(Not all classes are offered each year. * Indicates required courses.)

 

The following course descriptions provide an outline of topics covered in the high school courses offered at Hinsdale Adventist Academy. Instructors may choose to cover additional topics not listed specifically in the descriptions below.

 

APPLIED ARTS

IMPACT – 1.0 credit per year

Students will be involved in a number of various ministry areas that may include but are not limited to drama, outreach, preaching, and children’s ministries. The goal of this class is to instruct and equip students to spiritually reach-out to our school, our community, the local churches, and ultimately, the world. There will be some weekend and/or evening time commitments, but these will be done with the understanding that students have other obligations in their lives. It is also understood that the students have different strengths and gifts, but the goal is to make this a meaningful and memorable experience for the students in the class as well as every single person, through the strength of God, we are privileged to impact.

 

Life Skills – 0.5 credit per semester

Students are introduced to a wide variety of life experiences that range from automotive and culinary skills to witnessing and social skills.

 

Yearbook –1.0 credit per year

Students in this course prepare the annual yearbook.

 

BUSINESS, COMPUTER EDUCATION, AND TECHNOLOGY

Accounting – 1.0 credit per year

Students are introduced to basic accounting principles, procedures and terminology, and explore careers available in the field of accounting.

 

Marketing – 1.0 credit per year

Students learn the fundamentals of marketing concepts and strategies, explore careers in marketing, and participate in hands-on marketing projects as identified by instructor. The goal of this class is to examine the role that marketing plays in the business world, and in society as a whole.

 

*Computer Literacy – 1.0 credit per year

Pre-requisite: Keyboarding.

This is a general introductory course to computers and information processing. The course will cover Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel.

 

*Economics – 0.5 credit per semester

This is a course that introduces students to key economic concepts and skills, specializing in the evolution of economic systems, focusing on capitalism and its relationship with globalization.

 

Desktop Publishing: Adobe PageMaker – 0.5 credit per year

Pre-requisite: Computer Literacy.

This course teaches the fundamentals of desktop publishing including layout, prepress, and the integration of graphics/imaging.

 

ENGLISH

Honors English – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisites: Yearly average grade of 83% (B) in English I, II, and American Literature. A composite score of 20 or better on the ACT.

Honors English is designed to be a college/university style literature course that focuses on reading and responding to American and British literature. Students in this course will exercise critical thinking and literary analysis as they respond to the works read in class. The course also prepares students to sit for the AP English Literature and Composition Exam given in May (required).

 

*English I – 1.0 credit per year

This course is designed to immerse Freshmen in the rudiments of the English language through the study and discussion of various literary forms, written grammar exercise, and practice at simple written composition. Specific attention will be given to the literary genres of short story, historical fiction, and the novel.

 

*English II – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of 60% (D-) or better in English I

With a focus on world literature, this course will immerse Sophomores in the rudiments of the English language through the study and discussion of various forms of literature and through practice of written grammar exercises and written composition. Specific attention will be paid to works that deal with the importance of family, the role of education in society, and the devastating effects of prejudice in its many forms.

 

*American Literature – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of 60% (D-) or better in English II

Through a study of major American authors of the 17th to the 20th century, Juniors will read and analyze American classics written in a variety of genres. Students will focus on the role played by these works in the shaping of the ideas and values within their historical context, as well as the role they continue to play in shaping and reflecting current ideas and values.

 

*British Literature – 1.0 credit per year

This course is designed to introduce Seniors to the various works and genres of the British literary canon from the 16th to the 20th century. Students will focus on the role played by these works in the shaping of the ideas and values within their historical context, as well as the role they continue to play in shaping and reflecting current ideas and values.

 

Creative Writing – 0.5 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of 60% (D-) or better in English I and II

Students in this class will study and produce four different types of literary forms: Nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama.

 

Christian Literature – 0.5 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of 60% (D-) or better in English I and II

Through a study of literature written by Christians and/or dealing with Christian issues, students will thoughtfully explore and discuss issues raised in literature within a Christian context.

