Departments

In this course students are introduced to a more sophisticated approach to ideas, and subject matters. The basic fundamentals taught in Art I are applied in a more creative and developed manner. Experimentation in new media and graphic design is taught. There is a $40.00 fee required to pay for all the materials supplied by the school.

In this course, students will work towards building a cohesive portfolio. Projects highlight students' conceptual interests, technical development and quality, and exploration of personal style. Throughout the year, students evaluate the impact of different media and techniques on personal expression, while identifying the processes that best suit their own goals. Students engage in critique and peer-to-peer assessment, with emphasis on employing the vocabulary of formal analysis.  Art careers and college applications are discussed. There is a $40.00 fee used to pay for all of the materials supplied by the school.

This course is designed to give the beginning student basic-level instrumental music education. This class provides fundamental skills of performance for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to learn basic major and minor scales (up to 2 sharps and flats), understanding musical notes, expressing simple phrase and dynamics, and developing easy-level of ensemble. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course.

This course is designed to give the beginning student intermediated-level instrumental music education. This class provides advanced skills of performance for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to learn all major and minor scales, understanding musical notes, expressing musical phrase and dynamics, and developing advanced-level of ensemble. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course.

This course is designed to give the student an enriching and diverse instrumental music education. This class provides a number of performance opportunities for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course. 

This course builds upon the music education provided in Music III. This class provides additional performance opportunities for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the band program, group effort and cooperation is necessary to a successful program. Band is a skilled effort in which each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout this course. 

The chorus is a male singing group consisting of students from grades 9 through 12.  Aural skills, ear training and sight singing will be a part of the course. Performances and special functions are required. All students are welcome. No auditions required. This class provides a number of performance opportunities for the student in a variety of settings. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the singing by the student.  Academic credit is given for each year of the program. Chorus is rostered as an academic class and scheduled during the course of the school day.  An honors designation for this course must be approved by both the instructor and Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs.

This course will focus on the basics of digital video production. Specific course topics include: basics of project management for digital video production; fundamentals of video composition; video production elements and terminology; preparation of video files for TV and Web; and understanding the Adobe Premiere interface and production process. Students will be expected to create video content for Roman’s morning news, website, and social media accounts. Assignments will be given and each student is responsible to complete them in a specific time period. NOTE: Students will be required to produce content outside of the scheduled class time as necessary.

The Theater Course is open to those students who have a desire to study theater production either as actors, technicians, or stage crew. All aspects of production will be taught, giving the student a complete overview and first-hand experience in theater roles both on and behind the stage. Students are required to participate in all of the classroom curriculum, regardless of their preference to any one area of the theater. Classes consist of scene study (acting), vocal production (singing), and movement (basic dance and movement techniques). Classes are taught by theater professionals.

The course will meet for one semester. The following aspects of health, sports and physical fitness are included in this course: Physical Fitness, Basketball, Volleyball, Recreational Football, Street Hockey, Cooperative Activities, Low Impact Aerobics, Mental and Social Health, Communicable Diseases, Alcohol, Drugs, Cigarettes, Nutrition, Personal Hygiene, and AIDS.

This course provides an investigative approach to the basic concepts of physics. Topics include the metric system, the laws of motion and factors affecting motion, forces, use of forces, simple machines, the nature of matter, electricity and magnetism, simple circuits, energy, the ecology of energy, sound, light, lenses and mirrors, and research on current events in science. Many topics require use of simple algebra and a simple calculator. Lab investigations and demonstrations are included to provide hands-on experience for increased understanding of the various concepts.  The College Prep course has an enhanced pacing with the content and is more reading and writing intensive.

This course will expand on the scientific knowledge learned in the previous science courses and integrate scientific concepts with current environmental issues and concerns. Students will become scientifically literate, informed citizens, and ethical caretakers of the environment. The course will include environmental problems affecting water systems, the atmosphere, and natural phenomenon. Energy conservation will also be included. Students will be required to complete a major project each quarter.

This course corresponds to a college seminar class of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Classes consist of student discussions and teacher clarification of the structures and functions of the human body from the most basic cells to the most complicated systems. Integral to the course are formal research and student presentations, which require the use of technology, such as the web, PowerPoint, and other audio-video equipment. Frequent lab investigations and dissections enhance student understanding. All labs require formal write-ups in a lab manual. Occasional field trips round off the course.

The course is a general introduction to the part of contemporary astronomy.  The course gives special attention to the exciting discoveries of the past few years. Topics include the planets, the Sun, concepts of time and scale, asteroids, meteors and comets, the Apollo missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, past and present astronomers as well as current events.  Documentary films and online discussions are utilized as well.  The College Prep course has an enhanced pacing with the content and is more reading and writing intensive.

