Course Catalog 2023-24

Coast Redwood High School

COURSE CATALOG 
By Department

This course catalog represents the many courses Coast Redwood High School is authorized to teach or deliver in varying formats. However, this course catalog does not represent what is taught regularly. Many courses may be designed to be completed on-campus when available or completed or designed as an independent study/homeschool course.

Course Offerings

WORLD HISTORY

Grade Level: 10  Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: a
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a social studies course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Grade 10 standing
Course Description: This course is a study of the events of the last two centuries, including, but not limited to, the Rise of Democracy, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism (investigating the effects on Africa and Asia specifically), World War I, the Russian Revolution, and World War II. Students learn how historical events have led to present-day situations and survey geography, political systems, interdependence, change, economics, and cultural concepts.

UNITED STATES HISTORY

Grade Level: 11  Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: a
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a social studies course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Grade 11 standing. Recommended passing grade of a C or better in World History 
Course Description: This course studies and explores causes and events in the US. History from post-reconstruction to the present emphasizes political, social, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped the development of this country. Students recognize historical patterns, examine critical issues, and study key individuals’ impact on national growth and international influence.

U.S. GOVERNMENT

Grade Level: 12  Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: a
CRHS: Fulfills one semester of a social studies course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Grade 11 or 12 standing
Course Description: This course studies the structure and function of the American political system. Topics include the Constitution, the electoral and legislative process, and current political issues. The U.S. Government is partnered with Economics.

ECONOMICS

Grade Level: 12  Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: g
CRHS: Fulfills one semester of a social studies elective
Prerequisite(s): Grade 11 or 12  standing
Course Description: This course studies economic systems and their role in America and other nations. Students will understand the impact of government decisions on the American and world economy. Students will study topics such as the Federal Reserve Bank, inflation and deflation, scarcity, perfect competition, monopolies, supply and demand, and how these topics affect prices in the marketplace and international trade. Economics is partnered with the American Government. 

SOCIAL STUDIES CONTRACT

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills the grade-level social studies requirement toward graduation       
Recommendations: Designed for students with an IEP who would benefit from a personally designed curriculum. Please seek advice from the Supervising Teacher on the appropriate placement, course curriculum, and delivery model. All social science courses (a-g) are embedded with modified assignments and are recommended.
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a (non-a-g) social science course requirement towards graduation. 

UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite(s): Grade 10 standing
Course Description: This course includes a study of various literature, composition techniques, creative writing, and speech & debate skills. It emphasizes the literary and analytical expository and requires students to use more cognitive processing skills. English 10 also includes a year-long study of grammar and vocabulary following common core state standards. Students read classic novels, dramas, short stories, nonfiction pieces, excerpts from speeches, and poetry. Students explore themes including heroism, censorship, prejudice, leadership, a utopian world, alienation, and friendship.

ENGLISH 11

Grade Level: 11   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite(s): Grade 11 standing
Course Description: This course utilizes American Literature to explore the origins of our diverse literary ideas and voices as they have evolved through history. The literary periods are studied chronologically to develop reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Students study language and rhetoric from various traditional and modern American sources, including books, essays, articles, personal narratives, historical documents, poems, plays, blogs, YouTube videos, films, documentaries, stand-up comedy acts, and advertisements.  Essay styles include analytical, argumentative, historical investigation, and research. This course also includes a year-long study of grammar and vocabulary following common core state standards.

ENGLISH 12

Grade Level: 12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite(s): Grade 12 standing
Course Description: This course explores modern literature and writing. Literature units are arranged by genre, including poetry, drama, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Analysis of the literature focuses on the writer’s voice, style, narrative structures, themes, and elements of craftsmanship. Writing modes include analytical, argumentative, comparison/contrast, interpretive, narrative, research, reflective, business letters, and creative writing.  Essay styles include analytical, argumentative, historical investigation, and research. This course also includes a year-long study of grammar and vocabulary following common core state standards.

