the 2015/2016 Live, Interactive Course Catalog - Homeschool
Transcript of the 2015/2016 Live, Interactive Course Catalog - Homeschool
Homeschool Connections Course Catalog 2015/2016
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2015/2016 Course Catalog
Live, Interactive Courses
Homeschool Connections Course Catalog 2015/2016
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About Our Instructors ............................................................................................................. 4
Contact Information / Fees .................................................................................................... 13
Summer 2015 ........................................................................................................................ 14
Fall 2015: Middle School and High School .............................................................................. 17 Business .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Computing ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Fine Arts ......................................................................................................................................... 18 German .......................................................................................................................................... 19 Government / Law .......................................................................................................................... 19 Greek .............................................................................................................................................. 20 History ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Latin ............................................................................................................................................... 22 Life Skills ......................................................................................................................................... 24 Literature ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Math ............................................................................................................................................... 27 Philosophy ...................................................................................................................................... 31 Science ........................................................................................................................................... 31 Spanish ........................................................................................................................................... 39 Speech ............................................................................................................................................ 40 Test Prep ........................................................................................................................................ 41 Theology ......................................................................................................................................... 43 Writing: Aquinas Writing Advantage ............................................................................................... 48
Spring 2016: Middle School and High School ......................................................................... 58 Business .......................................................................................................................................... 58 Computer Programming ................................................................................................................. 58 German .......................................................................................................................................... 59 Government/Law ........................................................................................................................... 60 Greek .............................................................................................................................................. 61 History ............................................................................................................................................ 61 Latin ............................................................................................................................................... 63 Life Skills ......................................................................................................................................... 65 Literature ........................................................................................................................................ 65 Math ............................................................................................................................................... 68 Philosophy / Logic ........................................................................................................................... 71 Science ........................................................................................................................................... 73 Spanish ........................................................................................................................................... 80 Speech ............................................................................................................................................ 88 Test Prep ........................................................................................................................................ 89 Theology ......................................................................................................................................... 90 Writing: Aquinas Writing Advantage ............................................................................................... 95
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Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................ 106
Aquinas Writing Advantage: What is it? .............................................................................. 108
Aquinas Writing Advantage: Suggested Scope and Sequence .............................................. 109
FAQ: Accreditation .............................................................................................................. 113
Sample Planning Form ......................................................................................................... 117
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About Our Instructors Monica Ashour, MTS, MHum. With 20 years of experience in the classroom and Master Degrees in Humanities and Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, Monica Ashour comes to us with a breadth and depth of vision that solidifies and electrifies high school students. A published author, international speaker, and expert in Pope John Paul II’s seminal work, the Theology of the Body (TOB), Miss Ashour’s approach to theology is quite distinct for she sees TOB as Angelo Cardinal Scola does—as a foundational way of seeing the Sacramental View of Reality, which can be applied to any area of the Church’s teachings. She is co-‐founder of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, Inc. (TOBET;www.tobet.org). Her published books include Theology of the Body
Marriage Preparation(TOBET), ToB for Tots, her children’s series for 1-‐4 year olds and ToB for Kids (released in August) for 5-‐8 year olds (Pauline Books and Media), the Parent’s Guide to Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition and Social Networking: How to Plug in without Tuning Out (Ascension Press). Miss Ashour teaches theology.
Dayspring Brock, MHum Ms. Brock has been teaching literature for 11 years in private and charter schools around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She currently teaches 9th, 10th, and 12th grade English at Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth. She holds a Masters in Humanities with a concentration in literature from the University of Dallas and loves to integrate studies of literature with the history of the times as well as the ideas influencing the literature as well. When she is not teaching, she is playing her ukulele, entertaining her friends with paleo dinners, traveling to small Texas towns, and reading books. Miss Brock teaches literature. Phillip Campbell Phillip Campbell holds a BA in European History from Ave Maria University and recently completed a certificate program in Secondary Education through Madonna University. He has a background as a Youth Director and RCIA instructor. He teaches history and Scripture for the St. Augustine Homeschool Enrichment Program. Mr. Campbell is the author of the popular fantasy-‐epic Tale of Manaeth. His writings have also appeared in such publications as St. Austin Review and The Distributist Review. Mr. Campbell served as the Mayor of Howell, MI from 2011 to 2015. Mr. Campbell and his wife of fourteen years homeschool their four children. Mr. Campbell teaches history.
Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Professor Brown Conroy has been teaching writing for 17 years, including teaching students in private colleges, universities, and online. She was an online professor of writing and research for Patrick Henry College (six years) and taught writing, leadership and management, and health and wellness for Cornerstone University’s Professional and Graduate Studies Division (seven years). Professor Brown Conroy is an author of several non-‐fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success and Twenty Secrets to Success with Your Child; designs online courses (including an AP English Language and Composition course for PHC Preparatory Academy online); and speaks at conferences on education and learning, reading, and writing. She has a BS and MA from Western Michigan University (WMU) and is currently completing an MFA in Creative Writing at
Western Colorado State University (WCSU) with a double concentration in Creative Writing, Genre Fiction and
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Screenwriting. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, she is also a fiction writing coach for high school and college students; has judged writing contests; and has been a freelance professional writer in marketing/web writing and ghostwriting for twenty years. Professor Brown Conroy authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program – a five-‐level multisensory learn-‐to-‐read program for children ages 2 to sixteen, and teaches an international online LIVE reading program at www.readwitherin.com. Prof. Brown Conroy, who has been homeschooling for 29 years, homeschools the four of her 13 children who still live at home.
Professor Brown Conroy is the Master Writing Teacher and the course designer of Aquinas Writing Advantage.
Kris Correira, PA-‐C, MHP Mrs. Correira is a homeschooling mom of three boys. She worked as a physician assistant in a busy emergency department for over 16 years, and now works at a walk-‐in center. She taught paramedic students at Quinsigamond Community College for 20 years and taught human biology labs at Eastern Connecticut State University. She has over 12 years of experience teaching online classes.
Mrs. Correira received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biological Sciences and Computer Science from Wellesley College, and her Physician Assistant Certificate and Masters of Health Professions degree from Northeastern University.
You can find Kris sometimes on the web at her science blog AtHomeScience.blogspot.com or her homeschool blog ScienceOfRelations.blogspot.com or her nature study blog APrivateEyeNature.blogspot.com. She is on Facebook (Kris AtHomeScience) and Twitter (AtHomeScience). You can also find her at daily Mass, Adoration, or whatever event is going on at her family’s parish. Mrs. Correira teaches biology.
MacBeth Derham MacBeth Derham is a retired homeschooling mother of four very different children, and wife to Don. She studied biology at Mount Holyoke College, and has taught natural history in the field for over 25 years. She currently teaches small classes in her homeschool group, mentors for Aquinas Learning, tutors math and science privately, and is the 4th grade catechist in her parish's Faith and Formation program. She blogs occasionally at http://macbethsopinion.blogspot.com. She speaks at homeschool conferences on the interdisciplinary need for nature study. Mrs. Derham teaches science.
Kathy Dutton Kathy Dutton holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, as well as a BA in Accounting from University of Michigan. Her early career involved research, including work with catalytic converts, neurology, and immunology. Mrs. Dutton has nearly 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience across various venues, including at the university, private tutoring, home-‐school group classes, and public and Catholic schools. Mrs. Dutton graduated her youngest child from the family homeschool last year. She teaches Catholic religious education and Confirmation preparation classes for her parish. Additionally, Mrs. Dutton devotes time to the Flint Regional Science and Engineering Fair, an ISEF-‐associated fair. Mrs. Dutton teaches chemistry.
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Dan Egan Daniel Egan received his B.S. in Geography from Northern Kentucky University, but his true love has been teaching Biblical Greek in Cincinnati since 2001 to high school and grade school children. He occasionally can be heard on EWTN's Sunrise Morning Show on their Bible Tidbit segment. Dan loves to study the Bible and to evangelize. He is happily married to Arica Egan and they have 5 children so far. He has been a student of Gary Michuta's since 2003.
Mr. Egan teaches Biblical Greek.
Thomas Frederick, MS Mr. Frederick is a Physics and Mathematics teacher at Saline High School in Michigan. He has twenty-‐plus years of classroom experience helping young people understand and apply mathematics and physics. He holds a Master of Science in Physics Education from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. In addition to being a teacher, Mr. Frederick is a Cross Country Coach and was the Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Confirmation Director for seven years at his local parish. In that time he built up the youth program from a handful of moderately committed kids to 75-‐100 young people packing the youth room every Sunday night! Suffice to say, he enjoys working with high school aged young adults in a
myriad of different venues—and especially enjoys living and sharing his Catholic faith. He and his wife homeschool their six awesome children. In his spare time, Mr. Frederick also enjoys running, scripture study, fixing computers, gardening, and keeping up a small orchard. He can be found online at www.physicsisphun.org.
Mr. Frederick teaches Conceptual Physics and Physics.
Robert Gotcher, PhD Dr. Gotcher is an independent educator and scholar. He has taught at a major seminary, graduate and undergraduate students, lay ministry students, diaconal candidates, and high school students, both online and in the classroom. He and his wife, Kathy, are raising their seven children in Franklin, Wisconsin. Dr. Gotcher has been actively involved in the homeschooling of his children, especially in junior and high school. He has taught Latin, literature, physics, astronomy, and religion to homeschooled students. He has a special devotion to the classical trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, especially as they pertain to the written arts. Dr. Gotcher graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in the
Program of Liberal Studies. He received his M.A. in Theology of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and his Ph.D. from Marquette University.
Dr. Gotcher teaches literature, theology, and logic.
Christine Hamilton, MS Christine Hamilton is a homeschooling Mother of 2 for 7 years. She is a graduate of Ohio University, with her BS in Biomedical Engineering and MS in Healthcare Administration. She is VIRTUS trained in Protecting God's Children and taught third grade PSR for her parish. Mrs. Hamilton teaches biology.
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Emily Henry Emily Henry grew up in Michigan where she was homeschooled along with her brothers. She graduated from Hillsdale College with a BA in Classical Studies, her concentration being in Latin. She lives with her wonderful husband in the greater Washington D.C. area where she nannies and teaches. She is excited to be starting her fourth year with Homeschool Connections in the Fall of 2015. Mrs. Henry teaches Latin. Jean Hoeft, MA Jean Hoeft has been a math and algebra teacher for 23 years. She has a BA from the University of Michigan and a MA from Marygrove University. Jean has taught the confirmation class at her Catholic parish for 28 years. She loves gardening, sudoku puzzles, raising chickens, reading, knitting, and everything Catholic. Mrs. Hoeft teaches math.
Alexis Mausolf, MA Mrs. Mausolf is a homeschooling mother of two. She earned a Bachelors degree in Russian studies from Washington and Lee University and a Masters degree in German, with a concentration in German literature, from Florida State University. While studying, she was chosen as group leader for the exchange program Beyond Borders between FSU and the Dresden Technical College. She was the recipient of a Bosch Stiftung in 1999-‐2000, which allowed her to live in Germany for a year, teaching English at several colleges in the Bundesland of Saxony. Mrs. Mausolf taught German at the college level in the States for a number of years and this is her second year teaching online with Homeschool Connections.
Her husband is from Germany and they enjoy speaking German at home in Texas with their Kindern. Mrs. Mausolf teaches German.
Gary Michuta Gary Michuta is the author of Why Catholic Bibles Are Bigger: Did the Catholic Church Add Books to the Bible? Mr. Michuta’s book How to Wolf-‐Proof Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Keeping Your Kids Catholic. This book gives Catholic parents and educators valuable insights into the deceptive tactics used by anti-‐Catholics and concrete suggestions on how to combat these methods. His newest book is Making Sense of Mary. Mr. Michuta was also the co-‐host of the radio show Hands on Apologetics Live. He is a frequent guest on various Catholic radio and television shows, and he also worked as an uncredited consultant for Steve Ray’s Footsteps of God video series. Since 2003, Mr. Michuta has
developed apologetic material for the Eastern Church Re-‐Evangelization Commission (E.C.R.C) to aid the Chaldean Catholic Dioceses. Gary currently offers classes on Apologetics to Catholic parishes around the country. Mr. Michuta teaches apologetics.
Lisa Mladinich Lisa Mladinich is a Catholic wife and homeschooling mom who absolutely loves teaching for Homeschool Connections! She is an author and speaker whose dynamic presentations on faith, catechetics, and women's issues can be heard at events around the country, as well as on Catholic TV and radio. Lisa's writing can be found at AmazingCatechists.com; her blog at Patheos.com, Water into Wine; her columns for RTJs Creative Catechist Magazine; and her booklets, "Be an Amazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children" and "Be an Amazing Catechist: Sacramental Preparation" from Our Sunday Visitor (in English and Spanish).
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Mrs. Mladinich is currently at work on a book about women's interior beauty for Servant Books/Franciscan Media due out in the fall of 2015 and a book of Catholic prayers for Liguori Publications due out in 2016. She has contributed to compilations such as "Why Should I Learn This?" from Homeschool Connections, and "Tending the Temple: 365 Days of Spiritual and Physical Devotions," published by Bezalel Books, as well as two upcoming women's devotionals for Ave Maria Press. For more information, visit Lisa's dedicated page at AmazingCatechists.com or connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Google Plus.
Mrs. Mladinich teaches writing.
Gerard Nadal, PhD Dr. Gerard M. Nadal holds a B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, M.Phil Biology (Medical Microbiology), and Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from Saint John’s University, Jamaica, New York. He also completed a three-‐year Post-‐baccalaureate Premedical Studies program at Columbia University, New York, and a Post-‐doctoral fellowship in Microbial Genetics at the City University of New York.
While studying at Columbia University, Dr. Nadal worked for three years as a research assistant in the Department of Psychiatric Epidemiology, and has over twenty years of teaching experience, beginning at Saint John’s University as both a doctoral fellow and adjunct professor, to Visiting Professor of Biology at Manhattan College,
Riverdale, New York, to his most recent and past-‐post as Academic Dean at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT. His courses taught include General Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Anatomy and Physiology.
In recent years, Dr. Nadal has devoted his time and efforts to leadership within the pro-‐life movement. He writes a pro-‐life, Catholic scientific blog, Coming Home, and has served as past National Director of Medical Students for Life. Additionally, Dr. Nadal is an organizer of conferences on poor prenatal diagnoses and therapeutic interventions, and a frequent guest speaker on the link between abortion and breast cancer, and oral contraceptives and breast cancer. Dr. Nadal has also had over twenty years of experience in tutoring high school students in biology, chemistry, and physics. Along with his wife Regina, Dr. Nadal homeschools their three children.
Dr. Nadal teaches anatomy & physiology and advance biology.
Jason Negri, MS, JD Mr. Negri has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and his law degree from Ave Maria School of Law. He was a member of Ave Maria Law School’s inaugural class of 2003, and is now a practicing attorney in Michigan. He is also Assistant Director of the Patients Rights Council, a non-‐profit group devoted to end-‐of-‐life medical ethics and is an elected Trustee of Hamburg Township. He and his wife Samantha homeschool their children. Mr. Negri has taught on the high school, college, and graduate level.
Mr. Negri teaches law and government. Kevin OBrien Mr. OBrien hosts the television series The Theater of the Word on EWTN and can also be seen on episodes of EWTN’s The Apostle of Common Sense, The Quest for Shakespeare, and The Journey Home. He portrays J. R. R. Tolkien on several Tolkien specials hosted by Joseph Pearce. Most recently Mr. OBrien has appeared in two movies, Manalive, based on the novel by G. K. Chesterton, and To Follow the Light: the Conversion of John Henry Newman.
In addition, Mr. OBrien has performed and produced 35 audio books, and is the only person in history to play every part in a Shakespeare play (twice!), which he did for
his audio readings of The Merchant of Venice and Macbeth for Ignatius Press. Along with fellow Homeschool Connections instructor Joseph Pearce, he is co-‐founder of the website The Christian Shakespeare, which publishes essays demonstrating the Catholic worldview of the world's greatest dramatist: www.christianshakespeare.com.
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Mr. OBrien is also a writer and regular contributor to The St. Austin Review and Gilbert Magazine. ACS Press will publish his autobiography in 2016. You can visit his website at www.thewordinc.org
Mr. OBrien teaches speech, drama, and literature. Dave Palmer, MTS Mr. Palmer received his Master in Theology degree from the University of Dallas. He is a great lover of Thomistic philosophy and is currently working on an outline summary of the entire Summa Theologica. His specific area of interest is the restoration of Christian philosophy in our culture according to the philosophy of St. Thomas. Mr. Palmer also holds a Bachelors’ degree in Communications/Journalism from Southern Methodist University and Masters’ in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He is currently the General Manager of the Guadalupe Radio Network Catholic radio station in North Texas. Mr. Palmer has taught theology (Sacraments and Scripture) at Bishop Dunne Catholic High School in Dallas. He is
married to Paula and has two young daughters, Ena and Maura, and an even younger son, Patrick. Mr. Palmer teaches Thomistic Philosophy.
Joseph Pearce Joseph Pearce is the editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions of Othello, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, with more in the works. He is the author of Shakespeare on Love: Seeing the Catholic Presence in Romeo and Juliet and two other books on Shakespeare: The Quest for Shakespeare: The Bard of Avon and The Church of Rome and Through Shakespeare’s Eyes: Seeing the Catholic Presence in the Plays. He has hosted two 13-‐part seasons of The Quest for Shakespeare for EWTN. He is Director of the Center for Faith &
Culture and Writer-‐in-‐Residence at Aquinas College in Nashville, editor of the St. Austin Review and has also authored books on great Christian writers such as G. K. Chesterton, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. His conversion story can be read in his autobiography Race with the Devil: My Journey from Racial Hatred to Rational Love.
Professor Pearce teaches literature.
Geralyn Rea, ME Geralyn Rea was born and raised in Wichita, KS, but journeyed north to complete her B.A. in English at Hillsdale College in Michigan. After graduating summa cum laude, she ventured down south to Texas to begin her Master of English degree at the University of Dallas. While working for the university and completing her degree, Geralyn also served as a writing, literature, and standardized testing tutor for homeschoolers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While tutoring, she rediscovered a passion for teaching, rivaled only by her love of the written word, and she is anxious to share both of these passions with all of her students. Geralyn lives with her husband near Dallas, TX, and she is looking forward to the joys of motherhood as she and her husband welcome their first child. Geralyn teaches test preparation.
Carol Reynolds, PhD Dr. Carol Reynolds weaves energy, humor, and history into everything she does. After a career as a professor at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, “Professor Carol” and husband Hank moved to a ranch and began creating Fine Arts courses for students and adults. Her unprecedented Discovering Music: 300 Years of Interaction in Western Music, Arts, History, & Culture and Exploring America’s Musical Heritage reach across the world. Her new course History of Early Sacred Music will appear this summer, as well as online courses on Russian Music, Research Skills for Students Entering College, and a new series on American Music. A pianist and organist, she is a popular speaker for the Van Cliburn Series, The Dallas Symphony, opera companies, and museums. She works frequently in
Eastern Europe and Russia as Study Leader for The Smithsonian.
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Dr. Reynolds teaches art / music appreciation and Russian history.
Jean Rioux, Ph. D. Dr. Rioux is an award-‐winning professor and chair of the philosophy department at Benedictine College, where he has taught for 28 years. A graduate of Thomas Aquinas College, he earned his Master's and Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Specializing in the thought of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, he has published textbooks in logic and natural philosophy, as well as several articles in the philosophy of mathematics; a book on Thomas' philosophy of mathematics is in the works. He and Benedictine's chair of theology, Dr. Richard White, regularly offer co-‐taught great books classes in philosophy and theology. Dr. Rioux and his wife,
Maria, raise their children in a farmhouse in rural Kansas. They have been designing their own curricula and educating their children at home for over 25 years. Dr. Rioux teaches philosophy.
Ed Rivet, MPA Ed Rivet has a B.S. in Pre-‐Law and Public Policy and a Master’s in Public Administration both from Michigan State University. For 23 years Mr. Rivet has served as the Right to Life of Michigan’s Legislative Director. He has written and helped enact dozens of laws, including the nation’s first complete ban on human cloning, and banning assisted suicide in the face of the assault on human life by Jack Kevorkian and Geoffrey Fieger. Mr. Rivet has done countless media interviews, appearing in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, plus live interviews on CNN and Good Morning America. Mr. Rivet teaches government.
Ricardo Rodriguez, PhD Dr. Rodriguez is an assistant professor of physics at Ave Maria University in Florida. He was a postdoc at the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A&M. He holds a PhD in Physics from Iowa State University, a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics also from Iowa State, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Physics and Mathematics from La Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia. When he is not teaching or working on the "Honey-‐Do List" at home, he tries do research in the quark-‐gluon plasma and hadron structure. Dr. Rodriguez teaches physics.
Carl Rossini, DBA Dr. Carl Rossini is an experienced business course developer and professor who has taught high school, college, and graduate students for 15 years. Prior to teaching, Dr. Rossini worked for 20 years in industry. His work experience includes business planning, brand development and marketing management. Brands that he has worked for include Texas Instruments, Pennzoil, and Gaylord Broadcasting. His MBA is from Southern Methodist University; his DBA (marketing emphasis) is from Argosy University. He also holds a BA and MA in History. His interests are branding and advertising, the enlightenment and scientific revolution, classroom to career, and research theory. He is married and has four children. Dr. Rossini teaches business.
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Domenico Ruggiero Mr. Ruggiero holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering – Engineering Management from the University of Central Florida. For most of his professional career, Domenico has worked at or near the NASA Kennedy Space Center. He has worked on the Space Shuttle Program as an Orbiter Structures Engineer for United Space Alliance. Currently he works for a large government consulting firm, where he has held many roles including Systems Engineer on the NASA Constellation Program and the NASA Commercial Crew Transportation Systems Program. More recently, he works as a data analyst & productivity automation expert for a variety of government agencies.
Domenico and his wife, Sonia, are proud parents to 3 young boys. In addition to the importance of close personal relationships with his wife and sons, he strives to maintain a healthy work-‐life balance so that he can impress upon the children other practical skills in addition to their homeschool academics such as outdoor skills, physical fitness, craftsmanship, gardening, sports, community service, and entrepreneurship. Related efforts have focused on establishing a Catholic homestead for his family.
Mr. Ruggiero teaches space science and computer programming.
Henry Russell, Ph. D. Dr. Henry Russell is Headmaster of the St. Augustine’s Homeschool Enrichment Program founded with his wife Crystal, which tutors more than 70 students. He is also the President of the SS Peter and Paul Educational Foundation, dedicated to founding an orthodox Catholic Liberal Arts college in southeast Michigan. A graduate of Princeton and South Caroline (M.S.), Dr. Russell completed his graduate work at Louisiana State University. Formerly the Chairman of Ave Maria College’s Department of Literature, he has also been a professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville and Wake Forest University.
Dr. Russell’s works include The Catholic Shakespeare Audio Series available from Kolbe Academy. He was the Associate Editor of The Formalist from 1990-‐2004 and his writings have been published in various journals. He was honored to edit Dr. Alice von Hildebrand’s groundbreaking volume, The Privilege of Being a Woman. Dr. Russell teaches classical literature.
Irma Luz Schmitt, MA Mrs. Schmitt was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico. She graduated from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Monterrey Institute of Technology) with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Education. In 2005, she earned a certification from Cambridge University in England to teach English as a second language.
Mrs. Schmitt has worked as an accountant at Catepillar, Cedetel and Sorteo Tec and she worked at Universidad Virtual del Tec de Monterrey as part of a team that initiated online courses in Accounting. Mrs. Schmitt has taught accounting, humanities, and Latin American studies at Universidad LaSalle in Ciudad Victoria. Additionally, she taught English as a second language in the Centro de Lenguas de la Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas.
While there she also participated in a distance-‐learning program to train teachers who teach English in elementary public schools. Mrs. Schmitt and her husband live in Delaware where they homeschool their 7-‐year-‐old-‐daughter.
Mrs. Schmitt teaches Spanish.
Alison Stanley, JD Mrs. Stanley has a B.A. from Michigan State University in Marketing and a J.D. from The University of Michigan. After graduating from law school, Mrs. Stanley obtained a prestigious judicial clerkship in federal court for serving the Honorable Paul V. Gadola, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She then practiced privately for a year and a half before retiring to take care of her five children, all who have been homeschooled at some point. Mrs. Stanley has intricate knowledge of government
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and Constitutional Law, which she weaves into al her classes. She has been a professor at Homeschool Connections for five semesters.
Mrs. Stanley teaches economics, law, and history. Sally Thomas Mrs. Thomas is a poet, essayist, fiction writer, and homeschooling mother of four, currently living and writing in North Carolina. Over the last two decades, her writing has appeared widely in publications large and small, including The New Yorker, First Things, Lay Witness, Verily, the Catholic literary journal Dappled Things, and the homeschooling magazine mater et magistra. Her debut poetry collection, Brief Light: Sonnets and Other Small Poems, appeared in 2012. She holds a B.S. in English and secondary education from Vanderbilt University, and her teaching background includes experience in both the high school and the college classroom, where she has taught literature, composition, and creative writing. A convert to Catholicism from the Anglican tradition, Mrs. Thomas serves her small rural
parish as First Communion catechist and volunteer choir director. She is also a contributor to the Catholic Charlotte Mason group blog Things and Thoughts. Mrs. Thomas teaches poetry.
Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Sharon Hamric-‐Weis received her undergraduate degree in Secondary English Education from the California University of Pennsylvania and taught both middle and high schools courses at the Palm Beach County School system. During her last year of teaching, Mrs. Hamric-‐Weis converted to the Catholic Church and was confirmed. Upon her acceptance to the Dickinson School of Law, she and her husband then relocated to her home state of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Hamric-‐Weis practiced law as Assistant Counsel for the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and has been published in the Dickinson Journal of
International Law, as well as working as a decision writer for the Pennsylvania Board of Workers’ Compensation. After working in law, Mrs. Hamric-‐Weis left her employment to raise her children and homeschool for several years before returning to work as a paraprofessional teaching and caring for a student with multiple disabilities. She is happy to be homeschooling her three children and teaching the advanced writing courses for Homeschool Connections. Mrs. Hamric-‐Weis teaches writing.
Christopher Zehnder, MA Christopher Zehnder holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula, California, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, Connecticut. He has taught history, theology, Latin, English grammar, composition, English literature, and universal literature at Catholic secondary schools in Connecticut and California. He has developed curricula in history and language arts. In addition to his work in education, Mr. Zehnder has edited two monthlies and written for various publications on historical, political, and theological subjects. He
currently is general editor for the Catholic Textbook Project, and is the author of three of the project's books: From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America; Light to the Nations II: the Making of the Modern World; and Lands of Hope and Promise: A History of North America (to be published). He lives with his wife, Katherine, and their seven children in Tehachapi, California, raising goats, chickens, and vegetables. Mr. Zehnder teaches history.
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Contact Information / Fees To register for live, interactive courses: http://reg129.imperisoft.com/HomeschoolConnectionsOnline/Search/Registration.aspx Email address: [email protected] Toll-‐free phone number: (888) 372-‐4757 Website: www.homeschoolconnections.com You can also find Homeschool Connections on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Live, Interactive Courses: Prices are shown with each course listing. Price varies for individual courses and is based on several factors:
• Length of the course • The difficulty level in grading homework • The instructor’s degree and experience
Course Materials: To help keep your expenses down, we provide many course materials online or as PDF files when possible. In the case of literature courses, the books should be easily available from your library. A few courses require the purchase of lab materials, workbook, or a textbook. When possible, we provide information to find them inexpensively or used. See individual course listings for required course materials.
Equipment: You need a computer, high speed Internet (not dial up), and a headset with a microphone (easily found inexpensively). No need for a web camera. If you would like the option of watching recorded lectures (available within 24 hours) on a newer television instead of your computer, you may need an HDMI cable or wireless system (such as Chromecast) to hook the computer to the television (optional).
Software: The software to participate in your classes is provided free. Generally speaking you should also have Microsoft Word to turn in homework assignments and the ability to read PDF files.
Additional Fees: None. We do not charge registration fees, family fees, orientation fees, late enrollment fees, etc.
Early Enrollment Discount: Course fees are discounted $5 to $25 for early enrollment. The deadlines are:
• Fall 2015: July 15, 2015 • Spring 2016: November 15, 2015
The discount is built in when you register. No need to remember special steps or discount codes.
Other Discounts Contact us for discount details if you:
• Plan to take a course as a co-‐op • Have two children taking the same live course at the same time
Other Services Offered by Homeschool Connections: • Unlimited Access (Recorded courses for independent learning) • Instructor Access (Grading services for recorded courses) • Free online conferences for Catholic homeschooling parents • The Catholic History Video Project
Please visit our website or email us for more information.
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Summer 2015 We also recommend Unlimited Access (recorded courses) for the summer semester. Unlimited Access is available 24/7 and classes can be taken at the student’s pace. This makes Unlimited Access an excellent choice for summer learning. See our website (http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/unlimited-‐access) or email for more information.
How to Be an Excellent Student: Note Taking, Test Taking, and How to Get an A Homeschool Connections offers this course free throughout the school year. It is offered twice in the summer, twice in the fall, and once again in the spring. How to Be an Excellent Student lays a foundation of study skills to help students be successful in all of their other courses. Class dates: This course will be offered twice in Summer 2015. Register for one of the following:
M, T, W, Th, May 4 to 7 OR M, T, W, Th, June 29 to July 2, 2015
Total classes: 4 Starting time: 1: 00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 10th grade Fee: FREE Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course is designed to help your student become strong, confident, and able to study for any high school level course with success. Course outline: Class 1: Active listening and how to take notes effectively Class 2: Active reading and how to study effectively Class 3: Critical reading skills for comprehension Class 4: Test-‐taking in a timed setting Course materials: All materials provided free from the instructor. Homework: This is a lecture course with approximately 2 hours of work per class (reading and automated quizzes).
Winnie Ille Pu: Winnie the Pooh in Latin Class dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, June 2nd -‐ June 18th (June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18) Total classes: 9 Starting time: 7:30 PM Eastern (6:30 Central; 5:30 Mountain; 4:30 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: At least Latin II (Parts One and Two) or equivalent. Email [email protected] if you’re unsure about the prerequisite. Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/2 semester Latin Fee: $100 for all 9 classes Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: Students who have taken Latin 2 (or higher) with Mrs. Henry will enjoy a laid back summer course of translating portions of Winnie the Pooh from Latin into English. The course will help students sharpen their grammar and translation skills without the pressure of a regular course or grades. This engaging and fun course will allow students to see Latin in a different light. Course outline: Translating a designated number of lines in preparation for class. Course materials: Winnie Ille Pu (Latin Edition) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/014015339X/catholictreas-‐20, affiliate link) Homework: Students should plan to spend up to an hour on their homework in preparation for each class.
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Health Science: Nutrition Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, June 8 to June 18, 2015 (June 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18) Total classes: 8 Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 AM Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Health Science Fee: $50.00 Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: Teaches the basic concepts of healthy eating. We will learn what food means to the body and gain a better understanding of its necessity. Course outline: Course materials: Provided free by the instructor. Homework: 1 hour
The New SAT: What you need to Know to Score Well Class dates: Monday through Wednesday, June 22, 23, and 24. Total classes: 5 Starting times June 22 and 23: Two 45-‐minutes sessions back-‐to-‐back each day at Noon and 1:00 PM Eastern, with a 15-‐minute break between (11:00 and Noon Central; 10:00 and 11:00 Mountain; 9:00 and 10:00 Pacific) Starting time June 24: One 45-‐minute session at Noon Eastern Time (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes per class Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/4 semester, Student Success Skills/Study Skills Fee: $75 for all 5 classes Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course acquaints students with the new components of the re-‐designed SAT, to become comfortable with the test content and style in order to score well in each test section. The course will also give examples of question types found on the test, help students to identify strategies to raise scores, and give practice opportunities so that the student can be fully prepared for the test. Course outline: Session 1: An overview of the test, including reading, writing, math, and eight key changes in the test Session 2: Relevant words in context and command of evidence Session 3: Essay writing and analyzing a source Session 4: “Math that matters” and problems grounded in real-‐world contexts Session 5: Analysis in science, history, and social studies, including founding documents and “great global conversation” Course materials: All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Requirements: Students must be able to use the Internet, to access practice tests and materials online. Homework: Minimal amount of reading, including practice tests, with suggestions for further practice.
