High School Core Curriculum Overview
Bible
Biblical Theology (9th Grade)
This is a course of study whereby the student gains a practical understanding of how the written
Holy Scriptures came into existence. The student is introduced to topics such as inspiration,
preservation and canonization. The course also directs the learner into an inductive Bible
study methods. The practical side of the course is when students apply their learning by
studying verse-by-verse the New Testament book of I Peter.
Systematic Theology (10th Grade)
This is a course of study whereby the student studies the ten main doctrines of the Bible
in a systematic fashion. The doctrines include God, the Bible, Man and Sin, Salvation,
Christ, the Holy Spirit, Christian Living, the Church, Spirit Beings and Future Events.
The purpose of the exercise is to develop personal convictions and a clear understanding of
the Scriptures to the end that personal lives will be changed and reflect the life of Christ
to the world.
Christian Theology (11th Grade)
This course is designed for the thinking Christian. It is to be challenging both spiritually
and mentally. It will engage the student in understanding the Christian worldview as well as
the apologetic approach to the Christian faith. It will assist them in recognizing the role of
the mind in relation to faith. The goal of the course is to help the student comprehend and
articulate the biblical/Christian worldview, and learn how to "give the reason of the hope that
is in them with gentleness and respect" (I Peter 3:15). They will survey biblical Theism in
contrast to Naturalism, Pantheism, Post-Modernism, Deism, and Nihilism.
Practical Theology (12th Grade)
Practical Theology is a course designed to help the student connect Biblical truth with the real
issues of life. We will look at how God's Word should shape our choices in relationships,
finances, career, ethics, and faith.
History
World History
This course is a survey study of world history from the first civilizations to the
present. Patterns of political, economic, and religious development will be a main
focus. Although our textbook will be the principal source of information, primary
documents, internet knowledge bases, and other sources will provide additional incite
into the different periods of history. The goal of the course is to give students an
overview of world history, with an in-depth look at important people, issues and events
that shaped the world of today while developing writing, speaking, and analytical skills.
US History
This course will examine themes and topics in United States history from the colonial era
through the Cold War. The course will examine topics and themes including, but not limited
to, the development of the U.S. Constitution, the Early Republic period, Jacksonian democracy,
westward expansion, slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction era, industrialization and
immigration, imperialism, World War One, the "Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World
War Two, and the numerous aspects of Cold War America.
Honors US History
This in-depth and reading intensive course will examine themes and topics in United States history from the colonial era through the Cold War. The course will study topics and themes including, but not limited to, the development of the U.S. Constitution, the Early Republic period, Jacksonian democracy, westward expansion, slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction era, industrialization and immigration, imperialism, World War One, the "Roaring Twenties", the Great Depression, World War Two, and the numerous aspects of Cold War America. Honors US History requires more at-home preparation and outside reading, emphasizes the greater higher order thinking skills, and demands a higher level of classroom participation than does the College Preparatory US History course.
AP US History
AP US History is a college-level course that demands the keen development of all the
higher order thinking skills. APUSH students must be adept at disciplined individual
study while also being able to participate actively in classroom discussion and historical
debate. The course is writing intensive, placing a premium on analysis, structure, and
the ability to incorporate outside historical data appropriately in essays which effectively
synthesize historical themes in United States history from the colonial era to today.
Students are required to take the Advanced Placement examination and to pay the AP exam fee.
Honors Economics
The goal of this course is to broaden student understanding of economics as it impacts the
world. As the students learn more about the functions of business, society, and government;
supply and demand; and international economic policy, they will become better informed about
economic growth in the United States and the world. The student will be more knowledgeable
about how various economic ideas affect the individual, community, state, country, and world
we live in. A unit on personal finance and investing is also part of the course.
Honors US Constitution
The Honors Constitution class focuses on enabling citizens well prepared to assume all the
responsibilities of those living in the United States and North Carolina. Students will
develop a line-by-line understanding of our founding documents, will participate in a national
oratorical competition on the Constitution, and will put their understanding into practice as
they assume the roles of Supreme Court Justices, Petitioners, and Respondents in several mock
cases.
