Course Descriptions
2006-2007

English Language Arts

English I-II
In English I and II, students have learning experiences in speaking, listening, writing and reading through the study of literature themes. The courses may be organized to integrate these four areas simultaneously or focus on one, with activities in the other areas supporting the major focus. Whatever the arrangement, a balance is maintained among components so that students receive instruction in each area through compositions, discussions, projects, and dramatics.

English I Pre-AP
In English I Pre-AP, students have learning experiences in how to write the multi-paragraph essay using formatted writing. Grammar, usage, capitalization and punctuation skills are refined in preparation for the kind of critical thinking, writing and reading skills required for upper-level AP classes. Since students begin Pre-AP English I during the second semester of their freshman year, every effort is made to strengthen and acclimate students to the rigorous DeBakey High School for Health Professions learning environment. In addition to college preparatory work, vocabulary building and practice for the PSAT, students also read widely in a variety of texts to improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

English II Pre-AP
In English II Pre-AP, students are exposed more often to College Board generated timed writings and begin to learn Advanced Placement vocabulary. They become familiar with how to analyze language, how to unpack metaphors, how to critically evaluate punctuation and its relationship to tone. Students learn to create their own imagery with descriptive language and refine their ability to detect the nuances of tone and voice. As in English I and II, teachers balance their curriculum so that students receive instruction through compositions, discussions, oral reports, group projects and dramatic interpretations.

English III
This course presents students with the scope and diversity of American literature, both fiction and nonfiction, past and present. Students explore American literature as a reflection of human experiences, values, and emotions through the study of the changes in American history and the culture in which American authors lived and worked. Throughout the English III course, genres are addressed in common themes and characteristics found in the literary works of American authors. Students synthesize the American experience through compositions, discussions, projects, and dramatics.

English Advanced Placement Language and Composition
A college-level course which students take during the junior year, this class focuses on writers in American literature. Students write argumentative, descriptive, narrative, expository, and analytic papers designed to help them become critical thinkers, readers and writers in preparation for the College Board's AP Language and Composition test, which is taken at the end of their junior year. Depending on the college a student chooses to attend, he or she will earn three to six hours of credit in English, if the test is passed with a score of "3" or higher, with the highest attainable score being a "5." Students are given ample practice in class and generous feedback on their writing; however, because this is an intensive course with a large reading component which must be done outside of class, students are strongly encouraged to evaluate their decision to take this course and make a serious commitment to self-discipline and rigor. Students begin this course writing formulaic papers, but before the end of the second semester, they should be able to weave concrete detail and commentary in such a way that the flow of their papers is natural and seamless.

English IV
The study of British literature for this course is based on the tradition of a historical survey of British literature. Students study the literary works of major British authors while focusing on the time and the culture, in which these authors lived and wrote. Major literary periods are explored through universal literary themes and common characteristics in the works of the authors. Students synthesize the British experience through compositions, discussions, projects, and dramatics.

English Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
A college-level course taken during the senior year, this class extends the skills students learned in AP Language and Composition. The focus is on British literature, literary analysis, intensive reading and writing. Students are given ample practice in class and generous feedback on their writing; however, because this is an intensive course with a large reading component which must be done outside of class, students are strongly encouraged to evaluate their decision to take this course and make a serious commitment to self-discipline and rigor. Senior AP English students are expected to have refined their writing during the junior year so that they can now focus on serious research and literary criticism. Again, students must pass the test with a score of "3" or higher, but should be aware that if they have already earned six hours for their junior-level course, they will most likely not receive additional college credit for AP Literature. This course does fulfill the state and district requirement for the fourth year of high school English. Students are strongly encouraged to take the course if their plans include a field of study or profession where lucid writing, philosophy, and the connection between the Humanities and Medicine are stressed.

Practical Writing Skills; Study Skills
Practical Writing Skills focuses on practical tasks such as writing business letters, inquiries, and requests; developing applications, resumes, and order forms; and taking notes. Students deepen their knowledge of the writing process as they practice a simple, grammatically correct style intended for a specific purpose. Those who have underdeveloped language arts skills are provided spelling and/or vocabulary development.

Yearbook
The production of the school’s yearbook is the focus of this course. Students develop and manage staff, study the history of yearbooks, plan the book with a ladder diagram, market and advertise the book. Students get hands-on journalistic experience with theme development, coverage, layout design, copy writing, interviewing, photography, cropping, captioning, typography, editing and proofreading. Students produce the book with the use of desktop publishing software, a yearbook template, and various clip art programs.

