By the end of this course, the students will be exposed to a variety of media, styles and periods of art. They will be able to utilize, respond to and understand the Elements and Principles of Design, as well as the aesthetic value, in their artwork and the work of others. They will also understand how art has, and will continually shape and reflect our world and the various ways in which they can play a vital role. Students will complete a variety of projects, written assignments and critiques throughout the course to fulfill the UC requirements. At the completion of the course, students will have created a portfolio of work that effectively uses the Elements and Principles of Design, expresses personal thoughts and emotions, and demonstrates a refinement of skills in various media.
Course Length: 1 year
Fee/Materials: A $25 art fee is required for this course and will be used for the purchase of a portfolio and sketchbook for each student, as well as advanced art materials.

Introduction to Computer

The introductory computer course provides each student with the opportunity to learn the basics of Microsoft office computer skills. In addition to keyboarding techniques students will learn and practice using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access programs. The students who complete this course will be ready to use technology to complete academic research for educational and other uses.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: 1 Semester

Computer Web Design

In this course, students will learn the principles and techniques of website design and flash animation, and use these skills in a variety of individual and group projects. They will put their skills to use by participating in a real world web site proposal/creation project.
Prerequisite: C or above in Intro to Technology or Successful Completion of Technology Test
Course Length: 1 Semester

Computer Programming

The students will learn the principles and techniques of Visual Basic programming, and use these skills in a variety of projects. They will learn the concepts of object oriented programming, using variables and constants, decision and looping structures, and procedures and functions to create numerous programs.
Prerequisite: C or above in Technology courses or Successful Completion of Technology Test
Course Length: 1 Semester

Computer Hardware Technology I

This course will contain the comprehensive coverage of state-of-the-art hardware and accessories that make the most modern personal computers easier, faster and more productive. Students will gain an understanding of computer hardware components and peripheral devices of PC architecture. Course objectives will include an understanding of the following computer system areas: motherboards, processors, computer memory, adapter boards, networking and diagnostic systems. Students will explore computer technology in relationship to how it equips mankind with tools to succeed in future educational endeavors, career options and life skills.
Course Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: C or above in Technology courses or Successful Completion of Technology Test

Speech and Debate

The purpose of this course is to assist students in the development of basic oral communication skills. It is designed to help students realize the effectiveness of oral communication and its impact upon society. With so much use of oral communication in order to be successful in today’s modern world, it is felt that more must be done to help students meet this demand.
Please note that this course is not entitled Public Speaking. This is because units in communication theory, interpersonal communication, parliamentary procedure, and debate are also covered. This class is designed to help students build effective oral communication skills in order to become more successful in their school, community, and family.
Students can expect that they will have several oral communication experiences both in front and with the class.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite(s): None

Create Music

In this class students will learn the building blocks of music theory, with the goal of creating, singing and performing various styles of music. Classroom experiences will help to nurture and grow the student’s interest and skills in music. The language of music enhances the student’s overall creative expression, with a focus on music as a tool in worship. The class will have opportunity to participate in chapel services during the school year.

Theater Arts 1

Students are given the opportunity to discover and develop their talents and to gain confidence performing in front of others by participating in a variety of activities such as pantomime, improvisations, acting scenes, monologues, voice and diction exercises, storytelling, playwriting, and theatre games. Students are introduced to theatre terminology, theatre history, play production, script analysis, characterizations, and dramatic literature. This class is a must for students interested in learning basic acting skills. Meets UC requirement.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite(s): None

Theater Arts 2

Students with a commitment to excellence in theatre will continue more advanced study of acting techniques advanced improvisation and history of theatre. Students will create a short production for a final exam performance that reflects the concepts learned in class.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Theater Arts 1 with a grade of C or better. Or permission from teacher.

Health

The purpose of this class is to present the bible as the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. This class will deal with the integration of the physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions of life.
Topics include: building a healthy foundation; physical activity and nutrition; mental and emotional health; and personal care and body systems. Topics of interest include: promoting Godly safe and healthy relationships; growth and development; tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs; diseases and disorders; injury prevention; and environmental health.
Course Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite(s): None