AP European History
Advanced Placement European History is designed to enable students to
trace the origins, developments and consequences of the major social,
political, economic and religious aspects of Europe's history from 1450
until the present. Students will learn to assess the major individuals,
philosophies and institutions that have shaped the European intellectual
and cultural tradition. Special emphasis will be given to the Renaissance,
the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the
Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, nationalism, World War I,
World War II, the Cold War and the fall of communism. Through essay
writing, reading, current events, book reports and class participation
students will enhance their critical thinking skills and their
understanding of the historical process.
Math
Geometry
Geometry is the study of geometrical shapes using deductive reasoning. Undefined terms,
postulates and theorems will be used to solve 2 and 3 dimensional figures. Parallelism,
congruent triangles, inequalities in triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles,
circles, construction, area, area and volume of solids and coordinate geometry will be the
topics discussed. Algebraic skills involving quadratic equations, systems of equations,
radicals and trigonometry will be used in calculating geometry problems. A completion of
Algebra I is the prerequisite.
Honors Geometry
Students will be asked to cover the same topics as the College Prep Geometry Course but in
more depth. Honors Geometry covers the concepts at a faster pace and will problem solve at
a more difficult level. An A in Algebra I is required for admittance to this course.
Algebra II
This is a study of the use of advanced algebra skills and concepts in the set
of real and complex numbers. Through problem solving strategies they study real
numbers in equations and inequalities, functions and graphs. They study systems
of equations and inequalities, using matrices, determinants and a graphing
calculator. The study of functions focuses on quadratic functions as well as polynomial
functions. Conic sections are graphed and equations are written.
Honors Algebra II
This is a study of the use of advanced algebra skills and concepts in the set of real
and complex numbers. Through problem solving strategies they study exponential and
logarithmic functions, sequences and series, real numbers in equations and inequalities,
functions and graphs. They study systems of equations and inequalities, using matrices,
determinants and a graphing calculator. The study of functions focuses on quadratic
functions as well as polynomial functions. Conic sections are graphed and equations are
written. Trigonometric functions, graphs, identities and equations complete the topical
items in the course. The prerequisite for this class is an A in Geometry.
Advanced Functions and Modeling
Advanced Functions and Modeling is a course designed for those students who struggled in
Algebra II. The course beings with an intensive review of factoring, solving linear and quadratic
equations, and solving systems of equations. Then a study of trigonometry, logarithms, and other
functions takes the next quarter. Much time is spent on modeling equations from real-life data.
Other topics include matrices and conic sections.
Statistics
This is a course designed to show students that statistics is used to picture and describe the world
as well as make informed decisions. There is an extensive use of a graphing calculator to enable
these descriptions and decisions. The topics include data classification and organization, experimental
design, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, and variation. Using these topics as a
foundation, measures of position, probability distributions, counting principles, and standard
normal distributions are developed. The course is completed with a study of sampling distributions and the
Central Limit Theorem. The prerequisite for this course is the completion of Algebra II.
Honors College Math
Honors College Math is a senior level course designed for those students who have finished Pre-Calculus but
are not interested in Calculus. This course reviews topics from Pre-Calculus, but is taught from
an applied standpoint. Much time is spent on finding models for real-life data. A detailed
study of statistics is included. The prerequisites for this course is an A or B in Honors Pre-Calculus.
Honors Pre-Calculus
Honors Pre-Calculus is a study of varied topics which include more than a quarter of trigonometry.
The course also includes a study of functions, linear and quadratic regression, solutions of linear, quadratic and higher
order equations and inequalities, logarithms, exponential equations, conic sections, probability,
matrices and limits. A TI-83/84 calculator is required. The prerequisite for this course is an A in
Algebra II, an A or B in Honors Algebra II or a successful completion of Advanced Functions and Modeling.
AP Calculus
AP Calculus is a study of limits, derivatives, and integrals. This course prepares the students to
take the AP Calculus AB exam given in the spring. Graphing calculators are a must for this class.
