Course Descriptions
Registration Process for Selective Courses
O’Dea offers selective courses which include Honors and some with limited enrollments. These courses may require prior school approval for a student to enroll.
An evaluation of individual student grades, standardized test scores, class participation and behavior is completed to determine qualified students.
Scheduling limitation may prevent otherwise qualified students from being registered in selective courses. Questions pertinent to this process should be directed to the student’s counselor.
Arts Department
Title: Studio Art
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
This course offers students an introduction to the elements and principles of design. For each art element and principal, students will learn vocabulary and choose projects from a list of assignments relevant to the topic. Students will have the opportunity to create art using several different media including pencil, charcoal, oil pastels, acrylic paint, watercolors, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, wire, printmaking, stencil, collage, clay, plaster, paper mache, fabric, yarn, wool, wood, and nontraditional media. The goal of this class is that students gain a vocabulary for making and discussing art, and experience working with a variety of one- and two- dimensional media. $75.00 studio fee – there is no textbook required.
Title: Photography I
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
Photography I focuses on digital and analogue camera operations, exposure techniques, output and printing, elements of composition and theory. Students will enhance their critical and creative thinking, demonstrating this through describing their aesthetic judgment, analyzing their assignments and participating in class discussion. Classes will consist of lectures, demonstrations, critique, class discussions and presentations of noted photographers. Students will be given photography assignments designed around the technical and theoretical information presented in class. $75.00 Resource fee.
Title: Photography II
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
This course introduces students to basic principals of design (movement, rhythm, balance) and to the art elements and their use in photography (line, tone, color, space, and texture). The class will teach students how to apply basic problem solving skills, research, and other steps in the design process. This is also a technology-based photography course, focused on digital photography. This class will focus on improving the technical skills of operating a camera, understanding the technology underlying photography, and discussing how camera systems work to produce images. We will also use advanced elements of Photoshop, study icc profiles, and look at how to make color correct prints and stunning black and white prints. Students will be assessed through discussions, tests and student created critiques. The student’s technical abilities will be assessed through their artistic expressions and their ability to apply the concepts taught to their images. Students will be assessed on their mastery of Photoshop and their ability to create prints with a range of highlights, shadows, and grey tones. Students will also be assessed on their ability to control color outputs. $75.00 Resource fee.
Title: Choir I
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
Choir will focus on singing in varied styles and from varied historical periods. The selected literature will be from songs, concert literature, and liturgical pieces written or adapted for male voices, and could include original arrangements by the instructor, and/or students. Skills developed will include pitch and tone, sight singing, rhythm, unison and part singing, diction, languages, critical thinking and listening, concert etiquette, and rehearsal technique. Performance opportunities will include Concerts, Festivals, and Liturgical Choir activities. Opportunities for singing in full concert choir settings will be sought out. Students will develop their knowledge in music theory, history, general music appreciation skills, and performance concepts and styles.
Title: Band
Grade: 9 - 12
Credits: 1.0
O’Dea’s Band moves freely between Jazz, Rock, and Pep Band styles of music. Our musicians are adaptable to nearly any situation from sporting events, and assemblies to school liturgies and fund raising events. The O’Dea Band plays over 30 events every year, and holds 2 concerts a year. Band is a 0 period class and rehearses 4 days a week before school. Band students can also earn a Varsity Band Letter.
English Department
Title: World Literature
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
English I is an introductory freshman course concentrating on skill development in composition, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and speech. Students will receive reinforcement in study and interpretation skills. The approach in reading and writing is experiential and analytical, with an emphasis on personal expression.
Title: World Literature Honors
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
English I Honors is an introductory freshman course concentrating on advanced skill development in composition, reading, vocabulary, and grammar. Students also will receive reinforcement in study and oral interpretation skills. The approach in reading and writing is experiential and analytical with an emphasis on personal expression. In addition, students will create a personal writing portfolio. Qualifying test scores and teacher recommendations are needed for entrance to this honors class.
Title: Language Arts Skills
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
Language Arts Skills is designed to assist qualified freshmen adjust to high school life and college preparatory academic work. Assignments in LA supplement assignments given by other teachers and are designed to strengthen reading, writing, and math skills. These assignments also provide students with additional opportunities to learn about the subjects they will be studying during high school. These subjects include, but are not limited to the following: World History, US History, English, Fine Arts, Math, and Religion.
