Course Information
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Holy Cross, as an academic institution, seeks to provide challenging and stimulating academic opportunities commensurate with the individual student's abilities and interests. The academic requirements and curricular offerings reflect a strong belief in a general liberal arts education as being the best preparation for either further academic or technical study in an ever changing workplace.
Core CoursesENGLISH
English I This course is designed to give the freshman a solid background in basic skills including grammar, composition, spelling, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Novels will be utilized in addition to the text.
English II This course builds on the skills learned in English 1. Concentration is on American Literature as well as grammar and composition.
English III This is a more advanced World Literature course with emphasis on writing, research, and public speaking. Review of skills is done as necessary and more sophisticated skills such as coordination, subornation, and parallel structure are introduced.
English IV English and World Literature from the 17th century to modern times are studied in this course. Students will be expected to write research papers, study novels, and engage in critical and creative writing.
English IV (College Credit/Excel) Through an intensive study of language and literature, the student will develop proficiency in basic mechanics and composition, in expression of creative thought, and in basic research toward the production of a research paper. This course will foster understanding and analysis of idea and form in major types of literature.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Foreign Language (French I or Spanish I) The beginning course is an introduction to the general characteristics of the language. The course of study includes word knowledge, pronunciation, phonetics, drill translation, and basic grammar. Elementary reading and an introduction to the culture are included. Emphasis is on oral practice
Foreign Language (French II or Spanish II) The second year course is designed to present a thorough review of first year contents and upon this foundation to expand the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the language. Emphasis is on oral practice.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I This course stresses both the structure and development of the real number system. Content includes properties of real numbers, equations, inequalities, problem solving, functions, two-dimensional graphing, working with polynomials, factoring, and rational and irrational expressions.
Geometry This course begins with an introduction of the basic elements of geometry. Inductive and deductive reasoning are required during the course. Formal and informal proofs will be presented. Content includes parallel lines and planes, the study of perpendicular lines and planes, congruent and similar triangles, the study of polygons and circles.
Algebra II This course begins with the algebra of real numbers, proceeds to the algebra of complex numbers, and extends into the algebra of polynomials. Content includes linear and polynomial functions, two and three dimensional systems, determinants, polynomials, sequences and series, and rational, irrational and complex numbers.
Pre-Calculus (College Credit/Excel) This course is intended for students who plan to take a calculus course in high school or college. It includes the topics traditionally taught as Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry and integrates additional work with other functions. Topics include: real and transcendental functions, their inverses, graphs, and applications; analytic geometry; polar coordinates; complex number systems; logarithms; series and sequences; and mathematical induction. Key geometry concepts are reviewed. A graphing calculator is required.
Calculus (College Credit/Excel) This course will give advanced study to functions and give careful study to limits and related theory. Derivatives will be established from standard differential formulas and followed by a variety of applications. A good trigonometry knowledge is presumed and transcendental functions are studied along with some methods of integration.
Pre-College Mathematics Topics This course covers topics to enrich the mathematical knowledge of students and to enhance and preserve their mathematical skills in preparation for college. The main topics include: fundamentals of trigonometry, advanced functions, an introduction to conic sections, logarithms, probability, and a geometry review. A graphing calculator will be required.
Senior Math Topics This course is intended to prepare students for college level Algebra or similar courses. Content includes radicals and complex numbers, quadratics, conic sections and nonlinear functions and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions and basic trigonometry. A graphing calculator is required.
SCIENCE
Biology I This course is an introductory survey of modern biology where in the students are acquainted with the basic principles of the scientific method as well as the basic principles of cellular, organic, and systematic aspects of life as they are understood at present.
Introduction to Physical Science This course introduces students to the basic principles of physical science. The student becomes familiar with laboratory equipment and techniques as the fundamental concepts are utilized in an experimental atmosphere. Students are led through investigations from which logical conclusions are drawn using the experimental observations.
Health (semester) A required course taken by all freshman. Health consists of basic instruction in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, emotional and mental health, human sexuality, first aid and CPR.