ADVANCED CREATIVE WRITING

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 with strong writing and editing skills.
Course Description: In this college preparatory class, students with experience, interest, passion, and expertise in creative writing will express their talent and ideas through various genres. Through a close and extended analysis of authors, students will expand their previous creative writing experiences to produce more sophisticated and purposeful writing pieces. In addition to studying a sample of various authors, students will focus on a small group of authors, which will be supplemented as students share their ongoing research in preparation to formally present the author’s styles in the following genres: prose (short stories, novel excerpts, essays, and memoirs) and poetry. The formal presentations will be presented to the Creative Writing class to engage and expand the knowledge for students in each course. Using these skills, the students will create a portfolio of original writing for each genre, ultimately featured in a quarterly student-published and site-based literary magazine.

FILM AND LITERATURE ANALYSIS 

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 with strong writing and analytical skills with the recommendation of the teacher
Course Description: This course provides an analytical study of film as literature for high school juniors and/or seniors from the viewpoints of literary and film criticism, literary and film analysis, comparative media study, and critical analysis of films based on specific literary works. Students build upon and enhance the foundation of skills established in English II by focusing on developing depth, rigor, and the ability to apply skills in various contexts. The course is designed to meet the college and career-ready expectations outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades 11 and 12, as students develop their reading skills in both information and literary texts and their writing, research, listening, and speaking skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY LITERATURE

Grade Level: 9-12  Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Environmental Horticulture Design or concurrent enrollment. Strong reading and writing skills.
Course Description: Environmental and Sustainability Literature is a year-long English option course. This course focuses on literature that delves into environmental issues such as environmental justice, factory farming, climate change, global access to clean water, the consumption of natural resources, and environmental health. The course will focus on early forms of nature writing from H.D. Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and John Muir through the 20th Century environmentalist pieces from writers such as Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, and Edward Abbey. It will include modern activists and current millennial writers. By studying various texts, we will attempt to confront the most pressing global issues intertwining food, water, energy, economics, and social class, to understand what environmentalism, activism, and sustainability mean. Students will be encouraged to find their voices while exploring their generation’s most pressing issues.

LITERATURE STUDIES THROUGH POP MUSIC

Grade Level: 11-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite(s): Completion of English 9 and English 10 with a “B” or better
Recommendations: Students must be prepared with advanced (college-level) reading and writing skills and superior organization and pacing skills.
Course Description: This project-based English course asks students to problematize theories about authorship, reception, poetry and performance, and US history and world history survey in US popular music to build a critical tradition appropriate for the interdisciplinary nature of popular songs. Aided by videos that offer comprehensive histories of the development of the US American recording industry, its national and global reach, and its cultural influence, students are encouraged to think broadly about methodology and analysis. In doing so, students will incorporate the origins of the music and the digital music revolution, using literature and music to foster connections between students and teachers and use that power to help keep students engaged, emotionally healthy, and learning.

MYTH, MAGIC, AND FOLKLORE IN LITERATURE 

Grade Level: 11-12   Length: 1 year

UC Requirement Fulfilled: b
UC Curriculum Integration (UCCI)
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an English course requirement towards graduation
Prerequisite(s): Completion of English 9 and English 10 with a “B” or better
Recommendations: Students must be prepared with advanced (college-level) reading and writing skills and superior organization and pacing skills.
Course Description: The first semester is divided into two-quarters of nine weeks each, and as an option, a student may adjust the semester outline into two semesters to get through much of the more difficult work. This course is designed for students to complete in one semester or two, depending on the student's reading and writing strengths. The student will spend the first half of the semester jumping back and forth between Cooper’s novels and their myth-related and Arthurian source material (e.g. History of the Kings of Britain, Le Morte D’Arthur, The Mabinogion—canonical Welsh epic stories—as well as such correspondingly canonical myths as those involving Taliesin, Merlin, Owen Glendower, and the legendary “drowned cities” of Northern Wales). We will then compare Cooper’s works to traditional modern literature based on or about Arthurian Legends: The Once and Future King’s “The Sword in the Stone.” The second half of the semester will delve into L’Engle’s time-traveling sequel to A Wrinkle in Time, a sequel borrowing heavily from Celtic myth and one that uses the archetypes about which Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell extensively write. 

CONTRACT ENGLISH 9, 10, 11, and 12 

Grade Level:9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: NONE
Recommendations: Designed for students with an IEP who would benefit from a personally designed curriculum. Please seek advice from the Supervising Teacher on the appropriate placement, course curriculum, and delivery model. English 9, 10, 11, and 12 (a-g) are embedded with modified assignments and are recommended.
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a (non-a-g) English course requirement towards graduation.