Title: American Literature
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
English III is a college preparatory, formal literature and composition survey course for juniors, which covers the development of American literature from the colonial period to the present day. The course study is chronologically oriented and attempts to “trace the changes in attitudes, ideas, and styles that have occurred in our American culture over the last several centuries”. Genres examined include the novel, drama, poetry, short story, and non-fiction. Students will develop a competent knowledge of and appreciation for the authors, major literary works, and the development of literary techniques, styles and values. Students will continue to build critically upon the writing process with a focus on the formal essay. Skills in grammar usage, critical thinking, vocabulary, spelling, and oral presentation are reinforced throughout the year. Besides the formal textbook, students will explore the major themes in novels such as Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby.
Title: American Literature Honors
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
English III Honors is an intensive and challenging chronological study of American Literature. Students will study the development of American Literature from the colonial period to the present day. Students will examine various genres of American Literature: essays, the novel, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, etc. Students will learn how the influences of the history and development of America became evident in its literature. Students will continue to build upon their writing skills and improve their understanding and usage of grammar and vocabulary. Some of the criteria for acceptance to this course include current teacher recommendation, grades in all English classes, standardized test scores, and overall GPA.
Title: Topics in Literature
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Students will explore any of a variety of literary topics. This will be a focused examination of the writings of major authors. In addition, students will explore their own voice through written and spoken expression.
Title: Topics in Literature Honors
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
This course provides an introduction to the literature of war and peace. Students will study historical documents, memoirs, and fiction born out of past and present global conflicts. Through the voices of civilians, warriors, and peace advocates, students will study the contrasting human experience of conflict and war with people's desire for peace.
Title: British Literature
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This is a college preparatory course designed to explore the development of the English language and its literature through a chronological study of major British authors. This class is theme-based according to historical and literary periods. The exploration of these themes from the textbook will be augmented with a variety of British and non-British novels. A major portion of this class will be the writing of thoughtful and creative essays, both inside and outside the class. These writing assignments will include creative, comparative, analytical, and argumentative essays through the use of poetry, drama, short stories, essays, and novels
Title: Literature Theory Honors
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
Literature Theory Honors is an intensive, challenging reading and writing course for the motivated college-bound student. The course is part of the Seattle Univeristy, Matteo Ricci program and students completing the course will have an opportunity to purchase college credit. The class will tackle a chronological study of some of the various genres (poetry, short story, drama) of British Literature, as well as certain outside materials/novels. It will examine both the historical and contemporary importance of the selected works. Writing instruction will focus on a range of approaches with an emphasis on the advancement of analytical writing skills and the refinement of individual writing style. Internet use, vocabulary development, oral communication and presentation skill development will also be a part of this course.
Title: Publications I
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
Publications I focuses on the details of yearbook production. Students will study layout, design, photography, editorial copywriting, and investigative reporting. A student who successfully completes this course will practice basic journalistic principles of writing and editing as they relate to the production of a yearbook. In addition, students will be able to explain basic principles of good photography and explain how to successfully integrate the photo function into the yearbook operation.
Title: Publications II
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
Publications II is a selective course in which students assume lead roles in the yearbook production. Students in Publications II will assist the teacher with the introduction of layout, design, photography, editorial copywriting, and investigative reporting. In addition, students will collaborate with the teacher to determine thematic and stylistic content of the yearbook. Instructor permission and successful completion of Publications I are necessary to enroll in Publications II.
International Languages Department
Title: Spanish I
Grade: 9, 10
Credits: 2.0
This introductory Spanish language course presents the learner with activities that practice the four language skills: speaking, reading and writing, as well as culture. Students will build a strong foundation in the comprehension and productions of vocabulary, conjugation and other basic grammatical structures via a communicative style. Students will learn to communicate in the present tenses using regular and irregular verbs as well as idiomatic structures. Students will use the above skills to communicate about: meeting other people, likes and dislikes, description of people and things, classes and related classroom objects, schedules, making plans, places feelings, weather, sports, ordering food, purchasing gifts, and daily routine. This course is taught with a strong textbook program, En Espanol 1. This program includes a tutorial web-site, workbook, video/DVD component and CDs using native speakers from across the Hispanic world who visually and orally demonstrate the usage of the concepts being studied.