 

FINE ARTS

Drama Performance – 1.0 credit per year

Students will perform various types of dramatic productions throughout the year, both at school and at local churches as an outreach team.

 

Concert Choir – 0.5 credit per year

A performance-oriented vocal course with regular performances in the Chicagoland area. Frequent Saturday appointments can be expected.

 

Chamber Singers (Select Choir) – 0.5 credit per year

Prerequisite: Concert Choir and Audition.

A performance-oriented vocal course of selected vocalists with regular performances in the Chicagoland area. Frequent Saturday appointments can be expected.

 

Symphonic Band – 0.5 credit per year

Prerequisites: Audition.

A performance-oriented instrumental course with regular performances in the Chicagoland area. Frequent Saturday appointments can be expected.

 

Photography – 0.5 credit per year

 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

*Health – 0.5 credit per semester

Various aspects of health and health related problems of daily life will be studied.

 

*Physical Education I – 1.0 credit per year

Individual sports and team sports are studied in this course. Knowledge of rules and techniques are stressed.

 

*Physical Education II – 1.0 credit per semester

This class is intended to help students develop good methods for maintaining strength and good physical conditioning.

 

Adapted Physical Education

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to notify the school of any physical and medical considerations that would affect their child’s physical ability to participate in recreational or physical activity. We will do our best to accommodate such needs while continuing to offer a quality physical education program.

 

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

Advanced Study Skills – 0.5 elective credit per semester (not included in the high school history requirement)

Advanced Study Skills is designed to enable students to be able to reach their full potential in the area of academics. It is the goal of this class to have the student discover the optimal plan that will help them be successful, both inside the classroom and out, and for them to lay a study foundation that will extend to college and beyond in the areas of organization and time management.

 

Adventist Heritage – 0.5 elective credit per semester

Adventist Heritage is a class designed to enable students to explore the early foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It will explore the leaders who were instrumental in the beginnings of this world-wide movement with special emphasis on Ellen White and the topic of the Spirit of Prophecy. Students will be able to see how God has led in the past and how He continues to lead in the present and future of our church.

 

*American Government – 0.5 credit per semester

This course will acquaint the student with the foundations and function of the American Government which will be accomplished through the study of the basic theories of government and The Constitution. Students will study the importance of our political system, see the beginning of our country, and discuss how The Constitution still survives in today’s world. The three branches of government will be examined and we will discuss how God has led in our country and His expectations of us as Christian citizens.

 

*U.S. History – 1.0 credit per year

The purpose of U.S. History is to show students the development of the United States and how the foundation of this country impacts us today. Students will evaluate their heritage and will also examine how God has led in this nation’s history and how He continues to lead in current events.

 

Current World Issues – 0.5 credit per semester

This course will acquaint the student with the events and people that are shaping the world today. In discussion of the major issues that affect each and every one of us, each student will gain a better appreciation and understanding of the world around them.

 

Global Studies – 0.5 credit per semester

This class will clearly demonstrate how the event of the past have directly influenced the monumental changes taking place in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and other locales around the world. There will also be special attention given to the ways geography and environmental factors impact the development and interaction of the world’s cultures.

 

World History – 1.0 credit per year

This course is designed to be a survey of events and people that have helped to shape the world. It will explore the development of Western and Non-Western cultures, examining the attributes that make them great or led to their eventual downfall.

 

MATHEMATICS

Pre-Algebra – 1.0 elective credit per year

This is a general mathematics course intended to prepare students for

Algebra 1. *Algebra I – 1.0 credit per year

This course is the introduction of variables, constants, equations, expressions, and function. Concepts studied include simplifying expressions, solving equations, rational, radical, quadratic and exponential equations, systems of equations, percentages and proportions, polynomial equations, and expressions. Concepts are also applied to life.

 

Geometry – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: yearly average of at least 70% or C- in Algebra 1

This course is the study of logic and reasoning. Students will use deductive reasoning as the properties and relationships of geometric figures are studied. The theorems, postulates, and definitions of geometry are used to solve real-life problems. Concepts studied include lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, trigonometry, circles, polygons, polyhedrons, area, surface area, volume, transformations, and coordinate geometry.