Physical Education (semester) A required course taken by all freshman, PE activities include various team sports, such as field hockey, volleyball, flag football, and basketball to be taught on a seasonal basis. The primary purpose of this course is to stress physical conditioning and coordination of the body with emphasis on the social development of the student.
SOCIAL STUDIES
United States History This course is a survey of the United States from its birth to the present. Topics will include major historical reference points contributing to the evolution of the country. Students will be expected to do research and write a topical paper.
World History This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the history of the peoples of the world. Emphasis is placed on the development of inquiry skills and an understanding of the major advancements of Western Civilization, as well as other civilizations.
THEOLOGY
Theology I The freshman theology course is an exploration of the basic doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and provides a foundation for theology courses in future semesters. A broad view of the development and teaching of the Church is designed to meet the particular needs of the freshman student.
Theology II - Christology (Semester) This course examines the life of Jesus. Students will explore the teachings and healings Jesus exhibited while on earth. The students will examine the time and custom of the day in which Jesus lived and the challenges Jesus professed of these beliefs. Students will also examine the impact of Jesus' life death and resurrection for their own lives.
Theology II - Morality (Semester) This course makes an in-depth study of human needs and their effect on morals. As Christians, our morals are shaped by our faith, which helps us to understand moral codes. Sin, reconciliation, prejudice, and issues of social justice are included.
Theology III - Scriptures (Semester) This course acquaints the student with the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Students will examine the context of the scriptures and the meaning they give to church as well as to their own lives.
Theology III - Sacraments (Semester) This course provides the student with the study and history of Christian worship and sacramental theology. Each student is given opportunities to discover the role of prayer in his/her own life and further enhance the experience and expression of that unique gift.
Theology IV - Peace & Justice This course is designed to help students approach social problems and issues from the perspective of traditional Christian attitudes and current teachings of the Catholic Church. Students are expected to work in group situations and be able to vocalize their feelings about particular topics being studied.
Elective CoursesFINE ARTS
MUSIC I and II/Grades 10, 11 & 12/Full Year
No prerequisite required
This course explores the basic components of music and how these are used in various musical styles at different times in history. The course will give the students a musical vocabulary, auditory skills, and an understanding of musical structures that will facilitate an increased appreciation and enjoyment of a wide range of musical styles.
Ballroom Dancing/Grades 10, 11 and 12/Semester
ART I/All levels/Semester or Full Year
No prerequisite required
First Semester - Introduction to foundation design, including drawing, painting, and other two dimensional media. Students will study and learn artists, present and past, as well as learn to write about the aspects of art. Emphasis put on the work ethic: following through and finishing a piece. A short, mid-semester paper regarding student’s work is required.
Second Semester – Introduction to three dimensional art including pottery, plaster, wire and fiber. The same work ethics apply from first semester. Grade is determined by art work presented, class participation, and mid-semester/final semester papers.
ART II/Full Year
Prerequisite – ART I
The curriculum of the first year is followed with more emphasis on the student’s own creative choices. Portfolios and sketchbooks are begun in order to develop a background for future uses.
ART III/Full Year
Prerequisite – ART I and II
This class and subsequent classes are to develop skills necessary to entering a college art program or post-secondary training in the art field. Portfolio work will be further developed to include varied and refined techniques. Students may begin to specialize in desired areas. Weekly sketchbooks are required. Teacher and student may begin to document work with photographs and slides for college programs.
ART IV/Full Year
Prerequisite - ART I, II and III
This class continues the development of student’s work. A term paper over the student’s four years of art, including interests, will be written and assessed at the end of the year. Weekly sketchbooks are required.
COMMERCIAL ART I/Full Year
Prerequisite – One Semester of ART I
This course is designed to enable students to develop skills and understand basic commercial art techniques. Included in this elective is computer based design of advertising and/or architecture design. Basic drawing and design skills will be emphasized to assist the individual in future project areas. Sketchbooks are required weekly.