Title: Spanish II
Grade: 10, 11
Credits: 2.0
Second year Spanish is a continuation of the En Español program with an emphasis on acquiring vocabulary while studying the past tenses. Students will learn how to communicate about travel, leisure activities, food, art, childhood experiences, health, home and family. Again, there will be an emphasis on using the four language skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as culture to acquire Spanish. The second year curriculum demands that the student builds upon his knowledge of vocabulary and concepts learned in the first year. Students will use the En Español 2 textbook and workbook.
Title: Spanish III Honors
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
In this course students will complete the En Espanol 2 program and will continue with the En Espanol 3 workbook. Students will be challenged to think critically within the language as they learn to analyze and express their thoughts using present, past, future, conditional, progressive, perfect, subjunctive and command verb forms. Students will communicate in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking) regarding travel plans, the home, giving directions and suggestions, shopping, nature and geography, the environment, searching and applying for jobs, career choices, and interviewing. Students will learn to practice the art of persuasion in Spanish. .
Title: AP Spanish Language
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
AP Spanish is a college level course that follows a curriculum established by the College Board. Students in this course will review, refine, and master grammar concepts that have been previously introduced. They will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the target language through speaking and writing. The course emphasizes more complex verb structures and sophisticated vocabulary while providing a more in-depth analysis of literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The course will be taught explicitly in Spanish through spoken instruction, text activities, authentic texts, videos, radio broadcasts, and presentations completely in Spanish. Therefore, students will be expected to engage, speak, and read only in Spanish. It is imperative that students have a basic knowledge of the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples. Students must be willing to work diligently and independently; willing to work outside of the classroom to gain extra practice as this course is the equivalent of a third-year college course. Finally, all students enrolled in this course will be strongly encouraged (but not required) to take the AP Spanish Language Exam in May.
Title: Latin I
Grade: 9, 10
Credits: 2.0
The primary goal of the Latin sequence is to develop a student’s ability to read Latin authors in the original language. The Latin I course introduces basic vocabulary and sentence structure. All five declensions are presented along with their basic case functions. All four conjugations are also given, including all six tenses in both the active and passive voices. Students are introduced to the indicative, imperative, infinitive and participial forms of verbs. Students practice concepts through translation and composition exercises. In addition to studying the language, students learn about ancient history (classical civilization and mythology) through Latin readings and other resources. Connections to English vocabulary and grammar as well as to modern culture are also emphasized throughout.
Title: Latin II
Grade: 10, 11
Credits: 2.0
Students in Latin II continue to practice and increase their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar as well as ancient history (classical civilization and mythology). More sophisticated concepts are introduced such as: the subjunctive mood, conditional sentences, gerunds, and gerundives. In addition to translation and composition exercises, students will have opportunities to read authentic selections from Roman authors.
Title: Latin III Honors
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
Latin III is designed to reinforce and expand the students’ understanding of the ancient Roman world. This will be accomplished as students apply their knowledge of the Latin language to reading both prose and poetry written by Roman authors. Throughout the year, the readings become more sophisticated in vocabulary, structure and depth of meaning. The cultural component of this series will be continued through discussions about the reading content. Students may read such authors as Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Horace, Martial, Ovid, Vergil, etc.
Title: AP Latin Vergil
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This course follows the syllabus outlined by the Advanced Placement Program for studying Vergil’s Aeneid. The primary objective of this course is for students to progress in reading, translating, understanding, analyzing, and interpreting Latin in its original form. Students enrolled in this course may elect to take the Latin – Vergil Advanced Placement exam in late spring.
Title: Japanese I
Grade: 9, 10
Credits: 2.0
This course is a comprehensive program embracing the four skills associated with language: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students learn the hiragana and katakana syllabaries (the two phonetic writing systems), along with some basic kanji (Chinese character). The conversational focus is on everyday activities such as meals, school, sports and hobbies. Students are introduced to the geography of Japan and to some current Japanese popular culture. Students will be able to discuss all of these things in the target language. The course is supported with the Ima I text and recordings of native speakers to aid in authentic assessment activities, and to build students' confidence in their ability to converse with a native speaker.
