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, English, Literature, Composition, Rhetoric, and Senior 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 Antiquity.

Applied Logic (0.5 credit)

Students will receive instruction in applying formal logic criteria to both written and oral material. Special emphasis will be placed on formulating sound thesis arguments as students prepare thesis papers for English classes.

Mathematics

The typical sequence in high school math is Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Advanced Math; however, many students take Algebra II before Geometry which helps to reinforce algebra concepts. The main advantage to taking Geometry before Algebra II is to prepare students for the PSAT which contains geometry. Although Math courses meet three times a weeik, the student must study andwork on his/her math homework five-six days a week in order to master the concepts.

Algebra I (1 credit)

This course will focus on introducing students to fundamental algebraic concepts and theories. Students will master these concepts and continually build upon them in this class and other higher-level math classes.

Prerequisite: Pre-algebra

Algebra II (1 credit)

This course will build upon students’ understanding of algebra. Concepts cover linear and quadratic functions, application through real world word problems, and introductory trigonometry.

Prerequisite: Algebra I average of 70 or above

Geometry (1 credit)

This course will introduce students to Euclidean geometry, spatial relationships, area, volume, multi-dimensional figures and geometric proofs. Algebra concepts will be used in many of the problem sets, providing students with the opportunity to blend algebra and geometry principles.

Prerequisite: Algebra I average of 70 or above

Advanced Math (1 credit) (Tutorial>

This course builds on concepts learned in Algebra II with quadratic systems, higher degree functions, sequences, and probability. Students will receive thorough coverage of trigonometry. This course is pre-calculs math and is an excellent preparation for college level mathematics.

Prerequisites: Algebra II and Geometry with averages of 70 or above

Science

Physical Science (1 credit)

This hands-on, lab-based course allows students to explore the fundamentals of chemistry and physics. In the chemistry portion of the course students will examine characteristic properties of substances and then use that knowledge to identify substances they have separated from compounds and mixtures. They will also learn about radioactivity and use scientific models to understand more complex scientific concepts. In the physics portion of the course students will explore forces and the motion that results from those forces. They will also analyze different forms of energy and the transfer of energy.

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.

Prerequisite: Physical Science

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. Course will include an emphasis upon problem solving. Attendance at chemistry labs is required; labs will be held throughout the year on Thursdays 3-5 pm.

Prerequisite: Physical Science and Algebra I with an average of 70 or above.

Anatomy and Physiology (1 credit)

Students pursue an in-depth study of human body systems such as the muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory and digestive systems. The foundational belief that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” will permeate this course. Lectures will be supplemented with experiments and relevant animal dissections.

Prerequisites: Biology with an average of 70 or above

Introduction to Computers (1 credit)

Students will learn basic keyboarding skills as well as applications in Microsoft Word and Excel. No prerequisites.

Foreign Language

Two years of Latin are required for graduation.

Foundational Latin I (0.5 high school elective credit)

Students build a detailed and expansive foundation in the essentials of Latin grammar in order to facilitate their full comprehension of reading, writing, and understanding the language. The course includes a study of Christian creeds and prayers as well as Roman culture and history. See note at end of course decriptions.

Foundational Latin II (0.5 high school elective credit)

Students continue building a detailed and expansive foundation in the essentials of Latin grammar in order to facilitate their full comprehension of reading, writing, and understanding the language. The course continues their study of Christian creeds and prayers as well as Roman culture and history. See note at end our course descriptions.

Prerequisite: Foundational Latin I average of 70 or above

Latin I (1 credit)

Students begin a study of classical Latin grammar, syntax, and forms learned inductively through constant observation of usage. They will 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 will 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

Spanish I (1 credit)

Students become acquainted with the fundamental concepts of the Spanish language, including introductory vocabulary, verb tenses, and basic syntax. They learn how to translate short dialogues and written passages from Spanish into English. The class provides emphasis on Spanish and Hispanic culture and its influence on America and other parts of the world. Students will be provided opportunities to interact in Spanish among themselves, with the teacher, and in the community.

Dead Writiers, Living Thoughts: A Topical Survey of Latin Literature (1 credit)

This course will move the student beyond the acquisition of Latin grammar to the appreciation of Latin literature. Texts will reflect the enduring themes of literature in all languages, and there will be a continuous connection to topics and people explored in Humanities and English Literature classes. Translation will be emphasized. This course will be taught as a tutorial, so date and time for the class will be determined based on the teacher’s and students’ schedules.

Prerequisite: Foundational Latin II or high school Latin II

UD Fine Arts

Two credits in Fine Arts are required for graduation.

Music and 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 will 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

Introduction to Art (1 credit)

Students gain a basic foundation in elements of drawing, painting, and other visual media. The class will meet once weekly in a 3-hour block to encourage artistic development and will integrate with the Humanities curriculum.

Music History (1 credit)

The purpose of this course will be to introduce the student to the peculiar language of music and some of the great works in Western music history. After building a foundation of basic music theory, the course will move through historical periods, composers, and artists to a point at which the student will feel confident in appreciating the beauty of music. No musical experience required.

Biblical Studies

Bible 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 will include a short overview of every book in the Bible with the goal of weaving together the central themes of Scripture. Avoiding doctrinal disputes while upholding an orthodox view of Scripture, we will memorize the books and their themes, key passages, study the geography and culture of the Bible, read large portions of Scripture in class, and will begin to learn and practice important interpretive skills.

Civics/Economics (11th-12th grades only)

Civics (0.5 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 will 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 (0.5 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.

Study Hall

Study hall will be offered every period 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.