How to Read Great Literature Class dates: Tuesdays through Thursdays, June 23, 24, 25, 30, July 1, and 2 Total classes: 6 Starting time: 2:00 AM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour Prerequisite: The desire to read great literature Suggested grade level: 10th & above (including adults) Suggested high school credit: 1/2 semester Literature
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Fee: $75. Instructor: Joseph Pearce Course description: The purpose of the course will be to teach students to read literarily and not simply literally. It will bestow upon them the critical tools they need to understand every work of literature that they read for the rest of their lives. As such, it is not simply a study of texts but a study of techniques employed by the greatest writers of Western Civilization. This being so, it is not crucial that any of the texts are read in their entirety; on the other hand, the more that the student knows about these works beforehand, the easier it will be for them to grasp the content and context of each class.
The works that we'll be discussing are the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Consolation of Philosophy, Beowulf, the Divine Comedy, the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, The Nun's Priest's Tale, several Shakespeare plays, including The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear, "The Wreck of the Deutschland", "The Waste Land", the Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Course materials: Class notes will be made available during class. Homework: Suggested preparatory reading and online quizzes on each of the six classes
Health Science: Physical Fitness Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, July 6 to July 16, 2015 (July 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 16) Total classes: 8 Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 AM Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Health Science Fee: $50.00 Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: Foundational program that introduces teens to physical fitness and strength training. We will learn fitness training and put concepts into practice for each class. Program is designed for home, backyard, park or anywhere with minimal space requirements. Course outline (day by day): Course materials: Weights, 3 lb, 5 lb or soup cans. Homework: 30 to 45 minutes per day in addition to attending the live class.
Christian Architecture through the Ages Class dates: Monday through Thursday, July 13, 14, 15, and 16. Total classes: 4 Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 12th grade. Suggested high school credit: 1/3 semester World History Fee: $65 for all 4 classes. Instructor: Phillip Campbell Course description: This course will acquaint students with the basic components of Christian ecclesiastical architecture, beginning with the basilicas of the late patristic era and moving through the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-‐Classical and Neo-‐Gothic. Course outline: Day 1: Late patristic basilicas, Day 2: Romanesque and Gothic, Day 3: Renaissance and Baroque elements, Day 4: Revivalism and the Modern Descent Course materials: Provided free by the instructor. Homework: Minimal amount of reading; test at the end of the week with suggestions for further reading.
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Fall 2015: Middle School and High School As live courses are completed they are added to Unlimited Access (recorded courses).
Business Fundamentals of Business Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015 Total classes: 14 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Business. For a full year of Business, register for Business Law in the spring. Fee: $190 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Carl Rossini, Ph.D. Course description: This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of business, including economic systems (totalitarianism, socialism, and capitalism), macroeconomics, the business cycle, the balance of trade, money and banking, the consumer value proposition, marketing and media, stocks and bonds, the profit and loss and balance sheets, operations and computer systems, and leading employees. Course materials: No text, there will be online readings provided free by the instructor. Homework: Reading. Weekly short essay questions to encourage critical thinking and research skills. Midterm and final quizzes. Approximately 3 hours per week in addition to weekly lecture.
Computing Computer Programming 101 This course is limited to 15 students. Since this course tends to fill to capacity, it will be offered again in the spring. Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 21, 2015. No class on December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 6:00 PM Eastern (5:00 Central; 4:00 Mountain; 3:00 Pacific). Subject to change. Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes) Prerequisite: Installation of the Python 2 and Python 3 programming languages (free downloads from http://www.python.org) should be accomplished prior to the start of the first class. Install Python 2 first, then Python 3 so that the default version is Python 3 (though both would be available). Python 3 is the current version and the future of Python... this is the version we will focus on. Python is available for multiple computer operating systems. Student should have a general familiarity with computers – the ability to open applications, use menu-‐driven commands, and type using the keyboard – so that the emphasis of time can be placed on specific programming lessons. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade. 7th to 8th grade is acceptable if the student has had previous exposure to programming in Python or other programming languages. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Computer Programming Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Domenico Ruggiero Course description: This is an entry-‐level course for students with little to no programming experience. It is also for those who are familiar with programming with an interest in learning the Python. Computer programming develops creativity, reasoning, and problem solving. It provides an opportunity for the programmer to create a completely new piece of software that can be used and shared with others. During development, the programmer thinks through the proper sequence of instructions and logic needed by the computer to execute the program. And
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when programs don’t perform as expected, problem solving techniques are utilized to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Students will be “writing” executable code very early in the course and build upon their skills throughout the course with an ever-‐expanding set of commands. At the conclusion of the course, students will have an opportunity to share computer programs of their own design. Time permitting, custom game design will be touched upon near the end of the course.
The Python programming language is a modern computer language and one of the easiest languages to use (and there are MANY out there). Once the basics of programming are mastered, individuals find it easy to learn more complex programming languages and utilize their unique qualities to perform specific functions best suited for those languages. Gaining an understanding of computer programming is a skillset that will serve students well personally and professionally. Course materials: See prerequisite section for a list of required software applications. Extensive handouts and online resources provided free by the instructor. Python documentation. Some book recommendations will be provided but are not required for purchase. Homework: Assignments will build on expanding knowledge base. Some assignments will have a Catholic theme to them. Assignments may include, but are not limited to, (1) writing small programs that perform a specific task or solve a specific problem, (2) reviewing printed code and identifying where problems exist, (3) reading resources to learn more about the various features and capabilities of Python, and (4) open creativity periods where the student will develop programs of their own design around their interests. In this course, students have an option to share their programs with fellow students via a short in-‐class demonstration (less than 5 minutes). Students will also collaborate with fellow students and mentor them when needed so as to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Students can expect 2 to 5 hours of time per week (outside of class time) dedicated to homework which is dependent upon the student’s typing rate and proficiency by keeping up with the studies. Additional time, if available, is encouraged so that the student can experiment with personal programs, “reverse-‐engineer” other programs, and maintain proficiency through repeated practice. Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.
Fine Arts Early Sacred Music Fine Arts is only offered in the fall for 2015/2016. Class dates: Mondays, September 14 -‐ December 7, 2015 No class on Oct. 26 for midterm break. Total classes: 12 live classes plus 12 recorded lectures. Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Prerequisite: None. No musical background is necessary. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 semester, History, Religious Studies, Fine Arts, or Humanities Fee: $160 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $180 after July 15th for all 12 classes Instructor: Carol Reynolds, Ph.D. (Professor Carol) Course description: Have you wondered about the roots of sacred music and wanted to learn more? This new course takes you from Old Testament times and Ancient Greece and Rome, through the Carolingian Era and the establishment of Christian worship throughout Europe and the Slavic lands, to the dawn of the Renaissance (1400). We'll encounter saints and philosophers, art and architecture, manuscripts and technology, emperors and political intrigue. And we'll consider the critical role played by the monks who developed, preserved, and spread the music.
Early Sacred Music features musical performances and commentary from a variety of scholars, including the monks of St. Louis Abbey, Sr. Margaret Truran (St. Cecelia's, Rome), the Ring Around Quartet from Italy, Dr. Michael Dodds (University of North Carolina), Dr. Christopher Anderson (Southern Methodist University), Dr. John Trapani (Walsh University), and more.
This is a serious course. It's beautiful, but serious. Not hard, just serious. Professor Carol would love to see parents learning alongside their children and make it a family affair. Course materials: Subscription in Circle of Scholars, http://www.professorcarol.com/about-‐the-‐circle-‐of-‐scholars/ Homework: In addition to attending the 12 live classes, students will watch 12 recorded lectures through the Circle
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of Scholars. There will also be automated unit quizzes and traditional exams.
German German I, Part One: German Connections This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to also register for Part Two in the spring semester. Registration limited to 20 students. Class dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 2 to Dec. 16, 2015. No class Sept. 7 and Nov. 25. Total classes: 29 Starting time: 10:00 am Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 9th grade. Upper grades may also participate if beginning German. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Language Fee: $195 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $205 after July 15 for all 29 classes. Instructor: Alexis Mausolf Course description: This 15-‐week course will introduce students to German vocabulary, grammar, and culture with twice-‐weekly meetings. The program will focus on building a solid German vocabulary and developing comprehension of the written and spoken German language. Each class will feature pronunciation practice, conversation, new grammar concepts and cultural trivia. Students will complete regular homework, quizzes and chapter tests, dictations and a short presentation at the end of the semester. To demonstrate that it is a living language, everything from nursery rhymes, songs, and proverbs to commercials and cartoons will be incorporated as learning aids. Course materials: German is Fun Book 1: Lively Lessons for Beginners by Elsie M. Szecsy, ISBN # 13619, published by Perfection Learning. (best ordered directly from publisher – PerfectionLearning.com) The Everything Learning German Book with CD, second edition, by Edward Swick, MA. Published by Adams Media. (easy to acquire from Amazon) *Both texts will be used for the second semester course as well. Homework: Learning a foreign language requires regular practice. Ideally, at least half an hour per day should be spent on German, i.e. completing the grammar drills assigned, memorizing vocabulary, reading for comprehension, taking tests or quizzes, listening to online German news broadcasts, and generally becoming familiar with the language.
Government / Law American Democracy & Government Class dates: Mondays, September 14 -‐ December 7, 2015 No class on Oct. 26 for midterm break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Government. For a full year of credit, see Government in the spring semester. Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Ed Rivet, MPA Course description: This course covers the fundamentals of our American democratic republic, with detailed study of our founding documents, the function of our government at the federal, state and local level. The course features a very popular "mock committee" exercise where students serve as a committee trying to craft legislation. Course materials: Free online and printable resources provided by instructor. Homework: Reading, quizzes, essay questions, and online research. Expect 1 to 3 hours each week on homework, which is graded by the instructor.
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Greek Introduction to Biblical Greek, Part One Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Registration is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015 Total classes: 14 Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Basic English Grammar Suggested grade level: 7th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biblical Greek or foreign language. Fee: $185 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $205 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Dan Egan Course description: In this course, we begin with the alphabet, which is not as frightening as might be thought. Then we will progress slowly into Nouns and adjectives. A part of the class will be given to Christian Greek symbols and their meanings. We will also focus on Greek roots found in English words to build our English vocabulary – an excellent boost for the SAT vocabulary section. There will be 10-‐15 minutes of homework every night and progress will be seen in a few short weeks. By the 3rd week we will be reading short passages from the Greek New Testament. Course materials: Basics of Biblical Greek, Deluxe Edition (2nd Edition) by William Mounce, ISBN # 0310250870 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310250870/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Includes study of vocabulary and grammar forms as well as worksheets. There will be a weekly practice quiz as well as an in-‐class quiz. Homework will take approximately 15 minutes daily in addition to weekly lecture and review.
History The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death” This course is limited to 20 students. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 23 to November 25, 2015. Total classes: 10 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 10 classes. Instructor: Alison Stanley, JD Course Description: In 1789, a three-‐part revolution began in France due to grave inequality between the three classes (“Estates”), the distressed financial condition of the French government and the widespread dissemination of Enlightenment ideals. The rebellion was radical and violent, leading to the abolition of the monarchy and execution of King Louis XVI. Although the monarchy returned to this country, the French Revolution drastically altered Europe forever by abolishing feudalism and promoting the principles of equality and natural right. Course materials: All course materials will be supplied free by the instructor. Homework: Homework is approximately 30 minutes a week consisting of original reading from the time period, as well as educational videos. A final project also will be assigned which will be presented at the last class. Moreover, a final exam will be given.
The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Part One Note: This is Part One of a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 7, 2015. No class October 26 for midterm break. Total classes: 12
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Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th grade and up Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester American History Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15th for all 12 classes. Instructor: Christopher Zehnder, MA Course description: This course will tell the story of the mission system that Fray Junípero Serra established in California, the various struggles he and his successors faced in bringing Christ and civilization to the primitive peoples of California and the opposition they faced from both Spanish and California officials. It is a dramatic story that includes many dramatic events: Indian rebellion, heroic sacrifice, and martyrdom. It is a tragic story, too, for it tells of the promise of the mission system and how it was ultimately destroyed. Course materials: Instructor will provide texts (primary source and otherwise) in PDF format to students. Homework: Weekly reading. Lectures will focus on those events and ideas that are the keys for understanding the historical periods under consideration. The teacher will evaluate the students by essay tests given after Week III, Week V, and Week VII. Thereafter, evaluation will be based on student's responses to questions in class.
History: Making of the Modern World: Light to the Nations II, Part One Please note: Light to the Nations I is NOT necessary to take Light to the Nations II. This is Part One of a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 7, 2015. No class October 26 for midterm break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes) Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 10th grade Suggesting high school credit: 1 full semester World History Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15th for all 12 classes. Instructor: Christopher Zehnder, MA Course description: This course examines how the Modern World – our world – came to be. It looks at the revolutionary ideas that created, first in Europe and then the entire world, an understanding of man and his relationship to God, the Church, and the state that was in many respects radically different from the understanding of these things that prevailed in the Middle Ages. Ideas influence deeds, and thus the course examines historical events, showing how they flowed from the struggle between those who held to traditional conceptions and those who embraced the new ideas. Events influence ideas, and thus we study how the events of history helped modify and develop both the new ideas and the traditional vision of the world. The course is divided into two parts. Part I (first semester) begins with the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries and concludes with the attempt, steered by Prince Klemens von Metternich, to reestablish the ancient regime after the fall of Napoleon's empire. Part II (second semester) continues the story, beginning with a study of Romanticism and concluding with Vatican II and the post-‐conciliar world. Course materials: The text for the course (both Part One and Part Two) is Light to the Nations II: The Making of the Modern World, published by and available from http://www.catholictextbookproject.com/. Homework: Students will read assigned portions of the text. Lectures will focus on those events and ideas that are the keys for understanding the historical periods under consideration. The teacher will evaluate the students by essay tests given after Week III, Week V, and Week VII. Thereafter, evaluation will be based on student's responses to questions in class.
The History of Latin America Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. No classes Nov. 2 for Midterm Break. Total classes: 13 Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes
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Prerequisite: None, Introduction to Christian Historiography and Modern European History recommended (both available through Unlimited Access). Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade; 9th and 10th grade students with above average reading and comprehension skills. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester World History or American History Fee: $200 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $220 after July 15th for all 13 classes. Instructor: Mr. Phillip Campbell Course description: Americans routinely hear about problems all over the globe, but seldom do we have the historical hindsight to understand the origin of these conflicts. In "The History of Latin America", students will survey of the history and culture of Central and South America, from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial period through the age of the revolutions and into the region's troubled modern period. Focus will be on South and Central America but will also touch on the Caribbean with an emphasis on illustrating how the region's past relates to its modern character. Course outline: Week 1: Geography: Introduction to the geography of south and central America Week 2: Pre-‐Columbian Peoples: Cultures of south and central America prior to Columbus Week 3: First Contact: Initial contacts with the Europeans and the Conquest Week 4: Brazil: The calamitous history of South America's largest nation Week 5: The Caribbean: Culture and history of the Caribbean islands Week 6: The Catholic Church: The role of the Church in creating the culture of Latin America Week 7: Culture and Society: Distinctive cultural characteristics of Latin America Week 8: New Spain: The creation of Mexico Week 9: The Age of Liberty: Revolution rocks Latin America throughout the 19th century Week 10: Banana Republics: Latin America and U.S. influence in the early 20th century Week 11: The Strong Men: Pinochet, Peron, and the Latin American dictatorships Week 12: The Spectre of Communism: Latin America's experiment with socialism and communism Week 13: Unresolved Issues: Contemporary problems in Latin America Course materials: Provided free by instructor. Homework: Five hours per week, including attending the live class, watching recordings, completing reading assignments, online quizzes, and occasional short answer or mini-‐essay questions.
Latin Middle School Latin, Part One This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Thursdays, September 10 to December 17, 2015. No class November 26 for Thanksgiving. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th and 8th grade Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $165 if you register after July 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: Students will be introduced to basic Latin grammar and vocabulary through fun activities and homework assignments. They will also be encouraged to use certain online resources to help them develop good study habits. This course will prepare students for Latin One. Materials will be supplied by the instructor. Course materials: Latin dictionary. All other course materials provided free by the Mrs. Henry. Homework: Students should spend a half hour a day, four days a week on their homework.
Latin I, Part One This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring.
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Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 15, 2015. No class on December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: One full semester Foreign Language Fee: $180 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $200 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: Throughout this fourteen-‐week course, students will focus on learning Latin grammar, vocabulary, and the history behind this beautiful language. Breakout rooms, Quizlet, and other materials supplemented by the instructor will be utilized to encourage good study habits. The textbook, Wheelock's Latin, will be our overarching guide for the course. Students will work up to chapter 10 (chapters are approximate and may vary slightly). Course materials: Wheelock’s Latin 7th Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061997226/catholictreas-‐20) and other materials supplemented by the instructor. Students are required to have a Quizlet account (free at www.quizlet.com). Homework: Students will have daily homework assignments and weekly quizzes. In addition to homework, they will be encouraged to study Latin for at least fifteen minutes each day.
Latin II, Part One This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. Total classes: 14 classes Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Latin I, Parts One and Two (live or recorded) or the equivalent. Students will also need a score of 70% or higher on the required entrance exam (email [email protected] for exam). Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: One full semester of a foreign language Fee: $185 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $205 if you register after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: Students interested in continuing their Latin journey will find that Latin Two is the right class for them! This fourteen-‐week course will focus on deepening students’ understanding of advanced Latin grammar, vocabulary, and the history behind this beautiful language. Breakout rooms, Quizlet, and other materials supplemented by the instructor will be utilized to encourage good study habits. The textbook, Wheelock's Latin, will be our overarching guide for the course. Students will work through chapters 20 -‐ 30 (chapters are approximate and may vary slightly). Course materials: Wheelock’s Latin 7th Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061997226/catholictreas-‐20) and other materials supplemented by the instructor. Students are required to have a Quizlet account (free at www.quizlet.com) Homework: Students can expect to spend a half hour to forty-‐five minutes a day (Monday – Friday) on their homework assignments, studying flashcards, and any additional assignments.
Latin III/IV, Part One (Rotation B) This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Thursdays, September 10 to December 17, 2015. No class November 26 for Thanksgiving. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes
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Prerequisite: Latin Two, Parts One and Two (live or recorded) or the equivalent; or Latin III/IV College Preparatory (Rotation A). A score of 80% or higher on the required entrance exam (given by the instructor). Email [email protected] for entrance exam. Suggested grade level: 11th and 12th grade Suggested high school credit: One semester Foreign Language Fee: $200 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $220 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: This is a college preparatory course for students who have studied Latin for at least two years and have a solid understanding of advanced grammar. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to implement everything they have learned by translating both ancient and modern Latin texts. This class is seminar style, facilitated by the instructor but mostly student-‐led. Course materials: Wheelock’s Latin 7th Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061997226/catholictreas-20); Allen and Greenough’s New Latin Grammar (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1585100277/catholictreas-20); a Latin dictionary; Livy Book 1 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0862922968/catholictreas-20) and Wheelock’s Latin Reader 2e: Selections from Latin Literature (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060935065/catholictreas-20) Homework: Students are expected to translate daily, spending an hour on their assignments. Life Skills How to Be an Excellent Student: Note Taking, Test Taking, and How to Get an A Homeschool Connections offers this course free throughout the school year. It is offered twice this semester and once again in the spring. This course lays a foundation of study skills to help students be successful in all of their other courses. Class dates: This course will be offered twice in Fall 2015. Register for one of the following days:
Fridays, September 25 to October 16, 2015 or Fridays, November 6 to December 4, 2015. No class Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving Break.
Total classes: 4 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 10th grade Fee: FREE Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course is designed to help your student become strong, confident, and able to study for any high school level course with success. Course outline: Class 1: Active listening and how to take notes effectively Class 2: Active reading and how to study effectively Class 3: Critical reading skills for comprehension Class 4: Test-‐taking in a timed setting Course materials: All materials provided free from the instructor. Homework: This is a lecture course with approximately 2 hours of work per class (reading and automated quizzes).
Literature Traitors, Traditions, True Patriots: Literature About the French and American Revolutions for Middle School This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 16 to December 9, 2015. No class November 25 for Thanksgiving Break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 5:30 PM Eastern (4:30 Central; 3:30 Mountain; 2:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes
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Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 8th grade Fee: $140 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $160 after July 15th for all 12 classes. Instructor: Dayspring Brock, MHum Course description: The literature about these "worst and best of times" is poignant for our own time. When traitors looked like patriots and patriots turn into traitors, confusion and deception rued the day. What was needed was a clever yet heroic loyalist who promoted the true aims of revolution: justice, sacrifice, and love for one's country. Through the storytelling prowess of either Dickens, Hugo, Dumas, among others, we will look at how these patriots are made. Aimed for middle school students, this course will engage the writings and thought of early revolutionary thinkers and poets by engaging students in the question on every one's mind at the time: When is it necessary to overthrow a king? Is revolution sometimes necessary? We will stake out our claims and read three works whose narratives take up these questions through rich, complex plots and characters. Traitors beware! Class readings and annotations will be expected to be completed by each class time. There will be a class lecture with discussion built in for each week's class. The first work we will discuss is the book by Ester Forbes entitled Johnny Tremain. This novel must be read by our first meeting. Course materials: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes; Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens; and The Scarlett Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Homework: Reading of the books and computer quizzes before each class time. Approximately, 2 hours per week
Drama and the Human Spirit for Middle School, Part One This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 16 to December 9, 2015. No class Wed. Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving Break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 8th grade. Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Kevin O'Brien Course description: From its beginning in ancient Greece and from its inception in England in the context of the liturgy, drama has always been about man's relation to God (or "the gods"). This survey course will examine some of the great works of drama and comedy, focusing on how dramatic art grapples with the question of the meaning of life and the revelation of God in the human heart. Course outline: Class 1: Introduction and Overview Class 2: Ancient Greece I -‐ selections from Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus Class 3: Ancient Rome -‐ selections from Plautus & Terence and the Story of St. Genesius, Patron of Actors Class 4: Medieval Drama -‐ Mystery and Miracle Plays (various short examples will be read and discussed) Class 5: Medieval Drama II -‐ Pageant Plays and selections from Everyman Class 6: Renaissance Drama -‐ selections from Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe Class 7: Renaissance Drama -‐ Macbeth by William Shakespeare -‐ I Class 8: Renaissance Drama -‐ Macbeth by William Shakespeare -‐ II Class 9: Renaissance Drama -‐ selections from Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare Class 10: Restoration and Continental Theater -‐ The Forced Marriage by Moliere Class 11: Restoration and Continental Theater -‐ Commedia del Arte and other forms Class 12: Conclusion and Review Course materials: Will be provided free by the instructor in the form of PDF's and eBooks; scenes from filmed versions of the plays will be shown during class time. Homework: Each play should be read before that week's discussion of it. Frequent short quizzes, consisting of multiple choice and essay questions Expect no more than 3 to 4 hours homework per week.
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Poetry 1: Introduction to Poetry How to Read a Poem Registration is limited to 20 students. Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Poetry or Literature/ Creative Writing. For a full year of poetry, see Poetry Writing 2 and 3 in the spring. Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Sally Thomas Course description: An introduction to reading and writing poetry, covering such literary devices as rhyme, meter, and figurative language, and the relationship of those elements to the overall meaning of a poem. Students will practice the art of close, critical reading, as well as experimenting with elements of poetry in their own writing. Introduction to Poetry plays a crucial function in the whole scheme of high-school literature, providing the student with a heightened understanding of this most mysterious literary form, as well as sharpening overall writing and critical-reading skills. Introduction to Poetry serves as a suggested preparation for more advanced and specialized poetry-writing courses. Course materials: Sound and Sense, 8th edition, Lawrence Perrine. Out of print, but readily available used for as little as $0.99 plus s/h. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0155074946/catholictreas-‐20) Course outline: Class 1: Introduction: What Is a Poem? Class 2: Reading the Poem Class 3: How Words Mean Class 4: Imagery Class 5: Figurative Language I Class 6: Figurative Language II Class 7: Figurative Language III Class 8: Allusion Class 9: Meaning and Idea Class 10: Tone, Diction, Voice Class 11: Musical Devices Class 12: Sound and Meaning Class 13: Rhyme and Meter Class 14: Advent Party: Festival of Poets and Poems Homework: One chapter per week in Perrine, with assigned poems. Reading quiz weekly. One poetry-‐writing exercise each week. Research project/presentation due during final class meeting, plus a portfolio of five finished poems. Grading provided by the instructor.
Narnia for Young Adults: The Theology of The Chronicles of Narnia Class dates: Wednesdays, September 23 to October 28, 2015 Total classes: 6 Starting time: This course will be offered twice (on the same day). Choose one of the following times:
1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) OR 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific)
Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Ability to read and enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Literature Fee: $90 if you register on or before June 15, 2015. $105 after June 15 for all 6 classes.
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Instructor: Joseph Pearce Course description: C. S. Lewis claimed that he "smuggled theology" into his fiction "under cover of romance". Professor Pearce will help students discover the deep Christian theology that Lewis successfully "smuggles" into his work. Course outline: Week 1: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe Week 2: The Magician's Nephew Week 3: The Horse & His Boy / Prince Caspian Week 4: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Week 5: The Silver Chair Week 6: The Last Battle Course materials: The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis Homework: Students should read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe before the first class. Homework entails daily reading and weekly quizzes.
The Catholic Shakespeare: A Contrast of Kings: Macbeth and Julius Caesar Class dates: Tuesdays, September 22 to December 1, 2015. No class October 27 for midterm break. Total classes: 10 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: One semester Classical Literature Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 10 classes. Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D Course description: Building on a long tradition of scholarship, the role of Shakespeare’s Catholicism in his dramas has been well established by the work of Lady Claire Asquith (Shadowplay). Joseph Pearce has done an equally fine job reviewing the tradition of Catholic connections in Shakespeare’s personal history. Our course will very briefly review that evidence and then place its focus on examining the two plays most widely read by high school students. Although set in Scotland of the 11th century and Rome of the 1st century BC, both plays comment clearly and powerfully on the sad situation of the Catholic Church, outlawed and persecuted in Shakespeare’s England. Both dramas end with victory for Christ’s Holy Bride that cannot, for long, be suppressed. Macbeth is our greatest play about how wickedness completely corrupts an initially good man who gives scope to occult evil, eventually becoming a mass-‐murderer like Lenin or Stalin. It is also the story of how a woman, Lady Macbeth-‐-‐ a figure of Queen Elizabeth-‐-‐destroys herself by casting away her feminine and god-‐formed nature. But the end is glorious as the man (Malcolm) who married St. Margaret of Scotland assumes the throne. Julius Caesar focuses on how even noble men like Brutus become corrupted by the lust for power and attack their country under the pretense of doing good for it. Such a theme is constantly relevant to political life. At the same time it presents the will of Christ as the ultimate force which drives history, using flawed men as its instruments for good. There is great enjoyment in seeing how Shakespeare roused the spirits of his many fellow Catholics by telling the truth in his time, while remaining largely immune from censorship or martyrdom. Dr. Russell, who has taught and written on the Catholic Shakespeare since 1992, will show that only when we bring a carefully Catholic view to the plays do they make complete sense and do not break down into a mere series of unanswered questions and scattered themes. Course materials: Any version of the play with line numbers Homework: Expect about one hour of reading per evening, plus approximately one half hour for note taking. There will be weekly automated quizzes; a midterm and final and two essays with Dr. Russell’s grading prompts for parental grading. Those will be assigned in the sixth and tenth weeks.
Math Note: Saxon Math courses are also available through Unlimited Access as recorded, independent-‐learning courses from Saxon 5/4 all the way through Calculus with optional tutoring.
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Saxon Pre-‐Algebra, Part One Class Dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. Total classes: 14 live classes, plus 14 recorded lectures. Starting time: 11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Basic math skills, Saxon 7/6 preferred (available through Unlimited Access). Suggested grade level: 8th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Students will begin the skills needed for Algebra I. These include but are not limited to: writing equations, slope of a line, solving simple equations, numbers and their operations, linear functions, and operations with integers. Course materials: Saxon Algebra ½ Homeschool Kit, Third Edition. (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/1508/OID/3321/Saxon-‐Math-‐Homeschool-‐Kits/) Homework: 4-‐5 assignments of 15-‐20 problems per lesson
Saxon Algebra 1, Part One Class Dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. Total classes: 14 live classes, plus 14 recorded lectures. Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Saxon 8/7, Algebra ½, or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Students will study all concepts in Algebra 1 from linear to nonlinear equations, graphing and numerical studies.. In it's entirety this course involves all concepts needed to fulfill national requirements for Algebra I. The topics to include but not be restricted to, operations with integers, rules of multiplicative identity and additive identity, equation solving, exponential function relations, quadratic function relations and their graphs, Cartesian graphing, polynomial relations and functions, radicals and their properties as well as some work with geometric properties as a background for use in Algebra II. Course materials: Saxon Algebra I Homeschool Kit, Third Edition (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/1508/OID/3324/Saxon-‐Math-‐Homeschool-‐Kits/) Homework: 4-‐5 assignments of 15-‐20 problems per lesson
Foerster Algebra 1, Part One Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 15. No class December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Pre-‐Algebra Suggested grade level: 9th to 10th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA
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Course description: Students will be required to watch a recorded 30-‐minute lecture each week and attend class for discussions and problem solving. Algebra 1 explores all avenues of linear equations, some non-‐linear equations and problem solving. Students will use all of their basic math skills to solve problems, graph equations, and think using the skills we develop. The instructor is available for Skype conferencing once a week if needed. Course Materials: Foerster's Algebra 1 (Third Edition, 1994), ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0201860948 ISBN-‐10: 0201860945 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201860945/catholictreas-‐20). We recommend purchasing the text used as it is considerably cheaper than new. Homework: 4-‐5 lessons per week with 15-‐20 problems to work per lesson
Foerster Algebra 2, Part One Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 15. No class December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Suggested grade level: 10th grade and up Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Foerster Algebra 2 will pick up where we left of in Foerster Algebra 1 with solving complex algebraic equations, complex fractions and exploring rational as well as irrational numbers. Students will also begin their exploration of trigonometric functions, as well as using the geometry that they have learned to find lengths and measures of angles. Students will continue with the ideas of solving for a variable, but now use vector analysis to go along with it. This is a great next step after Algebra 1, and will lead into geometry smoothly. Course materials: Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications (Prentice Hall Classics): http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131657100/catholictreas-‐20 Homework: 4-‐5 lessons per week with 15-‐20 problems to work per lesson
Holt-‐McDougal-‐Larson Algebra 2 (Honors), Part One This Algebra II course is more rigorous than the typical Algebra 2 course. Parents may give it an Honors designation on their student’s homeschool transcript. Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 15, 2015. No class on December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 14 live, interactive classes plus 3 to 5 recorded lessons each week. Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Skype Office Hours: Thursdays from 5:30-‐6:00 PM Eastern Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry (Both available through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $200 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $225 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Thomas Frederick, MS Course description: This fourteen (14) week course is the first part of a two part series on advanced concepts in Algebra. The goal of Algebra 2 is to build upon the concepts taught in Algebra 1 and Geometry while adding new concepts to the student’s repertoire of mathematics. Algebra 2 continues the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial and exponential functions and introduces rational, logarithmic and trigonometric relationships. Additional topics covered include matrices, sequences and conic sections. Application of concepts learned to the solution of real world problems will be a learning outcome. Graphing calculators will be used extensively.
