High School Course Descriptions
Business and Secretarial
Accounting (1 Unit)
You will examine basic procedures used by businesses organized as proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations to record, classify, and summarize business transactions in accounting records. You will learn the methods of preparation and the various uses for financial statements in the accounting cycle.
(20 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Forms of ownership, assets and liabilities, owners' equity, financial statements, payroll, income tax.
Keyboarding (1 Unit)
A skill-building course that emphasizes good technique. The student works toward goals that develop speed and accuracy while learning to type letters, reports, tables, and forms. Skills taught in the course are valuable for use in school, office, or home and may be applied to computer keyboarding. An observer who knows how to type is needed for the first six weeks.
(12 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Business and personal letters, business forms, tables, reports, applications and résumés, research papers.
Computer Applications for the Office (1 unit)
Prerequisite: Student must have basic keyboarding skills. In this course you will be introduced to the Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and FrontPage.
(30 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, managing desktop information through Outlook, creating Web pages. While you will not be an expert in any area, you will have a foundation in each application. To take this course, students must have access to a computer.
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English
Note: Students may wish to consult with an advisor before deciding which sequence of English courses best meets their needs.
Basic English (1 unit)
Basic English may be used to meet the requirement for 9th grade English by students who can benefit from a good, basic review of the principles of writing effectively and reading with understanding. It is best suited for students who received a C or lower in English (or Language Arts) for the 8th grade.
Students are introduced to the elements of literature and literary forms such as the short story, play, and poem. Students develop language skills by studying sentence structure and style and writing paragraphs and short compositions. The student who takes Basic English for 9th grade should enroll in Intermediate English for 10th grade.
(30 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Narration, exposition, description, argumentation,punctuation, usage, spelling, sentence and paragraph structures.
Intermediate English (1 Unit) Available Online
Intermediate English may be used to meet the requirement for 9th grade English by students who have received a B or better in English (or Language Arts) for the 8th grade and who have good, basic writing and reading skills.
Intermediate English may also be used by students who have taken Basic English in 9th grade to meet the requirements for 10th grade English. The student who takes Intermediate English for 9th grade should enroll in English 2 for 10th grade.
(30 submissions, 4 exams, 2 papers)
Topics: Basic elements of writing, literary forms, research report.
English 2 (1 Unit)
Prerequisite: English 1 or equivalent. Personal experiences, interests, and opinions serve as a springboard to writing. English II helps students polish skills learned in English 1. Literary models provide stimulating examples of paragraph unity and sophisticated word choice. Students are required to write a research paper.
(36 submissions, 4 exams, 1 paper)
Topics: Grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, organizing compositions, the research paper.
American Literature (1 Unit) Available Online
A study of the leading American authors from colonial days to the present, with attention to the times in which they lived and the changes in literary thought that affected their work. Practice in composition is provided, and the ability to analyze literary works is emphasized.
(28 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Puritanism, Deism, the Neoclassical Movement, the Romantic Movement, Realism and Naturalism, Expressionism.
English Literature (1 Unit) Available Online
A study of the major English writers in the context of historical time periods. Composition practice is included, chiefly within the framework of the analysis of literary works.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: The Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, and Renaissance eras; Puritan, Cavalier, and metaphysical poetry; the Enlightenment; the Romantic, Victorian, and Modern eras.
Structure of Writing (1/2 Unit)
A thorough study of the fundamentals of grammar and usage provides a basis for sharpening
writing skills. Includes numerous short writing assignments.
(14 submissions, 2 exams)
Topics: Vocabulary; spelling; coordination; subordination; simple, compound, and complex sentences; paragraphing.
Adventist Literature (1/2 Unit)
Concepts of good literature are examined through examples from the works of representative Seventh-day Adventist writers, past and present. A large part of the course is devoted to the study of Ellen White's book The Desire of Ages. (This course is an elective and
cannot be used to satisfy the English requirement.)
(18 submissions, 2 exams)
Topics: The literary value of The Desire of Ages; early Adventist literature; Bible stories retold; works by Annie Smith, F. E . Belden, and Uriah Smith.
