Course Descriptions - Electives

Bible 6 (Life of Christ) (BB6)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is a comprehensive study of the life of Christ. Students explore Jesus' life as they study the chronology of the events in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.  Students will complete assignments given from the text and the workbooks, as well as memorize scripture and work on projects assigned by the instructor.

Bible 7 (Character Qualities) (BB7)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course challenges students through the lives of some of the most Godly characters of the Bible. This course is based on the Book of Judges and involves leadership studies.

Bible 8 (Doctrine of God) (BB8)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This class helps the student to establish a solid and personal Biblical worldview foundation by revealing, from the Word of God, the nature, character, and attributes of God so as to give teens a better grasp of who God is. It is based on the premise that the more we know and understand God through a careful study of His Word, the greater will be our personal challenge to maintain a right relationship with Him. More than simply a body of information, the course translates knowledge into personal applications by which students discover how an attribute of God applies to daily life.

Introduction to Bible Study (CHFD100)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is designed for students in 9th grade and teaches such skills as observation, interpretation, and application so that they will become students of the Bible for a lifetime. This course is purposed to provide students with the needed foundation for future CHFD courses here in NorthStar Academy.

Old Testament Survey (CHFD120)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Old Testament Survey provides the student with an opportunity to study the Bible with the aid of background research and history. Outside sources complement and support the lessons taught from the Old Testament Scriptures.

New Testament Survey (CHFD130)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course will seek to explore the New Testament books of the Bible in an overview fashion. During this exploration students will grow in their knowledge of these New Testament books. Along with this knowledge will come an emphasis on applying this Biblical knowledge in life.

Greek Mythology in Literature (MYTH200)

Prereq: ENGL 100 or equivalent

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course introduces the student to classical Greek mythology, Greek epic poetry, and culture. Connections are made between Greek mythology and poetry, and modern literature, Biblical accounts and New Testament culture.

Creative Writing (CRWR201)

Prereq: ENGL100

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is for anyone who wants to improve his/her writing skills by writing narrative and creative accounts. The course will cover such topics as Outlining using the Story Sequence, Creative Writing using Patterning, Critiques, Writing Stories from a Picture Prompt, and Non-Rhyming Poetry. This course is for students who are in grades 10-12. Check the semester schedule to see in which semester (fall or spring) this course will be offered.

Advanced Creative Writing (CRWR301)

Prereq: Creative Writing and ENGL100

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This class is for grades 10-12 students who enjoy writing. Students will be challenged to compose different forms of writing. Students will be expected to take writing to the publishable level. Planning, writing, and revising will be the focus.

Humanities 1 (HUMN 210)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course introduces the student to the history of art, architecture and material culture from prehistoric times through the Renaissance. Students will study two dimensional representations, sculpture, fiber, architecture and other art forms from these time periods. Check the semester schedule to see in which semester (fall or spring) this course will be offered. For tenth grade students and older.

Humanities 2 (HUMN 211)

Prereq: None (Humanities 1 is recommended)

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course introduces the student to the history of art, architecture and culture from Baroque styles through Post Modernism. Students will study two dimensional representations, sculpture, fiber, architecture and other art forms from these time periods. This segment of art history will also cover ancient and contemporary Asian, Native American, Latin American art forms. Check the semester schedule to see in which semester (fall or spring) this course will be offered. For tenth grade students and older.

Logic 1 (LOGC200)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: As the description for the text states, this class will “cover logical statements, fallacies, syllogisms, and many other elements.” The class will serve as an introduction to the study of logic as well as serve as a foundation for future classes in logic and rhetoric that we plan to offer here in NSA.

Logic 2 (LOGC210)

Prereq: Logic 1

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Intermediate Logic is designed as a continuation to Introductory Logic by Douglas Wilson. Some of the topics covered are purposes and types of definitions, methods of defining, rule for defining, negation, conjugation and disjunction, truth tables, formal proofs of validity and truth trees.

Music Appreciation (MAPP100)

Prereq: CD player

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: During this class, we will learn active listening skills. We will also explore the elements of music, including rhythm, melody, harmony, form, dynamics, timbre and texture. We will examine historical aspects and developments in music. We will learn about performance practices and etiquette. To complete our music education, we will look at a variety of instruments and musicians. We will study a wide variety of styles, from Woody Guthrie to Vivaldi, from reggae to chamber music.