Course Offerings

SCIENCE SERIES: Coast Redwood High School offers two science pathways. For students preparing for admittance to CSU/UC colleges upon graduation, courses include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Conceptual Chemistry, Integrated Science, Marine Science, and Environmental Horticulture Studies 1.  For students seeking an alternative to CSU/UC requirements and meeting high school graduation requirements, courses include Biology, Environmental Horticulture Studies 1, Environmental Horticulture Studies 2, Integrated Science, Earth Science, Marine Science, or a Science Contract course.

BIOLOGY OF THE LIVING EARTH

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a life science course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment or successful completion in Math 1A, Math 1B or Math 1
Course Description: The Biology-The Living Earth begins with ecosystems as a whole (looking at both living and nonliving components), progressing into connections within ecosystems describing the cycling of matter in two important life processes, photosynthesis and respiration, while also emphasizing the nonliving parts of these cycles. Then, the course moves into evolution (in which evidence is based on both living and nonliving systems) and then links evolution to studying heredity. From there, the course progresses to smaller scales to what defines characteristics of life from the cell to multicellular organisms. The course ends by coming full circle back to ecosystems and the impacts that humans have on them, especially on global climate change. A culminating project for this course should synthesize how life on Earth depends on biotic and abiotic factors. This course integrates the appropriate biology Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) with the appropriate earth science Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs). 

CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY 

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfillment: d
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Biology and a “B” or higher in previous math class
Recommendation: Students must be able to work independently through a textbook and have excellent time management and pacing skills. It is recommended that this high-level Independent Study course be supplemented with outside tutoring support or the equivalent course be taken through a Community College or other accredited institution.
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a physical science course requirement toward graduation
Course Description: This course introduces students to chemistry through the study of matter and energy and continues with elements and compounds, and different types of reactions. Other topics covered include molecular formulas, molar relationships, bonding the geometry of molecules, and types and properties of solutions. This course aims to provide the students with a broad exposure to chemistry for college-bound, non-science majors. The course will be less mathematically oriented than the traditional Chemistry course.

CHEMISTRY IN THE EARTH SYSTEM

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfillment: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a physical science course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Math 1A and Math 1B or with a grade of “B” or better, concurrent enrollment in Math 2, and successful completion of Biology with a grade of “B” or better. 
Recommendation: Students must be able to work independently in an online program and have excellent time management and pacing skills.  A computer with internet access is necessary for enrollment in this course.  It is recommended that this high-level Independent Study course be supplemented with outside tutoring support or the equivalent course be taken through a Community College or other accredited institution.
Course Description: This course begins with a unit on combustion, focusing on creating carbon dioxide and its effect on the atmosphere. Then it moves onto units on heat and energy and the earth’s System: atoms, elements, and molecules; chemical reactions, the chemistry of climate change; dynamics of chemical reactions and ocean acidification.  Each unit includes appropriate overlap of biology DCI's and Earth Science DCI's. This course integrates appropriate earth science Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) with biology Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI).

ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE STUDIES 1

Grade level: 9-12  Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a life science course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Biology and concurrent enrollment in Math 1B or Math 2
Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to enter the environmental and horticulture fields. It encompasses urban landscape planning, design, construction, and management. Relevant topics include botany, ecosystem restoration and management, landscape ecology, sustainable landscape management, sustainable use of natural resources, urban horticulture, and urban landscape design. Emphasis will be on ecology, plant identification, plant propagation, water conservation, and related cultural practices.  An important aim of this course is to develop in the student an appreciation of horticulture in the environment. This second tier of Environmental Horticulture 2 allows the student to participate in a 3rd year Environmental Horticulture Internship.

ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE STUDIES 2

Grade level: 11-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a physical science course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Biology and Environmental Horticulture Studies 1
Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for tier two entry into environmental and horticulture fields. Environmental Horticulture Studies 2 builds on the previous year’s course by including topics such as soil science, compost science, advanced plant taxonomy, managing waste, water, and pest resources, and the effects of climate change on erosion, land use, and agricultural concerns. An important aim of this course is to continue developing in the student an appreciation of horticulture in their environment. This second tier of Environmental Horticulture 2 allows the student to participate in a 3rd year Environmental Horticulture Internship.