This course is provided for upperclassmen pursuing a future in an engineering field. Students will learn about different engineering fields including mechanical, civil, electrical, and technology and how they connect and work together. Topics also include the history of engineering in Philadelphia. Students hear lectures from a military engineering college professor in a video lecture series. Half of the course includes hands on practice with 3D computer aided design software, SOLIDWORKS. Writing assignments and mechanics of equilibrium are an intense part of this course. Several field trips are planned for the students to connect to engineering outside the classroom.

1st Semester - The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture: This course gives students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through the study of the Bible they will come to encounter the Living word of God, Jesus Christ. Students will learn about the Bible, its development and content, and how God is its author. Particular attention will be focused on the gospels, where students may grow to know and love Jesus Christ more personally.

2nd Semester - Who is Jesus Christ: This course introduces students to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God.  Students will understand that Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, is the ultimate Revelation about God, from God.

Required is 20 hours of Christian Community Service.

1st Semester - The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mysteries): This course helps students understand all that God has done for humanity through his son, Jesus Christ. God has planned, from all eternity, for human beings to share everlasting happiness with him. This is accomplished only through redemption in Christ.

2nd Semester - Jesus Christ's Mission Continues in the Church: This course helps students understand that they encounter the Living Jesus Christ in and through the Church. The Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles.  It is sustained by him through the Holy Spirit.  The Church is the living Body of Christ.

Required is 20 hours of Christian Community Service.

1^st Semester -Catholic Morality: This course is intended to present morality as a personal response to almighty God. It explores conscience, laws, and decision-making skills based on the Commandments, corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and the beatitudes, in order to serve as a guide for the formation of Catholic morality. Its purpose is to instill in the student confidence in his ability to make correct moral Catholic choices.

2^nd Semester - Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ The purpose of this course is to help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students will examine each of the sacraments in detail so as  to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.

Required is 20 hours of Christian Community Service.

The course outline presents a development of the Church through its 2000-year history focusing on the people of God who make up the Church. It, then, challenges the student to take an active role in the Church community through the living out of a personal vocation of service to God and the Church. This course was purposely developed as a challenge for the teacher and students through the study of these people to recognize the contemporary personalities and issues of importance in Church life today. A personal vocation in the church as single, lay, religious or cleric only makes sense in the context of the long tradition we share. Active participation by the students in the Church is to be the end result of this yearlong course.

Required is 20 hours of Christian Community Service.

This course is designed to provide the students with the basic understanding of trigonometric functions and their applications.  The students will study relations, functions, graphs, trigonometry, polar coordinates, complex numbers, limits, and derivatives. The student will analyze and graph mathematical functions.

In this course, students will be introduced to the major concepts of probability, interpretation of data, and statistical problem solving. Students will analyze existing data as well as data collected through a survey, observational study or experiment. They will then display the data in different ways, analyze it, and draw conclusions based on the results.

This half-credit course will introduce students to the world of fiscal responsibility. Topics covered will include consumer math, career planning, money management, investing, credit management, real estate, automobiles, risk management, and insurance. With knowledge of these areas, the student will begin a more successful life of personal financial planning and consequently, a higher quality of life.

The student begins by learning about the basic ins and outs of information technology, progresses to applications that will likely be used in the workplace, and finishes by learning about the interconnectivity that runs in daily life. Students will gain valuable and marketable experience working with personal computers. The best way to introduce students to computing is with an applications course that gives them considerable ‘hands-on’ computer experience. Through a student-centered environment, they learn to utilize Microsoft Office 2010 software applications in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, databases, and presentations graphics. In addition, students will utilize “The Google DOCS Specialist” e-Book which is an integrated Google Apps project based workbook.  Effective use of the Internet will also be covered.

This course is aimed at the college-bound student considering business-related fields. Students will receive training of two types of business-proprietorships and corporations. Course utilizes personal computers using web-based textbook and workbook, and online accounting software. Each type of business is presented in a complete accounting cycle covering analyzing transactions, journalizing, posing petty cash, financial statements, and adjusting and closing entries. Accounting concepts are introduced using business theory and practical applications. In addition to focusing on the accounting functions within business, the student will gain a valuable introduction to general business topics: business ethics, technology, legal issues, careers in accounting, and relevant personal financial skills.

Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, and organizational structures make economic decisions. This course focuses on the study of economic problems and the methods by which societies solve them. Characteristics of the market economy of the United States and its function in the world and methods of applying economics to one's life will be explored. Topics include problems of scar- city, productivity, economic institutions and incentives, supply and demand macro and microeconomic measures, and business economic cycles will be examined. Students will learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of economic decision-makers by employing concepts of efficiency and equity. Students also analyze and evaluate the effects of government intervention. Throughout the course, learning emphasis is placed on reasoned, logical argument. Use of the computer lab will be included, as well as group learning and supplemental readings.