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Learn how to use a variety of drawing tools to define and interpret what you see in God's creation and in man's construction. Practical lessons in expressing light and shadow, tones and shades, as well as using shapes, textures, and space will provide studies for larger in-depth projects in pencil, charcoal, colored pencils, and pastels. Most lessons will require some online searching of historical drawings. Visits to museums or national art gatherings will be extra credit opportunities.  Students need a scanner and/or a digital camera.

Drawing 2 (DRAW102)

Prereq: DRAW101

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Continue your exploration of drawing tools with an emphasis on figure and perspective drawing. Projects in this course will include multimedia human and animal portraits as well as land/city/seascapes. This course will provide in-depth exploration of the human figure, the animal world, and the earth. Most lessons will require some online searching of historical drawings. Visits to museums or national art gatherings will be extra credit opportunities.  Students need a scanner and/or a digital camera.

Painting 1 (PTNG 101)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Learn how to do the basic techniques of watercolor painting: washing, spattering, and masking. Students will produce watercolor paintings of still life, animal studies, landscapes, cityscapes or seascapes, as well as portrait studies.  Students need a scanner and/or a digital camera.

Painting 2 (PTNG 102)

Prereq: PTNG101

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Learn how to do the basic techniques of acrylic painting. Students will produce acrylic paintings of still life, animal studies, landscapes, cityscapes or seascapes, as well as portrait studies.  Students need a scanner and/or a digital camera.

Advanced Drawing and Painting (DRAW300)

Prereq: DRAW102/PTNG102

Credits: 0.5 or 1.0 depending on the program set by the teacher for the individual student(s)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This advanced class is a special project and an independent study class for advanced art students who wish to work on portfolio work for college entrance requirements. The student will work with Mrs. Townsend to set at least three technique/project goals. Topics that the student may explore include drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, clay, video production, etc. This class is not available to students of NorthStar HIS at this time.

Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 200)

Prereq: Recommended for 11th or 12th grade only

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: The course goal is to understand psychology from a Biblical perspective. Readings and instruction focus on differentiating science from the psycho-babble of new age humanism. Specific essay writing skills are guided to meet detailed rubrics.

Spanish 1 (SPAN100)

Prereq: Computer microphone is required

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Spanish 1 provides instruction in the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Students are also introduced to the Hispanic cultures of the world, past and present.

Spanish 2 (SPAN200)

Prereq: Spanish 1 and a computer microphone

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Spanish 2 continues at the next level of instruction in the four basic language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. There will also be an emphasis on Hispanic culture and people.

Spanish 3 (SPAN300)

Prereq: Spanish 2, WINDOWS-only computer software, computer microphone

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is for intermediate level Spanish students. Students will continue with vocabulary and grammar development and will focus on extensive reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish. Students will continue exploring Spanish and Latin topics while receiving an emphasis in peninsular Spanish rather than in Latin American Spanish.

Latin 1 (LATN100)

Prereq: Strong high school level English grammar knowledge

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Latin 1 stresses the basic structure of Latin, including basic grammar, essential syntax, and the pronunciation, comprehension, and translation of simple and edited Latin. Basic Roman and Greek mythology, culture, and history are also introduced.

Latin 2 (LATN200)

Prereq: Latin 1 from NSA or Teacher Approval

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Latin 2 stresses the review of Latin basics and includes the introduction of more advanced grammar and syntax. In addition, it allows students to delve deeper into Roman and Greek mythology, culture, and history through readings from actual Latin literature.

French 1 (FREN100)

Prereq: WINDOWS-only computer software, computer microphone

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is for students with little to no previous French experience and is designed to give beginners an introduction to written and spoken French communication. Students will understand the meaning of written and spoken statements which consist of basic vocabulary and/or commonly used sentences while learning how to express themselves by producing, orally or in writing, simple messages in a structured context. Students will learn how to present information and ideas and ask basic questions on a variety of topics, using the present tense and immediate future tense. This class will also present topics related to the French culture.