MARINE SCIENCE

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an interdisciplinary science course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Integrated Earth Science, Biology, and/or one other year of a science. This course may be applied as a third-year elective science.
Course Description: Marine Science is a laboratory class that meets the Physical and Life Science requirements. The class will introduce students to the physical and biological "world" of the oceans. It is an ecologically based course that emphasizes the relationship between biotic (living) factors such as predation, parasitism, availability of mates, etc., and abiotic (non-living) factors such as temperature, sunlight exposure, pressure, and salinity. Students will examine the importance of the world's oceans' role on Earth's global climate, the scientific principles governing organisms, and their association with the environment. The course will begin with the chemistry of water, oceanography (earth science concepts, physical nature of the oceans), plate tectonics, geography, and ecology, and then embark on an in-depth study of the diverse marine communities that can be found throughout the world oceans (coral reefs, tide pools, deep ocean, open sea, estuaries, and continental shelves). The class will conclude with a study of the human impact on the sea: an analysis of global fishing practices, underwater mining, water pollution, bycatch, ocean acidification, and global warming.

PHYSICS

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfillment: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a physical science course requirement toward graduation
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Math 1A and Math 1B with a grade of “B” or better, concurrent enrollment in Math 2, and successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and/or Environmental & Horticulture Studies with a grade of “B” or better.
Recommendation: Students must be able to work independently in an online program and have excellent time management and pacing skills.  A computer with internet access is necessary for enrollment in this course.  It is recommended that this high-level Independent Study course be supplemented with outside tutoring support or the equivalent course be taken through a Community College or other accredited institution.
Course Description: This online Independent Study course is designed for the 4-year college-bound student with a solid math background who wants to learn more about mechanics, energy, heat, sound, light, magnetism, electricity, electronics, and nuclear action. This course prepares students for careers in science, engineering, technology, medicine, and teaching. It is designed as a 2nd or 3rd year college prep course. This course is delivered via the online program Edgenuity©, and a credentialed teacher proctors all labs and assessments.

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
Prerequisite(s): none
UC Requirement Fulfilled: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an interdisciplinary science course requirement towards graduation, fulfilling either life or physical science.
Course Description: Students will develop strong communication skills to communicate their questions, hypotheses, methods, and findings. Students will incorporate graphs and tables to represent their quantitative and qualitative data and use these pieces of evidence to support their claims. Upon completing the class, students will have foundational scientific knowledge of the laws and theories regarding matter and energy that encourage the application of science to real-life contexts, particularly as it relates to the Earth and its systems. This integrated science course addresses overarching ideas of three branches of science (Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science) following Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which emphasize critical thinking and engineering practices.

EARTH SCIENCE

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
Prerequisite(s): none

UC Requirement Fulfilled: None
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a physical science course requirement toward graduation.
Course Description: This course will provide students with an understanding of the Earth's processes in the hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Topics of study include the Earth's formation and its layers, earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics, and human impact on key Earth processes.

SCIENCE CONTRACT 

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: None
Recommendations: Designed for students with an IEP who would benefit from a personally designed curriculum.
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an interdisciplinary or identified field course requirement toward graduation.
Recommendations: Designed for students with an IEP who would benefit from a personally designed curriculum. Please seek advice from the Supervising Teacher on the appropriate placement, course curriculum, and delivery model. All science courses (a-g) are embedded with modified assignments and are recommended.
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a (non-a-g) Science course requirement towards graduation.

Course Offerings

WORLD LANGUAGE SERIES: Coast Redwood High School offers World Language elective pathways. For students preparing for admittance to CSU/UC colleges upon high school graduation or choosing to transfer after community college to a 4-year institution, many colleges require applicants to have completed two years of the same world language, but 3+ years of a language study is strongly recommended. To fulfill a world language independently, it is recommended that students concurrently or dual enroll in a full-time course at an accredited institution, Community College, or other course models with support. 

SPANISH 1

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: e

Prerequisite(s): none

CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Course Description: This is a beginning-level Spanish course focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish and developing cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. Students learn to produce simple questions, answers, and descriptions, use basic grammar forms, and develop a vocabulary of at least 500 words and phrases. Students develop a vocabulary range that enables them to make simple statements, describe common objects, numbers, colors, family, time, dates, months, weather, clothing, classes, and teachers, and to express actions about free time activities. Students begin a cultural exploration of the countries where Spanish is spoken. 

