Course Descriptions
CA Heidelberger--Montrose HS

Composition I
Required: Grade 9, Fall, 1/2 credit

This required course covers grammar and composition for grade 9. Course work includes grammar drill and practice, basic library and online research, reading and discussion of short non-fiction (news, commentary, essays, etc.), vocabulary-building exercises, proofreading, and writing. All course work aims toward improving students' writing skills.

Composition II
Required: Grade 10, Fall, 1/2 credit

This required course covers grammar and composition for grade 10. Course work includes grammar drill and practice, library and online research, reading and discussion of short non-fiction (news, commentary, essays, etc.), vocabulary-building exercises, proofreading, and writing. All course work aims toward improving students' writing skills, particularly persuasive writing.

Composition III
Required: Grade 11, Spring, 1/2 credit

This required course covers grammar and composition for grade 11. Course work includes extended non-fiction assignments (chapters of selected texts, at least one complete non-fiction book) as bases for expository and persuasive writing. Course work also includes proofreading, grammar review, vocabulary-building exercises, and other skills as warranted by student needs demonstrated in writing.

Composition IV
Required: Grade 12, Fall, 1/2 credit

This required course covers grammar and composition for grade 12. Course work concentrates on extended writing assignments based on non-fiction works, current events, and cinema. Course work also includes proofreading, grammar review, vocabulary-building exercises, and other skills as warranted by student needs demonstrated in writing.

Practical Writing
Required: Grade 11, Fall (Quarter 2), 1/4 credit

This required quarter course introduces students to E-Prime as a tool for improving writing and revision skills. Writing assignments include letters to the editor, business letters, job application letters, résumés, and college and scholarship application essays.

Research and Writing
Elective: Grades 11-12 (grades 9-10 with instructor approval), Spring (Quarter 4),1/4 credit

This course introduces students to the term paper and MLA format. Students produce a single extended piece of research writing, researched and revised extensively.

Freshman Literature
Required: Grade 9, Spring, 1/2 credit

This required course introduces students to reading novels and watching plays from an analytical academic perspective. Students read at least six major works, including at least one Shakespearean play. As time permits, students will also read shorter works and poems. Course work includes reading, note-taking, vocabulary-building exercises, and essays. 

Junior Literature
Required: Grade 11, Fall, 1/2 credit

This required course expands students' exposure to reading novels and watching plays from an analytical academic perspective. Students read at least six major works, including at least one Shakespearean play. As time permits, students will also read shorter works and poems. Course work includes reading, note-taking, vocabulary-building exercises, and essays.

Senior Literature
Required: Grade 12, Spring, 1/2 credit

This required course prepares students for university-level reading and analysis of literary works. Students read at least four major works, including at least one Shakespearean play. As time permits, students will also read shorter works and poems. Course work includes reading, note-taking, vocabulary-building exercises, and essays.

Speech
Required: Grade 10, Spring, 1/2 credit

This required course covers theory and practice of public speaking. Course work includes expository and persuasive speaking, incorporation of visual aids in public speaking, job interviews, and parliamentary speaking.

Advanced Speech
Elective: Grades 11-12 (grades 9-10 with instructor approval), Spring (Quarter 3),1/4 credit

This course permits exploration of advanced speech topics in competitive forensic formats. Students and the instructor create scope and sequence of research and activities in extemporaneous speaking, oratorical speaking, oral interpretation of literature, policy debate, value debate, and/or parliamentary debate to suit student needs and interests.

Drama
Required: Grade 11, Fall (Quarter 1),1/4 credit

This required course gives all students experience at performing on a theaterical stage in front of an audience. Students rehearse and perform the traditional Montrose High School junior class play. Optionally, students may compose and direct scenes as part of the course.

Integrated Math I
Elective: Grades 9-12 (on instructor/administrative recommendation), Fall and Spring, 1 credit

This course meets the needs of students who need an alternative mathematics education setting to fulfill the graduation requirements in mathematics. The course will cover basic arithmetic skills, algebra, geometry, and probability and statistics. Scope and sequence will vary depending on student needs and class size.