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Course materials: Holt McDougal Larson Algebra 2 (2007), ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0-‐618-‐92393-‐9 ISBN-‐10: 0-‐618-‐92393-‐4 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0618923934/catholictreas-‐20). A TI 83 or 84 Graphing Calculator *(a FREE app can be downloaded for the Android Phone, Mac or PC but not for IOS) Homework: Weekly lessons will include prerecorded videos, note sheets, practice problems, and a quiz or test. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook along with solutions for students to self-‐check progress. Each unit will have a quiz or test at the end, which will be graded by the instructor in the Moodle interface. Students will be expected to watch daily prerecorded videos, complete daily homework (3-‐4 times per week). The instructor will host a live class once a week for one hour as well as hold weekly office hours for 30 minutes.
Jurgensen, Brown, Jurgensen Geometry, Part One Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 15. No class December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or equivalent coursework Suggested grade level: 10th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Jurgensen, Brown, and Jurgensen is a complement text to the Foerster Algebra series. Students will study two and three dimensional shapes as well as lines, rays and similar figures in a plane. Deductive reasoning will be used throughout the text to immerse students in proofs and the varying postulants and theorems that are used. Basic as well as more advanced constructions will be used along with algebra to connect algebra with the geometry that they are learning. We will be using the college entrance tests as a guide for the tests and quizzes so that students are familiar with the types of questions they will be expected to know and answer. Course materials: Geometry by Jurgensen, Brown and Jurgensen ISBN# 0-‐395-‐77120-‐X, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/039577120X/catholictreas-‐20 Homework: 4-‐5 assignments per week with 15-‐20 problems per lesson
Saxon Advanced Mathematics, Part One Class Dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 14 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: We will explore all the algebraic & trigonometric concepts; both linear and nonlinear plus functions, complex numbers, and concepts involving trigonometry & polar coordinates. This course will fulfill requirements for Pre-‐calculus and ready students for High School and college advanced topics math including Calculus. Course materials: Saxon Advanced Mathematics and Incremental Development, Edition 2 (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/1508/OID/3328/Saxon-‐Math-‐Homeschool-‐Kits/), with the test and homeschool pack, a scientific calculator (TI 30X or the like), graph paper, ruler, protractor, compass, and pencil. Graphing calculators are useful, but not necessary. Instructor will provide a free weekly lecture in addition to the live, interactive classes. Homework: 4-‐5 assignments per week with 15-‐20 problems to work per lesson.
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Philosophy Philosophy: An Introduction to The Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Part One Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to also register for Part Two in the spring semester. Class dates: Fridays, September 11 to December 11, 2015. No class October 23 for mid-‐semester break nor Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade. However, bright younger students would be acceptable. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Philosophy or Theology Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Dave Palmer, MTS Course description: The timeless philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, when properly understood, can be an invaluable help to all people today, including young people in high school and those preparing for college. For in it the eternal truths of the Catholic faith shine brightly, revealing to man the truths about the nature of God, the angels, other creatures and himself. We learn our purpose in life and the pathway back to God, our creator and end, through a life based on God’s grace, the Sacraments and a life of virtue. Most people never begin studying St. Thomas Aquinas because they think it will be too complicated or above their heads. This course is presented in a fun and interactive manner and will help students answer the most fundamental questions about their lives, the most perplexing questions about human nature, and come to a better understanding of who we are as made to the image and likeness of God. Course materials: The Summa by St. Thomas Aquinas can be found online and other reading materials for class will be provided. Nothing needs to be purchased. Homework: Will consist of taking a weekly short quiz and answering short essay question based on class material each week. Other assignments will involve connecting what is being learned to issues in the news of the day.
Science A History of Scientific Thought for Middle School Students Class dates: Tuesdays, September 22 to December 15, 2015. No class Dec. 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 5:00 PM Eastern (4:00 Central; 3:00 Mountain; 2:00 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: Curiosity Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $145 if your register on or before July 15, 2015. $165 after July 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: MacBeth Derham Course description: A romp through history of science. We will consider some great questions: What is science? What can we know? What can we observe? What can we change? Who are the great scientists? How does the Church view science? Course materials: A timeline and notebook; A Student's Guide to Natural Science by Stephen Barr, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐1932236927 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932236929/catholictreas-‐20); 1000 Years of Catholic Science by Jane Meyerhofer (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/413/1000-‐Years-‐of-‐Catholic-‐Scientists/). Homework: Reading and writing from Barr, short online or library-‐sourced readings for written summation. Homework will take under 2 hours a week. Graded by the instructor.
Middle School Life Science: Cell Biology (Life Science in the Catholic Tradition)
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Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 1, 2015. No class October 27 for midterm break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $175 if you register on or before Aug. 1, 2015. $195 after Aug. 1st for all 12 classes INCLUDING FREE e-‐book. Instructor: Kris Correira, PA-‐C, MHP Course description: The cell is the basic unit of all Life. This course introduces middle school students to what a living organism is; the structure, functions, and processes of cells; and genetics. Course outline: Class 1: Introduction to Cells and the Microscope Class 2: Cell Structure and Transport Class 3: Photosynthesis and Respiration Class 4: Mitosis and Meiosis Class 5: DNA and Protein Synthesis, Transcription Class 6: DNA and Protein Synthesis, Translation Class 7: Lab Discussion Class 8: Fr. Gregor Mendel's Peas Class 9: Inheritance Patterns I Class 10: Inheritance Patterns II Class 11: Lab Discussion Class 12: Genetic Disease and Discovery Course materials: Companion e-‐books will be provided free by the instructor for each topic. A list of required lab supplies will be distributed at the beginning of the semester. Access to a microscope is helpful but not required. Homework: Weekly quizzes. Five labs.
Spaceflight Operations and Related Sciences Note: This is a popular course that tends to fill to capacity, so it will be offered again in the spring semester. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 9 to December 16, 2015. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 6:00 PM Eastern (5:00 Central; 4:00 Mountain; 3:00 Pacific). Subject to change. Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes) Prerequisite: All virtual astronauts should report for duty with their imaginations and a love for learning. General familiarity with spacecraft and the related subject areas is a plus, but not required. >>>SOFTWARE<<< [1] Installation of the Orbiter Space Flight Simulator (free download from http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk) should be accomplished prior to the start of the first class. Please refer to the website for minimum computer hardware requirements. Some graphics cards have difficulty displaying some ship consoles (they look like holes cut out where flight instruments should be but you see the outside instead). Please test to ensure that the software displays them properly or the student will have greater difficulty controlling the ship (not a limiting factor for the class). [2] Access to a spreadsheet application like MS Excel (not free but possibly already installed on your computer) or Open Office Calc (free download at openoffice.org) is recommended for some data analysis. [3] Installation of the Fldigi (Fast and Light Digital modem program) for the purpose of processing ground-‐based and satellite radio signals. Version 3.21.78 (or greater) is available as a free download from http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html website. [4] Celestia 3D astronomy software (free download at http://sourceforge.net/projects/celestia/). [5] Orbitron and it can be downloaded from http://www.stoff.pl/. Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Space Science Fee: Fall: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 15 for all 15 classes.
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Instructor: Domenico Ruggiero Course description: This course is a jam-‐packed assortment of space-‐related sciences taught by a former NASA Space Shuttle Engineer. The variety of topics covered in this course could each be courses in themselves. The approach taken here is to present some very interesting aspects of the subjects in a way that doesn’t over-‐simplify the topics. Recognizing that homeschool students are exceptionally bright and are capable of understanding the fundamentals of complex subjects and researching additional material, the course material will be presented in a manner that captivates the child’s attention, makes them more aware of the depth of knowledge still to be gained, and then shows them how to learn more by providing a plethora of resources that the child will explore on their own and with the collaboration of fellow students. Class discussions will also be peppered with these subjects/topics:
• Material science – why certain materials are used and why some are not • Circuits and electronics • Sensors and other instrumentation • Sun science: Sunspots, radiation, solar wind, solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and how “space
weather” affects the Earth. • Earth observation science: Meteorology, Infrared, satellite imagery • OSS: Traveling from the Earth to the Moon and back • Use of computers and software in spacecraft, especially during long-‐distance trips • Work stories, lessons learned, and other advice • The importance of public speaking skills
Course materials: See prerequisite section for a list of required software applications. Extensive handouts, online resources, and software applications are to be utilized. Purchase of a small pad of green engineering paper would be useful when making hand-‐made plots. This paper type also makes for a “cool” science-‐looking notepad with its small-‐grid boxes useful for making impromptu plots/drawings. Book recommendations will be provided but are not required for purchase. Encouraged experimentation may require the purchase of related supplies, but this is optional and at the discretion/interest of the student and parent. Homework: Assignments will vary based on subject area. Where applicable, assignments will have a Catholic theme to them. Assignments may include, but are not limited to, (1) answering questions related to topics covered during the lectures, (2) researching related materials, (3) using the spaceflight simulator to accomplish a mission using newly gained knowledge of orbital mechanics (astrodynamics), (4) using online software defined radio stations and specially designed software to tune in ground-‐based and satellite radio signals, (5) using 3D space-‐related software applications to learn more about planetary motion and the occurrences of eclipses, (6) tracking the current and predicted location of satellites and the International Space Station. In this course, students have a required class project which promotes more of a deep-‐dive into a subject/topic of the student’s choosing. The finished project will be shared with fellow students via a short in-‐class demonstration approximately 3 to 5 minutes in duration. Students will collaborate with fellow students and mentor them when needed so as to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Students can expect a variable 3 to 6 hours of time per week dedicated to homework and progress towards their class project. Additional time, if available, is encouraged so that the student can experiment with specific personal interests. Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.
Conceptual Physics I, Part One Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates: Thursdays, September 10 to December 10, 2015. No class November 26 for Thanksgiving. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 75 minutes Prerequisite: Algebra I. Geometry is beneficial. Suggested grade level: 9th to 10th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Science
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Fee: $195 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $215 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Thomas Frederick, MS Course description: This 14-‐week course is the first course in a two course series in introductory Physics concepts. The title of “conceptual” means we will not rely too heavily on advanced mathematical calculations. Instead, we will stick to principles, concepts, and major theories. Students will have live instruction once a week. Topics covered will include: Scientific Methods, Linear Motion, Vectors & Projectile Motion, Newton’s Laws & Gravitation, Work, Power, & Machines, Energy & Momentum
The goal of the course is to investigate Physics concepts without the need for complicated mathematics (that can come later). Students will build in their natural intuition—and break some commonly held misconceptions. Students will learn how the cosmos that God created works and apply the laws of physics to every day examples in their lives. Students will learn that physics is phun! Course materials: Conceptual Physics Paul Hewitt (2006) ISBN: 0-‐13-‐166301-‐1 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131663011/catholictreas-‐20). We suggest buying used to save considerable money. Homework: Weekly reading from the textbook as well as online resources will be assigned. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook (along with solutions for students to self-‐check progress). Students will also be assigned interactive online activities that will help them to better understand and apply concepts learned in class. Each unit will have a quiz or test at the end, which will be graded by the instructor.
Mechanical Physics, Part One Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 15. No class December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 15 live classes plus 15 recorded classes. Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Algebra II and Trigonometry required. (Both available through Unlimited Access.) Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester credit Science. Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 15 for all 30 classes (15 live and 15 recorded). Instructor: Ricardo Rodriguez, PhD Course description: This is the first part of a two-‐semester course. It is expected that students also enroll in Physics II – in the spring semester. This course is an algebra-‐based, college prep survey course in Physics. Topics covered will include:
• Scientific Tools and Measurements • Linear Motion • Projectile Motion • Force and Newton’s Laws • Equilibrium and non-‐Equilibrium Applications • Universal Gravitation • Uniform Circular Motion & Satellites • Torque and Rotational Dynamics Students will investigate the inner workings of the universe, created by a loving God. The goal of this course is
to build on previous knowledge of Physical Science and to explore common misconceptions based on false intuition. Students will learn problem-‐solving strategies and they will apply the laws of physics to everyday examples. Course materials: Two textbooks. A free online book for reference: https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-‐physics and also Physics 5th ed, Cutnell & Johnson, ISBN -‐ 978-‐0471321460 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047132146X/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: This is an algebra-‐based course but it is quite rigorous. Weekly reading and completion of quizzes is expected. Thirty to sixty minutes of reading/homework a day is a reasonable expectation. The quizzes with their
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respective solutions are posted weekly so students can evaluate their understanding. Monthly Exams are also part of the class. All tests will be graded by the instructor.
Biology I, Part One It is highly suggested, though not mandatory, that students also register for Biology I: LAB, Part One (see below). Class dates: Fridays September 11 to December 18, 2015. No class Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving break. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 60 to 75 minutes per class (1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes) Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Science Fee: $150.00 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 14 classes Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: Prepares the student for ACT/SAT biology. Students are expected to take notes during class and ask questions. Notes will help with weekly quizzes, quizzes are open book. This Biology class is a general overview of high school Biology presented from a Catholic perspective. Students should have access to a microphone for the Q&A game at the end of class, as time permits. Course materials: Prentice Hall Biology ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0131662551 ISBN-‐10: 0131662554 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131662554/catholictreas-‐20) Homework: Weekly vocabulary, reading and quizzes. 1-‐2 hours/week.
LAB for Biology I, Part One You must be registered in Biology I, Part One in order to register for the LAB component. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Biology I, Part One Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $30 on or before July 15, 2015; $35 after July 15. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biology with Lab. Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: There will be 6 labs that are explicitly aligned with the Biology Part One classes. Biology Part One Labs are to be performed with minimum equipment and will consist of common household supplies. Course materials and technology: Pencil and paper. Materials will be listed at the beginning of the semester for each week.
Anatomy and Physiology, Part One This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Class dates : Wednesdays, September 8 to December 16, 2015. Total classes: 15 live classes plus 15 recorded classes Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 100 minutes per live class (1 hour 40 minutes) Prerequisite: High School Biology required, Chemistry preferred. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Science Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 if you register after July 15 for all 30 classes (15 live and 15 recorded). Instructor: Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. Course description: This two-‐semester course will introduce students to the principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology at a first year college level. The goal of the course of study is to prepare upper level high school students for first year college studies in Nursing, Pharmacy, and the allied health sciences. In many of these college programs, with nursing in particular, the top grades earned in college Anatomy and Physiology are used to
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determine who is granted formal entrance into the major course of study. This two-‐semester course of study does not substitute for college anatomy and physiology. It is meant to be a rigorous first introduction to this most challenging and foundational of all courses in the allied health sciences. The text selected for this course is widely regarded as one of the finest ever written, and its superior illustrations ease the attainment of mastery over the subject matter.
The course will use ample clinical anecdotes as students progress through the chapters, in order to immediately demonstrate the clinical significance and importance of the principle in question. Where appropriate, discussion of contemporary bioethical issues from the perspective of the Church’s moral magisterium will be engaged so that students learn from their earliest encounter with clinical medicine that morally imbued biomedical ethics must be their constant formative companion as they develop into medical professionals.
It must be emphasized that this course of study will require significant study time outside of class, but its rigors will stand the student entering college study of Anatomy and Physiology in very good stead for their second encounter with the material, whose mastery is essential for the subsequent courses in pathophysiology, and applied therapeutics.
The first semester will explore the principles of organization at the chemical, cellular, and tissue levels. Systems studied will include the skeletal, integumentary, muscular and nervous systems, with in-‐depth treatment of bones, ligaments, joints, human neuroanatomy and physiology at the central and peripheral levels. A special class will explore the advances made in the field of neuroregeneration and spinal cord injury repair using adult stem cells. Other therapies for neuromuscular disorders using adult stem cells will also be discussed in this lecture Course materials : Text: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14e with Atlas of the Skeleton Set, by Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan Derrickson, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐1118774564. (Available for rent at a much cheaper cost, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1118774566/catholictreas-‐20). Homework : Homework time varies by student, but an estimated 6 to 7 hours per week is not unreasonable, given the advanced level of material being studied.
Advanced Biology: College Level, Part One Note: This course is limited to 15 students. This course has not yet received approval from the College Board to be called AP on your transcript. However, it will well prepare you for the AP test in the spring. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 8 to December 17, 2015. No class Nov. 24 or 26 for Thanksgiving Break. Total classes: 28 Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 100 min. per class Prerequisite: High School Biology required; High School Chemistry highly recommended and preferred. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Science Fee: $250 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $275 after July 15 for all 28 classes. Instructor: Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. Course description: This two-‐semester course will introduce students to the principles of General Biology at a first year college level. The goal is to provide the most up-‐to-‐date treatment of contemporary biology and biotechnology, and to briefly treat the great ethical and moral questions of the day arising from the subject matter; in the classic model of a Catholic liberal arts education that stresses integration of the scientific and the moral magisterium of the Church. Students completing this course will be well prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology (Monday, May 9, 2016).
Part One (fall semester) will explore the principles of biology at the cellular and molecular level. Fundamental biochemistry, molecular and cytogenetics, transcription and translation, cellular respiration, cellular biology of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, cellular and organismal reproduction, Mendelian inheritance, and recombinant DNA technology are all of the main topics. Throughout both semesters, students will be taught how unit topics relate to principles of Darwinian Evolution, as understood and espoused by the contemporary biological community. The principles of Catholic bioethics will also be briefly discussed within units touching on contemporary topics in reproductive technologies.
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Course materials: Campbell Biology 10th Edition (ISBN-‐10: 0321775651 or ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0321775658), (Available for rent at a much cheaper cost, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321775651/catholictreas-‐20.) Homework: Homework time varies by student, but an estimated 5 to 6 hours per week, in addition to attending the live, interactive classes, is not unreasonable, given the advanced level of material being studied. Homework will involve the outlining of one essay per week, consistent with the structure of the Advanced Placement Exam’s essay requirements.
Chemistry I, Part One This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register also for Part Two in the spring semester. It is highly suggested, though not mandatory, that students also register for Chemistry I: LAB, Part One (see below). Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 8 to December 17, 2015. No class Nov. 24 or 26. Total classes: 28 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) Prerequisite: Algebra I, previous or concurrent (Available Live or through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Chemistry when Chemistry I, part 1 and Chemistry I: LAB, part 1 are taken together. Fee: $185 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $205 after July 15 for all 28 classes. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will be studying God's creation at the atomic level and discovering how marvelous it is. This college-‐prep Chemistry course. Over both semesters, will cover a wide range of topics including: Structure of Matter, States of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium, and Thermochemistry. We will also consider how Chemistry is important in our day-‐to-‐day life. I will provide grading of online and uploaded assignments and tests, and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Text: Chemistry, Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Waterman (Prentice Hall, 2008) ISBN: 0-‐13-‐251210-‐6. (We recommend buying used to save money as the new text is expensive, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0132512106/catholictreas-‐20.) 2. Calculator. 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: Approximately 3 -‐ 4 hours outside of class on homework and tests. Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework or lab questions during scheduled office hours or via e-‐mail daily.
LAB for Chemistry I, Part One You must be registered in Chemistry I, Part One in order to register for the LAB component. The discussion of the labs will take place during class. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Chemistry I Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Chemistry when Chemistry I and Chemistry I: LAB are taken together. Fee: $40 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $45 after July 15. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will do approximately 7 labs covering topics such a Lab Safety, Separating Mixtures, Atomic Modeling, Periodic Trends, Conductivity. As closely as possible, the topics covered in the lab will correlate with and support what we are discussing in class. I will grade all labs completed and give an overall grade for this course.
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Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Lab: MicroChem Kit -‐ Standard Edition, QualityScienceLabs.com, http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/chemistry-‐labs/microchem-‐kit-‐standard-‐edition/ (Labs will require some household supplies.) 2. Calculator. 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: Time required to complete each lab should average to about 2 hours, some will take more and others will take less time. Also, there will be weeks with little or no lab work.
AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry: College Level, Part One Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring. Registration limited to 15 students. To receive AP Credit the student must complete both the AP Chemistry Class and AP Chemistry LAB. You must register for the LAB component separately (see below). The labs will be discussed during the AP Chemistry Class. The LAB component is optional for students wishing to receive only Advance Chemistry credit. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 8 to December 17, 2015. No class Nov. 24 or 26. Total classes: 28 Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes). Prerequisite: 1 year of high school chemistry, Algebra II previous or concurrent (Available through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 11th or 12th grade (younger student only with permission of instructor) Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of credit Advance / AP Chemistry Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 25 for all 28 classes. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: In this college level chemistry course, we will continue studying God's creation at the atomic level and discovering how marvelous it is. Over both semesters, we will delve deeper into topic such as the Structure of Matter, Bonding and Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Equilibrium. We will apply the concepts learned to real-‐world examples from various field including cellular biology, materials science (polymers, plastics, superconductors, alloys…), environmental science, and industry. Student will develop strong analytical and problem solving skills. This class, with the lab, is intended to prepare students for AP Chemistry exam. I will provide grading of online and uploaded assignments, quizzes, and tests; and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Textbook: Silberberg, Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, 5th edition ISBN-‐10: 0077216504, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0077216504. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0077216504/catholictreas-‐20.) 2. Answer Key: Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, ISBN-‐10: 0073048607, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0073048604. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0073048607/catholictreas-‐20) 3. Calculator with log (log) and natural log (ln) functions 4. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 5. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities Homework: There will be weekly homework, chapter quizzes, 3 to 4 tests per semester test and a final exam. Students should expect to spend about 8 to 10 hours per week on Advanced / AP Chemistry; Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework daily via e-‐mail.
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LAB for AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry: College Level, Part One Student must be registered in Advance / AP Chemistry to register in the LAB component. We will discuss labs during the Advanced /AP Chemistry Class. Suggested high school credit: 1/4 credit for Advanced / AP Chemistry Lab (1/2 credit for the full year of Advanced/ AP Chemistry lab). Fee: $50 on or before July 15, 2015 ; $55 after July 15. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will complete all labs required by the College Board to receive AP Chemistry credit and prepare the student for the AP Chemistry Exam. As closely as possible, the topics covered in the lab will correlate with and support what we are discussing in class. I will grade all labs completed and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials: 1. Lab: Advanced MicroChem Kit, QualityScienceLabs.com, http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/advanced-‐microchem-‐kit-‐ap-‐chemistry-‐kit. (Labs will require some household supplies.) 2. Calculator with log (log) and natural log (ln) functions 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: A well-‐prepared student, with good math skills should expect to spend about 2 -‐ 3 hours per week on Advance / AP Chemistry Lab. There may be an occasional week without a lab assignment. Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework daily via e-‐mail.
Spanish Spanish I, Part One This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: September 10 to December 17, 2015. No class Oct. 15 or 22. Total classes: 12 live classes plus 18 recorded lectures Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: Middle and High School Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Spanish Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 15 for all 30 classes (12 live and 18 recorded). Instructor: Irma Luz M. Schmitt MA Course description: In this course the student will learn the meaning, pronunciation and spelling of common vocabulary and basic Spanish grammar. This course covers the basics of Spanish as a Second Language. Part I of the course teaches the meaning and pronunciation of the alphabet, words and phrases and it emphasizes how to write sentences using articles, nouns and adjectives in Spanish and an understanding of the number and gender relationship between them. Also taught is how to write questions and answers using some interrogative words like ¿Qué?, ¿Quién?, ¿Dónde? ¿Cuándo?
Through repetition and memorization of common phrases as well as by watching videos, listening to recordings and playing games, the student will learn and practice new vocabulary and basic grammar.
During the week prior to each class, the student will be required to watch a video of Spanish grammar. During the live class, students will interact with the teacher and each other to practice what they learned in the video and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Every other week, the students will be asked to watch a video of Spanish pronunciation. They will learn and practice how to pronounce a specific sound in Spanish in each class and will be asked to practice a list of words and record them. During the next live class, the pronunciation of these words will be reviewed.
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Course materials: Spanish Middle / High School (Skills for Success) ISBN 088724758X (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/088724758X/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Practice is very important to learn a new language. Before each class, students are required to watch videos and PowerPoint presentations, listen to audios, complete workbook pages, memorize phrases and complete any other assignments posted on the course page for that week in order to be ready to participate in the live class. Students should assign at least one hour every day to practice their Spanish.
Spanish II, Part One This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: September 10 to December 17, 2015. No class Oct. 15 or 22. Total classes: 12 live classes plus 18 recorded lectures Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Spanish I or equivalent Suggested grade level: Middle and High School Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Spanish Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 15 for all 12 classes and 18 recorded lectures. Instructor: Irma Luz M. Schmitt M.A. Course description: In this course, the students will delve into Spanish grammar and learn the conjugation of irregular verbs in the present tense, the conjugation of verbs in the past tense and some common grammar structures. Every week a list of new vocabulary will be introduced and practiced as well. Through repetition and memorization of common phrases as well as by watching videos, listening to recordings and playing games, the student will learn and practice new vocabulary and basic grammar. During the week prior to each class, the student will be required to watch a video of Spanish grammar. During the live class, students will interact with the teacher and each other to practice what they learned in the video and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Every other week, the students will be asked to watch a video of Spanish pronunciation. They will learn and practice how to pronounce a specific sound in Spanish in each class and will be asked to practice a list of words and record them. During the next live class, the pronunciation of these words will be reviewed. Course materials: Exercises in Spanish Grammar Book 1 HS701R (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0883139715/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Practice is very important to learn a new language. Before each class, students are required to watch videos and PowerPoint presentations, listen to audios, complete workbook pages, memorize phrases and complete any other assignments posted on the course page for that week in order to be ready to participate in the live class. Students should assign at least one hour every day to practice their Spanish.
Speech Speech and Communications Due to the popularity of this course, it will be repeated again in the spring semester. If it fills, register for the spring. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 9 to December 9, 2015. No class Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving break. Total classes: 13 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full credit Speech / Communications Fee: $170 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $190 after July 15 for all 13 classes. Instructor: Kevin O'Brien Course description: Effective communications and good public speaking begins with an understanding of rhetoric -‐ how a good argument is developed, how a good speech is structured, and how spoken communication differs from written communication. In this course, we will examine the greatest speeches of the greatest orators in history,
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analyzing what they wrote and (when audio or video of their speeches exist) their style of delivery. And while Speech and Communications is essential to success in the business world, it is also essential for understanding and presenting arguments in support of the Catholic Faith, or even for persuading others of anything that's important to you. The goal of this course, then, is twofold -‐ to learn to appreciate and analyze good verbal rhetoric, and to apply what we've learned to come up with our own short speeches that are engaging, entertaining and effective. Course outline: 1. Introduction and Overview 2. The Great Orators of Greece and Rome 3. Public Speeches as Recounted in Scripture -‐ The Prophets of the Old Testament and the Apostles of the New Testament 4. The Rhetorical Structure and Dramatic Effect of Speeches in Shakespeare (selections from Julius Caesar, Henry V, and Macbeth) 5. Religious Persuasion through the Ages -‐ The Sermon on the Mount, Jonathan Edwards and the Puritans, Bishop Fulton Sheen 6. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class 7. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class 8. Great Political Speeches of the 18th and 19th Centuries -‐ Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Wilbeforce, Lincoln 9. Great Political Speeches of the 20th Century Part I -‐ Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Churchill, Eisenhower 10. Great Political Speeches of the 20th Century Part II -‐ JFK, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan 11. The Use of Humor and Oratory for American Pop Culture -‐ Mark Twain, Will Rogers, etc. 12. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class 13. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class Course materials: Will be provided by the instructor in the form of PDF’s and eBooks; videos and audio recordings of speeches will be reviewed during class time. Homework: Weekly reading. Each student will be required to write two short speeches (no longer than five minutes each), with outlines to be approved by the instructor at least two weeks before the speech is to be presented.
Test Prep Mastering the ACT To accommodate multiple ACT test dates, and to help students as best we can, we will offer this course again late in the spring semester. Maximum number students: 25 Class dates: Wednesdays, September 16 to October 7, 2015 Total classes: 4 Duration: 55 minutes Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; 12:00 Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $50 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $60 if you register after July 15 for all 4 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: In this ACT Test Prep Course, your student will learn information in two critical areas that will allow for success with the ACT: 1) about the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and 2) how to study for the ACT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well on each section of the test, and what to do to be fully prepared for the test. Course outline: Session 1: About the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, how the test is scored, and general preparation. Session 2: Math and Science: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the math and science portions of the test. Session 3: Reading: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be
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fully prepared for the Reading portion of the test. Session 4: English: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the English portion of the test. Course materials: All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Homework: Daily Practice
ACT and SAT Writing To accommodate multiple ACT and SAT test dates, and to help students as best we can, we will offer this course again in the spring semester. Maximum number students: 25 Class dates: Wednesdays, October 14 to October 28, 2015 Total classes: 3 Duration: 55 minutes Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $50 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $60 if you register after July 15 for all 3 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: In this ACT and SAT Writing Test Prep Course, your student will get personal help with his or her writing skills in a way that enhances their ability to score well on the Writing portions of standardized tests. Students will view actual Writing test prompts, learn how to analyze a writing prompt, sculpt a good essay, and use their writing time to produce a high-‐scoring essay. Course outline: Session 1: How to approach the Writing section prompt, analyzing numerous prompts, and analyzing well-‐written essays. Session 2: Creating essays together, live; Discussion of words and phrases to avoid/words and phrases to use; “diamond words” and their use in writing an essay. Session 3: The format of a timed essay, how to make the most of the time limit, and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing portion of the test. Course materials: All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Homework: Assignments will increase your student’s skills with personal feedback on his or her skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving scores.
The New SAT: What you need to Know to Score Well The PSAT and SAT have been completely redesigned. The new PSAT will launch in October 2015. The new SAT will launch in March 2016. This course will be offered again in the spring semester. Maximum number students: 25 Class dates: Wednesdays, November 4 to November 25, 2015 Total classes: 5 Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes per class Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Fee: $65 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $75 after July 15 for all 5 classes Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This course acquaints students with the new components of the redesigned SAT, to become comfortable with the test content and style in order to score well in each test section. The course will also give examples of question types found on the test, help students to identify strategies to raise scores, and give practice opportunities so that the student can be fully prepared for the test. Course outline: Session 1: An overview of the test, including reading, writing, math, and eight key changes in the test Session 2: Relevant words in context and command of evidence
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Session 3: Essay writing and analyzing a source Session 4: “Math that matters” and problems grounded in real-‐world contexts Session 5: Analysis in science, history, and social studies, including founding documents and “great global conversation” Course materials: All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Requirements: Students must be able to use the Internet, to access practice tests and materials online. Homework: Minimal amount of reading, including practice tests, with suggestions for further practice.
Theology Understanding the Story of the Bible for Middle School Students (Understanding Our Faith Series) Registration is limited to 15 students. Understanding the Gospel for Middle School Students, a continuation of this course, is being offered in the spring semester. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 16 to December 9, 2015. Total classes: 13 Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 13 classes. Instructor: Mr. Dan Egan Course description: This course will cover the Big Picture of Salvation History. Following the 6 major covenants, using a combination of the Jeff Cavin's Bible Timeline and John Burgsma's Bible Basics as our guide, students will good through the 14 narrative books of the Bible that tell the story. Course materials: Catholic Bible, preferably the RSV CE (Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition). Also colored pencils, notebook. And Jeff Cavin's Bible timeline (http://ascensionpress.com/products/great-‐adventure-‐bible-‐timeline-‐chart) Homework: Weekly worksheet to confirm reading was completed.
Apologetics (Middle School): Beginning Catholic Apologetics I (Defending Our Faith Series) Note: Beginning Catholic Apologetics II is offered immediately following the end of this course in October. Registration is limited to 15 students. Due to the popularity of this course, it will be repeated again in the spring semester. If it fills, register for the spring. Course dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to October 13, 2015 Total classes: 6 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Instructor: Gary Michuta Fee: $80 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $90 after July 15 for all 6 classes. Course description: This course will provide the first steps into the field of apologetics. The students will learn how to spot faulty arguments, how to find important passages in the Bible, and the basic steps on how to defend the Faith. Course outline: Class 1: Becoming Defenders of the Faith Class 2: Different Ways to Share Your Faith Class 3: How to Spot Bad Arguments Class 4: Tools of the Trade: How to Use and Find Passages in the Bible
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Class 5: Tools of the Trade: Introduction to the Church Fathers Class 6: Covering All The Bases: Learning About The Different Areas of Apologetics Course materials: Course materials supplied for free by the instructor. Students need to make sure they have a functioning headset with a microphone, as Mr. Michuta will provide practice apologetics discussions during live classes. Homework: The students will receive a brief practice worksheet (5 to 10 review questions per class).