SPANISH 2

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: e

CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Spanish 1 with a “C” or better letter grade.
Recommendation: This Independent Study course is supported by a teacher once a week. If students seek a full immersion Spanish 2 course, it is recommended that they enroll in a full-time course at an accredited institution or Community College.
Course Description: Building on the knowledge acquired in Spanish level one, students can ask and answer many sophisticated questions. Expressions used will increase in length, and some creativity will begin to be evident. Ways of expressing actions in the present and future will be reviewed, and the past tenses will be introduced. Active vocabulary will increase to 800 words, including food, transportation, school, holidays, stores, entertainment, sports, health, and giving and understanding directions. Cultural awareness will increase. 

WORLD LANGUAGES CONTRACT

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: None
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: To fulfill a world language other than Spanish, it is recommended that students concurrently enroll in a full-time course at an accredited institution, Community College, or other course models with support.
Course Description: This is a beginning-level, independent study World Language course focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in specific languages other than Spanish 1 and developing cultural awareness of the speaking world. Students learn to produce simple questions, answers, and descriptions, use basic grammar forms, and develop a vocabulary of at least 500 words and phrases. Students develop a vocabulary range that enables them to make simple statements, describe common objects, numbers, colors, family, time, dates, months, weather, clothing, classes, and teachers, and to express actions about free time activities. Students begin a cultural exploration of the countries where this language is spoken.

Course Offerings

CERAMICS 1

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course introduces students to the fundamentals and principles of the visual arts. The history and criticism of visual arts are presented through projects, lectures, films, and slides. Students gain a basic understanding of how to see, evaluate, and interpret experience through various media. Basic tools and techniques (pinch, coil, 3-D slabs, wheel, sculpture, decorating, and glazing works of clay) are explained, demonstrated, and practiced to promote creative expression through active student participation. This course is designed for all students with or without previous experience in the visual arts and can prepare students for more advanced coursework.

CHORUS

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Positive attitude and desire to learn about correct singing techniques and music education.
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course provides students with a “concert choir” experience through the Vocal Ensemble. Students are introduced to the mechanics of vocal production, study repertoire of many different styles and periods, and perform in concert each semester.

DANCE 1

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course introduces students to studying fundamental forms of movement, which will allow them to create their dance compositions. Students study different dance styles and forms, including historical and cultural information on dance. This course is designed for all students with or without previous experience in dance and can prepare students for more advanced coursework.

DANCE FUNDAMENTALS

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course introduces students to studying fundamental forms of movement, which will allow them to create their dance compositions. Students study different dance styles and forms, including historical and cultural information on dance. This course is designed for all students with or without previous experience in dance and can prepare students for more advanced coursework. This basic to advanced elective dance course offers a wide range of dance types and form interests as students explore the possibilities of the dance world and hone in on areas of interest and pursuit. Students must have resources for optimal success, such as dance classes, tutors, or instructors. Community classes are strongly advised.

DRAMA

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that this course be filled in conjunction with an organized theater program or an established Theater course at an accredited institution or community center.
Course Description: This course is an exploration of the approaches to acting. Students begin by playing theater games, move to improvisations, and then perform professionally scripted and student-written monologues. Students produce and perform scenes from professional play scripts for the final presentation. Students develop original monologues that reveal specific points of view of contemporary social issues. Students study the major periods of theater history from Ancient Greece to the 21st Century using student research projects and presentations of production, acting, and notable theatrical art innovators of these periods.

DRAWING & PAINTING

Grade Level: 11-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Studio Art 1 and  Visual Studies 
*Advanced Level or 3rd/4th-year art course
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This foundation class focuses on various art-making skills and design concepts complemented by art history and analysis. The course begins with an introduction to the visual elements of design, basic drawing principles, and drawing with various traditional media. Students explore the world of forms and techniques. Next, students explore color with various materials, including watercolor, acrylic paint, colored pencils, and pastels. There is an emphasis on color theory and technique. The course’s final section focuses on three-dimensional art, including bookmaking, wire sculpture, paper mache, wood, and found object art. All lessons are connected to art history and/or contemporary artists and concepts.