Title: Japanese II
Grade: 10, 11
Credits: 2.0
A continuation of Japanese I, this course builds on information taught in Japanese I, expanding the students’ ability to converse about everyday subjects. Students learn more kanji (Chinese characters) and at a more intense pace than in level I. Students will expand their knowledge of verb forms and particles. Students will continue to develop confidence listening and speaking, and will feel much more confident in their reading and writing abilities at the end of this course. A section about feudal Japan and the samurai dispels some myths and helps students begin to understand the intricate history of Japan. This course is supported with the Ima II text and recordings of native speakers to aid in authentic assessment activities, and to build students' confidence in their ability to converse with a native speaker.
Title: Japanese III Honors
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
Japanese III Honors is a grammatical leap into the various hierarchical levels of Japanese language. Students will be doing more authentic reading and will cover most of the verb forms and tenses at the social-polite and plain levels. We will touch briefly on the Keigo (polite) forms. Students will be introduced to Japanese Haiku, sayings, and proverbs as an introduction of Japanese literature. The focus on Kanji is intense in this year.
Title: Japanese IV Honors
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This course is a continuation of Japanese III Honors. The focus on Kanji is intense in this year as well. Students should be fairly proficient in the language since they do have some input in directing their own learning at the beginning of the course. This course uses a more challenging textbook, Adventures in Japanese III, which is supported by many authentic reading selections and cultural studies. Students will do cultural surveys of Japanese history, geography, industry and traditional festivities. Students will view Japanese films to hone their listening skills. They will be expected to converse in the target language during class and to give two to three oral presentations each quarter. Students will survey Japanese literature, with the students selecting their own books from a list of contemporary authors. They will also be responsible for researching the authors. At the end of this course, students should be quite confident of their command of the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Mathematics Department
Title: Algebra I
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
This course will work with real numbers, solving equations, and various methods of problem solving. Operations using polynomials and fractional expressions and the application of fractions to certain types of problems will precede the concept of a mathematical function. Students will solve systems of linear equations and solve inequalities. Rational and irrational numbers and quadratic functions will complete their Algebra curriculum.
Title: Advanced Algebra Honors
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
Students will review basic Algebra, linear equations and systems of linear equations and inequalities. Matrices and determinants will be introduced. The concept of quadratic functions will be reviewed and expanded to include inverse functions, radical functions, polynomial and rational functions. Graphing utilities will be used throughout the course.
Title: Geometry
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
Students will receive a formal introduction to an axiomatic mathematical system. Topics covered include points, lines, planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, and geometric inequalities, similar polygons, right triangles, circles, constructions, areas of plane figures and areas and volumes of solids. While learning all topics we will utilize the classical geometric proof to explore and verify properties of Geometry.
Title: Geometry Honors
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
Honors Geometry covers the same topics as Geometry and in addition, also includes trigonometric functions and analytic geometry.
Title: Algebra II
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Students will review basic Algebra, linear equations and systems of linear equations and inequalities. The concept of the function will be explored through quadratic equations, polynomials, rational functions, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. A graphing approach will be implemented throughout the course.
Title: Algebra II/Trigonometry
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Students will review basic Algebra, linear equations and systems of linear equations and inequalities. Matrices and determinants will be introduced. The concept of quadratic functions will be reviewed and expanded to include inverse functions, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, and trigonometric functions. Graphing utilities will be used throughout the course.
Title: PreCalculus Honors
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Functions and their graphs will be explored in polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. The students will work with analytic trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, sequences, probability, statistics, and conics. Graphing utilities will be used throughout the course.
Title: Accounting
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
This two-semester course includes the full accounting cycle and guides students in developing the tools necessary to complete an accounting simulation set. Checks, invoices, receipts, purchase orders, memorandums and sales slips are used to familiarize students with forms and to show them how the forms are used in a business.
Title: Introduction to Calculus
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This course is intended to prepare students for calculus at the college level. As such, it will focus on analysis of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. It will explore limits and differentiation of these functions as an introduction into basics of calculus. Additional topics in Analytic Geometry and Probability are included as time permits.
Title: Algebra III
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
The students will work with polynomial functions and their graphs, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear systems and matrices, sequences, series, and conics, and trigonometry functions.