Beginning Catholic Apologetics For Middle School II (Defending Our Faith Series) This course is limited to 15 students only. Due to the popularity of this course, it will be repeated again in the spring semester. If it fills, register for the spring. Class dates: Tuesdays, October 20 to December 1, 2015 Total classes: 7 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Beginning Catholic Apologetics for Middle School I (Live or Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade. Fee: $90 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $105 after July 15 for all 7 classes. Instructor: Gary Michuta Course description: Building on the skills and knowledge-‐base given in BCA-‐MS 1, the class will focus on further sharpening their critical thinking skills by a more in-‐depth look at logical fallacies, poor arguments, and the use of propaganda and they will learn the most common objections and proof texts used in Catholic / Protestant Apologetics. Course outline: Class 1: More Logical Fallacies Class 2: What is Propaganda? Class 3: Answering Common Objections #1 Class 4: Answering Common Objections #2 Class 5: Answering Common Objections #3 Class 6: Using the Web in Apologetic Research Class 7: How to Share Your Faith Course materials: Everything will be provided free from the instructor. Homework: Weekly multiple-‐choice worksheet that will be corrected, but not graded. Student should be able to finish worksheet in less than a half hour.
High School Theistic Apologetics: Are Science and Religion Enemies? (Defending Our Faith Series) This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 16 to October 28, 2015. Total classes: 7 Starting time: 3:30 PM Eastern (2:30 Central; 1:30 Mountain; 12:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Middle School Beginning Apologetics I-‐II plus one High School level apologetics course, or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Theology Fee: $85 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $95 if you register after July 15 for all 7 classes. Instructor: Gary Michuta Course description: Over the last century, a myth has developed that the Science and the Catholic Church are enemies or that scientific knowledge is superior to all other forms of knowledge. This class explores the roots of science, the problem of scientism, and shows how the Church gave birth to modern science. Course outline: Class 1: The “Enemy” Myth
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Class 2: The “Stillbirths” of Science Class 3: Galileo: Friend or Foe? Class 4: Problems with Materialism Class 5: The Problem of Scientism Class 6: The “Faith” of Science Class 7: Catholic Contributions to Science Course materials: Recommended reading: How the Catholic Church Build Western Civilization by Thomas Wood (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1596983280/catholictreas-‐20) and Catholic Essays by Fr. Stanley Jaki (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0931888395/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Reading and online quizzes.
World Religions (Understanding Our Faith Series) This course is limited to 20 students. Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 22, 2015. No class Dec. 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Central) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester theology Fee: $185 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $205 after July 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. Course description: Most inhabitants in the world are not Christian. More and mere we see the role for good or ill that religions play in the unfolding of history. We will explore the teachings, practices, and history of the world religions especially in light of the teachings and practice of the Catholic Church. Although we will take a Catholic perspective, our approach will not be primarily apologetic. Course outline: Week 1: What is “religion?” Week 2: The Church’s teachings on religion and the religions of the world Week 3: Indigenous religions past and present Week 4: Hinduism Week 5: Sikhism, Jainism Week 6: Buddhism Week 7: Confucianism and Taoism Week 8: Islam Week 9: Judaism Week 10: Mormanism, Jehovah’s Witness Week 11: New Age Weeks 12 to 14: Student Presentations Week 15: Catholicism and the World Religions, Dominus Jesus Course materials: Text TBD, Lumen gentium, Nostra Aetate, Dominus Jesus. Homework: Each student will give a 15-‐minute presentation on one of the religions not covered in the class. There will be a final writing assignment—a fictional dialogue with a practitioner of a non-‐Christian religion.
Ecclesiology and Sacramental Theology: TOB, the Church, and the Sacraments (Living Our Faith Series) Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 1, 2015. No class September 22 as Miss Ashour will be at the World Meeting of Families. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific)
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Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade High school credit: 1 full semester Theology Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 if you register after July 15 for all 12 classes. Course Instructor: Miss Ashour, MTS; M Hum Course Description: The students in this course will study the nature of the Church, that is, how She is in the “nature of a sacrament” (Lumen Gentium), along with all of her other aspects from the perspective of Saint John Paul’s Theology of the Body. Jesus Christ as the Bridegroom of His Bride, the Church, extends Himself through time via the Church who holds the “Deposit of Truth and the Deposit of Grace” through the Liturgy and the Sacraments and the Teaching Office. Such topics serve as a great segue into Mariology, a study of the Mother and Paradigm of the Church. Indeed, Pope John Paul II, whose motto “Totus Tuus” is directed toward Our Lady, continues to lead the Church into the “threshold of hope” for the new millennium; therefore, we will do a careful study of his thought in much of the corpus of his writing. Finally, we will examine the thoughts of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who has written extensively on the Church and on the Liturgy. Caveat: Coursework subject to change based on the discretion of the online instructor’s assessment. Course Goal: The final goal of this course is for each student to glorify the Father as a person “fully alive” (Ireneas) growing in intimacy with Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church and His Body, the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit—the Soul of the Church. Course Reading: The reading assignments give the student the flavor of the Church’s understanding of Herself and the Sacraments; rarely will we discuss the reading assignments. Rather, I give the readings to help the students bolster their understanding of what we are learning in class, as well as giving students good resources for their own growth. For the first day’s class: see the required reading listed under Week 1. Required Reading: 1. The Bible—The Institution of the Last Supper in all 3 synoptic Gospels and John’s Washing of the Feet; all of the book of Ephesians; Hebrews 5-‐13 2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (See assignments below) 3. The Documents of Vatican II, especially Sacrosanctum Concilium and Lumen Gentium (see assignments below) 4. Ecclesia de Eucharistia (Pope John Paul’s encyclical on the Eucharist and Its relationship to the Church—Read 6 paragraphs a week) 5. The short essay “The Weight of Glory” in the longer collection with the same name: The Weight of Glory and short essay “Man or Rabbit”, both by CS Lewis. Optional Reading for those who want to earn extra credit: 1. Peter Kreeft’s Catholic Christianity, Ignatius Press 2. Dr. Joyce Little’s The Catholic Church and the Culture War: Secular Anarchy or Sacred Order (out of print from Ignatius but find on Amazon,etc.) Homework: • Weekly Online Computer-‐graded Quizzes (Be finished before the start of the next class) (25%) • Major Project (Grading Rubric will be posted) (25%) • Major Grade of Weekly Reflections (Minimum-‐1 page; Maximum-‐2 pages—send weekly to [email protected] before 5am Eastern time Tuesday mornings) (30%) • Assigned Reading (Honor policy—Keep a Timesheet/notation of what you finished reading. At the 10th Week, send an email saying that you read all of it (or what portion of it) (20%). • Extra Credit—Parent must write an email saying, “My son/daughter (FULL NAME) has read Dr. Kreeft’s and Dr. Little’s book.” (3 points per book added to final grade). Time Commitment to Study: A minimum of 3 hours a week (30 minutes a day) for reading, study, doing quizzes, working on and completing the project, and writing the weekly reflection.
The Theology of the Body: An Integral Vision of Man (Living Our Faith Series) Class dates: Tuesdays, September 8 to December 1, 2015. No class September 22 as Miss Ashour will be at the World Meeting of Families.
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Total classes: 12 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade High school credit: 1 full semester Theology Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 if you register after July 15 for all 12 classes. Course Instructor: Miss Ashour, MTS; M Hum Course Rationale: In order to live the “abundant life” that Jesus said He came to bring, we need to know who we are, made in God’s image and likeness. A new vision of such anthropology has been given to us by God through (soon-‐to-‐be) Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (TOB). A deep, proper study of this work brings with it a renewal of the person who embraces such teachings. The late Holy Father’s biographer, George Weigel, called it a “time bomb” set to go off sometime after the Pope’s death. Angelo Cardinal Scola remarks that every area of Catholic thought can be undergirded by the Theology of the Body; thus, this course will not only offer an opportunity for ongoing renewal for the student but also a basis to explore other areas of his/her faith with TOB as a foundation. Pope John Paul himself said about his work: “And this theology of the body is the basis of the most appropriate method of the pedagogy of the body, that is, of man’s education (or rather, self-‐education)....Here [In wrong view of science in seeing the body only as an object of manipulation] we touch problems that often need fundamental solutions, which are impossible without an integral vision of man” –St. John Paul II (TOB 59:3) (emphases his). Course Description: This 12-‐week course overview of Pope John Paul’s Theology of the Body will give a “bird’s eye” perspective of the whole of TOB. Far from relegating TOB to the area of sex and sexuality, TOB provides meaningful tools to see one’s life in the context of Jesus’ love for His Church and the life and love of the Blessed Trinity. A special emphasis will be made regarding the vocational call to the priesthood, religious life, and married life, and how both “celibacy for the Kingdom” (JPII’s words) and marriage mirror and inform each other. Then, we will move to more specifics in Part Two of TOB. Caveat: Coursework subject to change based on the discretion of the online instructor’s assessment. Course Reading: The reading will assist the student in delving into a deep understanding of the human person, especially in the area of vocational discernment, sexuality, and self-‐mastery. Most of the reading is intended to help the student understand the mind of the Church. Most will not be discussed in class. For the first day’s class: Please read the required reading from the Bible and “Letter to Families” Required Reading: 1. The Bible—Genesis 1-‐3 and Ephesians 5 2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #’s 355-‐682 (Read 47 paragraphs a week) 3. The Documents of Vatican II, especially Gaudium et Spes 47-‐62 (2 paragraphs a week) 4. “Letter to Families” (Pope John Paul) (This gives a good TOB outlook in abbreviated form) 5. The short essay “The Weight of Glory” in the longer collection with the same name: The Weight of Glory and short essay “Man or Rabbit”, both by CS Lewis. Optional Reading for those who want to earn extra credit: 1. Peter Kreeft’s Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing (his best book), Ignatius Press 2. Jason Evert’s The Theology of His Body; The Theology of Her Body, Ascension Press (Parents may want to read this first, but my homeschooled nephew of 15 years old said it really helped him). Course Work: • Weekly Online Computer-‐graded Quizzes (Be finished before the start of the next class) (25%) • Major Project (Grading Rubric will be posted) (25%) • Major Grade of Weekly Reflections (Minimum-‐1 page; Maximum-‐2 pages—send weekly to [email protected] before 5am Eastern time Tuesday mornings) (30%) • Assigned Reading (Honor policy—Keep a Timesheet/notation of what you finished reading. At the 10th Week, send an email with your timesheet/notation as an attachment, testifying that you read all of it (or what portion of it) (20%). • Extra Credit—Parent must write an email saying, “My son/daughter (FULL NAME) has read Jason Evert’s and Dr. Kreeft’s book.” (3 points per book added to final grade).
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Time Commitment to Study: A minimum of 3 hours a week (30 minutes a day) for reading, study, doing quizzes, working on and completing the project, and writing the weekly reflection.
Writing: Aquinas Writing Advantage See Table of Contents for Aquinas Writing Advantage to view the suggested Scope and Sequence.
Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar (Formerly titled Elements of Writing for Middle School: Essential Punctuation and Grammar) Due to the popularity of this course, it is scheduled three times in the fall semester and twice again in the spring semester. If it fills up, register for one of the other dates/times. Class dates: This course will be offered three times this semester. You can choose one of the following days:
Thursdays, September 10 to October 15, 2015 or Mondays, September 14 to October 19, 2015 or Mondays, October 26 to November 30, 2015
Total classes: 6 Starting time:
Thursdays: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Mondays (starting Sept. 14): 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Mondays (starting Oct. 26): 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific)
Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $80 you enroll on or before July 15, 2015. $90 after July 15 for all 6 classes. Instructors: Mondays: Lisa Mladinich; Thursdays: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This is an essential writing course for all middle school students, designed to give your middle school student confidence and the ability to use punctuation and grammar well. Don’t let your student struggle with commas or wonder, which tense to use. Make sure that your middle school student completely understands how to correctly use a semicolon, colon, and grammar. Course outline: Class 1: Solid commas in a series and comas with conjunctions Class 2: Solid commas within clauses and tough constructions Class 3: Solid tense, competing punctuation, and quotations Class 4: Sticky-‐pair sentence construction (if-‐then, not only-‐but also) and tough grammar Class 5: Using colons and semicolons correctly Class 6: Introducing tricky punctuation details and end punctuation Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing for Middle School Students by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Weekly quizzes, with an estimated two to three hours per week for homework outside of class time.
Middle School Simplified Writing 1: Your All-‐Encompassing Foundational Writing Course (Formerly titled Simplified Writing for Middle School Students) Due to the popularity of this course, it is scheduled twice in the fall semester and once again in the spring semester. If it fills up, register for one of the other dates/times. Class dates: This course will be offered twice. You can choose one of the following days (same time):
Mondays, October 26 to December 14, 2015 or Thursdays, October 22 to December 17, 2015. No class Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving.
Total classes: 8 Starting time: 4:00 pm Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific)
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Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar is required (Sept. 2015 or Unlimited Access). Can be taken concurrently. Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $170 on or before July 15, 2015, $190 after July 15 for all 8 classes. Instructors: Mondays: Lisa Mladinich ; Thursdays: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This course is designed as a first writing course, to introduce students in middle school to the skills and habits that create a strong and clear writing foundation for high school writing from a Christian worldview. Students will learn how to write effective sentences and paragraphs, including the use of topic sentences, linear writing, and transitions; the purposes of writing, including expression, informing, and persuading; the effect of audience on writing; how to sculpt a piece of writing with direction, including the characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; and practice writing with specific feedback from the instructor that leads to an increase in skill through rewriting. Course outline: Class 1: Writing for a purpose and audience: the “why” of writing Class 2: Great word choice: how to choose the “right” word Class 3: Strong sentences: how to write a great sentence Class 4: Clear paragraphs: what makes a great paragraph/linear writing that makes sense to the reader Class 5: Writing with direction: great introductions and the hook Class 6: Writing with direction: great introductions and the thesis Class 7: Writing with direction: the body (of your paper) and how to make it “shapely” Class 8: Writing with direction: the conclusion Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified Writing for Middle School Students by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework, outside of class time.
Middle School Essential Writing 2: Sentences and Paragraphs (Formerly titled Middle School Writing Essentials: Excellent Sentence and Paragraph Writing) This course repeats in the spring. If it fills up, register for the January course. Class dates: Thursdays, September 10 to October 15, 2015 Total classes: 6 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern Time (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $95 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $110 after July 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This is an essential writing course for all middle school students to make sure your student has strong middle school writing foundations in place. Give your middle school student exactly what’s needed for writing well-‐crafted sentences and paragraphs—including the absolute “must-‐have” knowledge and practice for the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and prepositional phrases, and compound sentence structures, as well as capitalization, end punctuation, and the use of quoted material. Even if your student has learned the composition of a sentence and paragraph before (in elementary materials), the approach for this class is to use middle school vocabulary and structures that are more complex. Help your child finally master the details that are holding him or her back from writing well. Sentence constructions are designed to prepare your student for upper level middle school writing. Course outline: Class 1: Nouns, verbs, and capitalization in sentences Class 2: Adjectives, adverbs, and end punctuation in sentences Class 3: Prepositions, prepositional phrases, and compound sentence structures
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Class 4: Using quotes in dialogue and academic writing Class 5: Transitions and connectives in sentences Class 6: Putting it all together: Transitions and linear sentences in paragraph writing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing Foundations: Sentences and Paragraphs for Middle School Students, by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Approximately 45 minutes to one hour per class, reading and completing coursework. All writing assignments graded by the instructor.
Middle School Simplified Writing 2: Essays and Papers (Formerly titled Middle School Writing II: Essays and Papers) This course repeats in the spring. If it fills up, register for the February course. Registration is limited to 12 students. Class dates: Thursdays, October 22 to December 17, 2015. No class Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving. Total classes: 8 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern Time (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Middle School Simplified Writing 1: Your All-Encompassing Foundational Writing Course (Live or Unlimited Access). Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $170 on or before July 15, 2015, $190 after July 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This is a writing course for middle school students who have taken the Simplified Writing for Middle School Students course and want to put the foundational writing skills into critical practice, with specific feedback and coaching regarding how your student's writing can improve. Students will craft an essay and a short paper during the course. Attention will be given to writing with a Christian worldview. Course outline: Class 1: Writing structure and skill: practicing the introduction, hook, and thesis Class 2: Writing structure and skill: practicing outlines and the conclusion/concluding statements Class 3: Writing an essay: rough drafts Class 4: Writing a paper: five types of papers & practicing the introduction, hook, and thesis Class 5: Writing a paper: practicing outlines and concluding statements; revising an essay Class 6: Writing a paper: rough drafts; editing an essay Class 7: Revising a paper Class 8: Editing and formatting final papers Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing for Middle School by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time (depending on the student's individual processing, creating, and writing speed).
High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar (Formerly titled Elements of Writing for High School; Essential Punctuation and Grammar) Due to the popularity of this course, it is scheduled three times in the fall semester and twice again in the spring semester. If it fills up, register for one of the other dates/times. Class dates: This course will be offered three this semester. You can choose one of the following days/times:
Fridays, September 11 to October 16, 2015 or Mondays, September 14 to October 19, 2015 or Mondays, October 26 to November 30, 2015
Total classes: 6
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Starting time: Fridays: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Mondays (starting Sept. 14): 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Mondays (starting Oct. 26): 11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific)
Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing. Follow with Simplified Writing 1 for a full semester credit. Fee: $80 if you enroll on or before July 15, 2015. $90 if you enroll after July 15 for all 6 classes Instructor: Mondays: Lisa Mladinich; Fridays: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This is an essential writing course for all high school students. Give your high school student exactly what’s needed for high school and college writing—including the confidence and the ability to use punctuation and grammar well. Don’t let your student struggle—master commas, tense, colons, semicolons, dashes, ellipses, and more. This class will give your student the strong foundation needed to finally master the details that are holding him or her back from writing well. Sentence constructions in the course are upper level, meant to challenge and prepare your student for upper-‐high school and college courses. Course outline: Class 1: Mastering commas in a series and commas with conjunctions using complex sentences Class 2: Mastering commas and clauses and tough constructions, including multiple ideas, connectors, and transitions Class 3: Mastering tense, competing punctuation, quotations, dashes, and ellipses Class 4: Sticky-‐pair sentence construction (if-‐then, not only-‐but also) and tough grammar in upper-‐level constructions Class 5: Mastering colons and semicolons with leading sentence constructions Class 6: Mastering tricky punctuation details, end punctuation, and the most common grammar challenges Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Elements of Writing for High School Students by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated two to three hours per week for homework outside of class time.
High School Simplified Writing 1: Your All-‐Encompassing Foundational High School Writing Course (Formerly titled Simplified Writing for High School Students) Due to the popularity of this course, it is scheduled twice in the fall semester and once again in the spring semester. If it fills up, register for one of the other dates/times. Class dates: This course will be offered twice this semester. You can choose one of the following days/times:
Mondays, October 26 to December 14, 2015 Fridays, October 23 to December 18, 2015. No class November 27 for Thanksgiving break.
Total classes: 8 Starting time:
Mondays: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) or Fridays: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific)
Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar is required (Sept. 2015 or Unlimited Access). Can be taken concurrently. Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing. Add High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar for a full semester credit. Fee: $170 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $190 after July 15 for all 8 classes. Instructors: Mondays: Lisa Mladinich; Fridays: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This course is designed to give the teen skills that make writing strong and clear, lacking nothing—able to articulate ideas well in writing for all high-‐school level work. Students will learn how to perfect
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strong sentences and paragraphs; learn nine basic forms of rhetoric; focus on linear academic writing for a purpose; practice transitions and connectives, parallelism, paraphrasing, and summary; review punctuation as it influences excellence in writing (comma, semicolon, colon, and dash use); recognizing and correcting common grammar struggles; understand the characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; learn prewriting, drafting, and editing skills; and practice sculpting a piece of writing with direction that receives specific feedback from the instructor. Course outline: Class 1: Audience, purpose, and word choice Class 2: Perfecting strong sentence and paragraph construction Class 3: Nine forms of rhetoric (and what they have to do with great writing) Class 4: Linear writing for a purpose: more strong sentences and paragraphs Class 5: How to effectively use transitions/connectives and parallelism Class 6: Punctuation and excellent writing: the comma, colon, semicolon, and dash; conquering common grammar struggles Class 7: The introduction, body, and conclusion; prewriting for success Class 8: Drafting for success; editing and polishing your writing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by Erin Brown Conroy. Available from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00B7AB90W/catholictreas-‐20. (Download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.) Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments with grading and direct feedback from instructor. Expect an estimated five hours per week for homework (outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays This course repeats in the spring. If it fills up, register for the next semester. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 9 to October 14, 2015 Total classes: 6 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 11th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing. For a full semester, add another writing course. Or, combine with a literature course for a full credit of English. Fee: $90 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $105 after July 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This is an essential writing course for all high school students, to make sure that your student has critical high school writing foundations in place. Give your high school student exactly what’s needed for writing well-‐crafted sentences and paragraphs—including the absolute “must-‐have” knowledge, review, and practice for the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and prepositional phrases, and compound sentence structures, as well as transitions and connectives, the use of quoted material, summary, and paraphrase. Even if your student has learned foundational concepts before, the approach in his class is to use high school vocabulary and structures that are more complex and needed for upper-‐level writing. From mastering the details that are holding your student back from writing well to providing much-‐needed practice, help your student perfect the essential tools for high school writing. Course outline: Class 1: Using strong nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in well-‐constructed sentences Class 2: Capitalization, punctuation, and using quotation marks in dialogue and academic writing; prepositions and prepositional phrases Class 3: Linear writing, transitions, and connectives in sentences and paragraphs Class 4: Writing with summary and paraphrase Class 5: Answering essay questions: structure, form, and content I
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Class 6: Answering essay questions: structure, form, and content 2 Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing Essentials for High School Students, by EB Conroy. Available from www.amazon.com (download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your computer, tablet, or mobile device). Homework: Approximately one hour per day, reading and completing coursework.
Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Note: This is Part One of a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring semester. Class dates: Fridays, September 11 to December 18, 2015. No class Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving break. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Writing. Fee: $190 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $210 after July 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: In this course (the first of two successive courses), your student will learn to use all of the upper-‐level vocabulary words related to writing that are needed for high school advanced writing, Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition courses, the ACT and SAT, advanced writing courses, and all of college writing—and an introduction of the concepts associated with the terms.. Over 350 words will be learned and practiced this semester. Course work will be simple yet critical for your student’s future success. Because vocabulary is the #1 indicator of success on college entrance testing, if you want your student to not only score well on testing but also be able to be prepared for college writing and vocabulary, this course is for you. Course outline: Class 1: Writing for a Purpose and Audience Class 2: Worldview, Critical Thinking, & Passive/Active Voice Class 3: Writing Effective Sentences; Diction & Syntax Class 4: Writing Effective Paragraphs: Structure, Linear Writing, Active writing, Transitions and Connectives Class 5: Punctuation and its Effect on Writing Class 6: Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics for Clarity Class 7: Types of Writing Class 8: Point of View, Tone, & Voice Class 9: Style Class 10: Techniques & Devices of Organization for Coherence Class 11: More Techniques & Devices of Organization Class 12: Composing Methods Class 13: Characteristics of an Effective Argument Class 14: Research Methods Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: EB Conroy’s Simplified Vocabulary Guide. Ordering information is forthcoming. Homework: Studying for tests on the vocabulary identification and use. Brief writing assignments using new vocabulary (graded by the instructor).
Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers Foundational for All High School Students and Essential for College-‐Bound Students (Formerly titled: Advanced High School Writing; Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, Essays, & Papers) Due to the advanced nature of the feedback, only 12 students are admitted to the course. It will be offered again in the spring. Simplified Writing 3 will also be offered in the spring. Class dates: Wednesdays, September 9 to November 11, 2015.
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Total classes: 10 Starting time: 11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: High School Simplified Writing 1 is required (Live or Unlimited Access). Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 semester Writing. For a full year of credit, register for Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) in the spring. Fee: $210 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $230 after July 15 for all 10 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This course content is known as a prerequisite for many colleges for college-‐bound students. Designed to give the teen skills that make writing strong and clear, your student will learn methods of rhetoric and how to use the skills in all of the main conventions of writing used in college—including in-‐depth use of nine basic forms of rhetoric (rhetorical modes); be able to identify and use major rhetorical strategies and figures of speech; and pre-‐write, draft, and edit a comparison and contrast paper, including use of the hook, thesis, introduction construction, conclusions, and rewriting with specific, individual feedback from the instructor. Vocabulary related to upper-‐level writing will be introduced and integrated into the learning. Specific class time will be used to show how to edit and revise upper-‐level work. Course outline: Class 1: The academic paper; advanced academic writing with strong thesis construction, hooks, and introductions Class 2: Rhetorical Mode 1: Narration; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (tropes, aposiopesis, apostrophe, chiasmus, epithet) Class 3: Rhetorical Mode 2: Comparison and Contrast; creating a thesis and hook for your paper Class 4: Rhetorical Mode 3: Illustration and Exemplification; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (litotes, zeugma, euphemism, idiom) Class 5: Rhetorical Mode 4: Description; drafting your paper’s outline Class 6: Rhetorical Mode 5: Process Analysis; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (hyperbole, metonymy, metaphor, mixed metaphor, extended metaphor); prewriting for papers Class 7: Rhetorical Mode 6: Definition; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (bathos, caricature, deus ex machine, epiphany) your paper’s rough draft Class 8: Rhetorical Mode 7: Cause and Effect; advanced methods of draft revision 1 Class 9: Rhetorical Mode 8: Division and Classification; advanced methods of draft revision 2; formatting advanced academic works (brief style guide introduction) Class 10: Rhetorical mode 9: Argumentation; integrating rhetorical strategies into upper-‐level writing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by Erin Brown Conroy. Available from www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00B7AB90W/catholictreas-‐20. (Download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.) Also required is 2) Simplified Writing 102: EB Conroy's Top 10 Tips for Using the Rhetorical Modes in Academic Writing. Ordering information for 102 is forthcoming. Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments with grading and direct feedback from the instructor. Estimate four to five hours per week for homework (outside of class time); this includes reading, writing, and responding to instructor feedback.
Characters and Dialogue (Write Your Own Book Fiction Writing Series) Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-‐courses, you can have a completed book. Class dates: Thursdays, September 24 to October 15, 2015 Total classes: 4 Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central; 8:30 Mountain; 7:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None
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Suggested grade level: 7th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing. For full semester credit, add other fiction-‐writing courses. Fee: $85 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $95 after July 15 for all 4 classes Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course teaches the key components of creating dynamic characters and dialogue for fiction books of any genre. Designed for writing fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult plots, the course covers how to develop characters, the character arc, how do develop dialogue, and how to weave dialogue into character development and action. The course will also center on how to implement your Catholic worldview into your characters and dialogue. Course outline: Class 1: Types of characters, developing characters fully, introducing your character Class 2: Character arc: Your lead character’s inner change Class 3: Dialogue how-‐to’s, do’s, and don’ts Class 4: Showing your character in the dialogue: weaving dialogue with your character and the action Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE via the instructor. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
Theme, Style, and Point of View (Write Your Own Book Fiction Writing Series) Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-‐courses, you can have a completed book. Class dates: Thursdays, October 22 to November 12, 2015 Total classes: 4 Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central; 8:30 Mountain; 7:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing. For full semester credit, add other fiction-‐writing courses. Fee: $85 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $95 after July 15 for all 4 classes. Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course teaches the key components of creating dynamic theme, style, and point of view for fiction books of any genre. Designed for writing fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult plots, the course covers types of theme, how to develop theme, developing your style of writing, and all of the major fiction writing points of view. The course will also center on how to implement the Christian worldview into your theme. Course outline: Class 1: What is theme and how to use it in your book Class 2: What is style and how to develop yours Class 3: Point of view Class 4: Integrating theme, style, and point of view to create a dynamic story Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE via the instructor. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
Conflict and Creating the Breakout Novel (Write Your Own Book Fiction Writing Series) Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-‐courses, you can have a completed book.
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Class dates: Thursdays, November 19 to December 17, 2015. No class Nov. 26. Total classes: 4 Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central; 8:30 Mountain; 7:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing. For full semester credit, add other fiction-‐writing courses. Fee: $85 if you register on or before August 1, 2014. $95 after Aug. 1st for all 4 classes. Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course teaches the key components of creating conflict that gives us the breakout novel. The course will also center on how to implement the Christian worldview into your conflict. Course outline: Class 1: What makes a great novel and “stakes” (personal and universal) Class 2: Conflict in the setting, characters, and plot Class 3: Playing the “what if” game: making your character do the unthinkable Class 4: Cliffhangers, self-‐sacrifice, and turning points Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE via the instructor. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers, Part One Note: This is Part One of a 2-‐part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring semester. Class dates: Thursdays, September 24 to November 12, 2014. Total classes: 8 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Creative Writing. For full semester credit, continue practicing your writing daily throughout the semester or add other fiction-writing courses. Fee: $145 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $165 after July 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This is an advanced fiction writing course that delves into the use of archetypes in what is called "the hero's journey," the mythic structure that many claim all stories follow. This course will cover the different kinds of typological characters who appear in stories, to apply that knowledge to the crafting of your own fiction book. The course can be taken in conjunction with any of the other fiction writing courses offered with Homeschool Connections. Whether you plan on going into fiction writing (books, screenwriting, poetry) or simply want to expand your ability to write in advanced styles, this course is for you. Course outline: Class 1: Archetypes and story in fiction writing Class 2: The Hero Class 3: The Mentor: The Wise Old Man or Woman Class 4: The Threshold Guardian Class 5: The Herald Class 6: The Shapeshifter and the Shadow Class 7: The Ally Class 8: The Trickster Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Book: The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structures for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez
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(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/193290736X/catholictreas-‐20). NOTE: The same book is used in both of the Advanced Fiction I and II courses. Homework: Approximately 1 ½ to three hours per week reading and completing coursework. All homework is graded by and commented on by the instructor.
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Spring 2016: Middle School and High School As live courses are completed they are added to Unlimited Access (recorded courses).
Business Business Law This course is limited to 20 students. Class dates: Wednesdays, January 20 to April 6, 2016. No class March 23 for Easter break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Business / Law Fee: $175 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Alison Stanley, JD Course description: This course will acquaint students with the legal environment in which businesses operate. More specifically, the course will explore the differences between criminal and civil law and the various areas of business law including “white collar crime,” tort law, contract law, bankruptcy, patent, and trademark law. Also, alternative forms of business organizations and rights of consumers will be examined. Landmark cases will be reviewed to enhance students’ understanding of the material. Course materials: All course materials provided free by the instructor. Homework: Homework will include reading, watching instructional videos, and answering questions. One midterm quiz and a final exam will be given. Expect 30 to 60 minutes per week in addition to attending class and studying for tests.
Computer Programming Computer Programming 101 This course is limited to 15 students. This is a repeat of the fall course and not a Part Two. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to May 10, 2016. No class March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 6:00 PM Eastern (5:00 Central; 4:00 Mountain; 3:00 Pacific). Subject to change. Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes) Prerequisite: Installation of the Python 2 and Python 3 programming languages (free downloads from http://www.python.org) should be accomplished prior to the start of the first class. Install Python 2 first, then Python 3 so that the default version is Python 3 (though both would be available). Python 3 is the current version and the future of Python... this is the version we will focus on. Python is available for multiple computer operating systems. Student should have a general familiarity with computers – the ability to open applications, use menu-‐driven commands, and type using the keyboard – so that the emphasis of time can be placed on specific programming lessons. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade. 7th to 8th grade is acceptable if the student has had previous exposure to programming in Python or other programming languages. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Computer Programming Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 after Nov. 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Domenico Ruggiero Course description: This is an entry-‐level course for students with little to no programming experience. It is also for those who are familiar with programming with an interest in learning the Python. Computer programming develops creativity, reasoning, and problem solving. It provides an opportunity for the programmer to create a completely new piece of software that can be used and shared with others. During development, the programmer thinks through the proper sequence of instructions and logic needed by the computer to execute the program. And
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when programs don’t perform as expected, problem solving techniques are utilized to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Students will be “writing” executable code very early in the course and build upon their skills throughout the course with an ever-‐expanding set of commands. At the conclusion of the course, students will have an opportunity to share computer programs of their own design. Time permitting, custom game design will be touched upon near the end of the course.