Communication Applications
Communication Applications focuses on helping students develop effective communication skills that are needed for successful participation in professional and social life. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, develop, and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.

SAT Prep (Advanced Reading)
The SAT Prep course provides students with strategies for taking the SAT verbal test and formulating academic goals. Students enhance their vocabulary by learning new words and approaches for distinguishing meaning through content. Reading practices includes a variety of selections from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences with questions testing the student’s understanding of the facts, assumptions and inferences from this reading material. Classroom exercises entail practice in taking standardized language exams. In order to reduce test anxiety, students acquire knowledge of the test format and scoring methodology.

Mathematics

Algebra I and Algebra 1 Pre-Advanced Placement
This course provides the foundation for higher level mathematics by examining the structures of the real number system, the application of algebraic representation in problem solving, and the use of graphing and technology to interpret linear relations and functions.

Geometry, Geometry Pre-Advanced Placement
This course provides the foundation for higher level mathematics through the study of axiomatic systems and the concepts and properties associated with lines, planes, and three-dimensional figures.

Algebra II, Algebra II Pre-Advanced Placement
This course provides the foundation for higher-level mathematics by examining the development of mathematical structures and the use of graphing and technology to solve and apply quadratic functions and relations.

Pre-calculus, Pre-calculus Pre-Advanced Placement
This course provides the foundation for calculus by examining the real number system and polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, circular, and trigonometric functions, their properties and applications.

Advanced Placement Calculus, AB and BC
This course provides the opportunity for students to use algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic function and explore concepts associated with limit and derivatives of a function and concepts associated with integrals and techniques of integration.

AP Statistics
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference.

Science

Biology, Biology Pre-Advanced Placement
Biology is the study of the structure, growth, and function of life systems of selected organisms. This laboratory-oriented course will encompass historical contributions to biological concepts; energy production, transfer, and use in living system; and the interrelatedness of organisms with each other and with environments.

Students acquire data using their senses and instrumentation. Observations are made of living organisms in the environment, prepared specimens, various ecosystems, and inherited traits. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the field and the laboratory.

Advanced Placement Biology
Biology AP is the study of general biological principles as well as the more specialized biological sciences. Cytology, biochemistry, developmental biology, genetics, ecology, taxonomy, and various aspects of adaptation are integrated within this laboratory-oriented course. Relationship and applications of concepts within and among the various sciences are explored. As an advanced course, Biology AP has as recommended prerequisites Biology and Chemistry I. Biology AP and Chemistry may be taken concurrently.

Students acquire data by using their senses and instrumentation. Student investigations should emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory and field.

Integrated Physics & Chemistry; Integrated Physics & Chemistry Pre-Advanced Placement
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) is designed to introduce ninth grade students to the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Students begin by learning the metric system and how to convert units within the metric system. The students learn to distinguish between physical and chemical properties and changes. Subatomic particles, the formulation of compounds and balancing equations are part of the introduction to chemistry. Concepts involving motion, forces, energy and power are investigated with an emphasis on the mathematical relationships between the hands-on manipulation of a variety of simple machines is central to the investigation of concepts of physics.

Chemistry; Chemistry Pre-Advanced Placement
Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and behavior of matter. The course of study emphasizes the investigation of matter, its interaction, and the factors affecting the interactions. Chemistry is a laboratory-oriented course that stresses the observation of matter and its behavior, classification of matter, communication of data, measurement of chemical quantities, prediction of chemical phenomena, and manipulation of chemical investigations. Students acquire data by using their senses and instrumentation. The investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.

Advanced Placement Chemistry
Advanced Placement Chemistry is an in-depth study of chemical concepts and principles encountered in Chemistry. This laboratory-oriented course also integrates the specialized areas of chemistry such as organic chemistry, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and nuclear chemistry. AP Chemistry is an advanced course with recommended prerequisites of Chemistry and Physics; the latter may be taken concurrently with AP Chemistry. AP Chemistry may be offered as a regular course, an honors course, or may be taken for advanced placement. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.

The laboratory program in AP Chemistry should present both confirmatory activities and inquiry investigations. The student should have experiences in glassworking, filtrating, titrating, weighing, collecting and handling gases, selecting and arranging apparatus, and designing some experiments. Through laboratory experiences, students should gain an operational definition of the concepts and principles of chemistry. Some of the laboratory work should include the analysis of unknowns through a variety of laboratory procedures.