French 2 (FREN200)

Prereq: French 1 and WINDOWS-only computer software, computer microphone

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: French 2 builds on the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and the basic grammar skills which the students learned in the French 1 class. Students will be required to understand the meaning of a series of interrelated ideas dealing with a familiar topic, to engage in short conversations, to express feelings and emotions, and to exchange opinions. Students will learn how to present information and ideas on a variety of topics using present, future, and past tenses and will continue to demonstrate an understanding of French culture.

Sign Language 1 (SIGN101)

Prereq:  None, but will need regular access to digital video camera and DVD player

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This is an introductory course to American Sign Language and Deaf Culture which will cover Units 1-3 of the text.  Students will develop basic expressive and receptive conversational skills to introduce themselves, exchange personal information and talk about where they live.  Communication strategies include basic sign formation and recognition, use of facial expressions, fingerspelling, and use of gestures.  Students are encouraged to use what they learn to observe and participate in Deaf activities.

Special Note:  A stable Internet connection is needed for this class for sizable uploads and downloads. 

Sign Language 2 (SIGN102)

Prereq: SIGN101 and will need regular access to digital video camera and DVD player

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This is an introductory course to American Sign Language and Deaf Culture which will cover Units 4-6 of the text.  Students will develop basic expressive and receptive conversational skills to review and build upon skills learned in SIGN101, as well as talk about family, share everyday activities, and tell stories.  Communication strategies include basic sign formation and recognition, use of facial expressions, fingerspelling, and use of gestures.  Students are encouraged to use what they learn to observe and participate in Deaf activities.

Special Note:  A stable Internet connection is needed for this class for sizable uploads and downloads. 

Computer Skills 6 (CS6)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: With this interactive program, students develop computer and technology literacy covering ten fundamental computer strands: electronic reference, spreadsheets, presentation, database, gadget, computer basics, keyboarding, drawing and graphing, Internet and word processing.  TechKnowledge activities seamlessly integrate technology into math, science, reading, language arts, social studies, and fine arts.  Teacher-assigned projects will be used to make the skills and content learned applicable to students' other courses at NorthStar Academy.

Introduction to Computer Programming Pascal (CPSC100)

Prereq: None

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This first introductory course in computer programming is designed for the student who has no prior back-ground knowledge in computer programming. Topics covered are computer history, computer logic, programming strategies, algarithms and code development. The Pascal programming language provides the context for all programming instruction and coding/compiling. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science - JAVA (CPSC500)

Prereq: CPSC100

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course teaches programming in JAVA while preparing the student for the Advanced Placement exam. Students will need to locate an authorized AP testing before March if they wish to take the AP exam.

Computer Repair and Maintenance (ELEC200)

Prereq: Algebra 1; Windows Computer Only

Credits: 1 (two-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This class is designed to get the student “inside” a personal computer and understand how it really works, how to maintain it, and how to troubleshoot and repair it. Not only will you learn how to work with the hardware that physically makes up a personal computer, but you will also understand and learn to work with the major operating system software products that control the hardware of the computer. Ultimately you will cover all the material necessary to be prepared to take the nationally recognized CompTIA A+ certification test (http://www.comptia.org/certification/a/default.asp), the cost for which is not included in the tuition cost for this class.  Students need a computer running Windows 98SE, Windows 2000 or Windows XP with CD or DVD player. Although hands-on repair work is not required to successfully complete the course, the author recommends working on actual computers during the course. The instructor recommends examining and working with a Pentium class or newer "scrap" computer.

Basic Electronics and Digital Logic (ELEC210)

Prereq: Algebra 1

Credits: 0.5 or 1

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Did you ever wonder how all the electrical equipment we use every day really worked? Well, anything using electricity relies on the same basic electrical components arranged in many different ways. How would you like to get your hands on some of these components and put them together to make some interesting electrical circuits and, in the process, learn why they function the way they do? No prior experience in electronics is needed, only a willingness to follow step-by-step instructions to put together some fascinating little devices. Students may enroll in this class as a one semester only or a full year student, and if as a one semester only student, may complete the first semester’s lessons during either the Fall or Spring semester.