The Python programming language is a modern computer language and one of the easiest languages to use (and there are MANY out there). Once the basics of programming are mastered, individuals find it easy to learn more complex programming languages and utilize their unique qualities to perform specific functions best suited for those languages. Gaining an understanding of computer programming is a skillset that will serve students well personally and professionally. Course materials: See prerequisite section for a list of required software applications. Extensive handouts and online resources provided free by the instructor. Python documentation. Some book recommendations will be provided but are not required for purchase. Homework: Assignments will build on expanding knowledge base. Some assignments will have a Catholic theme to them. Assignments may include, but are not limited to, (1) writing small programs that perform a specific task or solve a specific problem, (2) reviewing printed code and identifying where problems exist, (3) reading resources to learn more about the various features and capabilities of Python, and (4) open creativity periods where the student will develop programs of their own design around their interests. In this course, students have an option to share their programs with fellow students via a short in-‐class demonstration (less than 5 minutes).
Students will also collaborate with fellow students and mentor them when needed so as to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Students can expect 2 to 5 hours of time per week (outside of class time) dedicated to homework which is dependent upon the student’s typing rate and proficiency by keeping up with the studies. Additional time, if available, is encouraged so that the student can experiment with personal programs, “reverse-‐engineer” other programs, and maintain proficiency through repeated practice.
Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.
German German I, Part Two: German Connections This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. However, new students are welcome to join us midyear. Email if you are unsure of the prerequisite. Registration limited to 20 students. Class dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 4 to May 11, 2016. No class Jan. 18, Feb. 10, Mar. 14, 16, and 28. Total classes: 33 Starting time: 10:00 am Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th and 9th grade. Upper grades may also participate if beginning German. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Foreign Language Fee: $195 if you register on or before November 1, 2015. $205 after Nov. 1 for all 33 classes. Instructor: Alexis Mausolf, MA Course description: This 17-‐week course will introduce students to German vocabulary, grammar, and culture with twice-‐weekly meetings. The program will focus on building a solid German vocabulary and developing comprehension of the written and spoken German language. Each class will feature pronunciation practice, conversation, new grammar concepts and cultural trivia. Students will complete regular homework, quizzes and chapter tests, dictations and a short presentation at the end of the semester. To demonstrate that it is a living language, everything from nursery rhymes, songs, and proverbs to commercials and cartoons will be incorporated as learning aids.
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Course materials: German is Fun Book 1: Lively Lessons for Beginners by Elsie M. Szecsy, ISBN # 13619, published by Perfection Learning (best ordered directly from publisher, PerfectionLearning.com) The Everything Learning German Book with CD, second edition, by Edward Swick, MA. Published by Adams Media (check Amazon). Homework: Learning a foreign language requires regular practice. Ideally, at least half an hour per day should be spent on German, i.e. completing grammar drills assigned, memorizing vocabulary, reading for comprehension, taking quizzes, listening to online German news broadcasts, and generally becoming familiar with the language.
Government/Law
Political Philosophy & Systems Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to February 29, 2016 Total classes: 8 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 2/3 semester Government. You can add Mr. Rivet's Suggestion Government Reading List or another government course to make a full semester credit. Fee: $115 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $135 after July 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Ed Rivet, MPA Course description: This course will expose students to the roots of various political philosophies and systems, including ancient democracies in Athens and Rome, as well as an in depth review of socialism and communism. A highlight of this class is the study of Marx's Communist Manifesto, which challenges students to put economic and social justice into a political context. Critical thinking and essay writing are more emphasized in this course. Course materials: Free online and printable resources provided by instructor. Homework: Reading, quizzes, essay questions, and online research. Expect 1 to 3 hours each week on homework, which is graded by the instructor.
Introduction to Law; Fundamentals of the American Legal System Class dates: Fridays, January 15 to March 11, 2016 Total classes: 9 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Fee: $135 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $155 after Nov. 15 for all 9 classes. Instructor: Jason Negri, MS JD Prerequisite: None. However, American Government is recommended (see Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access). High school credit: 2/3 semester credit for Government or Law. Add another government course for a full semester credit (Live or through Unlimited Access). Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Course description: An introduction to the legal system that surrounds us, governs us and influences us every day, even if we're not aware of it. This course will give a basic understanding of some fundamental concepts of the American legal system and will review some of the different areas of law. Course outline: Class 1: Foundations of the law; jurisprudence; history; interplay of law & government, natural law, legal positivism Class 2: Law in America: structure, process, Constitution & Bill of Rights, Judicial review Class 3: Criminal Law Class 4: Criminal Procedure Class 5: Torts Class 6: Torts, Cont. Class 7: Contracts Class 8: Property
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Class 9: Final Class; Natural Law; Legal concepts related to life issues: privacy, liberty; Griswold v. Connecticut; Roe v. Wade; Planned Parenthood v. Casey; Cruzan v. Director, MO Dept. of Health; Vacco v. Quill Course materials: Law 101: Everything You Need to Know About American Law (Third Edition, preferably: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0195395131/catholictreas-‐20) by Jay M. Feinman; also various cases and materials found free online or as a PDF from the instructor.
Greek Introduction to Biblical Greek, Part Two This is a 2-‐part course. Students interested in joining us midyear should email if unsure about prerequisites. Registration is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 25, 2016. No class Feb. 22 for midterm break or March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Introduction to Biblical Greek, Part One (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 7th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biblical Greek or foreign language. Fee: $185 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $205 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Dan Egan Course description: In this course, we begin with the alphabet, which is not as frightening as might be thought. Then we will progress slowly into Nouns and adjectives. A part of the class will be given to Christian Greek symbols and their meanings. We will also focus on Greek roots found in English words to build our English vocabulary – an excellent boost for the SAT vocabulary section. There will be 10-‐15 minutes of homework every night and progress will be seen in a few short weeks. By the 3rd week we will be reading short passages from the Greek New Testament. Course materials: Basics of Biblical Greek, Deluxe Edition (2nd Edition) by William Mounce, ISBN # 0310250870 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310250870/catholictreas-‐20) Homework: Includes study of vocabulary and grammar forms as well as worksheets. There will be a weekly practice quiz as well as an in-‐class quiz. Homework will take approximately 15 minutes daily in addition to weekly lecture and review.
History The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Part Two This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear. Email us if you are unsure if you meet the prerequisite. Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 11, 2016. No class February 22 for Midterm Break or March 28 for Easter Break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Part One, or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 8th grade and up Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester American History Fee: $175 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15th for all 12 classes. Instructor: Christopher Zehnder, MA Course description: This course will tell the story of the mission system that Fray Junípero Serra established in California, the various struggles he and his successors faced in bringing Christ and civilization to the primitive peoples of California and the opposition they faced from both Spanish and California officials. It is a dramatic story that includes many dramatic events: Indian rebellion, heroic sacrifice, and martyrdom. It is a tragic story, too, for it tells of the promise of the mission system and how it was ultimately destroyed.
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Course materials: Instructor will provide texts (primary source and otherwise) in PDF format to students. Homework: Weekly reading. Lectures will focus on those events and ideas that are the keys for understanding the historical periods under consideration. The teacher will evaluate the students by essay tests given after Week III, Week V, and Week VII. Thereafter, evaluation will be based on student's responses to questions in class.
History: Making of the Modern World, Part Two This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear (email us if you are unsure if you meet the prerequisite). Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 11, 2016. No class February 22 for Midterm Break or March 28 for Easter Break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes) Prerequisite: Making of the Modern World, Part One or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 8th to 10th grade. Fee: $175 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Christopher Zehnder, MA Course description: In Part Two, we continue the story of the development of the modern world, chiefly by looking at movements and events in Europe. We begin with a study of the Romantic Movement and its various manifestations in art, philosophy, theology, and politics. We next discuss the events leading up to and encompassing the "Year of Revolutions" (1848-‐49), which led to the "triumph of Liberalism" in Europe. Thence, we proceed to the national unification movements in Italy and Germany. We look as well at the relations of the Catholic Church to the changing European world, especially as exemplified by the reigns of Pope Blessed Pius IX (who presided over the First Vatican Council) and Pope Leo XIII. We examine the development of industrialism and the capitalist system. Along with this, we discuss the development of new social classes and examine the "social question" and the various attempts to provide an answer to that "question": socialism, Marxism, anarchism, and Social Catholicism. We next turn to the ideas and events culminating in the "Great War," World War I. Our study then turns to the rise of totalitarian regimes and the ideologies that inspired them: Fascism, Marxist-‐Leninism, Stalinism, and Nazism. We examine the response of the Church and individual Catholics to such ideologies and regimes. We then turn to the events leading up to the Second World War and the events of that war. We next study the post-‐war world – the culmination of the 400-‐year history of the Modern World. We conclude with an examination of the Second Vatican Council, understanding it as the Church's attempt to preach the Gospel in a new way to the Modern World. Course materials: The text for the course (both Part One and Part Two) is Light to the Nations II: The Making of the Modern World, published by and available from www.catholictextbookproject.com. Homework: Students will read assigned portions of the text. Lectures will focus on those events and ideas that are the keys for understanding the historical periods under consideration. The teacher will evaluate the students by essay tests given after Week III, Week V, and Week VII. Thereafter, evaluation will be based on student's responses to questions in class.
Early Modern Europe: 1648-‐1789 Class dates: Mondays, February 1 to April 25, 2016. No class March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None. Introduction to Christian Historiography and Rending of Christendom recommended (available through Unlimited Access). Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade; 9th to 10th grade with above average reading and comprehension skills. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester high school World History Fee: $185 if you register on or before November 15, 2016, $205 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Phillip Campbell
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Course description: As Europe recovers from the age of the religious wars, advances in science and the opening up of the New World will lead to new challenges that will first strain and then finally break the old order of Christendom. Course outline: Week 1: Survey of Europe in 1648 Week 2: Cromwell and the English Protectorate Week 3: The Not-‐So Glorious Revolution of 1688 Week 4: The Age of the Sun King Week 5: Wars Abroad and the Quest for Empire Week 6: The Scientific Enlightenment Week 7: The Political-‐Philosophical Enlightenment Week 8: Emergence of Prussia Week 9: The Russian Bear Week 10: The Empire and the Balkans Week 11: Succession Crises Week 12: The Seven Years' War Course materials: From Absolutism to Revolution 1648-‐1848 by Herbert H. Rowen, ed. by Norman F. Cantor (1965), http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000AN3EYG/unamsanccath-‐20 (A quick online search revealed more than 50 used copies available between $1 and $5). Additional primary source readings provided free by the instructor Homework: Five hours per week, including attending the live class, watching recordings, completing reading assignments, online quizzes, and occasional short answer or mini-‐essay questions.
Latin Middle School Latin I, Part Two This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear but need to email first for the placement test at [email protected] if they do not have the prerequisite. This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Thursdays January 21 to May 5, 2016. No class March 24 for Holy Thursday. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 am Mountain; 10:00 am Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: Middle School Latin I, Part One (Live Fall 2015 or recorded through Unlimited Access). Suggested grade level: 7th and 8th grade Fee: $150 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $165 after Nov. 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: Students will continue to learn Latin grammar and vocabulary through fun activities and homework assignments. They will also be encouraged to use certain online resources to help them develop good study habits. This course will prepare students for the high school Latin One course. Course materials: A Latin dictionary. All other course materials provided free by the Mrs. Henry. Homework: Students should spend a half hour a day, four days a week on their homework.
Latin I, Part Two This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear but need to email first for the placement test at [email protected] if they do not have the prerequisite. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 19 to May 3, 2016. No class March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Latin I, Part One (Live Fall 2015 or through Unlimited Access). New students will be required to take an entrance exam before entering the course.
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Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: One full semester Foreign Language Fee: $180 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $200 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: Throughout this fourteen-‐week course, students will continue to focus on learning Latin grammar, vocabulary, and the history behind this beautiful language. Breakout rooms, Quizlet, and other materials supplemented by the instructor will be utilized to encourage good study habits. The textbook, Wheelock's Latin, will be our overarching guide for the course. Students will work through chapters 11-‐19 (chapters are approximate and may vary slightly). Course materials: Wheelock’s Latin 7th Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061997226/catholictreas-‐20) and other materials supplemented by the instructor. Students are required to have a Quizlet account (Free at www.quizlet.com). Homework: Students will have daily homework assignments and weekly quizzes. In addition to homework, they will be encouraged to study Latin for at least fifteen minutes each day.
Latin II, Part Two This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear but need to email first for the placement test at [email protected] if they do not have the prerequisite. Class dates: Mondays, January 18 to May 2, 2016. No class March 28 for Easter Break. Total classes: 14 classes Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Latin II, Part One (Live Fall 2015 or recorded through Unlimited Access). New students will be required to take an entrance exam before entering the course. Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: One full semester Foreign Language Fee: $185 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $205 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: This fourteen-‐week course will focus on deepening students’ understanding of advanced Latin grammar, vocabulary, and the history behind this beautiful language. Breakout rooms, Quizlet, and other materials supplemented by the instructor will be utilized to encourage good study habits. The textbook, Wheelock's Latin, will be our overarching guide for the course. Students will work through chapters 30 – 40 (chapters are approximate and may vary slightly). Course materials: Wheelock’s Latin 7th Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061997226/catholictreas-‐20) and other materials supplemented free by the instructor Homework: Students can expect to spend a half hour to forty-‐five minutes a day (Monday – Friday) on their homework assignments, studying flashcards, and any additional assignments.
Latin III/IV – Part Two (Rotation B) This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us midyear but need to email first for the placement test at [email protected] if they do not have the prerequisite. This course is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Thursdays, January 21 to May 5, 2016. No class March 24 for Holy Thursday. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Latin III/IV, Part One (Rotation B) or equivalent. New students required to take entrance exam provided by the instructor (email [email protected] for exam). Suggested grade level: 11th and 12th grade Suggested high school credit: One full semester Foreign Language Fee: $200 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $220 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes.
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Instructor: Emily Henry Course description: This is a college preparatory course for students who have studied Latin for at least two years and have a solid understanding of advanced grammar. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to implement everything they have learned by translating both ancient and modern Latin texts. This class is seminar style, facilitated by the instructor but mostly student-‐led. Course materials: We will use Cicero: de Amicitia Paperback – June 1, 1983 by Gould and Whiteley. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0865160422/catholictreas-‐20. Also from Part One: Wheelock’s Latin 7th Edition (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0061997226/catholictreas-20); Allen and Greenough’s New Latin Grammar (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486448061/catholictreas-20); a Latin dictionary; and Wheelock’s Latin Reader 2e: Selections from Latin Literature (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060935065/catholictreas-20) Homework: Students are expected to translate daily, spending an hour on their daily assignments.
Life Skills How to be an Excellent Student: Note Taking, Test Taking, and How to Get an A Homeschool Connections offers this course free as it lays a foundation of study skills to help students be successful in all of their other courses. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 5 to January 26, 2016. Total classes: 4 Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 10th grade Fee: FREE Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course is designed to help your student become strong, confident, and able to study for any high school level course with success. Course outline: Class 1: Active listening and how to take notes effectively Class 2: Active reading and how to study effectively Class 3: Critical reading skills for comprehension Class 4: Test-‐taking in a timed setting Course materials: All materials provided free from the instructor. Homework: This is a lecture course with approximately 2 hours of work per class (reading and automated quizzes).
Literature Drama and the Human Spirit for Middle School, Part Two This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. However, students are welcomed to join us midyear. Class dates: Wednesdays, January 13 to April 13, 2016. No class February 10 midterm break or March 23 for Easter Break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 7th to 8th grade. Fee: $150 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $170 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Kevin O'Brien Course description: From its beginning in ancient Greece and from its inception in England in the context of the liturgy, drama has always been about man's relation to God (or "the gods"). This survey course will examine some of the great works of drama and comedy, focusing on how dramatic art grapples with the question of the meaning of life and the revelation of God in the human heart.
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Course outline: 1. An Overview of Theater from Ancient to Modern Times 2. Elements of the Modern Theater -‐ selections from various playwrights 3. Light Opera -‐ HMS Pinafore and the works of Gilbert & Sullivan 4. Theater in America -‐ Vaudeville & Melodramas (various short examples will be read and discussed) 5. Theater in America -‐ Tent Shows & Broadway 6. Modern Continental Theater -‐ A Doll's House by Henrik Ibesen 7. Modern English Theater -‐ Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw 8. American Musical Theater -‐ My Fair Lady by Lerner & Lowe 9. Modern Catholic Drama -‐ The Surprise by G. K. Chesterton 10. Theater of the Absurd and Experimental Theater -‐ Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco 11. Stage vs. Film -‐ How TV and Cinema have changed the dramatic arts 12. Conclusion and Review Course materials: Will be provided free by the instructor in the form of PDF's and eBooks; scenes from filmed versions of the plays will be shown during class time. Homework: Each play should be read before that week's discussion of it. Frequent short quizzes, consisting of multiple choice and essay questions. This should take no more than 3 to 4 hours per week.
Poetry 2: Writing in Rhyme and Meter Registration limited to 10 students. Though this is Part Two of a 3-‐part course, students are welcomed to join us midyear. Email us if you are unsure about the prerequisite. Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to March 7, 2016. No class Feb. 15 for midterm break. Total classes: 8 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Poetry 1: Introduction to Poetry (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/2 semester Poetry or Literature/ Creative Writing. For a full semester credit, follow with Poetry 3 starting March 14, 2016. Fee: $80 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $90 after Nov. 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Sally Thomas Course description: An introduction to the craft of poetry writing, emphasizing traditional English verse forms. Though this is a writing-‐intensive class, students will also be immersed in the reading of poetry. Through their experiences in examining how poems work and putting their observations into practice, students will prepare themselves for the challenge of college by developing heightened sensitivity as close readers and a greater command of rhetoric in their own writing, whether poetry or prose. Course outline: Class 1: Introduction Class 2: Foot, Line, and Stanza Class 3: The Sonnet Class 4: Haiku and Other Syllabic Verse Class 5: The Repetition Principle: Sestinas and Villanelles Class 6: More About Repetition: Pantoums Class 7: Rhyme Schemes Revisited: Terza Rima, Rhyme Royal, Ottava Rima Class 8: Festival of Poets and Poems Course materials: Rhyme’s Reason, John Hollander. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0300206291/catholictreas-‐20) Homework: One chapter in Rhyme’s Reason each week, plus additional poetry readings, provided by the instructor. Weekly reading quiz. One poetry-‐writing exercise per week. Research project/presentation due during the final class meeting, plus a portfolio of five finished poems. Assignments graded by the instructor.
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Poetry 3: Free Verse Registration limited to 10 students. Though this is Part Three of a 3-‐part course, students are welcomed to join us midyear. Email us if you are unsure about the prerequisite. Class dates: Mondays, March 14 to April 25, 2016. No class March 28 for Easter Break. Total classes: 6 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Poetry 1 (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) and Poetry 2 (Spring 2016) or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: Combined with Poetry 2: 1 full semester Poetry or Literature/ Creative Writing Fee: $60 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $70 after Nov. 15th for all 8 classes. Instructor: Sally Thomas Course description: An introduction to the craft of poetry writing, emphasizing free verse and experimentation with rhetorical techniques. Though this is a writing-‐intensive class, students will also be immersed in the reading of poetry. Through their experiences in examining how poems work and putting their observations into practice, students will prepare themselves for the challenge of college by developing heightened sensitivity as close readers and a greater command of rhetoric in their own writing, whether poetry or prose. Course Outline: Class 1: Getting Ready; Reading Poems; Imitation Class 2: Sound and Line; Also Revision Class 3: Form and Free Verse Class 4: Diction, Tone, and Voice Class 5: Imagery and Experience Class 6: Festival of Poets and Poems Course Materials: A Poetry Handbook, Mary Oliver (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0156724006/catholictreas-‐20) Homework: Two to three very short chapters in A Poetry Handbook weekly, plus poems assigned by the instructor. Reading quiz weekly. One poetry-‐writing assignment per week. One finished poem to share in a student reading during the final class.
Tolkien for Young Adults: The Theology of Middle-‐Earth Class dates: Wednesdays, January 20 to March 2, 2016. No class February 10 for Ash Wednesday. Total classes: 6 Starting time: This course will be offered twice. You can choose one of the following times: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) OR 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Ability to read and enjoy the works of J. R. R. Tolkien Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Literature Fee: $90 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $105 after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Joseph Pearce Course description: Tolkien's work is infused with a depth of Catholic theology, which is often overlooked. Professor Pearce will uncover the many ways in which Middle-‐Earth is infused with Tolkien's Catholicism. Course outline: Week 1: Truth in Fairy Stories (Tolkien's Essay "On Fairy Stories") Week 2: The Creation of Middle-‐Earth (The Silmarillion) Week 3: Middle-‐Earth and the Middle Ages (Influences, including Beowulf) Week 4: The Fellowship of the Ring Week 5: The Two Towers Week 6: The Return of the King
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Course materials: "On Fairy Stories"; The Silmarillion; and Lord of the Rings. Homework: Students should read "On Fairy Stories" before the first class. Homework entails daily reading and weekly quizzes (20 minutes).
The Catholic Shakespeare: Early and Late Comedies: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest Class dates: Tuesdays, January 26 to April 5, 2016. No class March 22 for Easter break. Total classes: 10 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 min. Prerequisite: The ability to read and understand the plays. Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: One semester Classical Literature Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 10 classes. Instructor: Dr. Henry Russell Course description: This semester’s plays will examine how Shakespeare used the “spirit world” in drama to stand in for the great actions of God himself. This was necessary to avoid English law against overtly religious drama, but it also created delightful characters.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is structured around six (!) different sets of romantic lovers, descending from the spiritual Oberon and Titania, down through the humans: Theseus and Hippolyta; Lysander and Hermia; Demetrius and Helena; to the union of a spirit, Titania, and a human-‐animal, Bottom; and finally to the fantastical Pyramus and Thisbe. This ladder of lovers and fools shows many ways that love can be distorted by sight that looks only to the physical or by our petulant wills that override reason. Yet in the end, each lover is healed or aided by Oberon’s spiritual guidance, even if that guidance is mediated by the erratic acts of Puck. Duke Theseus creates a New Law of love fitting for the Feast of St. John the Baptist (Midsummer) who announces the New law of Christ.
The Tempest’s main character, Prospero, can command the winds, the sea, the fire, can foresee the future to the minute and open graves at his command. These attributes of God, the Father, mark his true nature in Shakespeare’s final allegory, a return to the Catholic Mystery Plays outlawed by Queen Elizabeth when the playwright was a teen. The action of the drama is simple. Prospero draws his enemies, who have driven him from Milan to his island of exile, to bring them to repentance and offer forgiveness, culminating in unifying his family and theirs through marriage with his perfect daughter. The play also presents the two sides of Man to the audience, the spiritual, angelic Ariel (pure spirit that is forgetful and even sometimes impatient at the low necessities of the world) and the base, animal-‐like Caliban—the picture of unredeemed man. Course materials: Any version of the plays with line numbers Homework: Read Act I of A Midsummer Night's Dream before the first class. Expect about one hour of reading per evening, plus approximately one half hour for note taking. There will be weekly automated quizzes; a midterm and final and two essays with Dr. Russell’s grading prompts for parental grading. Those will be assigned in the sixth and tenth weeks.
Math Saxon Pre-‐Algebra, Part Two Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 25, 2016. No class Feb. 22 for midterm break or March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 14 live classes, plus 14 recorded lectures. Starting time: 11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Basic math skills, Saxon 7/6 preferred. Suggested grade level: 8th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $210 after Nov. 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded)
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Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Students will begin the skills needed for Algebra I. These include but are not limited to: writing equations, slope of a line, solving simple equations, numbers and their operations, linear functions, and operations with integers. Course materials: Saxon Algebra ½ Homeschool Kit, Third Edition. (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/1508/OID/3321/Saxon-‐Math-‐Homeschool-‐Kits/) Homework: 4-‐5 assignments of 15-‐20 problems per lesson
Saxon Algebra 1, Part Two Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 25, 2016. No class Feb. 22 for midterm break or March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 14 live classes, plus 14 recorded lectures. Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Saxon 8/7, Algebra ½, or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $210 after Nov. 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Students will study all concepts in Algebra 1 from linear to nonlinear equations, graphing and numerical studies.. In it's entirety this course involves all concepts needed to fulfill national requirements for Algebra I. The topics to include but not be restricted to, operations with integers, rules of multiplicative identity and additive identity, equation solving, exponential function relations, quadratic function relations and their graphs, Cartesian graphing, polynomial relations and functions, radicals and their properties as well as some work with geometric properties as a background for use in Algebra II. Course materials: Saxon Algebra I Homeschool Kit, Third Edition (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/1508/OID/3324/Saxon-‐Math-‐Homeschool-‐Kits/) Homework: 4-5 assignments of 15-20 problems per lesson Foerster Algebra 1, Part Two Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 26, 2016. No class February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Pre-‐Algebra Suggested grade level: 9th to 10th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $210 after Nov. 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Students will be required to watch a recorded 30-‐minute lecture each week and attend class for discussions and problem solving. Algebra 1 explores all avenues of linear equations, some non-‐linear equations and problem solving. Students will use all of their basic math skills to solve problems, graph equations, and think using the skills we develop. The instructor is available for Skype conferencing once a week if needed. Course Materials: Foerster's Algebra 1 (Third Edition, 1994), ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0201860948 ISBN-‐10: 0201860945 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201860945/catholictreas-‐20). We recommend purchasing the text used as it is considerably cheaper than new. Homework: 4-‐5 lessons per week with 15-‐20 problems to work per lesson
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Foerster Algebra 2, Part Two Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 26, 2016. No class February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Suggested grade level: 10th grade and up Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $210 after Nov. 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Foerster Algebra 2 will pick up where we left of in Foerster Algebra 1 with solving complex algebraic equations, complex fractions and exploring rational as well as irrational numbers. Students will also begin their exploration of trigonometric functions, as well as using the geometry that they have learned to find lengths and measures of angles. Students will continue with the ideas of solving for a variable, but now use vector analysis to go along with it. This is a great next step after Algebra 1, and will lead into geometry smoothly. Course materials: Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications (Prentice Hall Classics): http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131657100/catholictreas-‐20 Homework: 4-‐5 lessons per week with 15-‐20 problems to work per lesson
Holt-‐McDougal-‐Larson Algebra 2 (Honors), Part Two This Algebra II course is more rigorous than the typical Algebra 2 course. Parents may give it an Honors designation on their student’s homeschool transcript. This is Part Two of a 2-‐part course. Students are welcomed to join us midyear. Please email [email protected] to check prerequisites. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 26, 2016. No classes February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter break. Total classes: 14 live, interactive classes plus 3 to 5 recorded lessons each week. Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Central) Duration: 55 minutes Skype Office Hours: Thursdays from 5:30-‐6:00 PM Eastern Prerequisite: Algebra II, Part One or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $200 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $225 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes plus recorded lectures. Instructor: Thomas Frederick, MS Course description: This fourteen (14) week course is the second part of a two part series on advanced concepts in Algebra. The goal of Algebra 2 is to build upon the concepts taught in Algebra 1 and Geometry while adding new concepts to the student’s repertoire of mathematics. Algebra 2 continues the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial and exponential functions and introduces rational, logarithmic and trigonometric relationships. Additional topics covered include matrices, sequences and conic sections. Graphing calculators will be used extensively. Course materials: Holt McDougal Larson Algebra 2 (2007) ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0-‐618-‐92393-‐9 ISBN-‐10: 0-‐618-‐92393-‐4. A TI 83 or 84 Graphing Calculator *(a FREE app can be downloaded for the Android Phone, Mac or PC but not for IOS) Homework: Weekly lessons will include pre recorded videos, note sheets, practice problems, and a quiz or test. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook along with solutions for students to self-‐check progress. Each unit will have a quiz or test at the end, which will be graded by the instructor in the Moodle interface. Students will be expected to watch daily videos, complete daily homework (3-‐4 times per week). The instructor will host a live class once a week for one hour as well as hold weekly office hours for 30 minutes.
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Jurgensen, Brown, Jurgensen Geometry, Part Two Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 26, 2016. No class February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or equivalent coursework Suggested grade level: 10th grade and up. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $210 after Nov. 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: Jurgensen, Brown, and Jurgensen is a complement text to the Foerster Algebra series. Students will study two and three dimensional shapes as well as lines, rays and similar figures in a plane. Deductive reasoning will be used throughout the text to immerse students in proofs and the varying postulants and theorems that are used. Basic as well as more advanced constructions will be used along with algebra to connect algebra with the geometry that they are learning. We will be using the college entrance tests as a guide for the tests and quizzes so that students are familiar with the types of questions they will be expected to know and answer. Course materials: Geometry by Jurgensen, Brown and Jurgensen ISBN# 0-‐395-‐77120-‐X, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/039577120X/catholictreas-‐20 Homework: 4-5 assignments per week with 15-20 problems per lesson Saxon Advanced Mathematics, Part Two Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 25, 2016. No class Feb. 22 for midterm break or March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 14 live classes plus 14 recorded classes. Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes for live classes. 30 minutes for recorded classes. Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math Fee: $190.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $210 after Nov. 15 for all 28 classes (14 live and 14 recorded) Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA Course description: We will explore all the algebraic & trigonometric concepts; both linear and nonlinear plus functions, complex numbers, and concepts involving trigonometry & polar coordinates. This course will fulfill requirements for Pre-‐calculus and ready students for High School and college advanced topics math including Calculus. Course materials: Saxon Advanced Mathematics and Incremental Development, Edition 2 (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm/ID/1508/OID/3328/Saxon-‐Math-‐Homeschool-‐Kits/), with the test and homeschool pack, a scientific calculator (TI 30X or the like), graph paper, ruler, protractor, compass, and pencil. Graphing calculators are useful, but not necessary. Instructor will provide a free weekly lecture in addition to the live, interactive classes. Homework: 4-‐5 assignments per week with 15-‐20 problems to work per lesson.
Philosophy / Logic Philosophy: And Introduction to The Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students are welcome to join us mid year (email us if you are unsure if you meet the prerequisite). Class dates: Fridays, January 8 to April 8, 2016. No class January 22 for the March for Life nor March 25 for Good
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Friday. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) Prerequisite: Part One of this course (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade. However, bright younger students would be acceptable. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Philosophy or Theology Fee: $175 if you register on or before Nov. 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Dave Palmer Course description: The timeless philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, when properly understood, can be an invaluable help to all people today, including young people in high school and those preparing for college. For in it the eternal truths of the Catholic faith shine brightly, revealing to man the truths about the nature of God, the angels, other creatures and himself. We learn our purpose in life and the pathway back to God, our creator and end, through a life based on God’s grace, the Sacraments and a life of virtue. Most people never begin studying St. Thomas Aquinas because they think it will be too complicated or above their heads. This course is presented in a fun and interactive manner and will help students answer the most fundamental questions about their lives, the most perplexing questions about human nature, and come to a better understanding of who we are as made to the image and likeness of God. Course materials: The Summa by St. Thomas Aquinas can be found online and other reading materials for class will be provided. Nothing needs to be purchased. Homework: Will consist of taking a weekly short quiz and answering short essay question based on class material each week. Other assignments will involve connecting what is being learned to issues in the news of the day.