Physics; Physics Pre-Advanced Placement
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Students are introduced in this laboratory-oriented course to mechanics, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear phenomena. Students acquire information using the senses and instrumentation. Observations of the laws of force and motion, the nature of light, wave phenomena, and properties of electricity and magnetism are integral components of the course. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, analysis of data, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.

Advanced Placement Physics
AP Physics is an in-depth of physical concepts and principles encountered in Physics. It also integrates some of the more specialized areas of physics such as nuclear and modern physics. AP Physics is a laboratory-oriented course with laboratory investigations conducted in mechanics, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena. Students acquire information using the senses and instrumentation. As an advanced course, AP Physics has recommended prerequisites of Physics and Chemistry; the latter may be taken concurrently with AP Physics.

Scientific Research and Design
The Scientific Research and Design course at DeBakey High School for Health Professions provides students in their senior year with the opportunity to conduct an original science research project. The course is an outreach program currently with Baylor College of Medicine, aimed at pairing students with mentor researchers in the Texas Medical Center. Students will be introduced to the reading and critiquing of scientific literature, will obtain hands-on experience learning basic experimental methods in a research laboratory, collecting and analyzing data, while working on an original research project. Students present their research to a panel of experts at the end of the year, learning and using professional presentation methods such as PowerPoint graphics. They must also prepare a written presentation prior to the oral presentation, both of which are used in determining their course grade. The course fulfills two advanced measures towards the Distinguished Achievement Program. Students interested in the course should have a good chemistry background, be interested in research as a possible career, and be extremely self-motivated.

Social Studies

Sociology
Sociology provides an opportunity for systematic study of individuals, groups, and social institutions. Content includes concepts such as social stratification and mobility; cultural conflict, change, and contact; the structure and function of social institutions; and the role of mores, traditions, and folkways in a society.

Psychology
This course gives students the opportunity to study individual and group psychology. Students learn how the knowledge, methods, and theories of psychologists are applied to analyzing human behavior. Course content is organized to help students develop critical attitudes toward superficial generalizations about human behavior, to recognize the tentativeness of propositions about human behavior, and to achieve a better understanding of behavior in general.

Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and its Benefits
The course provides opportunities for students to study basic principles concerning production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services. Content builds an understanding of the essential components and benefits of the free enterprise system. Students study such concepts as scarcity, economic interdependence, the market system, prices, economic stability, and growth. They examine the role of government in the American economic system and explore selected aspects of international economic systems.
The course gives students insights into the techniques and tools used by economists in analyzing data. Students are also provided opportunities to acquire competencies and knowledge of practical economic functions. This course is the culmination of the economic content, concepts, and methodology students studied in the elementary grades and in required secondary courses.

Advanced Placement Macroeconomics
The purpose of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. This course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics.

World Geography Studies; World Geography Pre-Advanced Placement
World Geography studies provide students the opportunity to study the interaction of people and their physical environments in the major areas of the world. Content introduces the student to the world geographers, their unique vocabulary, tools, and methodologies. Student acquire an understanding of the physical setting of the Earth, locate and study different land forms and regions of the world, learn how people and geography impact each other, and are introduced to urban analysis. Content offers students the opportunity to put into practice the geographical concepts and skills they have accumulated throughout the social studies program beginning in the elementary grades and in the Texas and United States history courses.

World History and Advanced Placement World History
This course includes further study of the history and development of world cultures that students encountered throughout the elementary grades and earlier secondary social studies courses. Content includes the development of early civilizations, western civilization, and other world regions from their early days to the present.

This course provides students the opportunity to compare and analyze various ways of life and cultural patterns that reflect the diversity and commonality of human experiences and the understanding of how these patterns occur. Geographic influence on world history is a part of the study.

Note: Because of the broad scope of this course and its limitation to one year of study, teachers should consider carefully what topics should be studied in greater depth. They may also consider a restructuring of the essential elements and sub elements around broad movements or themes such as the rise of nationalism or cultural conflict and change with the understanding that none of the elements can be omitted or deleted.

United States History and Advanced Placement United States History
Content for the second year of study of United States history includes significant individuals, issues, and events after the period of Reconstruction to the present. The course continues the focus from Grade 8 on the history, geography, and political and economic growth of the nation. It also continues the theme of cultural pluralism as a characteristic of American society, past and present.

Students study the emergence of the United States as a world power. They learn how geography influences historical developments, analyze economic development and growth, understand the nation’s social and cultural developments, and study the political development of the United States from Reconstruction to the present.