COMMERCIAL ART II/Full Year
Prerequisite - Commercial Art I
Further emphasis is placed on earlier designs of student. Student is required to keep a journal of each project and its purpose. Weekly sketchbooks are also required.
PHOTOGRAPHY/All Levels/Semester or Full Year
No prerequisite required
First Semester – Introduction to photography skills. One, 35mm, manual camera is required (not provided by the department). Any student wishing to be in this class must have a manual camera. (Further information will be provided to these students.) Students will learn the technical aspects of photography using black and white film. Two projects will be required throughout the semester.
Second Semester – The student will further advance in skill and will be expected to look beyond technical knowledge to explore the creative aspects of photography.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY/Full Year
Prerequisite – Photography I
This class is a continuation of Photography I. Students will enhance the scope of photography by choosing a photographer of interest, developing pictures in that photographer’s style and presenting a paper about that artist.
ENGLISH
JOURNALISM I/Grades 11, 12/Full Year
Prerequisite - permission of teacher
Students taking this course are responsible for the publication of at least four editions of the newspaper, The Phoenix, and the publication of the yearbook, The Cougar. Responsibilities of the students include: writing newspaper articles each semester; completing assigned yearbook pages per year; selling $200 worth of ads to help fund the publications; and completing photography assignments. Grades for this course will be based on the amount of work completed, correct lay out, correct journalistic style; correct grammar and spelling; and timeliness in meeting deadlines. Each newspaper article, yearbook page and photo assignment will receive a grade.
JOURNALISM II/Grade 12/Full Year
Prerequisite – satisfactory completion of Journalism I
This is a continuation of Journalism I with those same requirements and expectations. In addition, students in Journalism II are expected to take on more responsibility and act as editors of the various publications and their divisions. These students will be included in all decision-making processes. The grading will be the same as Journalism I with each page and article being graded on journalistic style and on meeting journalistic specifications.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (French III or Spanish III)/Grades 11, 12/Honors/Full Year
Prerequisite - permission of teacher
The third course is designed to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the target language. Practice and exercises in the four basic skills enable the student to "think" in the language. Classes are conducted in the language as possible/appropriate. Readings and student compositions are included, and advanced grammar is studied. A further investigation of culture and history comprises an important portion of this course.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (French IV or Spanish IV) /Grade 12/Honors/Full Year
Prerequisite - permission of teacher or completion of third year course
This course continues the development of skills learned in the previous courses. Frequent writing and reading original literature of the language is a big part. There is constant development of grammar skills, vocabulary, and study of idioms. Creativity in the use of the language is made possible.
MATHEMATICS
Pre-Calculus (College Credit/Honors) This course is intended for students who plan to take a calculus course in high school or college. It includes the topics traditionally taught as Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry and integrates additional work with other functions. Topics include: real and transcendental functions, their inverses, graphs, and applications; analytic geometry; polar coordinates; complex number systems; logarithms; series and sequences; and mathematical induction. Key geometry concepts are reviewed. A graphing calculator is required.
Calculus (College Credit/Honors) This course will give advanced study to functions and give careful study to limits and related theory. Derivatives will be established from standard differential formulas and followed by a variety of applications. A good trigonometry knowledge is presumed and transcendental functions are studied along with some methods of integration.
Pre-College Mathematics Topics This course covers topics to enrich the mathematical knowledge of students and to enhance and preserve their mathematical skills in preparation for college. The main topics include: fundamentals of trigonometry, advanced functions, an introduction to conic sections, logarithms, probability, and a geometry review. A graphing calculator will be required.
Senior Math Topics This course is intended to prepare students for college level Algebra or similar courses. Content includes radicals and complex numbers, quadratics, conic secions and nonlinear functions and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions and basic trigonometry. A graphing calculator is required.