Title: AP Calculus AB
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
AP Calculus will introduce students to many of the topics contained in a rigorous freshman college course. The syllabus will follow the outline described in the Advanced Placement Course description. Students will be prepared to take the AP Calculus AB Exam in the Spring.
Physical Education Department
Title: Physical Education I
Grade: 9
Credits: 1.0
This introductory course presents basic information about over-all fitness, specific types of strength conditioning, knowledge and skills needed for a variety of team based games. The students apply this knowledge through daily participation within an environment of safety and cooperation. Students are assessed on their conditioning progress, understanding of game rules and strategies, and positive daily participation.
Title: Health I
Grade: 9
Credits: 1.0
The role of the health class is critically important in helping students adjust and adapt to the challenges of adolescence. No single age group is more subject to avoidable / preventable health risks. The goal of the freshman health class is to provide an introductory course of study that meets the needs of today's teens by focusing on health issues from an adolescent perspective. Areas covered by this course include: physical fitness, nutrition, weight management, and personal care. Mental and emotional health issues such as self-esteem, stress management and depression are also a focus of the class. The class also discusses drug use, dependence and abuse issues. Key chapters cover the short-term and long-term health risks surrounding the use of: tobacco, alcohol and other illegal substances. Essentially, the course will emphasize the importance of achieving a balance of the five areas of health (physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual).
Title: Physical Education II
Grade: 10
Credits: 1.0
This sophomore course continues the individual conditioning and team games introduced during freshman year. The level of goal setting, degree of conditioning, understanding and execution of complex game strategies requires that the student be self-motivated and self-disciplined. The student is expected to take a more active role in creating an environment, which is safe, friendly and supportive of all students.
Title: Health
Grade: 10
Credits: 1.0
Designed in cooperation with the religion, science and physical education departments, the health course is taught during one semester of the sophomore year. This course approaches health issues from both the immediate and life long perspective. The five major components of health (physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual) are the focus of studies. A number of age-appropriate topics such as fitness, nutrition, weight management, personal care and appearance are covered. In addition, several serious teenage concerns (stress management, coping with loss, suicide prevention, drug abuse and the hazards of tobacco and alcohol use) are addressed. Peer and family relationships, violence and abuse are also key areas of study. In a pro-active manner, the class also examines several of the infectious and non-infectious diseases present in the world today. The goal of the health course is to help students adjust and adapt to the challenges of adolescence so that they may better avoid health risks, and achieve a high level of wellness in their lives.
Religious Education Department
Christian Service Learning
As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: Foundation in Faith
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
The ninth grade religion course deals primarily with faith and justice through an in-depth study of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) The course also delves into many essentials of the Catholic Christian faith, such as the Liturgy and the Sacraments. Along with acquiring knowledge concerning issues of faith and justice, all students are invited to go beyond the facts to begin creating a fully integrated life animated by Gospel values. The class seeks to foster growth in our students toward becoming “Men for Others” as well as persons of prayer.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: New Testament
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
This course is designed to give the O’Dea sophomore a more profound understanding of the wisdom, power, and applicability of the New Testament Scriptures and the Person of Jesus Christ. Students read, study, discuss, and reflect on Jesus’ life, ministry, ethics, teachings, and his personal invitation to spiritual discipleship. The New Testament Scriptures are examined in depth to discover the complex layers of meaning, truth, and insight into the philosophy of Christ and the Kingdom. The course focuses on a practical application of the message of Jesus to living daily life in the contemporary setting of adolescent life. A key foundation of the course is Catholic Social Teaching and ethical standards of the Christian life. The early Christian Church and it’s contribution to Christianity are profiled in the final quarter of the course.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: Christian Morality
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
The objective of this course is to introduce the moral reasoning process in the Christian life. To this end we explore the basics of the natural law, our human dignity and the law of love. We examine the sacraments and the life of grace as the immediate source of our ability to live the Christian life. Finally we look at contemporary moral issues through the lens of the teaching of the Catholic Church with an emphasis on understanding and conscience formation. The course uses an academic discussion format and relies heavily on scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: Justice and Peace
Grade: 12
Credits: 1.0
This course is designed to examine key principles of Justice in our domestic and global communities. The primary lens is the framework of Catholic Social Teachings and its Seven Key Themes. Numerous topics are addressed including the Gospel Call to identify the face of Christ in “the least ones”, human rights, homelessness, poverty, incarceration, environmental justice, and racial/ gender justice.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: Poverty in America Honors
Grade: 12
Credits: 1.0
Poverty in America is an interdisciplinary Religion/Social Science course that explores the perspectives of sociology, economics, political science, philosophy and theology in relationship to the causes, consequences and solutions to the problem of poverty. Through readings, speakers, videos and seminars, students develop an understanding of the causes and effects of poverty and the Church’s social teaching and scriptural call for the “option for the poor.” This course qualifies the student to receive five college credits from Matteo Ricci College of Seattle University. An additional fee must be paid to Seattle University in order for the student to receive the college credits.