 

Algebra II – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of at least 70% or C- in geometry and Algebra 1 or permission of instructor by petition.

This course includes further study of equations and functions and how they relate to real-world problems. Students will be challenged by new concepts that require graphing skills, functional analysis, solving higher order equations, investigating complex number systems, and working with matrices, conic sections, sequences and series, logarithms, data analysis and probability. A TI-83 or TI-8 graphing calculator is required.

 

Pre-Calculus – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of at least 70% or C- in Algebra 2 or permission of instructor by petition.

This course reviews and introduces concepts necessary to perform calculus. The class includes a full quarter on the study of trigonometry. Students focus on the use of technology, modeling, and problem-solving involving data analysis and probability, trigonometric and circular functions, their inverse, polar coordinates, complex numbers, conics, characteristics of functions, the binomial Theorem, sequences and series, logarithmic and exponential functions, and basic calculus concepts. This course builds tactics for successfully completing college placement exams and provides a good foundation for college mathematics courses. A TI- 83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

 

Calculus – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: Yearly average grade of at least 70% or a C- in pre-calculus or permission of instructor by petition.

The concepts presented in this course are those traditionally offered in the first semester of calculus in college. The topics studied include limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals or algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions, and their applications. Students are required to remember the algebra and trigonometry learned in previous courses. Understanding concepts, terminology, and notation will be emphasized. Calculus opens the door to higher mathematics. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required. A CLEP test may be arranged for students wishing to receive college credit for this course.

 

MODERN LANGUAGES

Spanish 1 – 1.0 credit per year

This course emphasizes understanding the language and learning to speak Spanish through the study of grammar, vocabulary, and culture.

 

Spanish 2 – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: Spanish 1

This course is a continuation of Spanish 1 and emphasizes conversation, vocabulary, grammar, and culture.

 

RELIGION

*Religion 1 – 1.0 credit per year

This course studies Biblical history beginning with the book of Genesis and continuing through the life of Christ.

 

*Religion 2 – 1.0 credit per year

This course surveys the history of God’s leading and the movement of His chosen people with particular emphasis on the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

 

*Religion 3 – 1.0 credit per year

This course studies the key doctrinal and prophetic themes presented in scripture as germane to the Adventist church.

 

*Religion 4 – 1.0 credit per year

This course provides Biblical guidance in the areas of life philosophy, college and career selection, marriage and family.

 

SCIENCE

*Physical Science – 1.0 credit per year

Earth Science deals with the constitution of the earth and its atmosphere. The various branches of this subject include geology, oceanography, and meteorology.

 

*Biology – 1.0 credit per year

Biology is the study of life and its Creator. The laboratory course is based on the interaction of living and nonliving things. Emphasis is placed on scientific method, controlled experiments, content, and theory. Scientific laws, theories, principles, and concepts are stressed during the course.

 

Chemistry – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: A yearly average grade of C in Physical Science or permission of instructor through petition. Chemistry is the study of composition and changes of matter. Chemistry is a descriptive and quantitative science based on controlled experiments, logic, and theory. Emphasis is placed on measurement, problem solving, and the process of physical and chemical change. Scientific law, theories, principles, and concepts are taught from a perspective that promotes an appreciation for the wisdom and creative power of God.

 

Physics – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: A yearly average of B in Algebra II or the permission of instructor through petition.

Physics is a laboratory science based upon the analysis of data. The realm of physics includes interaction of energy and matter in the physical universe. Scientific law, theories, principles, and concepts are taught from a perspective that promotes an appreciation for the wisdom and creative power of God.

 

Anatomy and Physiology – 1.0 credit per year

Prerequisite: A yearly average of B or better in Biology or the permission of the instructor through petition.

This course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. This course will include anatomical terminology, physiology, structure and function of body systems, and their interdependence.