The prerequisite for this class in an A in Honors Pre-Calculus.
Science
Anatomy and Physiology
This general level course covers a systematic exploration of all the structures and
functions of the human body, God’s ultimate creation, with an eye toward understanding
the integration of each part to the whole. The college level text supplemented with
PowerPoint presentations and videos of actual structures compliment the teacher/student
classroom experience. Students are supported in their individual study through the use
of dedicated online support and a coloring book designed to further enhance the learner's
understanding. Labs and demonstrations give the opportunity for hands-on experience and
group interaction.
Biology
This class is taught as a survey course. Topics covered include cell structure, Mendelian
genetics, classification of living things, microbiology, botany, and zoology. Students
will reinforce the concepts presented in class by using microscopes, performing dissections,
and doing a variety of hands-on investigations.
AP Biology
The AP Biology course is designed as an introductory, college-level course. Through
lecture, web-based activities, Internet research, and laboratories students receive a
unique prospective in God’s logical design of the biological world and the interactions
therein. Topics such as ecology, biochemistry, metabolism, evolution and creation, genetics,
as well as the interaction, structure and function of plants and animals are discussed
throughout the year. Students must have completed biology with a grade of an A in order to
participate in this class. Students can expect one hour of homework each night as well as
some independent study on topics.
Ecology
This course is designed for a broad overview of the study of man and the world in which
he lives. Focusing on the concept that the earth is the product of a creative act rather
then the chance occurrence of nondirective randomness, the student will be exposed to a
broad range of subjects such as geology, astronomy, climatology, terrestrial and aquatic
biology, and tree and bird identification. The goal of the course is to cause the student
to gain a unique perspective and greater appreciation for the earth in general, and to allow
the student to develop a personal response to man’s role as overseer of the planet’s resources.
Honors Ecology
This course provides the honors track student with the opportunity to gain insight into the
interaction of the environment and the organisms found within it. The material is presented
with the goal of causing the student to consider man’s role as the one who is to "tend the garden".
The course will begin with an accelerated overview of scientific principles and concepts,
followed by discussions on topics such as human populations and resources, environmental
quality and pollution, and societal impacts on the environment. This course requires the
student involvement and interaction with the teacher and fellow students as topics are
researched and viewpoints explored. An A or B in Chemistry is the prerequisite for Honors Ecology.
Chemistry
This class provides the student with a general introduction to chemical principles and
concepts. Some of the topics covered include atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical
bonds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solutions. Students need to have
basic algebra skills in order to do the required work. Students will reinforce the concepts
presented in class by performing a variety of hands-on investigations and by doing experiments.
Honors Chemistry
Honors Chemistry is an in depth study of energy, atomic structure and function, the
periodic table, chemical formulas and reaction stoichiometry, gases, thermodynamics,
solution chemistry, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. In addition to lecture, the
course includes laboratories to emphasize concepts learned in class and improve basic
laboratory skills. The course requires that each student be proficient in basic algebra
as well as problem solving. To be eligible for Honors Chemistry student must have had an
A in their previous science class as well as an A or B in Algebra II.
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is designed as in introductory, college-level course. Concepts learned
in Honors Chemistry are further developed. Through laboratory experiences and lecture
students explore macroscopic chemistry, electronic structure and bonding, as well as
speed and extent of chemical reactions. In order to take AP Chemistry students must have
had an A in Honors Chemistry. Students can expect one hour of homework each night.
AP Physics
AP Physics is a course designed to prepare students for the AP Physics Exam and to prepare
students for physics in college. This is a science course with a strong emphasis on mathematical
skills. Topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, light, electricity, magnetism and nuclear
energy are covered. About 20% of this class is conducted in a lab with all the necessary
reports required of the students. An A or B in Honors Chemistry and an A in Honors Pre-Calculus (formerly Honors Advanced Math) are the prerequisites for this course.