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Fine Arts
Art History (1 Unit) Available Online
This course introduces the student to painting, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to the twentieth century. Students also learn to develop an eye for technique.
(32 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Greek and Roman art, Renaissance painting and sculpture, Baroque and Neoclassical art, Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstract art.
Music Appreciation (1 Unit)
The development of a basic understanding of music and a training for sensitivity in music listening.
(8 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Listening to music; the orchestra; Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods of music.
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Health and Home Economics
Health (1/2 Unit) Available Online
The student becomes aware of the importance of mental, social, physical, and environmental health. The student explores how choices and behavior affect the components of good health.
(14 submissions, 2 exams)
Topics: Stress, relationships, public health, nutrition, body structure and systems, the human life cycle, substance abuse, diseases and disorders, safety.
Clothing Construction (1/2 Unit)
Sewing can be both economical and enjoyable with this practical course that requires no previous experience. Students learn sewing techniques and expand their wardrobes by preparing the attractive garments assigned. An observer/supervisor who knows how to sew well is required.
(11 submissions, 3 exams)
Topics: Selection and alteration of patterns, techniques for repairing and laundering garments, principles of dress and grooming.
Foods (1/2 Unit)
"You are what you eat" is a fact that cannot be dismissed lightly. This timely course provides a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of nutrition and meal planning.
(12 submissions, 3 exams)
Topics: The healthful preparation of food, benefits of a vegetarian diet, managing the food budget, preparing well-balanced meals, setting an attractive table.
Home Planning (1/2 Unit)
Whether for a townhouse, condominium, or apartment, knowledge of furnishing and interior decorating is a valuable asset. Students will also learn the hows and wherefores of home buying and owning.
(6 submissions, 2 exams)
Topics: Choosing the type and location of a new home, financing, furnishing the rooms, interior decorating.
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History
Geography (1 Unit) Available Online
As you work through this course, you will be introduced to the terms used to describe both human and physical geography. You will learn about the different countries of the world (their languages, religions, political systems, and economics), as well as landforms such as mountain ranges and major rivers.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: North America, Latin America, Europe, Northern Eurasia, Asia, Africa, the Paci fic, Antarctica.
World History (1 Unit) Available Online
A careful and thought-provoking overview of world history from ancient times to the twentieth century. The student will study the great issues, inventions, figures, and
ideas that made the past and shaped the present.
(8 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: The ancient world, development of major religions, the Renaissance and Reformation, the world wars.
American History (1 Unit)
An in-depth examination of the founding and development of the United States. Students will follow the growth of America from a handful of colonies to one of the world's most powerful nations.
(16 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Europeans in North America, the Revolutionary War, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the United States in the twentieth century.
American Government (1 Unit) Available Online
A comprehensive survey of the operation of federal, state, county, and city governments. The course examines all aspects of government: statute-making, diplomacy, labor policies, public finance, etc. Emphasis is placed on the work of the government in promoting the interests of the people and in addressing itself to current topics.
(26 submissions, 6 exams)
Topics: The Constitution; civil rights and equality; the legislative, judicial, and executive branches; the Federal Reserve.
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Languages
French 1 (1 Unit)
An introduction to written and spoken French through a study of basic vocabulary and grammar, listening and speaking skills developed with cassette tapes and notes on phonetics, and information about French culture.
(32 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Pronunciation patterns, verb conjugation, plural nouns and indefinite articles, expressions of quantity.
Spanish 1 (1 Unit)
An introduction to written and spoken Spanish through a study of basic vocabulary and grammar. Reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills are developed. The culture of Spanish-speaking countries is explored. Grammar skills include sentence structure, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, articles, prepositions, and the conjugation of basic verbs in the present and preterite tenses.
(17 submissions, 4 exams)
Vocabulary topics: Days, months, numbers, colors, seasons, weather, physical characteristics, emotions, clothing, places in a community, rooms in a house, family members, school, food, restaurants, activities and hobbies, parties, health and exercise, chores, shopping, vacations, transportation, recycling, and volunteering.
Spanish 2 (1 Unit)
Prerequisite: Spanish 1.