Business Law is a background course that will enable the students to recognize their rights and responsibilities as a citizen in the American society.  This course stresses the fact that law involves basic rules of conduct for everyone and shows the application of law to the common problems of the individual. The students will gain knowledge and respect for both the legal system as well as the free enterprise system of economics. They will be exposed to a comprehensive study of the many facets of the US legal system such as its history, criminal law, civil law, consumer law, contract law, insurance, credit, real estate, and other practical areas of interest. Guest Speakers will be scheduled throughout the course.

Honors track includes in-depth writing, additional readings, and case analysis.

In these exciting and dynamic economic times, students and young adults need proper business education. This course aims to prepare students with knowledge and understanding of economic and business concepts. The students will be introduced to our economic system of free enterprise while gaining new insights into the different roles of business, government, management, labor, and consumers within that system. Topics include: economics, business organizations (corporations, partnerships, sole-proprietors), international business, social and ethical issues, saving and investing, borrowing, insurance, credit, banking and much more. Guest Speakers will be scheduled throughout the course.

This course is intended to expose students to the varying business aspects of the sporting world. Each student will be exposed to business competencies, including management, finance, economics, marketing, facilities and events, communication, and various other topics. By the end of the course, each student will have analyzed the business of sport from the youth and community level up through professional athletics.

Using Microsoft Visual Basic, students learn the essentials of app development, as well as the initial groundwork for a degree in IT Programming.  The class blends visual demonstrations of professional quality programs with in-depth discussions of today’s most effective programming concepts and techniques. No prerequisite is required.

Spanish I is an introductory course in the fundamentals of the Spanish language and culture with emphasis on developing the ability to read, speak, write and understand the Spanish language. The student is also exposed to an overview of Spanish culture through films, music and current events.

Spanish II provides a systematic review and expansion of Spanish grammar and vocabulary as well as the student’s written and oral proficiency in the subject. The previous exposure to Spanish and Latino culture is enhanced through individual and group research and projects.

Those students who possess a better than average aptitude and attitude towards Spanish are invited to continue their course of study in Spanish III, which exposes the student to advanced grammatical concepts and more intensive exposure to spoken and written Spanish, especially with respect to practical situations and daily conversation. The course also begins to familiarize the student with Spanish literature and poetry.

The course is designed for those serious students who have above average competency in the basic skill areas as well as a genuine appreciation for the language and culture. Emphasis is given to the refining of grammatical structures, writing, reading, and conversation skills as well as to further development of studies in literature, history, civilization and art. Stress is placed on the application of acquired skills especially communication skills.

The course is intended for those students who are serious about learning Spanish and who are interested in entering the health care and/or business fields.   The course is designed to teach students vocabulary and basic sentence structures in order to enable them to develop their own dialogue as it relates to these fields.   Students will also learn about cultural similarities and differences of Spanish speaking individuals.

This basic introductory course with a proficiency approach aims to give the student the ability to speak and understand the language through tapes and dialogues between students and the knowledge of fundamental grammar. Stories, filmstrips, movies and songs acquaint the student with the historical and cultural background of French culture.

This course offers a continuance of the approach offered in French I. The basic fundamental concepts of French I are expanded. More emphasis is placed on grammatical and reading skills with further development of vocabulary.

This course continues to develop basic language skills by providing expanded practice in the target language and using important grammar structures in reading and writing. The curriculum is expanded to include the history, civilization, and French literature.

In this course, the advancement of basic skills is made to develop fluency. An exposure to varied literacy forms is broadened. Application and review of acquired skills is stressed.

Italian I is an introductory course designed to expose the students to the fundamentals of the Italian language and to the history, art, literature, music and the contemporary life of the Italian people. The emphasis of the course is on enabling the students to acquire the necessary skills to speak, write, read proficiently, and understand the Italian language at its basic level.

The second year of Italian focuses on the review and expansion of Italian grammar and vocabulary as well as the written and oral proficiency of the language.  Emphasis is placed, also, on exposing the students to Italian art, history, literature and culture.

The third level of Italian focuses on the expansion and refinement of all language skills. The course will introduce the student to Italian literature, history and art. Particular emphasis will be placed on communicative skills.

This course is offered to those students who possess a genuine interest in learning the Italian language and culture and who have demonstrated to possess a better than average aptitude and attitude toward Italian. This course is intended to further enhance all the basic skills and to continue to expose students to Italian literature, history and culture. Major emphasis is placed on developing communicative skills.

Using an audio-lingual approach, this course teaches pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar fundamentals as essential elements in reading, writing, and understanding elementary Chinese. The course also covers necessary culture, customs, philosophy, and history which serve as keys to studying the Chinese language.

This course is a continuation of Chinese 1 and covers the elementary grammar. It includes the reading of simplified texts with emphasis on oral expression and further study of Chinese history and culture.

This is a beginning course for students who have not studied ancient Greek before or whose background in Greek is not sufficient for more advanced work. Students proceed through a study of grammar and vocabulary to the reading and writing of sentences and short narratives in the language of Athens of the fifth century B.C.E. Selected topics in Greek history and art are also considered.