VISUAL STUDIES/ART 1 

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Studio Art 1 (Beg/Mid-level skills)
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This general survey course is designed to meet the challenge of creating compelling and interesting visual art. Through 2D, 3D, and digital art experiences, the curriculum provides each artist with the ability to generate creative ideas as well as the skills to execute them. An introduction to Visual Studies focuses on developing essential visual skills in classical art, such as drawing, painting, and ceramics, in addition to modern technology, digital media, and photography.

MUSIC THEATER 

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that this course be filled in conjunction with an organized theater program or an established theater course at an accredited institution or community center.
Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in acting, singing, and stage production techniques. By doing this, students are supplied with the framework to think critically about artistic interpretation. Through music theater reviews and musical repertoire, students engage in reflective and critical thinking. This leads to understanding the growth process within the foundations of music and acting.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their photography materials and cameras and are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course familiarizes students with digital photographic equipment, software, materials, and methods through hands-on practice. This course integrates the elements of art and the design principles related to photographic composition, allowing creative and expressive opportunities. Students are encouraged to submit projects for publications, competitions, and displays. After completing this course, students can work independently with cameras, scanners, printers, and computers. Students compile a digital and real portfolio that can be used to demonstrate their abilities for college entrance or employment in the visual art field.

TECHNICAL THEATER / STAGECRAFT 

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Drama 1
Recommendation: It is recommended that this course be filled in conjunction with an organized theater program or an established Theater course at an accredited institution or community center.
Career Technical Education Course Description: This course provides instruction and training for students interested in stage design. Students who achieve competency in this course develop skills in stagecraft design and are prepared for entry-level employment. Entry-level positions include set decorator, set designer, and assistant art director. Instruction and hands-on experience include set architecture, design elements, stage management, lighting design, costume design, and make-up application.

STUDIO ART 1

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: f
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Beginning art course
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the art student with an advanced study in drawing and painting using various art mediums through project-based assignments. Focusing on using the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, students create original works of art that involve community Projects, product design, and participation in multiple art show competitions. Students develop a portfolio of artwork demonstrating mastery of drawing and painting skills, using various artistic techniques and media,  ranging from pencil and charcoal to watercolors and acrylic paints.

MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite: none
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: This course is a  basic to advanced elective music course that offers a wide range of music and instrument interests as students explore the possibilities of the music world and hone in on areas of interest and pursuit. Students must have resources in place for optimal success, such as instrument tutors/instructors and voice and theorists teachers/tutors. Community classes are strongly advised.

DIGITAL ART/COMPUTER ART/GRAPHICS

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have access to their materials or are supported through outside community resources.
Course Description: Students are introduced to the fundamental art and design theory and skills essential to design and visual communication. Lectures and projects emphasize elements of art and principles of design. Students are informed and influenced by studying graphic design history and contemporary design. Students study the historical context of graphic design while developing skills in artistic perception, critiquing, and application of design strategies through experiences that emphasize solving visual art problems. Students develop an awareness of historical trends in design as well as themes and subject matter from diverse times, places, and cultures. Color theory and perception, composition, typography, product marketing, and multimedia design are explored, emphasizing appropriate, effective communication and aesthetic valuing. Students develop an independent portfolio of work and create an exhibit of their work demonstrating mastery of Visual and Performing Arts standards as a capstone project.

Course Offerings

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a practical art or general elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: Computer Science and Technology introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science by exploring engaging and accessible topics such as coding and gaming applications. The goal of exploring Computer Science is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of abstraction, algorithm development, creating artifacts, communicating, and collaboration while building skills in specific programming languages and design environments. The course presents computing problems in real-world scenarios, allowing students to deepen their understanding of theoretical concepts while bringing computer science alive through real applications and connections. A student must have resources for optimal success, such as a computer, software, applications, internet access,  printer, scanner, etc. Community classes such as those at Cabrillo College or Cruzio are strongly advised.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year (may be repeated up to 2 times)
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a practical art or general elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: Construction Technology is an elective course involving classroom and worksite competencies in the following areas: basic construction math, project organization, starting the job, foundations and support structures, practices and procedures for standard wood framing, exterior wall and roof coverings, repairing and/or altering old and new structures and new technologies.