Basic reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills taught in Spanish I are expanded and refined. Paragraph writing is developed. The culture of Spanish-speaking countries is explored. Grammar development includes conjugation of basic verbs in the preterite, imperfect, present progressive, imperfect progressive, and future tenses; reflexive verbs; demonstrative and possessive adjectives and pronouns;direct object pronouns; comparative and superlatives; commands; and negative and affirmative words.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Vocabulary Topics: School, daily routine, clothing and currency, leisure activities, childhood, family and holidays, personal possessions, the future, travel, foods and cooking, camping, nature, plants and animals, outdoor activities.
Spanish 3 (1 Unit)
Prerequisite: Spanish 2.
Reading and comprehending short articles and stories is important. Composition writing is emphasized. Listening and speaking skills are refined through practice. Grammar focuses on the subjunctive mood and develops and refines verb tense usage.
(34 submissions, 4 exams)
Vocabulary Topics: Personal identity, rural and urban life, art, TV, ancient civilizations, communication technology, community service, myths and legends, the workforce, crime and violence, cultural diversity, multilingualism.
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Mathematics
Note: Basic Diploma students may take Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1: Part 1, and Algebra 1: Part 2 to ful fill math requirements. College Prep students must take Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 to ful fill math requirements.
Pre-Algebra (1 Unit)
Pre-Algebra is designed to sharpen your arithmetic skills and introduce the abstract concepts that will be used in Algebra 1. A calculator will be used throughout the course.
(26 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Number patterns, order of operations, equations, evaluating expressions with variables, formulas, polygons, inequalities, absolute value, exponents, scientific notation, fractions, and more.
Consumer Math (1 Unit)
This course is about money. The student will learn to budget, spend, invest, and make a variety of decisions concerning money, along with learning the skills to evaluate financial information. The student will also learn to use an advanced calculator, taking the drudgery out of math.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Budgeting money, income and property taxes, investing in stocks and bonds, finding interest rates, choosing a credit union or savings account.
Algebra 1: Part 1 (1 Unit)
This course is designed to lead the student at a slightly slower pace through the concepts of elementary algebra.
(16 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Real numbers, solving equations and problems, polynomials, fractions.
Algebra 1: Part 2 (1 Unit)
Prerequisite: First semester of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1: Part 1. This course is designed to lead the student at a slightly slower pace through the concepts of elementary algebra. It follows Algebra 1: Part 1.
(14 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Applying fractions, functions, systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational numbers, quadratic functions.
Algebra 1 (1 Unit) Available Online
A course designed to lead the student through elementary algebra step by step. Students learn the fundamental algebraic operations that are the foundation of all mathematics.
Prerequisite for Semester 2: The student must have demonstrated above-average work (B or above)in a first-semester resident course in order to enroll in the second semester only.
(12 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Real numbers, solving equations and problems, polynomials, fractions, functions, systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational numbers, quadratic functions.
Geometry (1 Unit) Available Online
Prerequisite: Algebra 1.
The student is introduced to the principal concepts of geometry and is prepared for courses in higher mathematics.
(14 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Lines, planes, triangles, circles, constructions, measuring solid figures, coordinates, theorems, proofs.
Algebra 2 (1 Unit)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1.
This course carries the advanced student further into the field of mathematics as he or she begins to apply skills taught in Algebra 1.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Linear, quadratic, and simultaneous equations; laws of exponents, progression, binomial theorem, logarithms.
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Religion
The Bridge
Not all young people attend Adventist schools. That's why GIA offers THE BRIDGE, a one-of-a-kind Bible study course created specifically for Adventist students enrolled in public schools. This 20-week, noncredit course addresses the peculiar challenges faced by
Christian teens in a decidedly non- Christian educational environment. THE BRIDGE creates a powerful, spiritual link between young minds, their church, and their God.
(6 submissions, 0 exams)
Topics: God and suffering, the Ten Commandments, love, sex, marriage, family, preparing for the workplace.