AP Psychology
AP Psychology engages students in the basic aspects of a college introduction to psychology
course. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: scientific methods, human
development, sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, language,
intelligence, motivation, emotion, and personality. Also studied are various types of
psychological disorders and therapies. The goal of the class is not only for the students
to master the material and be fully prepared for the AP Psychology exam, but also to establish
a Biblical view of the world of psychology and understand how it can apply to the lives of
Christians.
Introduction to Athletic Training
This class is designed to provide an overview of the profession of athletic training. Students will learn about the history of and challenges to the profession, employment options available, and educational requirements for becoming an athletic trainer. Students will learn basic skills for injury prevention, first aid, and treatment of common sports injuries. Topics such as drugs, nutrition, and sport psychology will also be incorporated into the class as it relates to the athlete. Basic anatomy and medical terminology will be integrated into the course. In order to pass the class, students will have to complete 6 hours of practice/game coverage, providing first aid services; this will allow students to apply classroom concepts to the clinical setting. Students will become certified in First Aid and CPR as part of the course curriculum.
English
English I (9th Grade)
This course is designed to challenge students to comprehend and analyze literary texts.
Students read several works of world literature as well as poetry and shorter works of
fiction and nonfiction. Writing assignments develop students’ critical thinking skills
and creative expression. The course also provides a study of grammar, mechanics, usage,
and vocabulary (students will take an end-of-year test in this class). NRCA’s summer
reading program is optional for this course.
Honors English I (9th Grade)
The course is designed for highly academically advanced, highly motivated students who
are capable of reading complex literature and analyzing it in terms of themes, character
motivation, and cultural and philosophical contexts. Students read works of world
literature as well as poetry and many shorter works of fiction and nonfiction. Through
frequent writing assignments, students develop the skills of close textual analysis,
critical thinking skills, and creative expression. The course provides a study of grammar,
mechanics, usage, and vocabulary and is reading/writing intensive (students will also take
an end-of-course test in this class). NRCA’s summer reading program is mandatory for this
course.
English II (10th Grade)
This college-preparatory course focuses on the development of complex thought processes
and creative expression through discussion and writing assignments. This course is designed
to challenge students to comprehend and analyze literary texts. Students will ready several
major works of world literature as well as poetry and shorter works of fiction and nonfiction.
Writing assignments develop students’ critical thinking skills and creative expression. The
course provides a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, vocabulary. Time for practicing the
new essay portion of the SAT test is also allocated. NRCA’s summer reading program is optional
for this course.
Honors English II (10th Grade)
This course is designed for highly academically advanced, highly motivated students
who are capable of reading complex literature independently and analyzing it in terms
of themes, character motivation, and cultural and philosophical contexts. Students
will read several major works of world literature as well as poetry and many shorter
works of fiction and nonfiction. Frequent writing assignments will develop students’
critical thinking skills and creative expression. The course provides a study of grammar,
mechanics, usage, and vocabulary and is reading/writing intensive. Time for practicing
the new essay portion of the SAT test is also allocated. NRCA’s summer reading program
is mandatory for this course.
American Literature (11th Grade)
This college-preparatory course focuses on the development of complex thought processes
and creative expression through discussion and writing assignments. In these writing assignments,
students will write for a variety of audiences and purposes, applying skills to literary analysis
and research with special attention given to the connection of themes, ideas, and movements in American
literature across time. The course also provides a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and
vocabulary, thus preparing students for senior English classes and the SAT writing requirement.
NRCA's summer reading program is optional for this course.
Honors American Literature (11th Grade)
This course is designed to challenge academically advanced, highly motivated students who are
capable of comprehending and analyzing literary texts. Students will read several works of
American literature as well as poetry and many shorter works of fiction and nonfiction.
Frequent writing assignments will develop students' critical thinking skills and creative
expression. The course will provide a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary,
thus preparing students for senior English classes and the SAT writing requirement.
NRCA's summer reading program is mandatory for this course.