Additional Fee to Seattle University if college credit desired
Registration in this course requires departmental approval.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: World Religions
Grade: 12
Credits: 1.0
This course exposes the student to the major religious traditions of the world beyond Christianity. It begins with the topic of Ecumenism and the various ways the two billion Christians in the world relate to the four billion non-Christians. We move on to explore the ancient paths of Hinduism and Buddhism. Later we examine the historical and contemporary dimensions of Judaism and Islam. The course seeks to broaden the horizons of our seniors, cultivate a respectful tone of dialogue, and prepare them for a religiously diverse world in their university life and beyond.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Title: World Religions Honors
Grade: 12
Credits: 1.0
In this honors level course, students will examine the major religious traditions of the world beyond Christianity. The course will include a focus on Ecumenism and the various ways the two billion Christians in the world relate to the four billion non-Christians. In addition, the course will explore the ancient paths of Hinduism and Buddhism. Furthermore, the students will consider the historical and contemporary dimensions of Judaism and Islam. The primary objective of this course is to broaden the horizons of our seniors, cultivate a respectful tone of dialogue, and prepare them for a religiously diverse world in their university life and beyond. Consistent with an honors level course, the students enrolled in this course will be evaluated based upon a higher level of expectation and performance. The students will be assessed on a completion of a portfolio for the class. The course is part of the Seattle Univeristy, Matteo Ricci program and students completing the course will have an opportunity to purchase college credit.
Christian Service Learning: As a Catholic school in the Spirit of Brother Edmund Rice, O’Dea calls all students to a life of service to others. Each semester students are required to complete Christian Service Learning hours and write a paper that together are weighed as 20% of their semester final grade.
Science Department
Title: Biology
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
Biology is an introductory course that deals with all major areas of biological science, such as organ systems, gene expression, evolution/natural selection, heredity and ecology. Laboratory work will give students direct experience with the process which scientists use in obtaining their theories.
Title: Biology Honors
Grade: 10
Credits: 2.0
Biology Honors is designed to cover the same curricular areas as Biology but in more depth and at an accelerated pace. Emphasis is on gene expression, heredity, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory work enhances the student’s knowledge of classic experiments utilizing the scientific method of inquiry.
Title: Chemistry
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Modern chemistry introduces the basic principles and concepts of chemistry in the context of laboratory experiments, textbook, computer, and exercise materials. The course includes a presentation of chemical theory and descriptive chemistry with emphasis on the elements and compounds. Equation, formula writing and mathematics for chemical calculations are emphasized. Laboratory periods allow students to explore the theories of chemistry and in doing so, recognize the relationship between theory and practice.
Title: Chemistry Honors
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
Chemistry Honors is designed to prepare the student to think abstractly. It is designed to teach the students to develop models in order to solve complex problems. A systematic approach is taken in the investigation of the atom, molecular structures and other chemical compositions. Laboratory periods supplement the lectures to allow the students to understand the intricacies of the subject.
Title: Advanced Placement (AP)Chemistry
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This course is a continuation of Chemistry Honors from the junior year studies. A closer investigation of the atom, molecular bonding and solutions is paramount. Topics of gas laws, nuclear chemistry and stoichiometry are reviewed from the previous year’s work. The course work follows the recommended structure for AP Chemistry. College laboratory exercises supplement the lectures. The student is encouraged to take the AP Chemistry exam in the spring.