St. Thomas on the Human Person Class dates: Thursdays, January 14 to April 14, 2016. No classes Feb. 25 for midterm break or Mar. 24 for Holy Thursday. Note: Dates are subject to change. Will be finalized May 2015. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Note: Time is subject to change. Will be finalized May 2015. Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Philosophy Fee: $175 if you register on or before Nov. 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15 for all 12 Instructor: Jean Rioux, Ph.D. Course description: St. Thomas' account of the human person expounds upon what philosophers and theologians from ancient times to his day have said about ourselves and our unique place in God's universe. While Thomas discusses and references his views on human nature in nearly all his works, his 'ex professo' treatment of the question can be found in questions 75 through 89 of the first part of his Summa Theologiae. While the context of this treatise is theological, Thomas' consideration also includes an extended and integrated philosophical account of what we are, what we can expect of life, and why. Addressing issues as wide-‐ranging as whether and to what degree we can really know the world about us, upon what basis we can stake our claim to free action, and whether we can certainly know, as Socrates is to have said, that "our souls will truly exist in another world!", Thomas brings his brilliant mind to bear upon a discussion and resolution of life's most important questions. Course materials: Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, Prima Pars, questions 75-‐89 (selections) | Aristotle, De Anima (short selections) | materials will be provided by the instructor as a freely-‐downloadable PDF file. Homework: Homework for each session will consist, first, of a close reading of the assigned materials (tentatively, using class preparation software to be distributed by Dr. Rioux, free of charge). Written assignments will consist of students' careful, short-‐essay responses to two or three prompts covering the last class' material, graded by Dr. Rioux. Students should expect to spend 3 to 4 hours outside of class time on reading and assignments.
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Science Kingdom Animalia (Life Science in the Catholic Tradition) Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 5, 2016. No class March 22. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $175 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes and free eBook. Instructor: Kris Correira, PA-‐C, MHP Course description: This course gives an overview of the Animal Kingdom, both invertebrates and vertebrates. Very basic information about animal reproduction and evolution are part of the course. Course outline: Class 1: Biodiversity and Classification Class 2: Porifera and Cnidarians Class 3: Worms Class 4: Mollusks Class 5: Arthropods Part 1 Class 6: Arthropods Part 2 Class 7: Echinoderms Class 8: Fish Class 9: Amphibians Class 10: Reptiles Class 11: Birds Class 12: Mammals Course materials: Free companion eBook sections and links to videos will be provided for each weekly topic. Dissection kit highly recommended (http://www.hometrainingtools.com/dissection-‐kit-‐intermediate/p/DE-‐KITINT/). Homework: Weekly quizzes. Take notes on weekly videos to discuss during class. Dissection labs are optional, completed at home under the parent’s guidance, and not graded by the instructor.
Spaceflight Operations and Related Sciences Class dates: Wednesdays, January 6 to May 4, 2016. No class February 10 for Ash Wednesday or March 23 for Easter Break. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 6:00 PM Eastern (5:00 Central; 4:00 Mountain; 3:00 Pacific). Subject to change. Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes) Prerequisite: All virtual astronauts should report for duty with their imaginations and a love for learning. General familiarity with spacecraft and the related subject areas is a plus, but not required. >>>SOFTWARE<<< [1] Installation of the Orbiter Space Flight Simulator (free download from http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk) should be accomplished prior to the start of the first class. Please refer to the website for minimum computer hardware requirements. Some graphics cards have difficulty displaying some ship consoles (they look like holes cut out where flight instruments should be but you see the outside instead). Please test to ensure that the software displays them properly or the student will have greater difficulty controlling the ship (not a limiting factor for the class). [2] Access to a spreadsheet application like MS Excel (not free but possibly already installed on your computer) or Open Office Calc (free download at openoffice.org) is recommended for some data analysis. [3] Installation of the Fldigi (Fast and Light Digital modem program) for the purpose of processing ground-‐based and satellite radio signals. Version 3.21.78 (or greater) is available as a free download from http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html website.
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[4] Celestia 3D astronomy software (free download at http://sourceforge.net/projects/celestia/). [5] Orbitron and it can be downloaded from http://www.stoff.pl/. Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Space Science Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 after Nov. 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Domenico Ruggiero Course description: This course is a jam-‐packed assortment of space-‐related sciences taught by a former NASA Space Shuttle Engineer. The variety of topics covered in this course could each be courses in themselves. The approach taken here is to present some very interesting aspects of the subjects in a way that doesn’t over-‐simplify the topics. Recognizing that homeschool students are exceptionally bright and are capable of understanding the fundamentals of complex subjects and researching additional material, the course material will be presented in a manner that captivates the child’s attention, makes them more aware of the depth of knowledge still to be gained, and then shows them how to learn more by providing a plethora of resources that the child will explore on their own and with the collaboration of fellow students. Class discussions will also be peppered with these subjects/topics:
• Material science – why certain materials are used and why some are not • Circuits and electronics • Sensors and other instrumentation • Sun science: Sunspots, radiation, solar wind, solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and how “space
weather” affects the Earth. • Earth observation science: Meteorology, Infrared, satellite imagery • OSS: Traveling from the Earth to the Moon and back • Use of computers and software in spacecraft, especially during long-‐distance trips • Work stories, lessons learned, and other advice • The importance of public speaking skills
Course materials: See prerequisite section for a list of required software applications. Extensive handouts, online resources, and software applications are to be utilized. Purchase of a small pad of green engineering paper would be useful when making hand-‐made plots. This paper type also makes for a “cool” science-‐looking notepad with its small-‐grid boxes useful for making impromptu plots/drawings. Book recommendations will be provided but are not required for purchase. Encouraged experimentation may require the purchase of related supplies, but this is optional and at the discretion/interest of the student and parent. Homework: Assignments will vary based on subject area. Where applicable, assignments will have a Catholic theme to them. Assignments may include, but are not limited to, (1) answering questions related to topics covered during the lectures, (2) researching related materials, (3) using the spaceflight simulator to accomplish a mission using newly gained knowledge of orbital mechanics (astrodynamics), (4) using online software defined radio stations and specially designed software to tune in ground-‐based and satellite radio signals, (5) using 3D space-‐related software applications to learn more about planetary motion and the occurrences of eclipses, (6) tracking the current and predicted location of satellites and the International Space Station. In this course, students have a required class project which promotes more of a deep-‐dive into a subject/topic of the student’s choosing. The finished project will be shared with fellow students via a short in-‐class demonstration approximately 3 to 5 minutes in duration. Students will collaborate with fellow students and mentor them when needed so as to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Students can expect a variable 3 to 6 hours of time per week dedicated to homework and progress towards their class project. Additional time, if available, is encouraged so that the student can experiment with specific personal interests. Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.
Conceptual Physics I, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check prerequisites. Class dates: Thursdays January 7 to April 28, 2016. No class March 24 for Holy Thursday.
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Total classes: 14 Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes) Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics I, Part One or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 10th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Fee: $195 if you register on or before Nov. 15, 2015. $215 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Thomas Frederick, MS Course description: This 14 week course is the second course in a two course series in introductory Physics concepts. The title of “conceptual” means we will not rely too much on advanced mathematical calculations. Instead, we will stick to principles, concepts, and major ideas. Students will have live instruction once a week. Topics covered will build on concepts learned in Conceptual Physics Part I and will include: Circular Motion, Stability & Center of Gravity, Rotational Mechanics, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Temperature & Heat Transfer, Waves, Sound & Light, Electrostatics, Electricity, and Electric Circuits.
The goal of the course is to investigate Physics concepts without the need for complicated mathematics (that can come later). Students will build in their natural intuition—and break some commonly held misconceptions. Students will learn how the cosmos that God created works and apply the laws of physics to every day examples in their lives. Students will learn that physics is phun! Course materials: Conceptual Physics Paul Hewitt (2006) ISBN: 0-‐13-‐166301-‐1. Homework: Weekly reading from the textbook as well as online resources will be assigned. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook along with solutions for students to self-‐check progress. Students will also be assigned interactive online activities that will help them to better understand and apply concepts learned in class. Each unit will have a quiz or test at the end, which will be graded by the instructor.
Physics I; Mechanics, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students want to join us midyear should email to verify prerequisites. Note: Dates and time subject to change as Dr. Rodriguez is awaiting his spring schedule at Ave Maria. All will be finalized soon. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 26, 2016. No class February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 15 live classes plus 15 recorded classes. Starting time: 4:00 pm Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Mechanical Physics, Part One (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester credit Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 after Nov. 15 for all 30 classes (15 live and 15 recorded). Instructor: Ricardo Rodriguez, PhD Course description: This is the second part of a two-‐semester course. This course is an algebra-‐based, college preparation. Topics covered will include:
Simple Harmonic Motion and Elasticity Fluids Temperature and Heat The Transfer of Heat The ideal gas law and kinetic theory Thermodynamics Waves and Sound Optics
Students will investigate the inner workings of the universe, created by a loving God. The goal of the course is to build on previous knowledge of Physical Science principals, to break common misconceptions based on false
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intuition. Students will learn problem-‐solving strategies as they apply the laws of physics to every day examples in our lives. Course materials: Two textbooks. A free online book for reference: https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-‐physics and also Physics 5th ed, Cutnell & Johnson, ISBN -‐ 978-‐0471321460 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047132146X/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: This is an algebra-‐based course but it is quite rigorous. Weekly reading and completion of quizzes is expected. Thirty to sixty minutes of reading/homework a day is a reasonable expectation. The quizzes with their respective solutions are posted weekly so students can evaluate their understanding. Monthly Exams are also part of the class. All tests will be graded by the instructor.
Biology I, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. It is highly suggested, though not mandatory, that students also register for LAB: Biology I, Part Two. Class dates: Fridays, January 8 to April 22, 2016 Total classes: 14 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 60 to 75 minutes per class Prerequisite: Biology, Part One or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biology when taken with the LAB. Fee: $150.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $170 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: Prepares the student for ACT/SAT biology. Students are expected to take notes during class and ask questions. Notes will help with weekly quizzes, quizzes are open book. This Biology class is a general overview of high school Biology presented from a Catholic perspective. Students should have access to a microphone for the Q&A game at the end of class, as time permits. Course materials: Prentice Hall Biology ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0131663551 or ISBN-‐10: 0131662554 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131662554/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Weekly vocabulary, reading and quizzes. Approximately 1 to 2 hours per week.
LAB for Biology I, Part Two You must be registered in Biology I, Part Two in order to register for the LAB component. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Biology I, Part Two Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $30 on or before November 15, 2015; $35 after Nov. 15. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biology with Lab. Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: There will be 6 labs that are explicitly aligned with the Biology Part 2 classes. NOTE: ALL LABS FOR BIOLOGY PART TWO WILL BE DISSECTION. If the student is in any way uncomfortable with hands on animal dissection, they should opt out of this Lab. Course materials and technology: Student Dissection Kit. http://www.amazon.com/The-‐Science-‐Shop%C2%AE-‐Student-‐Dissection/dp/B001ELQ6U2/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426466862&sr=8-‐1-‐fkmr2&keywords=high+school+dissection+animals Eye Dissection Kit http://www.amazon.com/Young-‐Scientists-‐Eye-‐Dissection-‐Kit/dp/B007XE93LI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426467183&sr=8-‐1&keywords=cow+eye Access to a printer and scanner. Webcam, microphone and headset for students to engage in live labs.
Anatomy and Physiology, Part Two Class dates : Wednesdays, January 15 to April 27, 2016. No class on March 23 for Easter break. Total classes: 15 live classes plus 15 recorded classes Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 100 minutes per live class (1 hour 40 minutes)
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Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology, Part One. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Science Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 if you register after Nov. 15 for all 30 classes (15 live and 15 recorded). Instructor: Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. Course description: The goal of the course of study is to prepare upper level high school students for first year college studies in Nursing, Pharmacy, and the allied health sciences. In many of these college programs, with nursing in particular, the top grades earned in college Anatomy and Physiology are used to determine who is granted formal entrance into the major course of study. This two-‐semester course of study does not substitute for college anatomy and physiology. It is meant to be a rigorous first introduction to this most challenging and foundational of all courses in the allied health sciences. The text selected for this course is widely regarded as one of the finest ever written, and its superior illustrations ease the attainment of mastery over the subject matter.
The course will use ample clinical anecdotes as students progress through the chapters, in order to immediately demonstrate the clinical significance and importance of the principle in question. Where appropriate, discussion of contemporary bioethical issues from the perspective of the Church’s moral magisterium will be engaged so that students learn from their earliest encounter with clinical medicine that morally imbued biomedical ethics must be their constant formative companion as they develop into medical professionals.
It must be emphasized that this course of study will require significant study time outside of class, but its rigors will stand the student entering college study of Anatomy and Physiology in very good stead for their second encounter with the material, whose mastery is essential for the subsequent courses in pathophysiology, and applied therapeutics.
The second semester will focus in depth on the remaining organ systems of the body, their anatomy and physiology. These include the sensory, motor and integrative systems, special organs of sense, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, digestive, reproductive systems, as well as embryonic and fetal development. A special emphasis will be placed on the human identity and status of the embryo and fetus, incorporating a scientifically sound pro-‐life apologetics approach for students to take with them into their college and graduate level clinical training. Course materials: Text: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14e with Atlas of the Skeleton Set, by Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan Derrickson, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐1118774564. (Available for rent at a much cheaper cost, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1118774566/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Homework time varies by student, but an estimated 6 to 7 hours per week is not unreasonable, given the advanced level of material being studied.
Advanced Biology: College Level, Part Two Note: Registration is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 5 to April 28, 2016. No classes on March 22 and 24 for Easter Break. Total classes: 32 Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 100 minutes per class (1 hour 40 minutes) Prerequisite: Advanced Biology, Part One (fall semester). Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Science Fee: $250 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $275 after Nov. 15 for all 32 classes. Instructor: Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. Course description: This two-‐semester course will introduce students to the principles of General Biology at a first year college level. The goal is to provide the most up-‐to-‐date treatment of contemporary biology and biotechnology, and to briefly treat the great ethical and moral questions of the day arising from the subject matter; in the classic model of a Catholic liberal arts education that stresses integration of the scientific and the moral magisterium of the Church. Students completing this course will be well prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology (Monday, May 9, 2016). Part Two (spring semester) will focus in depth on the various organ systems of the body, their anatomy and
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physiology, as well as comparative anatomy and physiology with other members of the animal kingdom. Human reproduction and embryology will comprise a special unit within the semester of study, along with a segment on developmental anomalies and the rapidly developing field of fetal surgeries and other interventional therapies. Also treated will be plant physiology and principles of ecology, ecosystems, biomes and conservation. Course materials: Text: Campbell Biology 10th Edition (ISBN-‐10: 0321775651 or ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0321775658), (Available for rent at a much cheaper cost, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321775651/catholictreas-‐20.) Homework: Homework time varies by student, but an estimated 5 to 6 hours per week, in addition to attending the live, interactive classes, is not unreasonable, given the advanced level of material being studied. Homework will involve the outlining of one essay per week, consistent with the structure of the Advanced Placement Exam’s essay requirements.
Chemistry I, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. It is highly suggested, though not mandatory, that students also register for Chemistry I: LAB, Part Two. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 5 to May 26, 2016. Easter break March 22 and 24. Total classes: 40 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) Prerequisite: Algebra I, previous or concurrent (Available Live or through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Chemistry when Chemistry I, part 2 and Chemistry I: LAB, part 2 are taken together. Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015; $250 after Nov. 15 for all 40 classes. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will be studying God's creation at the atomic level and discovering how marvelous it is. This college-‐prep chemistry course. Over both semesters, will cover a wide range of topics including: Structure of Matter, States of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium, and Thermochemistry. We will also consider how Chemistry is important in our day-‐to-‐day life. I will provide grading of online and uploaded assignments and tests, and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Text: Chemistry, Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Waterman (Prentice Hall, 2008) ISBN: 0-‐13-‐251210-‐6. 2. Calculator. 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: Approximately 3 -‐ 4 hours outside of class on homework and tests. Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework or lab questions during scheduled office hours or via e-‐mail daily.
LAB for Chemistry I, Part Two You must be registered in Chemistry I, Part Two in order to register for the LAB component. The discussion of the labs will take place during class. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Chemistry I Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Chemistry when Chemistry I. part 2 and Chemistry I: LAB, part 2 are taken together. Fee: $50 on or before November 15, 2015; $55 after Nov. 15. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS
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Course description: We will do approximately 10 labs covering topics such as Enthalpy of Ice, Freezing Point Depression, Analysis of a Hydrate, Mole Ratios and various types of reactions including Reversible Reactions, Decomposition Reactions, Double Replacement Reactions, Acid-‐Base Reactions, and Redox Reactions . As closely as possible, the topics covered in the lab will correlate with and support what we are discussing in class. I will grade all labs completed and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Lab: MicroChem Kit -‐ Standard Edition, QualityScienceLabs.com, http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/chemistry-‐labs/microchem-‐kit-‐standard-‐edition/ (Labs will require some household supplies.) 2. Calculator. 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: Homework: Time required to complete each lab should average to about 2 hours, some will take more and others will take less time. Also, there will be weeks with little or no lab work.
AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry: College Level, Part Two Registration limited to 15 students. This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. To receive AP Credit the student must complete both the AP Chemistry Class and AP Chemistry LAB. You must register for the lab component separately. The labs will be discussed during the AP Chemistry Class. The lab portion is recommended, but optional for students wishing to receive only Advanced Placement Chemistry credit. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 5 to April 28, 2016. Easter break March 22 and 24. Total classes: 32 Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes). Prerequisite: 1 year of high school chemistry, Algebra II previous or concurrent (Available through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 11th or 12th grade (younger student only with permission of instructor) Suggested high school credit: 1/2 credit Advance / AP Chemistry (1 credit for the full year of Advance Chemistry). Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 after Nov. 15 for all 32 classes. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: In this college level chemistry course, we will continue studying God's creation at the atomic level and discovering how marvelous it is. Over both semesters, we will delve deeper into topic such as the Structure of Matter, Bonding and Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Equilibrium. We will apply the concepts learned to real-‐world examples from various field including cellular biology, materials science (polymers, plastics, superconductors, alloys…), environmental science, and industry. Student will develop strong analytical and problem solving skills. This class, with the lab, is intended to prepare students for AP Chemistry exam. I will provide grading of online and uploaded assignments, quizzes, and tests; and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Textbook: Silberberg, Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, 5th edition ISBN-‐10: 0077216504, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0077216504. 2. Answer Key: Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, ISBN-‐10: 0073048607, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0073048604 3. Calculator with log (log) and natural log (ln) functions 4. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel).
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5. Access to a scanner with pdf capabilities Homework: There will be weekly homework, chapter quizzes, 3 to 4 tests per semester test and a final exam. Students should expect to spend about 8 -‐ 10 hours per week on Advanced / AP Chemistry; Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework daily via e-‐mail.
LAB for AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry: College Level, Part Two Student must be registered in Advance / AP Chemistry to register in this LAB. We will discuss labs during the Advanced /AP Chemistry Class. Suggested high school credit: 1/4 credit for Advanced / AP Chemistry Lab (1/2 credit for the full year of Advanced/ AP Chemistry lab). Fee: $50 on or before November 15, 2015; $55 after Nov. 15. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will complete all labs required by the College Board to receive AP Chemistry credit and prepare the student for the AP Chemistry Exam. As closely as possible, the topics covered in the lab will correlate with and support what we are discussing in class. I will grade all labs completed and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials: 1. Lab: Advanced MicroChem Kit, QualityScienceLabs.com, http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/advanced-‐microchem-‐kit-‐ap-‐chemistry-‐kit. (Labs will require some household supplies.) 2. Calculator with log (log) and natural log (ln) functions 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: A well-‐prepared student, with good math skills should expect to spend about 2 – 3 hours per week on Advance / AP Chemistry Lab. There may be an occasional week without a lab assignment. Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework daily via e-‐mail.
Spanish Kingdom Animalia (Life Science in the Catholic Tradition) Class dates: Tuesdays, January 26 to April 19, 2016. No class March 22. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $175 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $195 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes and free eBook. Instructor: Kris Correira, PA-‐C, MHP Course description: This course gives an overview of the Animal Kingdom, both invertebrates and vertebrates. Very basic information about animal reproduction and evolution are part of the course. Course outline: Class 1: Biodiversity and Classification Class 2: Porifera and Cnidarians Class 3: Worms Class 4: Mollusks Class 5: Arthropods Part 1 Class 6: Arthropods Part 2 Class 7: Echinoderms Class 8: Fish Class 9: Amphibians
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Class 10: Reptiles Class 11: Birds Class 12: Mammals Course materials: Free companion eBook sections and links to videos will be provided for each weekly topic. Dissection kit highly recommended (http://www.hometrainingtools.com/dissection-‐kit-‐intermediate/p/DE-‐KITINT/). Homework: Weekly quizzes. Take notes on weekly videos to discuss during class. Dissection labs are optional, completed at home under the parent’s guidance, and not graded by the instructor.
Spaceflight Operations and Related Sciences Class dates: Wednesdays, January 6 to May 4, 2016. No class February 10 for Ash Wednesday or March 23 for Easter Break. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 6:00 PM Eastern (5:00 Central; 4:00 Mountain; 3:00 Pacific). Subject to change. Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes) Prerequisite: All virtual astronauts should report for duty with their imaginations and a love for learning. General familiarity with spacecraft and the related subject areas is a plus, but not required. >>>SOFTWARE<<< [1] Installation of the Orbiter Space Flight Simulator (free download from http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk) should be accomplished prior to the start of the first class. Please refer to the website for minimum computer hardware requirements. Some graphics cards have difficulty displaying some ship consoles (they look like holes cut out where flight instruments should be but you see the outside instead). Please test to ensure that the software displays them properly or the student will have greater difficulty controlling the ship (not a limiting factor for the class). [2] Access to a spreadsheet application like MS Excel (not free but possibly already installed on your computer) or Open Office Calc (free download at openoffice.org) is recommended for some data analysis. [3] Installation of the Fldigi (Fast and Light Digital modem program) for the purpose of processing ground-‐based and satellite radio signals. Version 3.21.78 (or greater) is available as a free download from http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html website. [4] Celestia 3D astronomy software (free download at http://sourceforge.net/projects/celestia/). [5] Orbitron and it can be downloaded from http://www.stoff.pl/. Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Space Science Fee: $225 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $250 after July 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Domenico Ruggiero Course description: This course is a jam-‐packed assortment of space-‐related sciences taught by a former NASA Space Shuttle Engineer. The variety of topics covered in this course could each be courses in themselves. The approach taken here is to present some very interesting aspects of the subjects in a way that doesn’t over-‐simplify the topics. Recognizing that homeschool students are exceptionally bright and are capable of understanding the fundamentals of complex subjects and researching additional material, the course material will be presented in a manner that captivates the child’s attention, makes them more aware of the depth of knowledge still to be gained, and then shows them how to learn more by providing a plethora of resources that the child will explore on their own and with the collaboration of fellow students. Class discussions will also be peppered with these subjects/topics:
• Material science – why certain materials are used and why some are not • Circuits and electronics • Sensors and other instrumentation • Sun science: Sunspots, radiation, solar wind, solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and how “space
weather” affects the Earth. • Earth observation science: Meteorology, Infrared, satellite imagery • OSS: Traveling from the Earth to the Moon and back • Use of computers and software in spacecraft, especially during long-‐distance trips
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• Work stories, lessons learned, and other advice • The importance of public speaking skills
Course materials: See prerequisite section for a list of required software applications. Extensive handouts, online resources, and software applications are to be utilized. Purchase of a small pad of green engineering paper would be useful when making hand-‐made plots. This paper type also makes for a “cool” science-‐looking notepad with its small-‐grid boxes useful for making impromptu plots/drawings. Book recommendations will be provided but are not required for purchase. Encouraged experimentation may require the purchase of related supplies, but this is optional and at the discretion/interest of the student and parent. Homework: Assignments will vary based on subject area. Where applicable, assignments will have a Catholic theme to them. Assignments may include, but are not limited to, (1) answering questions related to topics covered during the lectures, (2) researching related materials, (3) using the spaceflight simulator to accomplish a mission using newly gained knowledge of orbital mechanics (astrodynamics), (4) using online software defined radio stations and specially designed software to tune in ground-‐based and satellite radio signals, (5) using 3D space-‐related software applications to learn more about planetary motion and the occurrences of eclipses, (6) tracking the current and predicted location of satellites and the International Space Station. In this course, students have a required class project which promotes more of a deep-‐dive into a subject/topic of the student’s choosing. The finished project will be shared with fellow students via a short in-‐class demonstration approximately 3 to 5 minutes in duration. Students will collaborate with fellow students and mentor them when needed so as to reinforce their knowledge by helping others. Students can expect a variable 3 to 6 hours of time per week dedicated to homework and progress towards their class project. Additional time, if available, is encouraged so that the student can experiment with specific personal interests. Regular feedback will be provided to the students and their parents to ensure that all are aware of the progress being made throughout the course.
Conceptual Physics I, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check prerequisites. Class dates: Thursdays January 7 to April 28, 2016. No class March 24 for Holy Thursday. Total classes: 14 Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes) Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics I, Part One or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 10th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Fee: $195 if you register on or before Nov. 15, 2015. $215 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes. Instructor: Thomas Frederick, MS Course description: This 14 week course is the second course in a two course series in introductory Physics concepts. The title of “conceptual” means we will not rely too much on advanced mathematical calculations. Instead, we will stick to principles, concepts, and major ideas. Students will have live instruction once a week. Topics covered will build on concepts learned in Conceptual Physics Part I and will include: Circular Motion, Stability & Center of Gravity, Rotational Mechanics, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Temperature & Heat Transfer, Waves, Sound & Light, Electrostatics, Electricity, and Electric Circuits.
The goal of the course is to investigate Physics concepts without the need for complicated mathematics (that can come later). Students will build in their natural intuition—and break some commonly held misconceptions. Students will learn how the cosmos that God created works and apply the laws of physics to every day examples in their lives. Students will learn that physics is phun! Course materials: Conceptual Physics Paul Hewitt (2006) ISBN: 0-‐13-‐166301-‐1. Homework: Weekly reading from the textbook as well as online resources will be assigned. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook along with solutions for students to self-‐check progress. Students will also be assigned interactive online activities that will help them to better understand and apply concepts learned in class. Each unit will have a quiz or test at the end, which will be graded by the instructor.
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Physics I; Mechanics, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students want to join us midyear should email to verify prerequisites. Note: Dates and time subject to change as Dr. Rodriguez is awaiting his spring schedule at Ave Maria. All will be finalized soon. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to April 26, 2016. No class February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter Break. Total classes: 15 live classes plus 15 recorded classes. Starting time: 4:00 pm Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Mechanical Physics, Part One (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester credit Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 after Nov. 15 for all 30 classes (15 live and 15 recorded). Instructor: Ricardo Rodriguez, PhD Course description: This is the second part of a two-‐semester course. This course is an algebra-‐based, college preparation. Topics covered will include:
Simple Harmonic Motion and Elasticity Fluids Temperature and Heat The Transfer of Heat The ideal gas law and kinetic theory Thermodynamics Waves and Sound Optics
Students will investigate the inner workings of the universe, created by a loving God. The goal of the course is to build on previous knowledge of Physical Science principals, to break common misconceptions based on false intuition. Students will learn problem-‐solving strategies as they apply the laws of physics to every day examples in our lives. Course materials: Two textbooks. A free online book for reference: https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-‐physics and also Physics 5th ed, Cutnell & Johnson, ISBN -‐ 978-‐0471321460 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047132146X/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: This is an algebra-‐based course but it is quite rigorous. Weekly reading and completion of quizzes is expected. Thirty to sixty minutes of reading/homework a day is a reasonable expectation. The quizzes with their respective solutions are posted weekly so students can evaluate their understanding. Monthly Exams are also part of the class. All tests will be graded by the instructor.
Biology I, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. It is highly suggested, though not mandatory, that students also register for LAB: Biology I, Part Two. Class dates: Fridays, January 8 to April 22, 2016 Total classes: 14 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 60 to 75 minutes per class Prerequisite: Biology, Part One or equivalent. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biology when taken with the LAB. Fee: $150.00 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $170 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: Prepares the student for ACT/SAT biology. Students are expected to take notes during class and ask questions. Notes will help with weekly quizzes, quizzes are open book. This Biology class is a general
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overview of high school Biology presented from a Catholic perspective. Students should have access to a microphone for the Q&A game at the end of class, as time permits. Course materials: Prentice Hall Biology ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0131663551 or ISBN-‐10: 0131662554 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131662554/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Weekly vocabulary, reading and quizzes. Approximately 1 to 2 hours per week.
LAB for Biology I, Part Two You must be registered in Biology I, Part Two in order to register for the LAB component. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Biology I, Part Two Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $30 on or before November 15, 2015; $35 after Nov. 15. Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biology with Lab. Instructor: Christine Hamilton, MS Course description: There will be 6 labs that are explicitly aligned with the Biology Part 2 classes. NOTE: ALL LABS FOR BIOLOGY PART TWO WILL BE DISSECTION. If the student is in any way uncomfortable with hands on animal dissection, they should opt out of this Lab. Course materials and technology: Student Dissection Kit. http://www.amazon.com/The-‐Science-‐Shop%C2%AE-‐Student-‐Dissection/dp/B001ELQ6U2/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426466862&sr=8-‐1-‐fkmr2&keywords=high+school+dissection+animals Eye Dissection Kit http://www.amazon.com/Young-‐Scientists-‐Eye-‐Dissection-‐Kit/dp/B007XE93LI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426467183&sr=8-‐1&keywords=cow+eye Access to a printer and scanner. Webcam, microphone and headset for students to engage in live labs.
Anatomy and Physiology, Part Two Class dates : Wednesdays, January 15 to April 27, 2016. No class on March 23 for Easter break. Total classes: 15 live classes plus 15 recorded classes Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 100 minutes per live class (1 hour 40 minutes) Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology, Part One. Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Science Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 if you register after Nov. 15 for all 30 classes (15 live and 15 recorded). Instructor: Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. Course description: The goal of the course of study is to prepare upper level high school students for first year college studies in Nursing, Pharmacy, and the allied health sciences. In many of these college programs, with nursing in particular, the top grades earned in college Anatomy and Physiology are used to determine who is granted formal entrance into the major course of study. This two-‐semester course of study does not substitute for college anatomy and physiology. It is meant to be a rigorous first introduction to this most challenging and foundational of all courses in the allied health sciences. The text selected for this course is widely regarded as one of the finest ever written, and its superior illustrations ease the attainment of mastery over the subject matter.
The course will use ample clinical anecdotes as students progress through the chapters, in order to immediately demonstrate the clinical significance and importance of the principle in question. Where appropriate, discussion of contemporary bioethical issues from the perspective of the Church’s moral magisterium will be engaged so that students learn from their earliest encounter with clinical medicine that morally imbued biomedical ethics must be their constant formative companion as they develop into medical professionals.
It must be emphasized that this course of study will require significant study time outside of class, but its rigors will stand the student entering college study of Anatomy and Physiology in very good stead for their second encounter with the material, whose mastery is essential for the subsequent courses in pathophysiology, and applied therapeutics.
The second semester will focus in depth on the remaining organ systems of the body, their anatomy and physiology. These include the sensory, motor and integrative systems, special organs of sense, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, digestive, reproductive systems, as well as embryonic and fetal
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development. A special emphasis will be placed on the human identity and status of the embryo and fetus, incorporating a scientifically sound pro-‐life apologetics approach for students to take with them into their college and graduate level clinical training. Course materials: Text: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14e with Atlas of the Skeleton Set, by Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan Derrickson, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐1118774564. (Available for rent at a much cheaper cost, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1118774566/catholictreas-‐20). Homework: Homework time varies by student, but an estimated 6 to 7 hours per week is not unreasonable, given the advanced level of material being studied.