AP Language & Composition (11th Grade)
This course is designed for highly academically advanced, highly motivated students who are
capable of reading complex literary selections independently and analyzing them in terms of
themes, character motivation, and cultural and philosophical contexts. Students will read major
works of American and world literature as well as poetry and short works. In addition to the rigorous
reading load in fiction, drama, and poetry, students will read several nonfiction essays from
a rhetorical reader. Writing assignments include close textual analysis
of fiction and drama and timed writings that analyze persuasive writing and create rhetorically
sound arguments. Students will also study advanced composition skills,
including lessons in grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary. This course is extremely
reading and writing intensive and may demand up to one hour of homework per night. NRCA's summer
reading program is mandatory for this course.
British Literature (12th Grade)
This college-preparatory course focuses on the development of complex thought processes
and creative expression through discussion and writing assignments. In these writing assignments,
students will write for a variety of audiences and purposes, applying skills to literary analysis
and research with special attention given to the connection of themes, ideas, and movements in British
literature across time. The course also provides a review of grammar, mechanics, usage, and a
study of vocabulary, thus preparing students for the SAT writing requirement and post-secondary
endeavors. NRCA's summer reading program is optional for this course.
Honors British Literature (12th Grade)
This course is designed to challenge academically advanced, highly motivated students who are
capable of comprehending and analyzing literary texts. Students will read several works of
British literature as well as poetry and many shorter works of fiction and nonfiction.
Frequent writing assignments will develop students' critical thinking skills and creative
expression. The course will provide a study of grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary,
thus preparing students for the SAT writing requirement and post-secondary
endeavors. NRCA's summer reading program is mandatory for this course.
AP Literature & Composition (12th Grade)
This course is designed for highly academically advanced, highly motivated students who are
capable of reading complex literary selections independently and analyzing them in terms of
themes, character motivation, and cultural and philosophical contexts. Students will read major
works of British and world literature as well as poetry and short works. There is a rigorous
reading load in fiction, drama, and poetry. Writing assignments include close textual analysis
of fiction and poetry. Timed writings analyze prose and poetic passages and treat literary
concepts from the student's repertoire. Students will also study advanced composition skills,
including lessons in grammar, mechanics, usage, and vocabulary. This course is extremely
reading and writing intensive and may demand up to one hour of homework per night. NRCA's summer
reading program is mandatory for this course.
Spanish
Spanish I
This course is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Students will learn
vocabulary and communication skills through oral and written exercises, class activities, and
at-home assignments. Listening and speaking skills will be developed through oral activities
and audio and video components. In this class, students will also learn about the geography
and culture of Spanish speaking countries. Students are graded on homework assignments,
quizzes, tests, oral participation, classroom projects, and listening activities. By the end
of this course, students will have reached a novice-high proficiency in speaking, listening,
reading, and writing in Spanish.
Spanish II
All aspects of grammar and vocabulary taught in Spanish I are reinforced and expanded upon
in second year Spanish. Additional vocabulary includes foods, clothing, and accessories,
furniture, and rooms of the house, an expanded list of adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. Verb
tenses learned include present progressive, present perfect, preterit, and future. Oral and
written communication is emphasized. Students are graded on homework assignments, quizzes,
tests, oral participation, classroom projects, and listening activities.
Honors Spanish III
This course emphasizes oral and written production, and reading and listening comprehension.
The student will master basic grammatical structures including the present tense of regular
and irregular verbs, the past tense of regular verbs, the use of definite and indefinite
articles, adjective and noun agreement, direct and indirect object pronouns, the past tense
of irregular verbs, contrastive use of present perfect and imperfect, the future tense and
the use of reflexive verbs, double object pronouns, the subjunctive, the conditional and the
imperative moods. It will also present the use of the relative and interrogative pronouns,
the use of prepositions, and other grammatical structures. The course stresses the development
of oral and written skills through conversation and writing in the language.
Honors Spanish IV
Language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally stressed. Target language and idiomatic use of the language is stressed. Classroom procedure is informal and personal. Students will master all the skills learned in Spanish III, furthering their command of the language through audio, video, textual, and traditional lecture-style learning. Spanish IV requires more intensive individual and at-home study and will involve an extended project with a local Spanish-language church or community organization.
