Course Description

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quarter 1 examines World Religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. We promote global religious understanding and inter-religious dialogue between the world’s great religions. Quarter 2 explores the nature of relationships, self-awareness, authentic love, feelings, commitment and communication. There is an emphasis on the specifically Christian nature of marriage and relationships, including a special focus on the sacramentality of the institution of marriage.

This course is a practicum, putting the Gospel call to service into action. Students are assigned to various work projects in the community, determined by the program director. These include hospitals, day care centers and food banks. Integral to this experience is a reflection and discussion related to the students’ on-site experiences. This reflection also includes a review of Gospel values of service and the teachings of Jesus and St. Paul related to ministry so that the students will have a proper Christian rationale for the services that they are providing to the community. All students keep a regular journal during this course.

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.

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.

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.

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.

English II focuses on reading, writing, and vocabulary development. The class will cover a variety of literary forms including novels, short stories, epic poems, shorter poems, and drama. Technological integration is a key goal of English II through the use of computers, video, and the Internet to further develop learning and educational skills. Oral communication and higher-level thinking skills will also be a priority of the class.

Using a college-level textbook designed to support an Advanced Placement Language and Composition Course, English II (H) will help “students read, analyze, and write with the same level of skill and sophistication of thought as they would in a first-year composition course in college.” A novel, play, autobiography, and historical work will supplement and deepen the students’ understanding of the broad questions examined by the textbook. For example, the textbook provides 18 readings (essays, poems, fiction) that examine how the language we use reveals who we are. George Orwell’s 1984 will be used to further explore this question. The textbook readings are integrated with grammar and writing exercises, which are designed to help students understand the writing techniques used by the essayists to successfully make their point(s). Additionally, students will develop their vocabulary by using an advanced textbook entitled Building an Enriched Vocabulary. Finally, films and documentaries will be used to further enrich student understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of books and plays, such as 1984, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Hiroshima, and Othello.

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, The Scarlet Letter, and The Great Gatsby.

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.

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

English IV Honors is an intensive, challenging reading and writing course for the motivated college-bound student. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Psychology is a one-semester course that emphasizes a broad approach to the field of psychology. The course will introduce the subject, define and describe different theories of psychology, identify the relationship of the personality to behavior, and present several ways in which psychological studies are implemented in both research and practice.

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.

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.

This course will work with real numbers, solving equations, and various methods of problem solving. Operations on 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 finally quadratic functions will complete their Algebra curriculum.

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.

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.

Honors Geometry covers the same topics as Geometry and in addition, also includes trigonometric functions and analytic geometry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calculus Honors will introduce students to many of the topics contained in a rigorous freshman college course. Topics include functions, limits, and techniques of differential and integral calculus. Students have the option of taking the AP Calculus AB Exam in the spring.

Biology is an introductory course that deals with all major areas of biological science, such as physiology, biochemistry, evolution, anatomy, natural selection, heredity and ecology. Laboratory work will give students direct experience with the process which scientists use in obtaining their theories.

Biology Honors is designed to cover the same curricular areas as Biology but in more depth and at an accelerated pace. The general concepts of biology for both plant and animal are studied in detail. Emphasis is on molecular biology, reproduction, heredity, function, organ systems, evolution and ecology. Laboratory work enhances the student’s knowledge of classic experiments utilizing the scientific method of inquiry.

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.

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.

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, organic chemistry, 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 and the individual computer studies. The student is encouraged to write the AP Chemistry exam in the spring.

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.

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.

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.

Computer science is a two-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors. This course will cover four areas: introduction to linear programming using QBasic, introduction to object oriented programming using Microsoft Visual Basic, introduction to databases using Microsoft Access and introduction to web page design and data driven web pages using Macromedia Dreamweaver. This is a no-nonsense, fully packed elective for the student that is willing to work hard and learn some invaluable skills. The student must show the maturity to work independently, without constant supervision, and demonstrate the desire to learn these difficult concepts. The instructor will be available before and after school or by special arrangement to help out in any way. Instructor Approval Required.

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.

Second year Spanish is a continuation of the En Espanol 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 Espanol 1 and En Espanol 2 textbook and workbook.

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. .

Students in Spanish IV follow the curriculum outlined in the AP Spanish Language Program. The primary objectives of this course are to: review all major grammar points of the language, demonstrate proficiency across all three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational), and to present analytical or persuasive arguments through composition. Students will interact with the Spanish language and the varied cultural perspectives using authentic/native speaker sources such as film, audio, internet, newspaper, magazine and other literary/historical formats. Topics of study will include the arts (literature, music, and visual arts), cultural practices, history, current events, and sports. Students enrolled in this course may elect to take the AP Spanish Language exam in late spring.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a survey course of music, architecture, sculpture, literature and painting in Western Civilization from Ancient Greece through modern times. This course is intended to demonstrate to the students the various creative ways in which human beings have expressed their feelings and beliefs throughout the centuries. The course involves lectures and note taking, listening to music, and viewing slides and videos. Several full-length films are also used. Students are introduced to the great musicians, painters, writers, sculptors and architects of the ages. A series of handouts is used in conjunction with the textbook. It is hoped that the course will expand the students’ knowledge of the world and its history, the artistic expression of individuals and society, and the students’ own affective lives.

The first semester of this course functions as an introduction to design. Students learn the basics of visual arts through the study of the elements and principles of design as they apply to art production, art history, art criticism and aesthetics. The first semester curriculum includes: exploration of drawing, painting, printmaking, book binding, sculpture and other techniques. Students experiment with a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, ink, oil pastels, acrylic paint, clay, colored pencil and watercolor pencil.
In the second semester students apply their knowledge of design to a series of projects intended to enhance their visual literacy, conceptual skills and problem solving techniques. This semester includes many of the same media as the previous semester, but also incorporates nontraditional media, mixed media, found objects, mail art, and some techniques of the students choosing. The class culminates with a final project.
$75.00 studio fee – there is no textbook required

Introduction to digital photography 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. Current student projects shown on Mr Olinger's website.
$45.00 Resource fee - Along with a required textbook.