Advanced Biology: College Level, Part Two Note: Registration is limited to 15 students. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 5 to April 28, 2016. No classes on March 22 and 24 for Easter Break. Total classes: 32 Starting time: 3:00 PM Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific) Duration: 100 minutes per class (1 hour 40 minutes) Prerequisite: Advanced Biology, Part One (fall semester). Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Science Fee: $250 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $275 after Nov. 15 for all 32 classes. Instructor: Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. Course description: This two-‐semester course will introduce students to the principles of General Biology at a first year college level. The goal is to provide the most up-‐to-‐date treatment of contemporary biology and biotechnology, and to briefly treat the great ethical and moral questions of the day arising from the subject matter; in the classic model of a Catholic liberal arts education that stresses integration of the scientific and the moral magisterium of the Church. Students completing this course will be well prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology (Monday, May 9, 2016). Part Two (spring semester) will focus in depth on the various organ systems of the body, their anatomy and physiology, as well as comparative anatomy and physiology with other members of the animal kingdom. Human reproduction and embryology will comprise a special unit within the semester of study, along with a segment on developmental anomalies and the rapidly developing field of fetal surgeries and other interventional therapies. Also treated will be plant physiology and principles of ecology, ecosystems, biomes and conservation. Course materials: Text: Campbell Biology 10th Edition (ISBN-‐10: 0321775651 or ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0321775658), (Available for rent at a much cheaper cost, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321775651/catholictreas-‐20.) Homework: Homework time varies by student, but an estimated 5 to 6 hours per week, in addition to attending the live, interactive classes, is not unreasonable, given the advanced level of material being studied. Homework will involve the outlining of one essay per week, consistent with the structure of the Advanced Placement Exam’s essay requirements.
Chemistry I, Part Two Note: This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. It is highly suggested, though not mandatory, that students also register for Chemistry I: LAB, Part Two. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 5 to May 26, 2016. Easter break March 22 and 24. Total classes: 40 Starting time: 11:00 AM Eastern (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) Prerequisite: Algebra I, previous or concurrent (Available Live or through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Chemistry when Chemistry I, part 2 and Chemistry I: LAB, part 2 are taken together. Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015; $250 after Nov. 15 for all 40 classes. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS
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Course description: We will be studying God's creation at the atomic level and discovering how marvelous it is. This college-‐prep chemistry course. Over both semesters, will cover a wide range of topics including: Structure of Matter, States of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium, and Thermochemistry. We will also consider how Chemistry is important in our day-‐to-‐day life. I will provide grading of online and uploaded assignments and tests, and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Text: Chemistry, Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Waterman (Prentice Hall, 2008) ISBN: 0-‐13-‐251210-‐6. 2. Calculator. 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: Approximately 3 -‐ 4 hours outside of class on homework and tests. Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework or lab questions during scheduled office hours or via e-‐mail daily.
LAB for Chemistry I, Part Two You must be registered in Chemistry I, Part Two in order to register for the LAB component. The discussion of the labs will take place during class. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Chemistry I Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of Chemistry when Chemistry I. part 2 and Chemistry I: LAB, part 2 are taken together. Fee: $50 on or before November 15, 2015; $55 after Nov. 15. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will do approximately 10 labs covering topics such as Enthalpy of Ice, Freezing Point Depression, Analysis of a Hydrate, Mole Ratios and various types of reactions including Reversible Reactions, Decomposition Reactions, Double Replacement Reactions, Acid-‐Base Reactions, and Redox Reactions . As closely as possible, the topics covered in the lab will correlate with and support what we are discussing in class. I will grade all labs completed and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Lab: MicroChem Kit -‐ Standard Edition, QualityScienceLabs.com, http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/chemistry-‐labs/microchem-‐kit-‐standard-‐edition/ (Labs will require some household supplies.) 2. Calculator. 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities. Homework: Homework: Time required to complete each lab should average to about 2 hours, some will take more and others will take less time. Also, there will be weeks with little or no lab work.
AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry: College Level, Part Two Registration limited to 15 students. This is a 2-‐part course. Students who wish to join us midyear should email to check on prerequisites. To receive AP Credit the student must complete both the AP Chemistry Class and AP Chemistry LAB. You must register for the lab component separately. The labs will be discussed during the AP Chemistry Class. The lab portion is recommended, but optional for students wishing to receive only Advanced Placement Chemistry credit. Class dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 5 to April 28, 2016. Easter break March 22 and 24. Total classes: 32
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Starting time: 1:30 PM Eastern (12:30 Central; 11:30 Mountain; 10:30 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes). Prerequisite: 1 year of high school chemistry, Algebra II previous or concurrent (Available through Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 11th or 12th grade (younger student only with permission of instructor) Suggested high school credit: 1/2 credit Advance / AP Chemistry (1 credit for the full year of Advance Chemistry). Fee: $225 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $250 after Nov. 15 for all 32 classes. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: In this college level chemistry course, we will continue studying God's creation at the atomic level and discovering how marvelous it is. Over both semesters, we will delve deeper into topic such as the Structure of Matter, Bonding and Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Chemical Equilibrium. We will apply the concepts learned to real-‐world examples from various field including cellular biology, materials science (polymers, plastics, superconductors, alloys…), environmental science, and industry. Student will develop strong analytical and problem solving skills. This class, with the lab, is intended to prepare students for AP Chemistry exam. I will provide grading of online and uploaded assignments, quizzes, and tests; and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials and technology: 1. Textbook: Silberberg, Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, 5th edition ISBN-‐10: 0077216504, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0077216504. 2. Answer Key: Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change, ISBN-‐10: 0073048607, ISBN-‐13: 978-‐0073048604 3. Calculator with log (log) and natural log (ln) functions 4. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 5. Access to a scanner with pdf capabilities Homework: There will be weekly homework, chapter quizzes, 3 to 4 tests per semester test and a final exam. Students should expect to spend about 8 -‐ 10 hours per week on Advanced / AP Chemistry; Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework daily via e-‐mail.
LAB for AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry: College Level, Part Two Student must be registered in Advance / AP Chemistry to register in this LAB. We will discuss labs during the Advanced /AP Chemistry Class. Suggested high school credit: 1/4 credit for Advanced / AP Chemistry Lab (1/2 credit for the full year of Advanced/ AP Chemistry lab). Fee: $50 on or before November 15, 2015; $55 after Nov. 15. Instructor: Kathy Dutton, MS Course description: We will complete all labs required by the College Board to receive AP Chemistry credit and prepare the student for the AP Chemistry Exam. As closely as possible, the topics covered in the lab will correlate with and support what we are discussing in class. I will grade all labs completed and give an overall grade for this course. Course outline: Please email Mrs. Dutton at [email protected] for the full outline or to ask questions about the course. Course materials: 1. Lab: Advanced MicroChem Kit, QualityScienceLabs.com, http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/advanced-‐microchem-‐kit-‐ap-‐chemistry-‐kit. (Labs will require some household supplies.) 2. Calculator with log (log) and natural log (ln) functions 3. A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and a spreadsheet with graphing capabilities program (such as Microsoft Excel). 4. Access to a scanner with PDF capabilities.
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Homework: A well-‐prepared student, with good math skills should expect to spend about 2 – 3 hours per week on Advance / AP Chemistry Lab. There may be an occasional week without a lab assignment. Mrs. Dutton will be available to answer homework daily via e-‐mail.
Speech Speech and Communications Note: This is a repeat of the fall course. It is not a “Part Two”. Class dates: Wednesdays, January 6 to April 13, 2016. No class February 10 for midterm break or March 23 for Easter break. Total classes: 13 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full credit Speech / Communications Fee: $170 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $190 after Nov. 15 for all 13 classes. Instructor: Kevin O'Brien Course description: Effective communications and good public speaking begins with an understanding of rhetoric -‐ how a good argument is developed, how a good speech is structured, and how spoken communication differs from written communication. In this course, we will examine the greatest speeches of the greatest orators in history, analyzing what they wrote and (when audio or video of their speeches exist) their style of delivery. And while Speech and Communications is essential to success in the business world, it is also essential for understanding and presenting arguments in support of the Catholic Faith, or even for persuading others of anything that's important to you. The goal of this course, then, is twofold -‐ to learn to appreciate and analyze good verbal rhetoric, and to apply what we've learned to come up with our own short speeches that are engaging, entertaining and effective. Course outline: 1. Introduction and Overview 2. The Great Orators of Greece and Rome 3. Public Speeches as Recounted in Scripture -‐ The Prophets of the Old Testament and the Apostles of the New Testament 4. The Rhetorical Structure and Dramatic Effect of Speeches in Shakespeare (selections from Julius Caesar, Henry V, and Macbeth) 5. Religious Persuasion through the Ages -‐ The Sermon on the Mount, Jonathan Edwards and the Puritans, Bishop Fulton Sheen 6. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class 7. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class 8. Great Political Speeches of the 18th and 19th Centuries -‐ Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Wilbeforce, Lincoln 9. Great Political Speeches of the 20th Century Part I -‐ Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Churchill, Eisenhower 10. Great Political Speeches of the 20th Century Part II -‐ JFK, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan 11. The Use of Humor and Oratory for American Pop Culture -‐ Mark Twain, Will Rogers, etc. 12. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class 13. Speeches by Students -‐ Delivered and Critiqued during Class Course materials: Will be provided by the instructor in the form of pdf's and ebooks; videos and audio recordings of speeches will be reviewed during class time. Homework: Weekly reading. Each student will be required to write two short speeches (no longer than five minutes each), with outlines to be approved by the instructor at least two weeks before the speech is to be presented.
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Test Prep The New SAT: What you need to Know to Score Well The PSAT and SAT have been completely redesigned. The new PSAT will launch in October 2015. The new SAT will launch in Spring 2016. This course will be offered again in the spring semester. Maximum number students: 25 Class dates: Wednesdays, January 13 to February 17, 2016. No class February 10 for Ash Wednesday. Total classes: 5 Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Fee: $65 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $75 after Nov. 15 for all 5 classes Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This course acquaints students with the new components of the re-‐designed SAT, to become comfortable with the test content and style in order to score well in each test section. The course will also give examples of question types found on the test, help students to identify strategies to raise scores, and give practice opportunities so that the student can be fully prepared for the test. Course outline: Session 1: An overview of the test, including reading, writing, math, and eight key changes in the test Session 2: Relevant words in context and command of evidence Session 3: Essay writing and analyzing a source Session 4: “Math that matters” and problems grounded in real-‐world contexts Session 5: Analysis in science, history, and social studies, including founding documents and “great global conversation” Course materials : All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Requirements: Students must be able to use the Internet, to access practice tests and materials online. Homework : Minimal amount of reading, including practice tests, with suggestions for further practice.
ACT and SAT Writing To accommodate multiple ACT and SAT test dates, and to help students as best we can, we will offer this course again in the spring semester. Maximum number students: 25 Class dates: Wednesdays, February 24 to March 9, 2016. Total classes: 3 Duration: 55 minutes Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; Noon Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $50 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $60 if you register after Nov. 15 for all 3 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: In this ACT and SAT Writing Test Prep Course, your student will get personal help with his or her writing skills in a way that enhances their ability to score well on the Writing portions of standardized tests. Students will view actual Writing test prompts, learn how to analyze a writing prompt, sculpt a good essay, and use their writing time to produce a high-‐scoring essay. Course outline: Session 1: How to approach the Writing section prompt, analyzing numerous prompts, and analyzing well-‐written essays. Session 2: Creating essays together, live; Discussion of words and phrases to avoid/words and phrases to use; “diamond words” and their use in writing an essay. Session 3: The format of a timed essay, how to make the most of the time limit, and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing portion of the test.
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Course materials: All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Homework: Assignments will increase your student’s skills with personal feedback on his or her skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving scores.
Mastering the ACT To accommodate multiple ACT test dates, and to help students as best we can, we will offer this course again in the spring semester. Maximum number students: 25 Class dates: Wednesdays, March 16 to April 13, 2016. No class March 23 for Easter Break. Total classes: 4 Duration: 55 minutes Starting time: 2:00 PM Eastern (1:00 Central; 12:00 Mountain; 11:00 Pacific) Prerequisite: none Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Fee: $50 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $60 if you register after July 15 for all 4 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: In this ACT Test Prep Course, your student will learn information in two critical areas that will allow for success with the ACT: 1) about the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and 2) how to study for the ACT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well on each section of the test, and what to do to be fully prepared for the test. Course outline: Session 1: About the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, how the test is scored, and general preparation. Session 2: Math and Science: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the math and science portions of the test. Session 3: Reading: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the Reading portion of the test. Session 4: English: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the English portion of the test. Course materials: All course materials are provided at no additional cost. Homework: Daily practice.
Theology Understanding the Gospels: A Study into the Mysteries of Christ for Middle School Students (Understanding Our Faith Series) This course is limited to 20 students. Class dates: Wednesdays, January 13 to April 13, 2016. No class Feb. 10 for Ash Wednesday or March 23 for Easter break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None. Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $150 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $170 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. Instructor: Dan Egan Course description: Focusing on the Gospels of Mark and John, we will take an in-‐depth look at the life of Christ. We will examine different prophecies that predicted His coming and why He had to come. We will see how Jesus' baptism is linked to His crucifixion and how that is linked to our own baptism. The temptation of Jesus will be examined as well as His parables. We will look at the following questions: What did Jesus teach about the end of the world? What is a Marcan sandwich? Why is John's Gospel so different? Why do Catholics read the Gospels so
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differently than “Bible-‐Christians”? Why if Jesus didn't rise from the dead we are all in trouble ... and much, much more. You won't be disappointed. Course materials: A Catholic Bible preferable RSV-‐CE Revised Standard Version or New American Bible Homework: Weekly quizzes.
Apologetics (Middle School): Beginning Catholic Apologetics I (Defending Our Faith Series) Note: Beginning Catholic Apologetics II is offered immediately following the end of this course on March 1. Registration is limited to 15 students. Course dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to February 16, 2016. Total classes: 6 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Instructor: Gary Michuta Fee: $80 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $90 after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes. Course description: This course will provide the first steps into the field of apologetics. The students will learn how to spot faulty arguments, how to find important passages in the Bible, and the basic steps on how to defend the Faith. Course outline: Class 1: Becoming Defenders of the Faith Class 2: Different Ways to Share Your Faith Class 3: How to Spot Bad Arguments Class 4: Tools of the Trade: How to Use and Find Passages in the Bible Class 5: Tools of the Trade: Introduction to the Church Fathers Class 6: Covering All The Bases: Learning About The Different Areas of Apologetics Course materials: Course materials supplied for free by the instructor. Students need to make sure they have a functioning headset with a microphone, as Mr. Michuta will provide practice apologetics discussions during live classes. Homework: The students will receive a brief practice worksheet (5 to 10 review questions per class).
Beginning Catholic Apologetics For Middle School II (Defending Our Faith Series) This class is limited to 15 students only. Class dates: Tuesdays, March 1 to April 19, 2016. No class March 22 for Easter break. Total classes: 7 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Beginning Catholic Apologetics for Middle School I (Live or Unlimited Access) Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade. Fee: $90 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $105 after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Gary Michuta Course description: Building on the skills and knowledge-‐base given in BCA-‐MS 1, the class will focus on further sharpening their critical thinking skills by a more in-‐depth look at logical fallacies, poor arguments, and the use of propaganda and they will learn the most common objections and proof texts used in Catholic / Protestant Apologetics. Course outline: Class 1: More Logical Fallacies Class 2: What is Propaganda? Class 3: Answering Common Objections #1 Class 4: Answering Common Objections #2
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Class 5: Answering Common Objections #3 Class 6: Using the Web in Apologetic Research Class 7: How to Share Your Faith Course materials: Everything will be provided free from the instructor. Homework: Weekly multiple-‐choice worksheet that will be corrected, but not graded. Student should be able to finish worksheet in less than a half hour.
Ancient Heresies and Their Modern Counterparts (Defending Our Faith Series) Class dates: Wednesdays, January 13 to February 24, 2016. Total classes: 7 Starting time: 3:30 PM Eastern (2:30 Central; 1:30 Mountain; 12:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Theology Fee: $85 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $95 after Nov. 15 for all 7 classes. Instructor: Gary Michuta Course description: Modern mistakes about Christ and His Church are not new. They've been around for centuries. In this course, we look at some of the biggest and most devastating heresies in the early Church and how their modern counterparts fall into the same errors. Course outline: Class 1: The Gnostics and the New Age Class 2: The Arians and the Adventists Class 3: The Monarchians, Modalists, and One-‐ness Pentecostalism Class 4: The Nestorians and Modern Protestants Class 5: The Iconoclasts and Radical Reformation Class 6: Pelagianism and Pseudo-‐Christian Cults Class 7: Mohammadanism and Mormonism Course materials: Recommended reading, Hilaire Belloc's The Great Heresies (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0895554755/catholictreas-‐20) Homework: There will be a short ungraded Quiz for each section to help reinforce important points.
Sacred Scripture (Understanding Our Faith Series) This course is limited to 20 students. Class dates: Tuesdays, January 12 to May 3, 2016. No classes February 23 for midterm break or March 22 for Easter break. Total classes: 15 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Theology Fee: $195 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $205 if you register after Nov. 15 for all 15 classes. Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. Course description: According to St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin for the Roman Church, ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. This course will introduce the student to the careful study of the Bible in light of language, common themes, culture and history. The goal is to gain greater understanding of the Catholic faith and to gain greater spiritual insight so that the student can have a deeper relationship with Christ in the Church. Course outline:
• The first part of the course will begin at a look at what Scripture is. Then it will look at the distinction and relationship between studying and praying with the Scriptures.
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• The second part will discuss how to interpret the Old Testament, with an emphasis on the type of writing (genres), vocabulary, geography, culture and biblical history
• The third part will discuss how to interpret the New Testament, with an emphasis on the type of writing (genres), vocabulary, geography, culture and biblical history
• The fourth part will feature the student’s presentations on passages from the Bible they have chosen Course materials: Catholic Bible. Homework: Weekly online quiz. Weekly assignments analyzing passages of their choice. A final paper and presentation explaining their passage.
Moral Theology: How Shall I Live? (Living Our Faith Series) Class dates: Tuesdays, January 5 to March 29, 2016. No classes March 22 for Easter break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade High school credit: 1 full semester Theology Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 if you register after July 15 for all 12 classes. Course Instructor: Miss Ashour, MTS; M Hum Course Rationale: Every human person is called to the perfection of charity (cf. LG #40). This vocation has been revealed through Jesus Christ and can be accomplished only in and with Jesus Christ, whose Paschal Mystery is made present in the Church’s liturgy—the “great work in which God is perfectly glorified and men are sanctified” (SC #7). To further man’s sanctification, the Second Vatican Council has asked that “. . . special care should be given to the perfecting of moral theology. Its scientific presentation should draw more fully on the teaching of Holy Scripture and should throw light upon the exalted vocation of the faith in Christ and their obligation to bring forth fruit in charity for the life of the world” (OT #16). Therefore, this course will attempt to focus upon the moral life, first of all, within the context of man’s vocation in Christ, the model of holiness, who took the form of a slave, emptied himself, and learned obedience through suffering; secondly, within the context of man’s natural endowments, his capacity for virtue; and finally, within the context of charity as the form of the virtues and the goal of all man’s strivings since “God is love” (1Jn 4:8). The course will investigate concretely those challenges to the Catholic Church’s teachings and respond with solid, pastoral answers. Caveat: Coursework subject to change based on the discretion of the online instructor’s assessment. Course Goal: Each student, having been challenged intellectually with various doctrinal teachings, will be challenged to be open to ongoing conversion so as to offer himself along with Jesus, the Sacrificial Victim, to the Father in the love of the Holy Spirit both now and for all eternity. Concretely, this will manifest itself in life in Christ through virtuous living and a deeper understanding of and participation in the Liturgy, opening the student to receive and give love. Course Reading: The reading assignments give the student the flavor of the Church’s understanding of moral theology and life in Christ; rarely will we discuss the reading assignments. Rather, I give the readings to help the students bolster their understanding of what we are learning in class, as well as giving students good resources for their own growth. For the first day’s class: please read the required reading from the Bible. Required Reading: 1. The Bible—Matthew 5 (The Beatitudes) and all of the book of Romans 2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #’s 1691-‐2557 (Read 67 paragraphs a week, that is 8 a night; this is quite a bit of reading so the student needs to be diligent) 3. The Documents of Vatican II, especially Gaudium et Spes #’s 1-‐52 (4 ½ paragraphs a week) 4. Veritatis Splendor (Pope John Paul’s encyclical on morality—This is hard reading so some will be discussed in class) 5. The short essay “The Weight of Glory” in the longer collection with the same name: The Weight of Glory and short essay “Man or Rabbit”, both by CS Lewis. Optional Reading for those who want to earn extra credit: 1. Fr. Basil Maturin’s Christian Self-‐Mastery
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2. Hayes, Hayes, Kelly, & Drummey’s Catholicism and Ethics: A Medical/Moral Handbook, C.R. Publications, Inc. (and for those interested—Leader’s/Catechist’s Manual of the same name and publisher). 3. Peter Kreeft’s Snakebite Letters, Ignatius Press. Course Work: • Weekly Online Computer-‐graded Quizzes (Be finished before the start of the next class) (25%) • Major Project (Grading Rubric will be posted) (25%) • Weekly Reflections (Minimum-‐1 page; Maximum-‐2 pages—These should be considered informal, though proving to the teacher that the student has reflected on diagrams and learning in class. It needs to be sent weekly to [email protected] before 5am Eastern time Tuesday mornings) (30%) • Assigned Reading (Honor policy—Keep a Timesheet/notation of what you finished reading. At the 10th Week, send an email saying that you read all of it (or what portion of it) (20%). Extra Credit—Parent must write an email saying, “My son/daughter (FULL NAME) has read Fr. Basil Maturin’s, Hayes, Hayes, Kelly, & Drummey’s, and Dr. Kreeft’s book.” (2 points per book added to final grade). Time Commitment to Study: A minimum of 3 hours a week (30 minutes a day) for reading, study, doing quizzes, working on and completing the project, and writing the weekly reflection.
Going off to College: Keeping your Faith and Vocation (Living Your Faith Series) To help students as they leave their parents' home and head into the world, Homeschool Connections is offering this course free of charge to graduating seniors. Required Permission form signed by Parents: Due to a few pages of the book being of a sensitive nature (such as pornography, gender identity, contraception, etc.), Miss Ashour will require parents sign a document, giving permission to their graduating senior to hear this important information so as to prepare them for the onslaught of wrong ideas they may encounter in college. Parents may email Miss Ashour to ask questions about this course at [email protected] since parts of it are adult subject matter, but very necessary given this culture which produces things like “Fifty Shades of Grey.” This course will not be available as part of Unlimited Access. Maximum students: 35 Class dates: Tuesdays, January 5 to March 29, 2016. No class March 22 for Easter break. Total classes: 12 Starting time: 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 Central; 6:00 Mountain; 5:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour Prerequisite: None Fee: FREE Instructor: Monica Ashour, MTS, MHum Suggested grade level: 12th grade High school credit : 1 full semester credit Theology Course Rationale: In what Pope Francis has called a “throw-‐away” culture which considers commitment as an infringement against freedom, Saint John Paul’s Theology of the Body opens up for us the truth that the gift of freedom is for committed love through either the vocation of marriage or “continence for the Kingdom.” Although a graduating senior is not ready to take vows in marriage or the priesthood/religious life yet, it is imperative—especially given the current culture—for homeschool students to understand the breadth and depth of God’s vision of sexuality, as it is lived out in vowed life. St. John Paul says that the one seeking to make vows in consecrated life is to live out the “spousal meaning of the body” in its fullness, not in suppressing sexuality but in living it in a different way. So, too, is the married person to live the “spousal meaning of the body spoken in truth.”
Before making such a commitment, one is to have “self-‐understanding,” “self-‐determination” based on being a “body-‐person” (a “solitude”) before he or she is ready to take a vow (“union”). One also needs to understand the vocation to which he or she is being called, as well as understanding the truth of committed love.
Both vocations of Matrimony and continence for the Kingdom mirror and clarify the other; further, both reveal the Gospel itself and God’s inner life of love. Thus, it is essential for students to understand vocations, especially regarding one’s own body and sexuality, countering the culture where gender theory and promiscuity dominate. This course will give a beautiful rendering of the Sacrament of Matrimony in particular. It is vital that
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home school students see the “why’s behind the what’s” in a deeper, logical way before they head to college which often de-‐construct the truth and meaning of love. Course Description: This 12-‐week course will follow Monica Ashour’s book, Theology of the Body Marriage Preparation, by covering an overview of God’s plan for marriage. Although this book was written for young adults who are contemplating marriage, it reaches the mature high school student, preparing him or her not only to fight against secularist messages, but it equips him or her to work toward the goal of marriage or celibacy for the Kingdom. Because of some of the material covered is of a sensitive nature, parents should preview the book. This course is recommended for older, mature teens.
In following the guidelines of The Pontifical Council for the Family’s document, The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, this course addresses difficult issues that students will encounter in college such as cohabitation, pornography, distorted understandings of sexuality. Thus, students will be equipped with the beautiful vision of vocations so they can remain true to Catholicism’s mosaic of truth and love, giving them a solid foundation for later taking vows. Miss Ashour is basing much of this material on the experiences that her own homeschooled nieces and nephews have encountered (and are encountering now) in their college career. Course Work: ·∙ Weekly Online Computer-‐graded Quizzes (Be finished before the start of the next class) (25%) ·∙ Major Project (Grading Rubric will be posted) (25%) ·∙ Weekly Reflections (Minimum-‐1 page; Maximum-‐2 pages—These should be considered informal, though proving to the teacher that the student has reflected on diagrams and learning in class. It needs to be sent weekly to [email protected] before 5am Eastern time Tuesday mornings) (30%) ·∙ Assigned Reading (Honor policy—Keep a Timesheet/notation of what you finished reading. At the 10th Week, send an email saying that you read all of it (or what portion of it) (20%). ·∙ Extra Credit—Parent must write an email saying, “My son/daughter (FULL NAME) has read and discussed with me Dr. Edward Sri’s Men and Women and the Mystery of Love.” Time Commitment to Study: In addition to participating in the weekly class meeting, Students should expect a minimum of 3 hours per week (30 minutes a day) for reading, study, doing quizzes, working on and completing the project, and writing the weekly reflection. Course Reading: The reading assignments give students an understanding of their identity, the vocation of marriage, the truth and meaning of sex and of the sexes, and insights into forming children. For the first day’s class: please read the required reading from the Bible. Required Reading: 1. The Bible—Genesis 1-‐3; Ephesians 5 2. The Theology of the Body Marriage Preparation, author: Monica Ashour, MTS; MHum. To purchase the book go www.tobet.org $19.99 Optional Reading for those who want to earn extra credit: 1. Dr. Edward Sri’s book, Men and Women and the Mystery of Love. (This can also be ordered fromwww.tobet.org).
Writing: Aquinas Writing Advantage See Table of Contents for Aquinas Writing Advantage to view the suggested Scope and Sequence
Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar (Formerly titled Elements of Writing for Middle School: Essential Punctuation and Grammar) Due to the popularity of this course, it is offered twice this semester. Class dates:
Mondays, January 11 to February 15, 2016 or Mondays, February 22 to April 4, 2015. No class March 28 for Easter Break.
Total classes: 6 Starting time:
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Mondays (starting Jan. 11), 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Mondays (starting Feb. 22), 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific)
Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $80 you enroll on or before November 15, 2015. $90 after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Lisa Mladinich Course description: This is an essential writing course for all middle school students, designed to give your middle school student confidence and the ability to use punctuation and grammar well. Don’t let your student struggle with commas or wonder, which tense to use. Make sure that your middle school student completely understands how to correctly use a semicolon, colon, and grammar. Course outline: Class 1: Solid commas in a series and comas with conjunctions Class 2: Solid commas within clauses and tough constructions Class 3: Solid tense, competing punctuation, and quotations Class 4: Sticky-‐pair sentence construction (if-‐then, not only-‐but also) and tough grammar Class 5: Using colons and semicolons correctly Class 6: Introducing tricky punctuation details and end punctuation Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing for Middle School Students by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Weekly quizzes, with an estimated two to three hours per week for homework outside of class time.
Middle School Simplified Writing 1: Your All-‐Encompassing Foundational Writing Course (Formerly titled Simplified Writing for Middle School Students) Class dates: Mondays, February 22 to April 18, 2016. No class March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 8 Starting time: 4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 Central; 2:00 Mountain; 1:00 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar is required (Jan. 2016 or Unlimited Access). Can be taken concurrently. Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $170 on or before November 15, 2015, $190 after Nov. 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Lisa Mladinich Course description: This course is designed as a first writing course, to introduce students in middle school to the skills and habits that create a strong and clear writing foundation for high school writing from a Christian worldview. Students will learn how to write effective sentences and paragraphs, including the use of topic sentences, linear writing, and transitions; the purposes of writing, including expression, informing, and persuading; the effect of audience on writing; how to sculpt a piece of writing with direction, including the characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; and practice writing with specific feedback from the instructor that leads to an increase in skill through rewriting. Course outline: Class 1: Writing for a purpose and audience: the “why” of writing Class 2: Great word choice: how to choose the “right” word Class 3: Strong sentences: how to write a great sentence Class 4: Clear paragraphs: what makes a great paragraph/linear writing that makes sense to the reader Class 5: Writing with direction: great introductions and the hook Class 6: Writing with direction: great introductions and the thesis Class 7: Writing with direction: the body (of your paper) and how to make it “shapely” Class 8: Writing with direction: the conclusion Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified Writing for Middle School Students by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming.
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Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework, outside of class time.
Middle School Essential Writing 2: Sentences and Paragraphs (Formerly titled Middle School Writing Essentials: Excellent Sentence and Paragraph Writing) Class dates: Thursdays, January 14 to February 18, 2016 Total classes: 6 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern Time (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $95 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $110 after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This is an essential writing course for all middle school students to make sure your student has strong middle school writing foundations in place. Give your middle school student exactly what’s needed for writing well-‐crafted sentences and paragraphs—including the absolute “must-‐have” knowledge and practice for the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and prepositional phrases, and compound sentence structures, as well as capitalization, end punctuation, and the use of quoted material. Even if your student has learned the composition of a sentence and paragraph before (in elementary materials), the approach for this class is to use middle school vocabulary and structures that are more complex. Help your child finally master the details that are holding him or her back from writing well. Sentence constructions are designed to prepare your student for upper level middle school writing. Course outline: Class 1: Nouns, verbs, and capitalization in sentences Class 2: Adjectives, adverbs, and end punctuation in sentences Class 3: Prepositions, prepositional phrases, and compound sentence structures Class 4: Using quotes in dialogue and academic writing Class 5: Transitions and connectives in sentences Class 6: Putting it all together: Transitions and linear sentences in paragraph writing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing Foundations: Sentences and Paragraphs for Middle School Students, by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Approximately 45 minutes to one hour per class, reading and completing coursework. All writing assignments graded by the instructor.
Middle School Simplified Writing 2: Essays and Papers (Formerly titled Middle School Writing II: Essays and Papers) Registration is limited to 12 students. If the course fills, sign up for the waiting list or email us for other options. Class dates: Thursdays, February 25 to April 21, 2016. No class March 24 for Easter break. Total classes: 8 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern Time (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Middle School Simplified Writing 1 (Live or Unlimited Access). Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade Fee: $170 on or before November 15, 2015, $190 after Nov. 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME Course description: This is a writing course for middle school students who have taken the Simplified Writing for Middle School Students course and want to put the foundational writing skills into critical practice, with specific
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feedback and coaching regarding how your student's writing can improve. Students will craft an essay and a short paper during the course. Attention will be given to writing with a Christian worldview. Course outline: Class 1: Writing structure and skill: practicing the introduction, hook, and thesis Class 2: Writing structure and skill: practicing outlines and the conclusion/concluding statements Class 3: Writing an essay: rough drafts Class 4: Writing a paper: five types of papers & practicing the introduction, hook, and thesis Class 5: Writing a paper: practicing outlines and concluding statements; revising an essay Class 6: Writing a paper: rough drafts; editing an essay Class 7: Revising a paper Class 8: Editing and formatting final papers Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing for Middle School by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time (depending on the student's individual processing, creating, and writing speed).
High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar (Formerly titled Elements of Writing for High School; Essential Punctuation and Grammar) Due to the popularity of this course, it is offered twice this semester. Class dates:
Mondays, January 11 to February 15, 2016 or Mondays, February 22 to April 4, 2015. No class March 28 for Easter Break.