Electives
High School Concert Choir
High School Concert Choir is a non-auditioned choir for grades 9-12. This class teaches more
advanced vocal skills and sight singing. These skills will be demonstrated in several public
performances throughout the school year (Christmas, Spring, and Pops), including the ACSI and
NCMEA choral competitions and NCMEA All-State and Honors Chorus. Women from the choir perform
as the Knightengales while the men from the group perform as the Singing Knights. Students
who have participated in choir for 2 years will receive honors credit for their third and
fourth years.
Honors Vocal Ensemble
High School Honors Vocal Ensemble is an auditioned group of 12-16 students from the 10-12
grades currently participating in the high school concert choir. This ensemble studies and
performs a varied repertoire of music from vocal jazz to madrigals and motets. They perform
several times throughout the school year at NRCA and are also invited to perform throughout
the Raleigh area. The ensemble also participates in ACSI and NCMEA choral festivals and
competitions. Auditions for the group are held every spring.
AP Music Theory
AP Music Theory is a class offered as an independent study for students meeting after
school each week with their music instructor. Ear training, theory, and beginning
composition are studied in preparation for the AP Music Theory Exam in May.
Band
High School Band is an elective course for instrumentalists in grades 9-12 who want to
increase their abilities in advanced music. Skills learned will be demonstrated in several
performances throughout the school year, including the annual Arts Festival/Contest.
Prerequisites: must have been a member of the Middle School Band or taken one year or more
of private instruction.
Honors Jazz Ensemble
Honors Jazz Ensemble is an elective for high school students wanting to gain a working
knowledge of America’s one true art form and its rich history. Held three mornings (7:00-7:50)
this course is open to students in the high school band and outside the band as well. This
group performs publicly throughout the year as well as an annual spring concert.
Drama
Drama is an elective for students who want to study public drama techniques. A variety of
dramatic forms are studied as well as back stage skills such as stage, sound, lighting,
costumes and scenery. Students have the opportunity to practice their learned skills through
school chapels and two major productions produced in the fall and spring of each year.
Drama students have the opportunity to compete in several speech festivals held each year.
Dance
Dance is an elective open to students in the 9-12th grades. Emphasis is placed on technical
barre work and combinations as well as exploring dance styles applicable to worship and theater.
Honors Dance
NRCA Dance Company is an honors dance program. This class meets three times per week prior to the
start of the school day. One day is given to strict body conditioning and barre strengthening.
The class will explore more difficult solo and ensemble choreography and will perform monthly in
chapels and regularly in public throughout the year. The company also performs a recital in the
spring. Prerequisite: must have had at least one year of intensive dance training and must pass
an audition in the spring.
Art IV & VII (Advanced Painting, Photography)
Art IV is an introduction to Advanced Painting using Watercolors, Acrylics, and Oil
Paints. Students will synthesize and apply techniques and processes introduced in
Art I - Beginning Art. They will apply these methods to the specific technique of using
watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints. Elements of art and Principles of Design will be
used in creating student art through advanced assignments and painting techniques.
Art VII is an introduction to digital photography techniques and processes.
Students will synthesize techniques and processes introduced in Art I -
Beginning Art, that relate to and include the study of graphic design and
composition with digital picture imagery. They will apply these methods to
the specific technique of using a single lens reflex camera in
Photography. Elements of art and Principles of Design will be used in
creating student artwork with photographic techniques. Students will be
expected to have their own cameras and other supplies needed to
participate in Photography class.
Art V & VI (Pen & Ink, Sculpture & Ceramics)
Art V is an introduction to Advanced Pen and Ink Drawing
Students will synthesize techniques and processes introduced in Art I -
Beginning Art. They will refine and apply these methods to the specific
technique of using pen and ink to draw and paint. Elements of art and
Principles of Design will be used in creating student art having more
advanced assignments using pen and ink techniques.
Art VI is an introduction to three dimensional design using paper, foamboard, and
ceramic clay.
