WISE Course Descriptions

You may also download a PDF version of the WISE Internet Student Handbook with course descriptions.

English

English 9
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1

This course contains assignments related to specific literary genres including but not limited to drama, poetry, and short stories. In addition to the reading assignments, each module contains writing assignments with opportunity for revision, grammar lessons, and literary analysis assignments. Reading will cover a variety of genres from different cultures and eras. Writing assignments will have an emphasis on the writing process.

English 10
Prerequisite: English 9 or equivalent
Credit: 1

This class encompasses many aspects of the English language and literature. A major part of this course will be the study of literature using comprehensive anthology. This is the study of literary genres: plays, poetry, short stories, nonfiction, and novel. These selections also emphasize our literary heritage through the reading of both classical and modern pieces. Students will utilize writing skills in the composition of written essays.

English 11
Prerequisite: English 10 or equivalent
Credit: 1

Students will read and analyze the relationship among American literature, history, and culture. Literary movements will be described and contrasted while students explore and differentiate among characters. Informational texts will provide a study of vocabulary, composition, and style. Persuasive writing, business writing, and research papers will be assigned so students develop a practical writing application.

English 12
Prerequisite: English 11 or equivalent
Credit: 1

Students are introduced to works from the entire spectrum of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period up to contemporary writings. Writing assignments will cover essay composition, analytical writing, and technical writing skills. Opportunities to individualize course work in both reading and writing will be provided through assignment options and independent reading.

Mathematics

Algebra I
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1

Algebra I introduces the use of mathematical expressions to solve both real world and theoretical problems. Through this course, students will become mathematical problems solvers as they explore and apply the concepts of equations and solution methods. This course will allow students to make connections between Algebraic concepts, activities, applications, technology, disciplines, and cultures.

Algebra II
Prerequisite: Geometry
Credit: 1

This course is designed to approach Algebra II in a practical format, giving students applicable skills and understanding of advance Algebra concepts. Students learn steps in problem solving using algebraic properties appropriately. Students will study various advanced Algebra concepts and how these skills are applied in the work environment and everyday situations. During this course students will explore the different representations of functions by interpretation and graphing. Students will learn how to use and apply skills as they are taught both mentally and utilizing a TI-82 graphing calculator.

Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Credit: 1

The study of this course will provide a learning base for students to better understand and analyze certain aspects of their surroundings and apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations. Students will apply formulas and mathematical equations to solve and analyze problems. Throughout this course, students will build on prior knowledge of Algebra and other areas of mathematics. Students will study various geometric concepts and how these skills are applied.

Science

Biology I
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1

Students will explore the relationships among facts, concepts, and principles of Biology. They will develop study skills, communication skills, science process skills, and mathematics skills as they proceed through this course. Mathematics is the language of the scientist, so this course encourages students to apply mathematics in order to illustrate the close relationship between math and science.

Chemistry
Prerequisite: Biology I
Credit: 1

This course will study the classification, phases, and structure of matter and energy. Students will study the properties of chemical bonds, types of solutions, and energy and chemical reactions. Students will explore different methods and measurements of scientific study and applications used by scientists. This course will give the students the opportunity to conduct their own research following standard practices and procedures of scientists followed by presentation of their findings.

Environmental Science
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1

Students will use scientific inquiry to pose questions, seek answers and design solutions for environmental issues. Students acquire knowledge of basic scientific concepts of systems and use them in interpreting phenomena of the real world. Students will demonstrate scientific knowledge and thinking skills by writing a research paper on an environmental problem using the problem solving approach.

Earth Science
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1

Students will explore the nature of science through the investigation of various Earth Science concepts. This course is divided into four main topics: astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, and geology. Subtopics include planets, stars and the universe, atmosphere and weather, earth’s oceans, the history of the earth, plate tectonics, and volcanoes. Students will interpret data through the use and development of online maps, graphs, and charts.