Total classes: 6 Starting time:
Mondays (starting Jan. 11), 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Mondays (starting Feb. 22), 11:30 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific)
Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing. Add Simplified Writing 1 for a full semester credit. Fee: $80 if you enroll on or before November 15, 2015. $90 if you enroll after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes Instructor: Lisa Mladinich Course description: This is an essential writing course for all high school students. Give your high school student exactly what’s needed for high school and college writing—including the confidence and the ability to use punctuation and grammar well. Don’t let your student struggle—master commas, tense, colons, semicolons, dashes, ellipses, and more. This class will give your student the strong foundation needed to finally master the details that are holding him or her back from writing well. Sentence constructions in the course are upper level, meant to challenge and prepare your student for upper-‐high school and college courses. Course outline: Class 1: Mastering commas in a series and commas with conjunctions using complex sentences Class 2: Mastering commas and clauses and tough constructions, including multiple ideas, connectors, and transitions Class 3: Mastering tense, competing punctuation, quotations, dashes, and ellipses Class 4: Sticky-‐pair sentence construction (if-‐then, not only-‐but also) and tough grammar in upper-‐level constructions Class 5: Mastering colons and semicolons with leading sentence constructions Class 6: Mastering tricky punctuation details, end punctuation, and the most common grammar challenges Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Elements of Writing for High School Students by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming.
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Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with grading and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated two to three hours per week for homework outside of class time.
High School Simplified Writing 1: Your All-‐Encompassing Foundational High School Writing Course (Formerly titled Simplified Writing for High School Students) Class dates: Mondays, February 22 to April 18, 2016. No class March 28 for Easter break. Total classes: 8 Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar is required (Live or Unlimited Access). Can be taken concurrently. Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing. Add High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar for a full semester credit. Fee: $170 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $190 after July 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Lisa Mladinich Course description: This course is designed to give the teen skills that make writing strong and clear, lacking nothing—able to articulate ideas well in writing for all high-‐school level work. Students will learn how to perfect strong sentences and paragraphs; learn nine basic forms of rhetoric; focus on linear academic writing for a purpose; practice transitions and connectives, parallelism, paraphrasing, and summary; review punctuation as it influences excellence in writing (comma, semicolon, colon, and dash use); recognizing and correcting common grammar struggles; understand the characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; learn prewriting, drafting, and editing skills; and practice sculpting a piece of writing with direction that receives specific feedback from the instructor. Course outline: Class 1: Audience, purpose, and word choice Class 2: Perfecting strong sentence and paragraph construction Class 3: Nine forms of rhetoric (and what they have to do with great writing) Class 4: Linear writing for a purpose: more strong sentences and paragraphs Class 5: How to effectively use transitions/connectives and parallelism Class 6: Punctuation and excellent writing: the comma, colon, semicolon, and dash; conquering common grammar struggles Class 7: The introduction, body, and conclusion; prewriting for success Class 8: Drafting for success; editing and polishing your writing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by Erin Brown Conroy. Available from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00B7AB90W/catholictreas-‐20. (Download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.) Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments with grading and direct feedback from instructor. Expect an estimated five hours per week for homework (outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays Class dates: Wednesdays, January 13 to February 24, 2016. No class Feb. 10 for Ash Wednesday. Total classes: 6 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 11th grade Suggested high school credit: ½ semester Writing. Follow with another writing course for a full credit.
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Fee: $90 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $105 after Nov. 15 for all 6 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This is an essential writing course for all high school students, to make sure that your student has critical high school writing foundations in place. Give your high school student exactly what’s needed for writing well-‐crafted sentences and paragraphs—including the absolute “must-‐have” knowledge, review, and practice for the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and prepositional phrases, and compound sentence structures, as well as transitions and connectives, the use of quoted material, summary, and paraphrase. Even if your student has learned foundational concepts before, the approach in his class is to use high school vocabulary and structures that are more complex and needed for upper-‐level writing. From mastering the details that are holding your student back from writing well to providing much-‐needed practice, help your student perfect the essential tools for high school writing. Course outline: Class 1: Using strong nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in well-‐constructed sentences Class 2: Capitalization, punctuation, and using quotation marks in dialogue and academic writing; prepositions and prepositional phrases Class 3: Linear writing, transitions, and connectives in sentences and paragraphs Class 4: Writing with summary and paraphrase Class 5: Answering essay questions: structure, form, and content I Class 6: Answering essay questions: structure, form, and content 2 Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBook: Simplified Writing Essentials for High School Students, by Erin Brown Conroy. Ordering information forthcoming. Homework: Approximately one hour per day, reading and completing coursework. Instructor grades the writing assignments.
Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two If you did not take Part One first, you can still take Part Two; the two courses can be taken independently and in any order (Part One first, Part Two second OR Part Two first, Part One second) Class dates: Fridays, January 8 to April 22, 2016. No class January 22 for the March for Life and March 25 for Easter break. Total classes: 14 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 45 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Writing Fee: $210 if you register on or before November 15, 2014. $230 after Nov. 15th for all 14 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: In this course (the second of two successive courses), your student will learn to use all of the upper-‐level vocabulary words related to writing that are needed for high school advanced writing, Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition courses, the ACT and SAT, advanced writing courses, and all of college writing—and an introduction of the concepts associated with the terms. Over 350 words will be learned and practiced this semester. Course work will be simple yet critical for your student’s future success. Because vocabulary is the #1 indicator of success on college entrance testing, if you want your student to not only score well on testing but also be able to be prepared for college writing and vocabulary, this course is for you. Course outline: Class 1: Persuasion; Sources, Citations, & Plagiarism Class 2: Research Class 3: Critical Reading; Literary Forms & Genres I Class 4: Literary Forms & Genres II Class 5: Themes in Writing Class 6: Rhetoric & Literary Techniques
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Class 7: Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, & Devices I Class 8: Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, & Devices II Class 9: Narration; Dissecting Passages of Text I Class 10: Description; Dissecting Passages of Text II Class 11: Illustration, Exemplification, & Highly Effective Essays Class 12: Comparison & Contrast in Writing Class 13: Process Analysis & Context Class 14: Division & Classification; Writing Cogent, Organized Essays I Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Book: EB Conroy’s Simplified Vocabulary Guide. Ordering information is forthcoming. Homework: Studying for tests on the vocabulary identification and use. Writing assignments using new vocabulary graded by the instructor.
High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers Foundational for All High School Students and Essential for College-‐Bound Students (Formerly titled: Advanced High School Writing; Rhetoric, Figures of Speech, Essays, & Papers) Registration is limited to 12 students. If the course fills, sign up for the waiting list or email us for other options. Class dates: Wednesdays, March 2 to May 11, 2016. No class March 23 for Easter break. Total classes: 10 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: Simplified Writing 1 is required (Live or Unlimited Access). Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 semester Writing. Fee: $210 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $230 after Nov. 15 for all 10 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This course content is known as a prerequisite for many colleges for college-‐bound students. Designed to give the teen skills that make writing strong and clear, your student will learn methods of rhetoric and how to use the skills in all of the main conventions of writing used in college—including in-‐depth use of nine basic forms of rhetoric (rhetorical modes); be able to identify and use major rhetorical strategies and figures of speech; and pre-‐write, draft, and edit a comparison and contrast paper, including use of the hook, thesis, introduction construction, conclusions, and rewriting with specific, individual feedback from the instructor. Vocabulary related to upper-‐level writing will be introduced and integrated into the learning. Specific class time will be used to show how to edit and revise upper-‐level work. Course outline: Class 1: The academic paper; advanced academic writing with strong thesis construction, hooks, and introductions Class 2: Rhetorical Mode 1: Narration; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (tropes, aposiopesis, apostrophe, chiasmus, epithet) Class 3: Rhetorical Mode 2: Comparison and Contrast; creating a thesis and hook for your paper Class 4: Rhetorical Mode 3: Illustration and Exemplification; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (litotes, zeugma, euphemism, idiom) Class 5: Rhetorical Mode 4: Description; drafting your paper’s outline Class 6: Rhetorical Mode 5: Process Analysis; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (hyperbole, metonymy, metaphor, mixed metaphor, extended metaphor); prewriting for papers Class 7: Rhetorical Mode 6: Definition; rhetorical strategies and figures of speech (bathos, caricature, deus ex machine, epiphany) your paper’s rough draft Class 8: Rhetorical Mode 7: Cause and Effect; advanced methods of draft revision 1 Class 9: Rhetorical Mode 8: Division and Classification; advanced methods of draft revision 2; formatting advanced academic works (brief style guide introduction)
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Class 10: Rhetorical mode 9: Argumentation; integrating rhetorical strategies into upper-‐level writing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by Erin Brown Conroy: www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00B7AB90W/catholictreas-‐20. (Download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.) Also required is 2) Simplified Writing 102: EB Conroy's Top 10 Tips for Using the Rhetorical Modes in Academic Writing. Ordering information for 102 is forthcoming. Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments with grading and direct feedback from the instructor. Estimate four to five hours per week for homework (outside of class time); this includes reading, writing, and responding to instructor feedback.
High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) (Formerly titled: Advanced Research Writing: Preparing for College} Registration is limited to 12 students. If the course fills, sign up for the waiting list or email us for other options. Class dates: Fridays, January 8 to March 11, 2015. No class Jan. 22 for the March for Life. Total classes: 10 Starting time: 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 Central; 8:00 Mountain; 7:00 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour Prerequisite: Simplified Writing 1 is required (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access). Exceptions are granted only with written permission from the instructor. Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1 semester Writing Fee: $210 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $230 after Nov. 15 for all 10 classes. Instructor: Sharon Hamric-‐Weis, BSEd, JD Course description: This course will cover advanced research and writing methods for argumentative research writing, how to craft an advanced research paper, and understanding style guides (APA, CMS/Turabian, MLA, AP). A bibliography and research paper will be written during the course. Course outline: Class 1: What is research writing? Terms and methods. Class 2: Advanced research methods: Using libraries and the Internet. Class 3: Style guides and citations. Class 4: Creating a bibliography. Class 5: Creating your outline and thesis: advanced methods. Class 6: Prewriting: styles and completeness. Class 7: Outline with rough cut proofs. Class 8: The rough draft. Class 9: Revising and editing. Class 10: Final drafts. Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. eBooks: 1) Simplified Research Writing by EB Conroy (ordering information is forthcoming); and 2) Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success by EB Conroy, www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00B7AB90W/catholictreas-‐20. (download the Kindle app for free to easily read on your PC, Mac, iPad, iPod, or mobile device). Homework: Students will have weekly writing assignments and direct feedback from the instructor, with an estimated four to five hours per week for homework (outside of class time) that includes researching, reading, writing, and responding to feedback. Authoring a Book: How it Works, What it Takes, and How to Succeed (Write Your Own Book Fiction Writing Series) Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-‐courses, you can have a completed book! Class dates: Thursdays, January 7 to January 28, 2016.
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Total classes: 4 Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central; 8:30 Mountain; 7:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing. For a full semester add other fiction-‐writing courses. Fee: $85 if you enroll on or before November 15, 2015. $95 after Nov. 15 for all 4 classes. Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course teaches what it takes to be an author, from personal practices to the publishing world. The course will also discuss what it’s like to be a Catholic author today. Course outline: Class 1: Personal practices of successful writers Class 2: The manuscript and query Class 3: The platform, marketing, and the Internet Class 4: Agents, publishers, and self publishing Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE via the instructor. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
Plot and Structure (Write Your Own Book Fiction Writing Series) Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Students can jump into this continuing series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-‐courses, you can have a completed book! Class dates: Thursdays, February 4 to February 25, 2016. Total classes: 4 Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central; 8:30 Mountain; 7:30 Pacific) Duration: 1 hour Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Fee: $85 if you enroll on or before November 15, 2014. $95 after Nov. 15th for all 4 classes. Suggested credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing (three courses in the Write Your Fiction Book Series equals one full semester credit) Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course teaches key components of writing a gripping plot for fiction books of any genre. Designed for writing fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult plots, the course covers great openings (the opening line, hook, drop into action, and inciting incident); development (doors of no return, peaks, and the rising plot line); creating tension and intrigue; and the climax and finish. Course outline: Class 1: Great openings—the opening line, hook, drop into action, and inciting incident Class 2: Developing your plot—doors of no return, peaks, and the rising plot line Class 3: Creating tension and intrigue—tricks, tips, and “the plant” Class 4: Great endings—creating a strong climax and finish Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. All materials are provided FREE via the instructor. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated five hours per week for homework, outside of class time that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
Description and Setting (Write Your Own Book Fiction Writing Series) Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. We will continue the series in the fall and into next spring and start all over again. Students can jump into the series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-‐courses, you can have a completed book! Class dates: Thursdays, March 3 to March 31, 2016. No class March 24 for Easter break.
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Total classes: 4 Starting time: 10:30 AM Eastern (9:30 Central; 8:30 Mountain; 7:30 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade Suggested credit: 1/3 semester Creative Writing (three courses in the Write Your Fiction Book series equals one semester credit) Fee: $85 if you enroll on or before Nov. 15, 2015. $95 after Nov. 15 for all 4 classes. Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This course teaches key components of using excellent description and crafting a strong and memorable setting for your fiction book. The course covers when a good writer uses description and setting (timing and amount of use); types of description (sensory, metaphor and simile, figures of speech, and literary techniques); principles and techniques of memorable settings; and how to integrate description and setting into plot, structure, and character development. Course outline: Class 1: Description and Setting: Timing and the Basics of their Use Class 2: Types of Description—The senses, metaphor and simile, figures of speech, and literary techniques Class 3: Principles and techniques of memorable settings (including examples to learn by) Class 4: How to integrate description and setting into plot, structure, and character development Course materials: All materials are provided FREE via the instructor. Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated five hours per week for homework (outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.
Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers, Part Two Note: Though this is Part Two, students are welcomed to join us midyear as the two courses can be taken in any order. Class dates: January 15 to March 12, 2015. No class Jan. 22. Total classes: 8 Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central, 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific) Duration: 55 minutes Prerequisite: None Suggested grade level: 8th through 12th grade Suggested high school credit: 2/3 Creative Writing. For a full credit keep writing daily and working your craft. Fee: $140 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $160 after Nov. 15 for all 8 classes. Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, MFA Course description: This is an advanced fiction writing course that delves into the use of archetypes in what is called "the hero's journey," the mythic structure that many claim all stories follow. This course will cover the different kinds of typological actions and plot lines that appear in stories, to apply that knowledge to the crafting of your own fiction book. The course can be taken in conjunction with any of the other fiction writing courses offered with Homeschool Connections. Whether you plan on going into fiction writing (books, screenwriting, poetry) or simply want to expand your ability to write in advanced styles, this course is for you. Course outline: Class 1: Ordinary World Class 2: The Call to Adventure Class 3: The Refusal of the Call Class 4: Meeting with the Mentor Class 5: Crossing the First Threshold Class 6: Tests, Allies, Enemies Class 7: Approach to the Inmost Cave Class 8: The Ordeal and the Reward
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Course materials: Word 2007 or later version. Book: The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structures for Writers, 3rd Edition, by Christopher Vogler and Michele Montez (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/193290736X/catholictreas-‐20). NOTE: The same book is used in both of the Advanced Fiction (Parts One and Two) courses. Homework: Approximately 1 ½ to three hours per week reading and completing coursework.
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Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are your courses Catholic? A: Yes, all of our courses are taught with a strong Catholic ethos. Q: How are high school credits applied? A: Parents are the ultimate authority on their children’s work. We give a Suggested High School Credit for each course. This suggestion is based on the student who participates fully in class, completes all assignments, and spends time outside of class reading, researching, and writing. Q: Is Homeschool Connections an accredited school? A: No. For the purpose of high school transcripts this should not be an issue. College admissions departments are use to accepting credits from homeschool families, who are of course entirely unaccredited, as well as from private Christian schools, many of which are also unaccredited. Additionally, there are accrediting services who will issue an accredited diploma for you. See the Table of Contents for more information: FAQ: Accreditation. Q: Are you a full service home study school? A: No, we are not a school and do not provide record keeping or counseling services. Homeschool Connections was created to supplement what parents are already doing. We have families take advantage of our courses that are enrolled in Seton, Kolbe, Mother of Divine Grace, etc. We also have many families who design their own curriculum using classical, unit studies, Charlotte Mason, and other pedagogical models. We’re here to help families, from those who consider themselves unschoolers to those who follow a very strict scope and sequence. Our goal is to meet parents where they are and help them get the most out of their resources. Q: What kind of equipment do I need? A: Students are required to have a computer, high-‐speed internet, and a headset with microphone. Q: How does a student "attend class"? A: Students receive an email with a link to the “classroom.” Classes take place in an audio/visual classroom where the teacher and students meet in a real time environment. The instructor converses directly with students. The student is able to see and hear the voice of the instructor. Students can respond two ways. They can type in chat or “raise their hand” to respond orally using their headset. Q: Your courses are very reasonable but my budget is tight. How can I save money on your live courses? A: First, take advantage of the early enrollment discounts. They can save you $10 to $25 per course. Second, sign up for our online newsletter. We occasionally offer coupons or special deals. To sign up see our website where the link is in the right sidebar. Q: How do I get the Early Enrollment Discount? A: All you do is enroll before the deadline. The discounted price is automatic. Q: Will the instructor be available outside of class time? A: Yes. All of our instructors are available during class time through question and discussion, as well as via e-‐mail in between the live classes. Some also offer Skype or phone office hours. Q: How does my child prepare for the classes and get the most out of them? A: There are many things a student can do to prepare for, and to take full advantage of, their courses:
• Come to class having read or completed any assignments from the week before. • Prepare a notebook for the course to take written notes during class and review afterward. • Participate fully during class time by keeping chats on topic, raising his hand with questions or comments,
focusing on the lecture, and avoiding distractions. • Email the instructor in between classes if any questions arise about course content or homework. • Go back and watch the recorded class or review the Power Point if needed. • Visit the Moodle page often for additional helps. (Moodle is our free educational software.)
Q: What about vacations and breaks? A: There are no classes most holy days and holidays. Some instructors offer a midterm break. If you have a break that does not correspond with our course calendar, make sure to notify the instructor, watch the recorded class, and complete any homework in a timely manner. Q: What if my child misses a class?
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A: Classes are recorded and made available to students within 24 hours. In the case of a missed class, a student should notify the instructor then go back and watch the recorded class. Q: What are the course terms? How long are they? A: With the exception of summer courses, our live courses vary in length from 4 to 15 weeks. Q: What day of the week and what time are classes held? Also, how long does each class last? A: Classes typically meet once a week, Monday to Friday, and last between 45 and 55 minutes. However, there are exceptions. Please see individual course descriptions for specifics. Classes are scheduled between the hours of 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern to accommodate the varying schedules and time zones of homeschool families. Q: How many students are in each class? A: Courses vary in the number of students enrolled, from 5 to 30. We currently avg. 15 students per class. Q: How much time per day or week will my child need to devote in order to do well in this course? A: Generally speaking, students should allow 2 to 5 hours a week, depending on the course requirements. Of course, the amount of time spent on schoolwork depends on how much a student wants to get out of the course and learn. Q: When should we order the course materials? A: We do our best to keep costs down for families. Therefore, many of the course materials are available free online. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for materials that need to be borrowed or purchased. Q: Which Latin course is right for my student? A: Circumstances vary greatly from student to student. The course descriptions for the Latin courses include prerequisites. Also, we are available by email to help make determinations in individual cases. Q: How does a student access the recordings and homework? A: We use an educational software called Moodle. This software is free to our students. It is very user friendly so you may easily access everything necessary to make your course a success. Each student is given a unique user name and password so homework assignments and grades are kept private. Q: How are the courses graded? A: Parents are the ultimate authorities in grading their children. Most instructors provide graded homework with feedback. Other courses provide tests with answer keys for the parent to grade. We do not provide transcripts, so it is up to the parent to determine final grades and record them. Q: How do I keep track of my student's grades? A: In the case of courses that do provide graded homework, the grades are uploaded on the Moodle site and can only be accessed by you. You have access to all course materials (recordings, grades, links, tests, etc.) for 6 months after the completion of each course. Q: What do I do if I'm unable to take a course once I've already enrolled? A: Because of busy schedules and potential conflicts with the class times, some people may find they have to drop a course. We will refund 95% of the course fee for cancellations made up to 1 week before the first day of class. Up to 1 week following the first class, we will refund 50% of the course fee plus 45% credit for a future course (must be used within one year). Written notification is required prior to the second class if you would like to receive the partial refund. Q: Why should I pay $120 for an 8-‐week course when I can sign up for your Unlimited Access program of recorded courses for only $30 a month? A: Both the live and recorded courses have their advantages but there are more benefits from the live courses. For example, they give students a real live class experience where they interact with fellow students. Students have complete access to the instructor, during and in between classes, should they have questions or would like to explore a concept more deeply. For courses with graded homework, the parent is saved that task. In addition to letter grades, instructors give comments to help the student better understand what they’re doing right or wrong. The recorded courses are cheaper and can be taken at a student’s own pace, on his own schedule, 24/7. A younger student can take his time while an older or advanced student can accelerate his work. Plus, there is no need to fit your schedule into the instructor’s schedule.
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Aquinas Writing Advantage: What is it? Homeschool Connections has taken our separate writing courses and put them together to create a full program for you and your children:
• Complete, progressive, and thorough • Give your student all the skills needed—foundations, development, advanced, and creative
writing • Leaves no gaps and prepares your student for college and the workplace • Designed as a skills-‐based program—your student will advance and increase writing skills faster
than a grade-‐based program MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL Foundations
• Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar (6 weeks) • Middle School Essential Writing 2: Sentence and Paragraph Writing (6 weeks) • Middle School Simplified Writing 1 (8 weeks)
Development • Middle School Simplified Writing 2: Essays and Papers (8 weeks)
Creative (Middle and High School)
• Fiction: Description and Setting (4 weeks) • Fiction: Character and Dialogue (4 weeks) • Fiction: Plot and Structure (4 weeks) • Fiction: Theme, Style, and Point of View (4 weeks) • Fiction: Conflict (4 weeks) • Fiction: Authoring a Book (4 weeks) • The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 1: Archetypes (8 weeks) • The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 2: Form (8 weeks) • Poetry Writing I; Joining the Great Tradition (14 weeks) • Coming in 2016/2017: Screenwriting
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL Foundations
• How to be an Excellent Student (4 weeks) • High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar (6 weeks) • High School Simplified Writing 1 (8 weeks)
Development • High School Essential Writing 2: Excellent Paragraphs and Essays (6 weeks) • Vocabulary and Writing, Part One (14 weeks) • Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two (14 weeks)
Advanced • Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays and Papers (10 weeks) • Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (10 weeks) • Coming in 2016/2017: The 5-‐Paragraph Essay and Beyond
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Aquinas Writing Advantage: Suggested Scope and Sequence Parents often asked us, "Where do I start in writing?" To answer that question, we offer the following scope and sequence based on your student's grade level in the fall. Whether your child is starting with Homeschool Connections in 7th grade or 12th grade, in the fall or in the spring, we can help you. Note that the following is only our suggestion, based on our general experience. There is wiggle room for students joining us midyear, who already have heavy writing experience, or need to change the order due to courses filling and closing. Every child and every homeschool is different. You know your child best, so you always have the final say in your child’s education at HSC. For the Student Beginning in the 12th Grade 12th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar High School Simplified Writing 1 Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Spring High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two For the Student Beginning in the 11th Grade 11th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar High School Simplified Writing 1 Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Spring High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two 12th GRADE Fall High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 1: Archetypes Spring High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 2: Form For the Student Beginning in the 10th Grade 10th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar High School Simplified Writing 1 Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Spring Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two Fiction Writing Series (Three four-‐week courses)
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11th GRADE Fall Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 1: Archetypes High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays Spring Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 2: Form 12th GRADE Fall High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers Spring High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) For the Student Beginning in the 9th Grade 9th GRADE Fall Fiction Writing Series (Three 4-‐week courses) Spring Fiction Writing Series (Three 4-‐week courses) 10th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar High School Simplified Writing 1 Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Spring Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two 11th GRADE Fall Advanced Fiction: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 1: Archetypes High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays Spring Advanced Fiction: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 2: Form 12th GRADE Fall High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays and Papers Spring High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) For the Student Beginning in the 8th Grade 8th GRADE Fall Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar Middle School Simplified Writing 1 Spring Middle School Essential Writing 2: Sentences and Paragraphs Fiction Writing Series (Three 4-‐week courses) 9th GRADE
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Fall Middle School Simplified Writing 2: Essays and Papers Spring Fiction Writing Series (Three 4-‐week courses) 10th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar High School Simplified Writing 1 Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Spring Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two 11th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 1: Archetypes Spring Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 2: Form 12th GRADE Fall High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers Spring High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep) For the Student Beginning in the 7th Grade 7th GRADE Fall Middle School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar Middle School Simplified Writing 1 Spring Middle School Essential Writing 2: Sentences and Paragraphs 8th GRADE Fall Middle School Simplified Writing 2: Essays and Papers Spring Fiction Writing Series (Three 4-‐week courses) 9th GRADE Fall Fiction Writing Series (Three 4-‐week courses) Spring High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar High School Simplified Writing 1 10th GRADE Fall Vocabulary and Writing, Part One Spring Vocabulary and Writing, Part Two
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11th GRADE Fall High School Essential Writing 2: Paragraphs and Essays Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 1: Archetypes Spring Advanced Fiction Writing: The Hero’s Journey and Mythic Structure for Writers 2: Form 12th GRADE Fall High School Simplified Writing 2: Rhetoric, Essays, and Papers Spring High School Simplified Writing 3: Research Writing (College Prep)
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FAQ: Accreditation Q. What is accreditation?
• Accreditation is a voluntary process, performed by private, nongovernmental agencies. • There is no central control or authority. • There are good accrediting agencies and bad ones. • One accrediting organization is not legally designated as being superior over another.
Q. What does accreditation have to do with learning? • Nothing directly. It measures standards and does not develop educational programs. • Some of the worst public schools and private schools are accredited. • Some of the best are not.
Q. What is the purpose of accreditation? • The main function is to weed out diploma mills and other education scams. • Gives assurance that the educational institution being reviewed is legitimate and meets minimum
standards. Q. What is the usefulness of accreditation for homeschool families?
• Educationally, there is little usefulness for students and their families. • Does provide a comfort factor for parents, giving them assurance by a 3rd party that the program meets
minimum standards. However, parents must still determine if the accrediting body is legitimate. • Useful to schools for marketing and recruiting. • May be helpful in some cases if putting children into a public or private high school after homeschooling
partway through high school. • Possible requirement for NCAA scholarships.
Q. What if I want to design my own curriculum or use a non-‐accredited program, but am one of the rare cases where accreditation is necessary?
• There are several accredited agencies that will review your course of study and issue an accredited diploma for a fee. These programs include, but are not limited to: Clonlara NARHS West River Academy We have not used these programs personally, so cannot recommend one over the other. As always, do your research.
Q. Is Homeschool Connections accredited? • No. Our policy is that parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education. • Non-‐accreditation allows us more flexibility. • Non-‐accreditation keeps our classes inexpensive. • Home education does not involve attending a school. • We are not a school, but an online curriculum provider. • Our focus is providing the best online curriculum for use at home, not accreditation. • As private homeschoolers, parents are the ones who provide “accreditation” for their child’s education. • The quality of home education is assured by parents, not a 3rd party or accrediting body. • Students using our program are educated at home by themselves and their parents. We merely assist the
students and parents with online classes and other services. Q. What about transferring to a public or private high school after homeschooling? Will lack of accreditation affect my student?
• Some high schools will require an accredited transcript. • If the school will not accept a student’s transcript, they will likely evaluate the student using standardized
testing, whether the homeschool program is accredited or not.
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• If you have plans to put your child into a local site-‐based school, check their policy on transfer students. Q. Is it necessary to have attended an accredited high school or program to be accepted to a college or university?
• No. The high school’s accreditation or non-‐accreditation status is not a factor in the evaluation of a high school student’s eligibility for college admission, except in rare cases. Check with perspective colleges if you are unsure.
• A school’s accredited status from any accrediting organization does not provide a legal guarantee that a student will be accepted into any private or public institution.
• The majority of students are accepted into colleges based on an evaluation of their application, the results of their Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores, and their high school Grade Point Average (GPA).
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Live, Interactive Classes
Here are some tips to help you and your child prepare for Homeschool Connections classes and get the most out of them.
• Make sure you have the necessary equipment: A headset with microphone, high speed internet, and a computer
• Check the course details and collect any course materials that need to be purchased well in advance. • Watch the How-‐to Moodle webinar. A link is sent to you upon registration. • Parents need to follow up on homework and keep track of grades. As with any homeschooling program,
self-‐discipline and parental follow up is important. • All classes are recorded. Recorded classes are uploaded to the course page at Moodle within 24 hours. If a
class is missed, notify the instructor and watch the class recording. • If homework will be late due illness or other unforeseen problem, notify the instructor ASAP. • You can plug the computer into the television if you’d like to watch together with your family. • Prepare a notebook for the course to write notes while participating in the classes. Also use the notebook
for homework. Review as needed. • Find a comfortable place and make sure you have everything you need for class before you start: pencil,
paper, textbook, water, etc. • Make sure distractions are kept to a minimum during class time. • Use a headset to help block outside noises. The headset should have a working microphone so students
can speak in class if needed. • If you have wireless internet, ask others in the household to refrain from internet use during class time.
This will open up more bandwidth so the class will stream smoothly. • If review is needed, class recordings can be watched multiple times. You can fast forward or backup as
you watch. Class recordings are available to you for 6 months after your course is completed. • Take advantage of additional support materials if offered. These can include websites, reading materials,
videos, etc. • A few courses offer answer keys instead of instructor grading. Parents can print these off to keep in a file.
Students are on their honor not to cheat. • All courses have a Course Completion Certificate at the end. Once your child completes the course to your
satisfaction, print out the certificate and complete it. Then file for your records. • Record grades immediately upon completion. For transcript and diploma forms, visit
www.donnayoung.org. • Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or ever need help.
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Sample Transcript See www.donnayoung.org for more homeschool forms. http://www.back2college.com/gpa.htm to calculate GPA.
Name: Ignatius Smith Gender: M Birth Date: 01/04/1999 Address: 2306 Marion Lane Big Town, State, Zip School Name: Smith Family Academy Graduation Date: 5/2017 Phone: 111-555-3333 Person to Contact: Dad or Moms Name
Grade Year Course Title 1st Semester 2nd Semester Final
Yearly Cumulative
Totals Grade Credit Grade Credit Grade Credit Credits GPA
9 09-10 Biblical Greek I Formal Logic Literature: Ancient/Epic Science: Human Biology Theology: Apologetics History: Ancient Grammar and Comp. Algebra I
B B A C A B A B
0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
B B A A B B A B
0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.5 0.5
0.50 0.50
B B A B A B A B
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 8 3.38
10
10-11 Latin I Literature: Middle Ages History: Middle Ages / Ren. American Government Computer Programming Science: Chemistry Theology: Old and New Test. Creative Writing Algebra II
11
11-12 Latin II History: American Theology: Phil. of God Intro Constitutional Law Literature: American/Modern Science: Adv. Chemistry Vocabulary and Writing Geometry Economics
12
12-13 Latin III History: World Science: Physics Theology: TOB Pre-Calculus Advanced Writing Advanced Literature Philosophy: Early Modern
Credits and Grading Scale: A 90-100; B 80-89; C 70-79; D 60- 69; F below 60 Weight for one-credit courses (120 hours): A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=0 AP Courses: A=5; B=4; C=3 Activities: Library Volunteer, Debate Club, Art Guild Member, Museum Volunteer [enter test scores such as ACT/SAT etc.] Signed: Your signature here Date: date here
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Sample Planning Form See http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2015/02/6-‐forms-‐for-‐successful-‐
homeschool.html for more homeschool planning forms. Monthly Goals and Curriculum Plan
Student: _____Ignatius Smith____________ School Year: ____2014/2015___________
SUBJECT SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY
MATH
SCIENCE
HISTORY
ENGLISH
LITERATURE
VOCABULARY / SPELLING
THEOLOGY
OTHER