Upper Division Course Descriptions

Humanities Block (2.5 credits)

The FCS core curriculum integrates with all other subjects. This honors level block is taken as one unit and includes Humanities, Literature, and English.

The course in general Humanities studies is designed to be a cultural overview—surveying the disciplines of history, literature, philosophy, theology, civics, art, music, and architecture of a particular epoch.  This year the area of focus will be Christendom—an epoch covering Western Civilization and Church History stretching from the advent of Christianity through Medievalism and to the Reformation, Renaissance, and Enlightenment. Our study emphasizes the basic classical academic approach of moral philosophy—thus equipping us with the tools for a lifetime of learning: a working knowledge of the timetables of history, a background understanding of the great literary classics, a familiarity with the sweep of aesthetic achievement, a worldview comprehension of basic geography, a principle approach to discerning the significance of current events, and an emphasis on a Christian life paradigm.  The idea is to study this period of human achievement in context both in terms of its historical and societal sequence and in terms of its providential and cultural importance.  Out of this integrated understanding of God’s world every other subject and discipline is informed.

Biblical Studies

UD Bible—Old and New Testament Survey (1 credit)
Bible Survey is a required course for graduation from Franklin Classical School because it frames the scope and sequence of our other course offerings. This course is designed to show how all of Scripture fits together into an integrated, whole story of redemption. The class includes an overview of the full cannon of Scripture with the goal of weaving together the central themes of Scripture. Avoiding doctrinal disputes while upholding an orthodox view of Scripture, students memorize the books of the Bible and explore their themes, investigate key passages, study the geography and culture of the Bible, read large portions of Scripture in class, and begin to learn and practice important interpretive skills.

UD Bible—Intro to the Theology of the Middle Ages (1 credit)
This course surveys the various strains and peculiarities of medieval theology,
beginning with the Apostle Paul and St. Augustine and concluding with a study of the Theology of the Reformation. This will be a reading and writing intensive course and classes consist of both lecture and discussion. This course is open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.

Mathematics

The standard college preparatory sequence is Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.

Algebra I (1 credit)
This course builds basic algebra skills. Topics include real numbers; solving linear equations and inequalities; graphing linear equations and writing equations of lines; introduction to functions; systems of two linear equations in two-variables; systems of linear inequalities; scientific notation; polynomials; and factoring. Additional topics may include rational expressions and equations; roots and radicals; and quadratic equations.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-algebra

Geometry (1 credit)
This course builds competence in geometry and mathematical proof with a focus on Euclidean geometry. Topics include deductive reasoning; basic constructions; lines and angles; congruence; parallel lines; quadrilaterals; transformations; area; similarity; right triangles; and circles.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

Algebra II (1 credit)
This course builds algebra competency. Topics include real numbers; equations and inequalities in one variable; equations and inequalities in two variables; functions; systems of linear equations (up to three equations in three variables, matrices, and Cramer’s Rule); systems of linear inequalities; polynomials; factoring; rational expressions and equations; rational exponents, radicals, and complex numbers; quadratic equations. Additional topics may include exponential and logarithmic functions and conic sections.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and geometry unless special permission is granted by the department head to proceed from Algebra I directly into Algebra II

Pre-Calculus (1 credit)
This course builds algebra mastery and introduces trigonometry. Topics include linear and quadratic functions; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions; analytic trigonometry; polar coordinates and vectors; conic sections; systems of nonlinear equations. Additional topics may include sequences and series; the binomial theorem; counting theory; and probability.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II and Geometry

Calculus (1 credit)
This course introduces Calculus. Topics include limits and continuity; the derivative; applications of the derivative; integrals; inverse functions and techniques of integration; and applications of the integral. Additional topics may include sequences and series; conic sections; and vectors, lines, and planes.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Pre-Calculus

Science

Biology (1 credit)
Biology is the study of life beginning with a comprehensive study of cellular structure and processes. Genetics will be studied from a historical perspective encompassing current developments and ethical implications. The various kingdoms and physiological systems will be studied. The class involves substantial lab work including dissections.
Honors credit is available by completing additional rhetoric assignments.

Chemistry (1 credit)
Chemistry is the study of atoms, and how and why they interact to form the basic substances from which the entire universe is comprised. Students analyze atomic structure through the use of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Topics include chemical formulas and equations, types of chemical reactions, properties of basic substances, acids and bases, reaction rates, and oxidation-reductions. This course includes an emphasis upon problem solving.
Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra I

Anatomy and Physiology (1 credit)
Students pursue an in-depth study of the eleven human body systems. The foundational belief that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” will permeate this course. Lectures will be supplemented with experiments and dissections. Combined with Biology this course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement test for college biology.
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Honors credit will be given to students who complete a paper on each of the systems as they are studied and who color the in-depth diagrams.