HS Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a year-long visual arts course centered on the principles of design and elements of art. The course includes a variety of hands-on projects focused on the course objectives and based on the state standards in the Visual Arts. The emphasis is creative expression and development of one’s personal style. After learning the basics of good design, students will solve design problems through the utilization of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign, the software tools of choice for most graphic designers. Students will be able to link graphic design to other art forms and academic disciplines and will understand its applications to careers within contemporary society. Included in this class is an analysis of designers from around the world, with special attention to cultural similarities and differences. They will apply this knowledge to their personal designs in the pursuit of effective, creative design and communication, and development as graphic designers. Class participants will be instructed in the process of how to complete numerous computer based projects, starting from preliminary sketching of ideas, to designing and completing projects by a production deadline. Understanding and application of good design will be developed through analysis of their own work as well as the work of established designers. Students will complete regular critiques as they build a portfolio. Students will participate in the annual MCS Art Show. Winners will advance to the ACSI Art Festival.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite(s): Art Photography, Yearbook, Art or Teacher Permission
Class Fee: $25

HS Art Photography

Art Photography is an entry level course centered on the principles of photography including camera operation, photographic expression, and digital imagery. The course includes a variety of hands-on projects and written assignments based on the state standards in Visual Arts. The emphasis in this course will be creative expression, and developing each student’s personal style as artistic photographers and communicators. As students learn the elements of art and successful compositional skills, they will apply these skills to their own photographs. Students will study the various properties of photographic art, as well as examine the history and development of photography. Beginning in the second semester, students will learn and use Adobe Photoshop as their “digital darkroom,” compare photographs created traditionally versus digitally, and have the opportunity to manipulate images in creating photographic art. Students will complete regular critiques as they build a portfolio. Students will participate in the annual MCS Art Show. Winners will advance to the ACSI Art Festival.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite(s): None
Class Fee: $25

HS Journalism

In addition to exploring the historical and contemporary role and impact of mass media in the United States, students in this course will examine the basic features of journalism and journalistic writing, the purposes and characteristics of design, and the printing process. Students will study historical perspective, law and ethics, analysis and evaluation of media, journalistic writing processes (gathering information, interviewing, organization and focus, evaluation, revision), writing for media (news stories, feature stories, reviews, and editorials), career development, technology and design. This year long course is designed to give students mastery of foundational journalistic skills to prepare students for work (University work or a future career path) in the field of journalism, including newspaper, literary magazine, broadcast, or Internet writing.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Ninth Grade English 1 with a grade of “B” or better
Class Fee: $25

HS Advanced Journalism: Editing, Design & Management

Advanced Journalism: Editing, Design & Management is a two-semester course, combining the high-level critical thinking, reading and writing skills of print journalism with the artistic, creative and aesthetic skills of the visual and graphic arts. Students master the writing and editing of the most common forms of journalistic stories; read and analyze relevant literature; learn and practice the basics of design and layout; analyze and evaluate images; learn communication, management, and evaluation skills for individuals and small teams; use of state-of-the-art design software; and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical responsibilities and communications law. With the yearbook being the eventual outcome, this course will sharpen students’ thinking and expression, widen their experience with people and communication, provide an environment for self-directed learning and give them confidence in their ability to see their creative ideas to completion.
Course Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Journalism, and English 1-2 (Ninth and Tenth) with a grade of “B” or better and an application with teacher recommendations.
Class Fee: $25

Yearbook

Yearbook combines the high-level critical thinking and writing skills of print journalism with the artistic, creative and aesthetic skills of the visual and graphic arts. If you enjoy writing, photography and/or graphic design, this is an opportunity to acquire and develop these skills while serving the MCS student body and staff in creating the award-winning MCS yearbook. Students learn skills in writing, reporting, interviewing, editing, photography, graphic design, digital file management, leadership, responsibility and time management as they seek, obtain, evaluate information, and create yearbook spreads. The end goal is to learn and use skills in computer graphics, photography, and journalism, and combine these with the skills, abilities and gifts that God has given each student, to successfully produce the yearbook for His glory, and meet the deadlines. During deadlines students are required to put in extra time after school, as needed. Photographers are required to do many after school shoots. This course may be taken more that once for credit.
Course Length – One Year
Class Fee: $25
Prerequisites: Students must complete & submit an application that includes a teacher recommendation. Applications are available below. If you have been on the Yearbook Staff previously, you do not need to complete this application.
Recommended Prerequisites: Journalism, English 1 with a grade of “B” or better, Art Photography OR Digital Photography.
Yearbook Summer Camp: July 31st - August 3rd at Chapman University. New staffers are encouraged to attend. All Editors will be REQUIRED to attend.

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Yearbook Application

Yearbook Teacher Recommendation

Textbook Information

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