Social Studies

US History
Prerequisite: World History I
Credit: 1

U.S. History is a course in which students examine the political, economic, social and cultural growth of the United States. Students study major historical developments and their impact on contemporary society and the individual. Map and globe reading, critical thinking, writing, research and group process skills are refined. Students will trace and examine the development of U.S. History from early discoveries to modern times; recognize major issues, movements, people, and events; analyze the impact of other cultures on the growth and development of the United States; demonstrate knowledge of events and issues of the various periods and significant events of U.S. history.

US Government
Prerequisite: US History
Credit: 1

US Government is a course in which students examine the structure and function of American government at the national, state, and local levels. This course focuses on political decision-making and the student's role as a citizen and participant in American constitutional government. Critical thinking, writing, research, and group process skills are emphasized. Students will understand the importance of the political and civic beliefs, values, and principles that support and maintain American constitutional government and understand the workings of their own and other political systems; identify and understand rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States.

World History I
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1

World History I is a course in which students examine the political, economic, social and cultural growth of cultures and nations from ancient times to today. Students study major cultural and technological developments and their impact on societies and individuals. Critical thinking, writing, research and group discussion skills are refined. Students will recognize the migration of pre-historic humans throughout the world; compare the rise and development of societies; explain the events, technologies and ideas that shaped societies; review changes that occur through history in world societies; compare and contrast the elements of societies around the world.

World History II
Prerequisite: World History I or equivalent
Credit: 1

World History is a course in which students examine the political, economic, social and cultural growth of cultures and nations from ancient times to today. Students study major cultural and technological developments and their impact on societies and individuals. Critical thinking, writing, research and group discussion skills are refined. This course addresses the Virginia Standards of Learning for World History, Part II.

Electives

Career Exploration
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1, Elective

Career Exploration is a course that addresses standards from the reading, writing, technology, and economics strands. Students will develop study skills, communication skills, and thinking skills, as they proceed through this course. Students will find a career vision of a productive future and how to make that vision a reality. Also, they will inherit an appreciation of the relevance of school learning to “real life.”

Introduction to Psychology
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1, Elective

There has been a long history of fascination with the subject matter of psychology; the scientific study of human and animal behavior. Along with literature, philosophy, science, and history; it is considered one of the pathways leading to an enhanced understanding of human behavior. The study of psychology offers a way to learn more about why people, including you, do what they do. This introduction to psychology is designed to stimulate your interest in and expand your knowledge of the field of psychology; to assist you in gaining an understanding of the multiple causes of behavior; to offer you an opportunity to gain some knowledge of the methods that can produce behavioral change; and to provide you with opportunities to apply these interests and this knowledge directly to everyday issues and concerns.

Practical English
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1, Elective

Practical English is a course in which students are introduced to a variety of business skills with a concentration on writing and grammar proficiency. Writing assignments will cover resume writing, job applications, and technical writing. The course is designed to meet the needs of students going directly into the work world as well as those going on to further education. Opportunities to individualize course work will be provided through assignment options and independent reading. This course addresses the Virginia Standards of Learning for English 9-12.

Understanding Economics
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1, Elective

Understanding Economics is a course in which students read a variety of cases that illustrate basic economic concepts. Students complete assignments directly related to each case. The assignments reinforce the concepts presented in the case. Students engage in discussion of current economic issues that are tied into the case themes. Students complete two basic economic research assignments from a list of topics that are also tied into the case themes.

World History I and II
Prerequisite: World History or Equivalent
Credit: 1, Elective

Students will recognize the migration of pre-historic humans throughout the world; compare the rise and development of societies; explain the events, technologies and ideas that shaped societies, and compare and contrast the elements of societies around the world. Part II, students will trace and examine the development of world history from the early Middle Ages to Modern times; perform effective historical research and analysis; know significant dates, names, places, events, and ideas; recognize the impacts of politics, culture, and economics during this period; and differentiate among the events of major eras and ages and analyze their implications.