Physics (1 credit)
Heavily emphasizing vector analysis, this course is ideal preparation for college physics. It provides the student with a strong background in units, measurement, one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Law and their applications, gravity, work, energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, optics, electrostatics, electrical circuits and magnetism. Prerequisite: Algebra II

Health (.5 credit)
This class addresses from a biblical perspective several health care issues that concern today's young adults, including nutrition, fitness, safety, first aid, drug abuse, interpersonal relationships, and abortion. The class is a 1 semester course, meeting August—December.

Foreign Language

Two years of Latin are required for graduation.

Latin I (1 credit)
Students begin a study of classical Latin grammar, syntax, and forms learned inductively through constant observation of usage. They acquire a basic Latin vocabulary augmented by repetition in context, by study of the principles of word formation, and by attention to English derivatives. Composition into Latin, both written and oral, will be used to drill grammar and syntax.

Latin II (1 credit)
Students review and continue their study of classical Latin grammar, syntax, and forms learned inductively through constant observation of usage. They acquire new vocabulary and grammatical constructions including participles, ablative absolute, and the subjunctive are introduced. Connected readings, both written and oral, allow students to develop speed and accuracy.
Prerequisite: Latin I average of 70 or above

Latin III (1 credit)
Students conclude their study of formal Latin grammar in this course, completing the
final chapters of Wheelock's Latin. This course allows the student to pursue individual classical authors with ease and enjoyment. In order to ensure adequate memory of forms, the course proceeds at an accelerated pace. It is designed for the student who wishes to pursue Latin throughout high school and who will have one or two years left to engage Vergil, Cicero, or another great author.
Prerequisite: Latin II average 70 or above

Medieval Latin (1 credit)
This unique course will be taught only when Christendom is the focus in Upper Division, temporarily replacing the Latin Literature course. Students depart from the classical period of Latin literature to read and understand texts produced after the fall of Rome. Special attention will be given to the writings of church fathers, components of the Latin requiem, and history.
Prerequisite: Latin II average 80 or above

Vergil: Arms and a Man (1 credit)
This intensive Latin course focuses on literary work of the Roman poet Publius Vergilius Maro. History, biography, and poetic legacy frames our study. The course focuses on Vergil's long poem, The Aeneid, and proceeds at a quick pace using the AP syllabus as a guide. Portions of the poem not translated in class will be read in English to provide a proper understanding of the poem as a whole.
Prerequisite: Latin II average 80 or above; Medieval Latin or Latin III average 70 or above

Spanish I (1 credit)
This course focuses upon laying a basic foundation of the Spanish language. Students learn how to conjugate verbs in the indicative present, past, and future, learn vocabulary in order to communicate in everyday situations, and also acquire a base knowledge of Spanish grammar. Basic communication is the primary goal of this course. Students speak Spanish in class through hands-on activities, enjoy field trips, and read books in Spanish.

UD Fine Arts

Two credits in Fine Arts are required for graduation.

UD Drama (1 credit)
This class will be the primary performance class for FCS and will concentrate on music and theatre from the time period studied in Humanities. Students develop vocal and dramatic techniques as well as audition for and perform full productions. Students and parents of students in this class need to be committed to doing outside work during and leading up to performances.

UD Aesthetics (1 credit)
UD Aesthetics integrates with Humanities by focusing on the development of medieval music and art, beginning with the decline of Rome, and ending with the years following the Enlightenment This course introduces students to the major works and developments of art and music in the middle ages while teaching students to evaluate what they hear and see in light of a Biblical worldview.

UD Works of Shakespeare (1 credit)
This survey course challenges students in their reading and understanding of the major plays of William Shakespeare. Through reading, viewing, writing, memorization, and analysis students explore the common themes and the literary and dramatic artistry of this playwright. Students and parents of students need to be committed to blocks of time outside of class as one goal of the course is to expose students to live performances of Shakespeare.

UD Creative Writing (1 credit)
Students continue learning artistry with words as they discover the order, craftsmanship, rootedness, and eternal truths that true creativity embodies. Writing projects for this course integrate with Humanities by focusing on the genres of Christendom. In addition, students strengthen their skills in composing the rhetorical tropes and literary devices that are especially powerful in creative writing.

UD Art—Introduction to Art (1 credit)
Students review the fundamental of drawing as they hone their skills in the basics of visual rendering. Students begin with a study of line, form and value and work their way through the course, concluding with a full color composition as the final project. The class meets once weekly in a 3-hour block.

UD Art of Home Economics (1 credit)
This course is co-taught by Mrs. Faires and Mrs. Myers. We will read a few books on the art of running a home, but the class will be mostly practical. The first quarter focuses on home organization, cleaning, and bill paying. In the second quarter we celebrate the art of holidays: baking, cooking, and traditions. Third quarter will be the intensive cooking and baking quarter, focusing on both festal and everyday cooking. During the fourth quarter we will learn about good stewardship, thrift and generosity. There will be a class fee to cover materials. Classes will be held on and off campus at which point families will need to provide their own transportation arrangements.