SCIENCE
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY/Grades 11, 12/Full Year
Prerequisite – permission of teacher
This course is designed for those students who are interested in health or biology-related fields. Lectures cover in depth the anatomy and physiology of the human body through concentration on the molecular, cellular, tissue, and system level, and the integration of the various systems. In the laboratory, the student will study various aspects of human physiology (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) and will learn to identify human body structures through microscopic work, practical tests, and dissection of major organs (non-human). A strong science background is required (B in Biology).
BIOLOGY II/Grades 11, 12/Honors/Full Year
Prerequisite - permission of teacher
This course is oriented to students interested in a pre-professional course of study in college., i.e. medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine. Major emphasis is given to topics of molecular biology, living processes, genetics, biological experimentation, and surveys of the five kingdoms of organisms. A strong science background is required (A in Biology, B in Chemistry).
CHEMISTRY/Grades 10 (Honors only), 11, 12/Full Year
Prerequisite - Math and Science teacher recommendation for Sophomore Honors
This course is an introduction to chemistry. As a study of matter it deals with the classifications, phases, structure, and changes that matter will undergo. Students develop skills in the use of the Periodic Table and learn to write formulas and balance equations. The mathematics of chemical changes and matter are also considered. Equilibrium, kinetics, and organic and nuclear chemistry may also be considered. Labs are coordinated with topics covered concurrently in class.
CHEMISTRY II/Grades 11, 12/Honors/Full Year
Prerequisite – An A or B+ average in Chemistry I and permission of teacher
This course is a continuation of Chemistry I. It will deal with some of the more advanced topics in Inorganic Chemistry. Labs are coordinated with topics covered in class.
PHYSICS/Grades 11, 12/Honors/Full Year
Prerequisite - permission of teacher
This course is recommended for those students pursuing college study in a science or math field. It covers topics normally dealt with in a traditional physics course - mechanics, energy, heat, waves, electricity, as well as modern or nuclear physics. Labs are coordinated with topics as they are covered in class. A strong math background is required. (Students must be taking or have completed Algebra II.)
ADVANCED PHYSICAL EDUCATION/Grade 12/Semester course
During this course, which emphasizes the lifetime dual and individual sports, students will learn about the importance of physical fitness in life. Activities will include (on a seasonal basis) tennis, paddleball, badminton, golf, aerobics and weight training. The course also includes the team sports of basketball and volleyball which can be played in adult leagues.
CSI (Forensic Science)/Grades 10,11,12/Semester
SOCIAL SCIENCES and BUSINESS
PSYCHOLOGY/Grades 10 (Excel), 11, 12/Fall or Spring Semester *(fulfills the Social Science requirement)
An introduction to the study of human behavior and mental processes concerning theories, methods and findings in major areas of psychological study. Some topics include personality development, development of the mind, emotions, abnormal behaviors and psychological research. Current topics of interest such as stress management, suicide prevention, and self-help trends/programs are explored using current audio-visual equipment. One research paper each quarter is required. This course provides the student with a basic overview of human behavior.
SOCIOLOGY/Grades 10 (Excel), 11, 12/Fall or Spring Semester *(fulfills the Social Science requirement)
Sociology is a detailed study of humans and their groups. The study includes a close examination of basic institutions of society such as the family, government, education and religion. The course also includes the study of human social development from infancy to old age. It will deal with some of the major problems facing society today such as child abuse, crime and delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, the study of suicide and minority problems.
POLITICAL SCIENCE/Grades 11, 12/Fall or Spring Semester *(fulfills the Social Science requirement)
This course examines the basic structures of governments and institutions. The relationship of power and decision-making are examined through the study of the Constitution of the United States and the amendments, other historical documents, the State Constitution, and local governing bodies. Democratic values and citizen participation are stressed throughout the course. Student participation in the community should be encouraged. A short paper is required.
THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR/Grades 10, 11, 12/Fall or Spring Semester *(fulfills the Social Science requirement)
A survey of the history of the Civil War. Topics will include the decades leading to Ft. Sumter, the war years and reconstruction. The political, social, cultural, and military aspects of the conflict will be examined. Materials will include the text, plus outside reading. One research paper is required.