Title: Physics
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This course is an exploration of the basic concepts and precepts behind the science of physics. The central theme of physics is the relationship between matter, energy, and the dynamics of motion. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and a careful analysis of why certain results occur. Extensive laboratory work will be used to test the students’ ideas. While conceptual development of the physics is the main emphasis, prediction of physical outcomes will require some mathematical problem solving skills. A recommended concurrent mathematics class is Calculus, or Intro to Calculus.
Title: Physics Honors
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
This course is an exploration of the basic concepts and precepts behind the science of physics, with an introduction to many of the aspects normally covered during a first-year college physics course. The central theme of Honors Physics is the relationship between matter, energy, and the dynamics of motion. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and a careful analysis of why certain results occur. Extensive laboratory work will be used to test the students’ ideas. Both conceptual development of the physics and a mathematical prediction of physical outcomes are emphasized. These require a strong foundation in techniques of mathematical problem solving, especially trigonometric analysis. Calculus is therefore a co-requisite of this class.
Title: Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
This is a two semester elective course. The class is a basic drafting course which is executed mainly on the computer. The class incorporates technical drawing with elements of architectural drafting and is an essential course for those interested in the fields of engineering and construction. Instructor Approval Required.
Social Studies Department
Title: World History
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
World History, a two-semester required course for first year students, includes a comprehensive review of the political, social, economic, cultural development of both western and non-western civilizations. Students will explore Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, China, Japan, Europe, India, and Southwest Asia in this survey course.
Title: World History Honors
Grade: 9
Credits: 2.0
This course offers an overall study of the development of mankind and civilization, including a study of modern political systems and ideas. It is a multimedia inquiry into those forces, which contributed to present-day civilization beginning with pre-history and ending with modern times. Special emphasis is placed on the relationships of different cultures and their contributions in shaping our own present-day civilization. In addition to the text, the student is required to read and evaluate various authors and historical works from different cultures and ages.
Title: United States History
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
United States History, a required two-semester course for third year students, introduces a detailed survey study of the history and government of the United Stares. The first semester explores the colonial development of the United States with special emphasis on the founding of the Republic and the Civil War. The second semester emphasizes the development of the United States as a world power in the twentieth century and its subsequent leadership role in the world today. A comprehensive study of American political institutions completes the course.
Title: United States History Honors
Grade: 11
Credits: 2.0
This two-semester course for third year students introduces a detailed study of the history and government of the United States. The course tracks the history of America from its Native American beginnings to the establishment of the United States as a major global influence in the 21st Century. In addition to the textbook, students are given additional outside readings. Each semester a substantial novel is read and discussed as part of the class.
Title: Modern United States History - Post-World War II - 21st Century
Grade: 11
Credits: 1.0
This course will examine the both the foreign and domestic policies of the United States following World War II. Emphasis on domestic matters will be placed upon the civil rights movement, the counterculture, feminism, Watergate, the nuclear and space ages, and the economic developments during that time. The course will also appraise the role of the United States as a world power in lieu of the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Middle East, as well as the global economy.
Title: Contemporary Problems
Grade: 12
Credits: 2.0
Contemporary Problems is a two-semester required course for fourth year students. A detailed study
of American political institutions is introduced with emphasis on the Constitution and the federal system. In addition, this course includes a review of contemporary history (WWII - present) as well as an analysis of current developments.
Title: Civil War
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 1.0
Taking an in depth approach, this course will analyze the American Civil War as well as many aspects associated with the War. The course begins with an overview of the United States in the early 1800s. The course will then look at the issues leading up to the War, and will continue with an examination of the election of 1860 and other issues that led to the secession of the Southern states. As the course moves into the study of actual conflict, the focus of the class will continue to be broad. The course will break the War into the five years of conflict: 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865. We will compare the various ideas for reconstruction, the ultimate course taken by the government and the impact reconstruction had on the North, the South and all the people of both regions, western expansion to include Indian Wars and present day terrorist and civil war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The course will conclude with an examination of the lasting impact of the Civil War.
Title: Government and Economics
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 2.0
This two-semester course is designed to give the student a better understanding of how government affects our lives. The Government portion of the course is designed to introduce the student to the purpose, structure, and operation of the American federal, state and local governments. Students will be immersed in the American political process. The economic portion of the class is designed to introduce the students to the elements that make up the American economy. They will study aspects of the American economy as it impacts both the government’s finance and also personal finance.