Students will synthesize techniques and processes introduced in ART I -
Beginning Art, that apply to and include three-dimensional design. They
will apply these methods to the specific techniques of 3-D Sculpture and
Ceramic Pottery. Elements of Art and the Principles of Design will be
used to create student artwork having more advanced assignments using the
three dimensional design principles.
AP Studio Art
AP Studio Art is an honors level art class of independent study. It is available to any serious
art student who has successfully completed Art I and certain advanced classes, and is planning
on majoring in art upon graduation from NRCA. Each student will be required to prepare a
portfolio.
Journalism/Graphic Design
This course combines the skill of writing and the production of journalism in one. Student in this course will develop the scholastic publications of NRCA. They will learn the production process from selecting content to writing articles to designing layouts for publication. The writing element will expose students to a variety of journalistic writing with a focus on accuracy in reporting and excellence in writing skills. The graphic design element will introduce three industry design programs (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop). This will develop the visual media skills of students. Prerequisites for the course are students who are 10-12 grades and had an A or B in English and an A or B in Computer Applications.
Yearbook
In this course, students will learn the principles of producing a 250-300 page full-color book.
Students will learn basic film and digital photography and photojournalism skills; improve
interviewing, coverage, and writing skills; ethical and legal guidelines for publications;
and basic principles of page layout and design. Students will learn aspects of Adobe Photoshop,
Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator. Each student is also responsible for selling advertisements
to community businesses and will learn about budgeting and production costs, as well as working
together as a team.
Honors Philosophy
Honors Philosophy is a systematic study of the history of ideas and worldviews. Specific
attention is paid to the relationship between Christian theology and philosophy. Areas of
focus will include faith and reason, the existence of God, science and faith, the problem
of evil, the theory of knowledge, and postmodern philosophy. The course is also designed to
sharpen the student's logic and critical thinking skills through class discussion and
examination of primary sources.
Honors Psychology
A Christian-based approach to the field of Psychology examining the tenets of secular humanism
vs. biblical theism; delineating the worldviews of naturalism, transcendentalism, and theism;
understanding the Christian philosophy of psychology and its impact on our education; learning
the historical development of philosphy and its impact on the field of psychology; and
evaluating the personal and human side of psychology in light of today's culture and issues.
Honors Computer Science
Honors Computer Science provides a foundation in structured and object-oriented programming
methodology with a high level language. Special emphasis will be on decision and looping
structures, subprograms, and objects used in the development of computer programs. A focus
on algorithm development and a variety of applications provides a basis for more advanced
courses. Although the particular programming language used is largely irrelevant to the
goal of learning the basics of programming, the class will be using Python. Python offers
clear syntax, easy access to functional and object-oriented programming styles, and runs
on everything from a Unix server to a desktop PC running Windows. Python is a very popular
language in Web development circles, the scientific community, and the world of 3D graphics
and animation.
AP Computer Science A
The AP Computer Science A course is an introductory course in computer science. AP Computer
Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem
solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester
college-level course in Computer Science. It also includes the study of data structures,
design, and abstraction. Because the development of computer programs to solve problems is
a skill fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built
around the development of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solve a given
problem. Due to the nature of the course, students must have strong analytical and problem
solving skills, as well as excellent performance in math and science courses. The prerequisities for this course are an A or B in Honors Computer Science and an A or B in Algebra II.
Web Site Design
The course will teach students the syntax and semantics of HTML, how to develop content
for web pages, and how to create dynamic web applications that interact with users.
Basic computer competency and a foundation of mathematical reasoning and problem solving
are fundamental building blocks for successful performance in the class. Computer
Applications is a prerequisite.
Broadcast Production
This elective focuses on media broadcasts and film making. The students learn the
fundamentals of creating films and television broadcasts. The class meets five days a
week and is responsible for the creation of a weekly news broadcast to the entire
student body. The students will be using Apple Computer's production suite to create
their videos.