Yearbook (1 credit)
Students taking Yearbook enjoy the privilege of designing the yearbook, taking photographs and writing copy for inclusion, and learning to use state-of-the-art computer software to create page layouts for publication.

Civics/Economics –11th-12th grades only

Civics (.5 credit)
Civics is a one-semester course that highlights the basic foundations of the American political system. Topics include basic governmental structures (Executive/Legislative/Judicial branches), the English influence on American constitutional theory, the historical and legal content of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Amendments, and the Judeo-Christian religious influences on our political system. Students also have an opportunity to examine the role of government in the lives of the American people, with discussion on issues such as taxation, political elections, and our role as participants in the American political process.

Economics (.5 credit)
High school Economics lays a foundation for understanding basic economic principles and how they apply to personal decision-making and business in the real world. Teaching Economics from a Christian perspective allows students to think about the application of biblical principles when it comes to making decisions about money—spending, saving, investing, giving.

Electives

TechnoWorks (1 credit)
Students learn how technology in modern computing platforms (iPods, laptops, PCs, mobile phones, etc.) actually works. The class is a march through technology history from the 1800s to today with a concentrated focus on the last 75 years of "discoveries" and technology advancements from abaci to today's integrated circuits. In this class, students build a telegraph, assemble various electronic circuits and learn the fundamental elements of computer technology. Along the way, students meet pioneers in the field of logic, electronics and computing—from Socrates to Morse to Bell to Shannon (and many more in between). This class will be a "hands on" class where students learn by interacting with technology. Other topics that will be covered include number systems, logic, electronics, microprocessors and a basic introduction to programming.

Psychology from a Christian Perspective (1 credit)
Students learn how to enter the psychological field, bringing with them biblical truth and the ability to discern between what is right and what is almost right.

Applied Logic (1 credit)
Logic is the vital transition between knowledge and wisdom. This class includes study and application of the uses of both good and bad logic. Students learn to recognize and avoid fallacies in argument, apply logic to a variety of current issues and theological essays, as well as evaluate the uses of propaganda in culture.

Personal Finance ( .5 credit)
This course covers basic issues, such as "why your paycheck isn't as big as you thought it was going to be," payroll taxes, how to establish a personal budget, how to use a bank account online, an overview of federal income taxes (basics of filing), savings instruments (401k, IRA), how stocks work, and how to read the stock quotes. The course also incorporates biblical mandates about money. The class is a 1 semester course, meeting January—May.

Forensics (1 credit)
This course provides the student with an introduction to written and oral techniques of persuasion, argumentation, exposition, discussion, and analysis of controversial current issues. Students develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and learn how to research, analyze, and organize materials for effective written and oral presentation in other courses as well as in their own lives. All class assignments reinforce the critical foundation laid by Humanities, Logic, Civics, and Drama courses. Major assignments include an original speech of competition length and formal debates.
Prerequisite for Speech and Debate Team

Speech and Debate Team
This extracurricular team exists to provide students of FCS the support necessary to compete at local, state, or national events. The team meets once per week in the afternoon (TBA) for practice and skills development, and students who qualify will enter tournaments of merit in the area. Prepared, competitive, and qualified teams or individuals will also be eligible for select tournaments outside the region. Students may commit to the team for a quarter, semester, or year.
Prerequisite: Forensics

Study Hall
Study hall will be offered during select periods for any student who is not in another class. Students who are not in class may leave campus with parents’ permission; however, students who remain on campus must be in class or in study hall. Study Hall will be staffed and monitored.

Notes regarding Foundation Latin:

• Why is Foundational Latin counted as .5 elective credit?

     Foundational Latin I and II are not high school level courses. We offer them in high school for those students who enter FCS in upper division and must complete their FCS Latin requirement but would like to take another language to complete the state required high school languages credits.

     However, if a student completes both years of this course, the amount of work completed does qualify for one year of high school level credit. Thus we assign .5 credit to each year if this course is taken during the 9th—12th grade years.

     We classify this credit as an "elective credit" in order to avoid confusion with other language credits since this 2-year course will not fulfill the state's requirement of 2 consecutive years of the same high school level language. Such classifications of "elective credit" or "language credit" will not appear on a student's transcript anyway. Those classifications simply assist families and academic staff in making sure a student fulfills state requirements and FCS requirements for graduation.

     As with all other subjects, high school level Latin courses taken in lower division do not count toward high school credits. This provision helps ensure that students receiving an FCS diploma pursue a challenging course of study throughout each of their high school years.

• What credit do students transferring to FCS receive for previous Latin?

     All FCS students must take 2 years of Latin during the logic and/or rhetoric stages of their education. Therefore, Latin taken prior to 7th grade does not count toward fulfilling the FCS requirement of 2 years of Latin.

     If a student has taken Latin at another school during the years prior to high school, those courses will not count toward credits for graduation.

     If a student has taken Latin at another school during high school years, those courses will count toward graduation credits. But just like with all other courses, they will not be averaged into the student's GPA.