This course is also designed to continue and expand social studies skills and processes started in the elementary social studies program.

Whenever appropriate, content should include primary and secondary sources such as diaries, letters, newspapers, public laws, decrees, and documents to provide a comprehensive study of the historical, economic, social, and political development of the United States.

United States Government and Advanced Placement United States Government
This course provides an opportunity to study in depth the foundation of the United States political system; to analyze the political institutions, processes, and values of the system; to trace the development of the United States governmental system; and to analyze the structure and functions of government on local, state, and federal levels.

Students put into practice the concepts they learned about responsibilities on the personal, social and civic levels. They also analyze the institutions and processes of local, state, national, and other political systems. The content builds upon knowledge gained in elementary grades and in earlier secondary social studies courses and focuses on an analysis of historic documents associated with the political development of the United States and on students’ participation and decision making in civic affairs.

Foreign Language

Modern Languages, Level I-III
Oral proficiency is the basis for all modern foreign languages, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Each modern language course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, writing, study of the culture, and basic language concepts. Students in Level I courses learn and produce words and phrases needed for real-world situations. Students in subsequent courses, Levels II and III, use the knowledge obtained in Level I to listen, speak, write and read the target language at increasing levels of proficiency.

Modern Languages IV-V
Modern languages, Levels IV and V, are advanced courses. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, study of the culture, and language concepts are maintained as the focal point for each modern language. These courses also emphasize literary works in the target language. Students must demonstrate oral proficiency in the classroom and in the community.

Physical Education I-IV

Physical Education at the high school level provides an opportunity for students to experience lifetime sports activities that promote the concept of fitness for life. Instructional units focus on basic conditioning, appraisal of individual fitness levels, as well as recreational, team and individual activities. The ultimate goal of this program is to empower students to understand that total fitness is an individual responsibility. Through participation in a variety of activities, students are encouraged to examine their individual needs to maintain a desired level of fitness.

As a graduation requirement, instruction is provided on a daily basis with a three-semester time frame.

Computing

Business Computer Information Systems
Business Computer Information Systems introduces basic concepts and provides hands-on skills related to microcomputer systems and applications.

Computer Science I (Inactive)
This course emphasizes programming principles, style, and a structured approach to program development. The goal is to bring the student as quickly as possible to the stage of writing and testing complete programs in a systematic manner. The course covers integer and Boolean data types, input and output, and the basic control structures of sequencing, selection and repetition.

Web Mastering
Web Mastering provides the tools to communicate information in different formats and to diverse audiences. Through the study of web mastering foundations, including technology-related terms, concepts, and data input strategies, students learn to make informed decisions about technologies and their applications. The efficient acquisition of information includes the identification of task requirements; the plan for using search strategies, and the use of technology to access, analyze, and evaluate the acquired information.

Fine Arts: Art

Art I
The first year of high school art is a basic course that provides a foundation for those that follow. The course is primarily devoted to deliberate and systematic presentations of various art processes. The approach to art experiences during this time is experimental in terms of materials and structures in terms of providing students a strong foundation in design, drawing, and vocabulary. The student electing art from Grade 9 and above must begin with Art 1.

Art II
The second year of art continues as a basic course, providing a foundation for others that follow. The course is devoted primarily to the conscious and systematic presentation of various art processes, procedures, theories, and historical developments. While the approach to art experiences during this time is experimental in terms of materials, it is still structured in terms of providing a strong foundation in design, drawing, painting, and vocabulary.

Advanced Placement Studio Art
The Advanced Placement Studio Art program enables highly motivated students to perform at college level while still in high school. The College Board offers three portfolios: 2-D Design, 3-D Design, and Drawing Students may submit portfolios for each course, but not within the same year. The AP Portfolio should be viewed as the culminating experience in a student's secondary visual arts training. The AP Portfolio is described below:

Each portfolio requires submissions in three distinct sections. The sections are designed to assess different aspects of student performance. The sections require the student to demonstrate quality, breadth, and in-depth engagement in the process of making art. The three sections of each portfolio are:

Section I: Quality - The development of a sense of excellence in art; (5 artworks)
Section II: Concentration - An in-depth commitment to a particular artistic concern (12 artworks)
Section III: Breadth - A variety of experiences in the formal, technical, and expressive means available to an artist. (12 artworks)

Pre-Requisite: Art 1 (complete year)

Pre-AP Studio Art
Pre - AP Studio Art classes enable the High School sophomore and
junior students to prepare for AP - Studio Art classes, although the student can go to AP - Studio Art classes without Pre-AP being a requisite. The areas of study will be the same as AP Studio Art, but the course load is not as intense. Students will be expected to complete 8 art works in each of three sections:

Section I: Quality (2-3 artworks)
Section II: Concentration (8 art works)
Section III: Breadth (8 art works)

Pre-AP Studio art enables the student to spread the work load for the portfolio review out over a period of two years, the first year building up to the culmination of the presentation of the portfolio to the College Board at the beginning of May in any given year.