Honors Production & Film
The Honors Production & Film course is an advanced course in the art and mechanics of producing high quality video productions. Honors Production & Film emphasizes in-depth training and experimentation with some of the industries leading software based production tools, specifically the FinalCut Studio suite which includes FinalCut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, Compressor, & Live Type. It also includes the study of historic and current film for use in learning better composition as well as editing technique. Some of the goals for the class will include writing, shooting, directing, and editing several projects, which can include documentaries, shot films, long format films, community PSA’s, etc. Due to the nature of the course, students must have completed the Broadcast Production class and submit a DVD portfolio.
Set Design
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to technical theatre, the "behind the scenes"
work that goes into a theatrical production. As an art form, theatre is heavily focused on
acting: however, the technical components of theatre create the environment in which acting
can occur. Thus, this course looks at the art of creating an acting environment, and
environment designed to transport the viewer from the "here and now" to "there and then."
Course objectives include: showing the student the benefits of Christian theatre; learning
about practical design procedures, mechanical drawing, perspective drawing, rendering and
model building techniques; developing a working knowledge of techniques to construct a set;
exploring light as a creative medium; acquiring fundamental skills required of a lighting
technician including hanging, focusing, circuiting, installing color filters, and basic repair
and maintenance techniques.
Leadership & Worship Practicum
Leadership & Worship will teach students practical aspects of ministry as well as serve as a hands-on-lab for ministry on the NRCA campus. Students in the class will be responsible for helping lead chapels and other ministry events on campus. Students will learn what it takes to plan and carry out a worship service. The class will lead worship from time to time as well as schedule other student teams who many not be enrolled in the class for chapels and other events such as class retreats. Students will also work with the drama and fine arts departments to coordinate chapel themes with possible skits, special music, or other forms of worship. The class will consist of students who can lead worship, provide graphic art skills, be song-writers, and/or any other spiritual gifts.
Honors Medical Sciences I
This course which is designed for those with an interest in the health sciences uses advanced investigative approaches to the study of human and social sciences as directly related to medicine and health care. Emphasis includes the language of medicine, body chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, and the current and futuristic study of diseases and disorders.
Honors Allied Health Science II
Allied Health Science II is a course designed to prepare potential health care workers to be effective and efficient multi-skilled health team members. Emphasis is placed on the development of proficiency in health care systems, client communications, employability skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, safety practices, infection controlled, emergency care skills, diagnostic skills, nutrition and diet therapy, dental and pharmacy skills, nursing skills, therapy and sports medicine, information services and environmental and medical careers. It is a work-based learning strategy with 60-90 clinical internship hours with 45 of those hours in a long-term care facility. Upon completion of the course with a B or higher, the student may take the Certified Nursing Assistant certification exam. A mentorship component is offered to any student choosing not to take the CAN exam. Pre-requisites are an A or B in Honors Medical Sciences I.
Vocational Education: Trades and Shop
This course combines trades and industrial arts shop into one class. Students will develop basic skills in shop equipment. Guest lecturers from various trades will speak, demonstrate, and conduct hands-on labs in areas like mechanics, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, management, etc. Students will learn the vocabulary, properties and characteristics of wood, machines and tools in the shop, and develop skill in using various tools. Through presentation, discussion, and hands-on exercises, students will learn skill and safety techniques while working with power tools including table saw (cutting dadoes, rip cuts, etc.), joiner, planer, band saw, and router along with various other tools to complete a course project. Along with basic woodworking skills and projects, the students will be asked to conceptually design and build sets for NRCA’s Fall and Spring play.
Vocational Education: Domestic Arts
This course is an elective to learn the art of managing and maintaining a Christian household. The class meets five days a week. Students will learn meal planning and food preparation; basic sewing and clothes construction; interior design and space planning; proper etiquette and hospitality; budgeting and investing; child care and development; and family, professional and social relationships.
Vocational Education: On-The-Job Training
This course affords juniors and seniors who are in the general track or seniors who have early dismissal academic credit for on-the-job training. Three criteria are required for academic credit: (1) scheduled work Monday-Friday, (2) minimum of 15 hours of employment per week, and (3) willingness of employer to provide timecards and work performance evaluations.
