body mechanics.

Topics covered in Physical Education:

• Introduction to Physical Education
• Physical activity and personal fitness
• Safety prevention
• Personal fitness plan
• Body composition and body weight
• Cardiorespiratory endurance and resistance
• Training, muscular fitness and flexibility
• Fitness through life
• Safety and injury prevention
• Personal fitness screenings
• Environmental concerns
• Safety gear and clothing
• Preventing fitness injuries
• Lifetime sports

In this course, students will learn about personal well-being, healthy relationships and nutritional choices.

Topics covered in Health:

• Introduction to Health
• Safety and environmental concerns
• Mental and emotional health
• Nutrition
• Substance abuse
• Health through your life
• Peer relationships
• Practicing abstinence
• Communicable diseases
• Understanding communicable diseases
• Emerging diseases and pandemics
• Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS
• Nutrition for health and managing weight and eating disorders
• Healthy food guidelines
• Nutrition labels and food safety
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Body image and eating disorders
• Lifelong nutrition
• Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs
• The Role of medicines
• The health risks of drug use & living drug free
• First aid and emergencies
• Achieving mental and emotional health
• Developing your self-esteem
• Developing personal identity and character
• Expressing emotions in healthful ways

Prerequisite: Physical Education and Health.

This course does not count toward the HSPE Graduation Requirement.

This course aims to educate students on relaxation, meditation, and yoga fundamentals. Students will experience stretching, moving, breathing, and basic yoga poses. Students will learn how to relax, get more out of their day, and have fun with new techniques at the same time.

In the Driver Education course, students will develop a positive, mature, and knowledgeable approach toward driving. Students will learn the fundamental skills for responsible driving. The course will emphasize the rules of safe driving, basic vehicle operation and maneuvers, traffic laws, signs and signals and driving in different environments.

This course will not offer actual, behind-the-wheel instruction.

Students will demonstrate basic comprehension of the information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Academic Standards for Family and Consumer Science and Child Development.

In this course, students will:

• Learn how to observe, study, and interact with children.
• Understand the basic concepts of parenting and building strong families.
• Study pregnancy and childbirth.
• Explore the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of infants, toddlers, and young children.

This class is helpful in preparation for a career and/or further study in child care related fields.

In this course, students will:

• Explore the study of processing, preparing, evaluating, packaging, and preserving food.
• Complete labs to illustrate and identify properties of ingredients.
• Understand the basics of nutrition and a well balanced diet.

The SAT/ACT Preparatory Course is a Pass/Fail course. This course will utilize the number2.com website to increase a student’s understanding of the SAT/ACT exam. This course will build a student’s vocabulary, reading and math skills using teacher monitored tools and additional materials.

In this course students will:

• Improve reading comprehension.
• Learn college level vocabulary.
• Practice writing timed essays.
• Increase understanding of college level math.
• Expand grammar usage.

This semester course is a high school requirement taken at the freshman level for the purpose of giving students the tools, knowledge, and experience that will help them identify career paths that are based on their personal interests, abilities, aptitudes, and goals. The career exploration and awareness activities in this course are essential to ensuring that each and every student who graduates has a clear understanding of careers they may want to pursue after they graduate. Students will complete a variety of career interest and aptitude surveys to find out what job they might enjoy doing and engage in career exploration and research, such as creating a career research graphic organizer and developing a career reflection brochure. This course is designed to address the Pennsylvania Career and Education Work Standards.

This semester course is a high school requirement taken at the sophomore level for the purpose of giving students the tools, knowledge, and experience that will help transition them into their chosen direction after high school. The skills taught in this course are essential to ensuring that each and every student who graduates has a clear understanding of how to succeed and thrive in their post-secondary pursuits. Students will identify tasks they will need to complete to begin in their chosen career(s) that align with their strengths and interests. Students will identify possible barriers and/or obstacles they might encounter as they pursue their chosen career. Students will complete an employability skills assessment and understand the attributes employers are looking for and value. This course is designed to address the Pennsylvania Career and Education Work Standards.

This semester course is a high school requirement taken at the senior level for the purpose of giving students the tools and knowledge to transition them in their chosen direction after high school. The skills taught in this course are essential to ensuring that each and every student who graduates has clear understanding of how to succeed and thrive in their post-secondary pursuits. This course includes learning opportunities and experiences aimed at helping students to become familiar with the language and processes associated with keeping a job and advancing in their career. Students will describe and give examples of what they need to do to keep a job, the importance of working on a team, the value of listening techniques, the value of time management, and the importance of emotional intelligence. Students will learn about and complete financial literacy activities, including reflecting on the importance of creating a personal budget. This course is designed to address the Pennsylvania Career and Education Work Standards.

This semester course is a high school requirement taken at the senior level for the purpose of giving students the financial tools, knowledge, and skills to help them make smart financial decisions during and after high school. The skills taught in this course are essential to ensuring that each and every student who graduates has a clear understanding of how to manage their finances wisely as an adult. Students will learn about the importance of budgeting, having an emergency fund, being sensible with student loans, using credit cards responsibly, making smart decisions with vehicle purchases, and saving for retirement. This course includes learning opportunities and experiences related to each of the six topics that are covered in this course through engaging real-world projects. This course is designed from both the National Business Education Standards for Finance and the Pennsylvania Finance Standards.