Digital Photography (FOTO200) - NEW

Prereq:  None; a digital camera is required

Credits: 0.5 or 1

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description:  In this class we will learn the difference between a photograph and a snapshot. We will learn the basics in black and
white photography, including care & handling of a digital camera, cleaning, composition, exposure, and basic image manipulation.

Special Note: A stable internet connection is needed for this class for sizable uploads and downloads.

Learning Office ‘07 (BCOM105) (Windows only)

Prereq: Microsoft Office software

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course teaches the basics of Office ‘07: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. BCOM105 is NOT related to BCOM200.

Introduction to Webpage Design (BCOM200)

Prereq: None; Windows 2000 or Mac OS X.2 or newer; 550 MHZ processor for both platforms

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: The course teaches the basics of web page design focusing on principles that make for more professional looking web pages. Being able to edit in HTML is not a prerequisite. BCOM200 is NOT related to BCOM100.

Special Note: A stable internet connection is needed for this class for sizable uploads and downloads.

Intermediate Webpage Design (BCOM210)

Prereq: BCOM200; Windows 2000 or Mac OS X.2 or newer; 550 MHZ processor for both platforms

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Students will learn how to use one of the most widely used webpage design programs available, Dreamweaver, as they learn how to use themes, bullets; import text and images; create hyperlinks; move images and change their appearance; add text to images; create text animations, apply page transitions, add hit counters; compose marquee text; and create forms and tables.

Special Note: A stable internet connection is needed for this class for sizable uploads and downloads.

Keyboarding (KEYB100) (For Windows or Macintosh)

Prereq: None, English Language-based keyboard

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is offered to students in grades 6-12.  This course is not for high school credit.  Keyboarding is for the beginner typist/keyboardist who wants to learn how to “type by touch” and not by the “hunt and peck” method! Students will learn proper hand and finger positioning, correct posture, key positions, and striking techniques. Speed drills, “games”, business writing, and formal tests are all part of the course’s assessments of student
learning.

Accounting 1 (ACCT200)

Prereq: Algebra 1, Knowledge of Microsoft Office (firm knowledge of Excel)

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: ACCT200 is an introductory study of the basic principles of accounting. Beginning with a proprietorship, students will be guided step-by-step through a complete accounting cycle: analyzing transactions, journalizing, posting, petty cash, financial statements, and adjusting and closing entries. Students will then complete the same cycle with more complicated business structures.

Accounting 2 (ACCT210)

Prereq: Accounting 1

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Students will continue with their study of accounting as they cover topics such as dividend distribution, work sheets, revenue and expenses, inventory, assets, depreciation, accounts receivable, journals, and more.

Yearbook Design (YRBK200)

Prereq: None, but Introduction to WebDesign is recommended

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: Students will work with the NSA Faculty Advisor to create the annual NorthStar Academy online (web-based) yearbook. Activities will include layout design, content formation, interviewing, surveying, webpage creation, graphic design, and graphic creation.

College Preparation (CLCR202)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course will help the students in their college selection, preparation, and admission processes. Students will cover the following topics: 1. Setting Educational Goals and objectives - Time Line for preparing for college application and admission, 2. Review College Options - college selection process, and 3. Evaluating and making the final college/university choice.

SAT Preparation (CLCR203)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course seeks to prepare students to take the SAT test which the College Board offers to students planning on gaining university admission. The course will focus on test-taking strategies while affording students with the opportunity to complete several practice SAT tests.

Learning to Learn (CLCR210)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course will provide students with new learning techniques to help process information and retain it in long-term memory. Each student will discover their own personal learning style, which will make them a strong student. They will also learn such techniques as mind mapping, effective textbook reading, note taking, and memory skills.

Life Management Skills (CLCR215)

Prereq: None

Credits: 0.5 (one-semester course)

Learning Resources Required for this Class Available for Purchase from our Online Bookstore: View Class Resource List.

Description: This course is intended to prepare students for life on their own as college students. Many students attend college without the necessary tools that they need for budgeting their money, balancing their study and social time, making simple meals based on sound nutritional choices, taking care of their clothes (i.e. laundry and even basic sewing), and organizing their “personal space”. This course is intended to help the students make a smooth transition into the college life that awaits them. Teacher created e-text lessons will contain most of the information that a formal text would present.