WESTERN CIVILIZATION/College Credit/EUROPEAN HISTORY/Seniors Only *(fulfills the Social Science requirement)
This is a university level course that surveys in some detail the political, cultural, social and intellectual history of the Western World. Europe is given special attention. Materials will include the text, numerous handouts, a number of books. Note: Western Civilization may be taken for college credit through Bellarmine University.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT/Grades 11, 12/Fall Semester
The purpose of this course is to present the student with a solid foundation about business, business operation and management. Some topics that will be covered include: business and its environment, business organization, production, finance and management functions.
BUSINESS MARKETING/Grades 11, 12/Spring Semester
The purpose of this course is to present the student with an understanding of marketing to help prepare them for possible employment or as future participants in the field of marketing. Topics that will be covered include: the importance of marketing, its role in the economy, activities that are a part of marketing, the four elements of marketing and the stages of the product life cycle.
THE LEGAL PROCESS/Grades 11, 12/Spring Semester
This course includes a study of individual and business legal rights and responsibilities. In addition, the origin and history of law, including: Code of Hammurabi – Babylon 2000 B.C., Greek Republic – 300 B.C., Roman Justin Code – 300 A.D., and English Common Law – 1066 A.D. will be covered. The Constitution, court systems, criminal and civil law, contracts, law and minors, consumer protection and insurance will be taught in detail. Legal terminology will be strongly emphasized. Developing a new respect for the dignity of the individual, rationality for the law, the necessity for law and order in a civilized society, and recognizing the need for and means to seek legal assistance are the goals of the course. This course includes a field trip to the Hall of Justice with a talk from a Circuit Court Judge.
APPLIED ECONOMICS/Grades 11, 12/Fall Semester *(fulfills the Social Science requirement)
This course introduces the student to the major economic concepts. It provides the students with the necessary information for making rational economic decisions. Topics to be covered include basic economic problems, economic systems, role of government in economics, supply and demand, entrepreneurship, competion, money and financial institutions, global economy, and other facets of economics. To further enhance the study of micro-economics, the students will learn and understand a credit report. Students will also learn the "do’s" and "don’ts" of obtaining good credit ratings.
ACCOUNTING/Grades 11, 12/Full Year
Designed to teach basic principles, concepts, and procedures of accounting, which can be adopted to changing techniques and tools of the business. Study the complete accounting cycle from the recording and posting of the opening entry to the preparation of the financial statements and closing the ledger for various kinds of business organizations; the use of general and special journals and ledgers; special transactions affecting petty cash, sales, purchases, payrolls, depreciation, valuation of accounts receivable, and others. Prepares students for job placement and/or prerequisite for further study of accounting.
Law and Justice/Grades 10, 11 & 12/Full Year
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I/Grades 10, 11, 12/Fall Semester
Prerequisite - One semester of keyboarding is highly recommended or taken at the same time
Students will learn how to use the computer through the use of major software applications such as word processing, database management, and spreadsheet. Computer history, how computers work, computer ethics, and the effects of computers on society in computer related fields are discussed.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II/Grades 11, 12/Spring Semester
Prerequisite – Computer Applications I or permission of teacher
This course is a continuation of Computer Applications I. More in-depth data processing concepts will be covered. Lengthy computer projects will require students to spend time in the computer lab outside the regular class period.
PROGRAMMING
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AND WEB DESIGN I/Grades 11, 12/Full Year
Prerequisite - Minimum of B average in math or permission of teacher
Students in this course will learn and use HTML and other web applications to maintain and continue to develop the Holy Cross website. Students will be responsible to take pictures and report on school events and activities.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING AND WEB DESIGN II/Grades 11, 12/ Full Year
Prerequisite – Computer Programming and Web Design I
Students in this course will use HTML and other web applications to maintain and continue to develop the Holy Cross website as in the first year. Students in the second year will provide leadership in the design and maintenance of the website.
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