Prerequisite for Pre-AP Studio Art is one year of Art I.

Fine Arts: Music

Choral Music I-IV
The courses support continuing development of vocal music skills and musical understanding begun in the elementary and/or middle school grades. Although listed as four separate courses, Choral Music may be taught as a combination of the courses on a concurrent basis. In these classes, students receive identical instruction and perform the same literature but receive credit for the course in which they are enrolled. Differentiation is made in performance expectations as the students progress in the continuum of development represented in these four courses.

Fine Arts: Theatre Productions

Theatre
This course focuses on helping students, through a variety of theatrical experiences, communicate in a dramatic form, make artistic choices, solve problems, build positive self-concepts, and relate interpersonally.

Health Science Course Descriptions

Ninth Grade Introduction to Health Science Technology

Introduction to Health Science Technology exposes the student to the health care system through an investigation of the history of medicine, medical ethics, and preventive medicine, while providing activities in career planning and the development of life skills. By studying the historical context from which current medical practice evolved, the student develops an appreciation and understanding of technical advances and the human dimension in the biomedical field. The student is taught to view the health care system as a consumer and a potential health care professional.

Tenth Grade Health Science Technology I

Health Science Technology I familiarizes the student with the multitude of careers in the health care system. Students receive instruction in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, recognition of vital signs, and the administration of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Eleventh Grade Health Science Technology II

Health Science Technology II allows students to explore and practice a diversity of health care techniques through three units of study: patient care practicum, medical laboratory assisting, and dental assisting. Each unit of study meets two periods daily for three successive months.

1. Patient Care Practicum
Students are introduced to health care principles and practices utilized in infection control, emergency care, first aid, and the care of a hospitalized patient. Refinement of health care skills is accomplished through actual patient care in hospitals and clinics at a variety of Texas Medical Center facilities under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.

2. Medical Laboratory Assisting
Students are taught the basic techniques employed in hematology, clinical chemistry, bacteriology, parasitology, serology, and urinalysis. The DHSHP’s professionally equipped laboratories allow students to gain experience in the use of analytical balances, pipettes, colorimeters, pH meters, cellular particle counters, and the autoclave.

3. Dental Assisting
Students receive instruction in chair-side dental assisting, mixing of restorative materials, casting of inlays, crowns, and models of teeth, radiology theory and application, and knowledge of dental specialties.

Twelfth Grade Health Science Technology III

Health Occupations III exposes students to the health care system through three units of study: advanced health science, medical laboratory II, and the preceptorship. Each unit of study meets tow periods daily for three successive months.

1. Advanced Health Science
Through this two-hour course, students participate in advanced physiology, histology, mycology, and microbiology. Students are involved in a thorough examination of the structure and function of human organs and tissue pathology. Instruction includes skills development in cat dissection, tissue preparation processing and recognition, and microbe isolation and identification for examination.

2. Health Occupations Cluster
For 12 weeks students are introduced to the exciting, demanding, fast paced careers of rehabilitation specialists in therapeutic and diagnostic healthcare. Focusing predominantly on occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy, students spend their first 6 weeks in intense classroom instruction studying topics which include patient behavioral management; non-violent crisis intervention; common disabilities in rehabilitation; patient evaluation, assessment, and treatment; therapeutic exercises and activities; and medical documentation. During the second 6 weeks, students career shadow licensed rehabilitation specialists for 3 to 4 days each as they perform their duties in medical facilities located in or near Houston’s Texas Medical Center. Career shadowing experiences may include rotations in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, respiratory therapy, music therapy, radiology, social work, and/or pharmacy.

3. Preceptorship
Students are exposed to 12 weeks of stimulating, challenging, and dynamic experiences in Houston’s world-renowned Texas Medical Center. Many outstanding educational institutions are participating in this instructional endeavor, including: Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center, the University of Texas Dental School, The Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Ben Taub General Hospital, the University of Houston School of Optometry, and Texas Southern University School of Pharmacy. Students assist in the selection of the medical site for health career exposure based on their medical or science interests.