Bible 1 (1 Unit) Available Online
The goal of the Crossroad Series is to lead young people to the loving and redeeming God of Scripture. His self-revelation has its focus and fulfillment in the life, death, resurrection, and intercession of Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the Cross is the sole basis of Christian assurance. With Christ as Savior and Lord, each believer is enabled, through the Holy Spirit, to experience a life of worship, growth, and service. Each one is then eager to proclaim and stand ready for His return.
(35 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: God's Word and your life, God's gifts (creation and salvation), God and the human family, Jesus and His world, His kingdom, His people, the Cross.
Bible 2 (1 Unit) Available Online Traces the history of the church from Old Testament times and the early Christian believers to modern times,revealing how God's overall plan and purpose have been carried out in the affairs of nations. This course is part of the Crossroad Series. (22 submissions, 4 exams; online: 35 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Moses and the children of Israel, the Decalogue, the prophets, the early Christian Church, God's remnant church.
Bible 3 (1 Unit)
Four nine-week units comprise the religion curriculum for grades 11 -12. Each unit is published separately.
Daniel and Revelation Available Online
Through these books, God offers you His perspective of the past, reassuring views of the future, and for today, hope and forgiveness that only a loving Creator can provide.
(8 submissions, 1 exam)
Beliefs Available Online
The beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are introduced and evaluated to see how each leads to a personal relationship with Jesus.
(8 submissions, 1 exam)
Friendships Available Online
This course helps the student to understand the mechanics behind friendships, the test of true love, and self-worth in a relationship.
(8 submissions, 1 exam)
Romans Available Online
Through this unit the student studies the book of Romans and how the gospel is available to all who believe.
(8 submissions, 1 exam)
Bible 4 (1 Unit)
Four nine-week units comprise the religion curriculum for grade 12. Each unit is published separately.
Hebrews Available Online
A study of the book of Hebrews: discovering its central theme, the author's main concern, and how Jesus is the only solution.
(7 submissions, 1 exam).
Marriage and Family Available Online
God's design for love and companion-ship in the context of marriage and the family is studied. Practical information such as disciplining children, money management, and divorce are explored.
(7 submissions, 1 exam).
Worldviews and Religion Available Online
This course discusses not only the major world religions, but also worldviews, cults, and alternative religions and the Christian's response to them.
(8 submissions, 1 exam).
Life Philosophy and Moral Issues Available Online
This course leads students to know their life philosophy, introducing students to the key words of philosophy, moral issues, and how a Christian responds to philosophical problems in life.
(8 submissions, 1 exam).
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Sciences
Physical Science (1 Unit) Available Online
Physical Science is the study of physics and chemistry. It is an introductory science course, one that will introduce you to the topics listed below.
(32 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Energy, sound, light, matter, elements, compounds, solutions, chemical reactions.
Note: Computer operating system must be Windows 95, 98, or NT. Software not compatible with newer operating systems.
Earth Science (1 Unit) Available Online
An introductory course that surveys the basic physical sciences. Students are introduced to the natural laws that form the building blocks of all sciences.
(34 submissions, 4 exams).
Topics: Geology, biology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, physics, creation vs. evolution.
Biology (1 Unit) Available Online
An introductory course that surveys the structure, function, classification, and inter-relationships of living organisms. This course takes a creationist stance but discusses the theory of evolution.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Forms, functions, and groupings of flora and fauna, human physiology, ecology.
Chemistry (1 Unit)
This is an introductory course covering chemical theory and descriptive chemistry, with emphasis on the structure and periodicity of the elements. Concepts are reinforced with numerous simple lab experiments.
(36 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Chemical energetics, measurement, structure of atoms, bonding, stoichiometry, gases, ionization, hydrocarbons, oxidation, reduction.
Physics (1 Unit)
An introductory, qualitative course in the physics of motion, properties of matter, electromagnetism, and light. The course progresses in historical sequence from the discoveries of Galileo and Newton through the classical physics of electricity, magnetism, and light to the insights of modern physics and relativity. Emphasis is on explanation rather than calculation. The course will prepare the student for introductory, quantitative (algebra/calculus-based) physics at the college level.
(24 submissions, 4 exams)
Topics: Motion, energy, gases and liquids, atoms, waves and vibrations, sound, electric current, magnetism, light.
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