CULINARY ARTS

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year (may be repeated up to 2 times)
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a practical art or general elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Algebra 1 or Math 1A and English 9
Recommendation: It is recommended that students enrolled in this course have access to a kitchen, appropriate materials (foods, utensils, pots/pans, etc.), a computer with internet access, a printer, and a camera.
Course Description: This course gives students the skills necessary to become proficient food preparers. Students explore every facet of culinary arts and learn the vital practice of quality food preparation. Topics in the first semester include equipment, foundations of food service, sanitation, knife skills, stocks and conversions, herbs, spices, vegetable cookery, starches, fish and seafood, poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and game. Topics in the second semester include soups, cooking methods (dry), cooking methods (wet), vegetarian cooking, sauces, eggs, Global Village, breakfast, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, baking, and pastry. Upon completing this course, students satisfy the resume/career unit of study.

HOME ECONOMICS

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year 
UC Requirement Fulfilled: None 
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a practical art or general elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: This consumer home economics course equips students with life management skills through instruction and leadership development activities and acquiring practical skills needed for applications in everyday life situations. Areas covered are household management, consumer education, food and nutrition, fashion, and textiles.

PRACTICAL ARTS CONTRACT

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS:  Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: Practical Arts allows students to find their passion! Students today are entering a highly competitive workforce. To be career and college-ready, students will need to be able to integrate and apply skills and technical knowledge with core academic knowledge. Practical Arts at Coast Redwood High School emphasizes real-world, real-life skills and connects academics and training to help students be successful in the future. No matter what your dream is, you can pursue it through Practical Arts with contract courses in Animal Science, Fabric Construction, Fashion Design, Business Finance, Personal Finance, Nutrition and Wellness, Early Childhood Education, Aerospace Technologies, Law Enforcement Junior Cadet Program, or Computer Game and Simulation Design and Coding. Our contract programs are aligned with industry standards that prepare students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers, or students may concurrently enroll in community-sponsored programs such as the Cadet Program. The student and Supervising Teacher will research and outline which area of interest the student will begin.

A contract with one area of interest with pacing guides will be agreed upon and monitored for progress through six-week rotations. Credit will be based on completing one or two areas of interest each semester.

PSYCHOLOGY

Grade Level: 11-12  Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: d
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Math 1, English 9, English 10, and concurrent enrollment in Math 2 or higher.
Course Description: This course is the scientific study of the inner workings of humankind’s most complex organ, the brain. Designed as a tour through psychology, students explore underlying mental functions and behaviors that govern how we sense, feel, learn, remember, and process language. You’ll also learn how the mind develops as it ages and the effects of nature versus nurture. Finally, you’ll learn about psychological disorders, therapy, and social psychology. By the end of this course, you’ll have a greater appreciation and understanding of how your mind works. 

STUDENT AIDE

Grade Level: 11-12   Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: None
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a practical art or general elective course toward graduation. This course is graded as a (P-pass) or NP (not-passed)
Prerequisite(s): The ability to type is desirable for some placements. Students may earn up to 5 credits each semester with a maximum of 10 credits for the school year based on academic review and hours. A total of 20 credits toward graduation are permitted in this category.
Course Description: Working under the direct supervision of a Supervising Teacher(s) and classified staff in elementary, intermediate, and high schools, students will gain practical experience by serving as teacher aides, clerical aides, laboratory assistants, or child care aides. Candidates must consult their Supervising Teacher(s) and be assigned a position through the school site principal, the teacher who requested an aide, and the student’s Supervising Teacher.

YEARBOOK

Grade Level: 11-12   Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a practical art or general elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Grade 11/12 standing or by recommendation
Course Description: Yearbook is a production-based elective course that creates the Coast Redwood High  School yearbook. Because the staff is solely responsible for the book's content, design, layout, and sale, students who choose to be a part of this business must ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively. Staff must be cooperative, punctual, professional, creative, and productive. 

Course Offerings

HEALTH 

Grade Level: 9-12  Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one semester of Health Education with any PE courses.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: The Health course is intended to create a space for students to answer the questions: “What does it mean to be a healthy teenager?” and “How do I set myself up for lifelong health? This course is designed to assist students in obtaining accurate information, developing lifelong positive attitudes and behaviors, and making wise decisions related to their health.  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1

Grade Level: 9   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a Physical Education course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: This course focuses on learning various dual and individual sports and activities. Students learn basic principles and concepts of various physical activities and increase awareness of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies through these activities. This class is integrated with an independent study health curriculum.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of a Physical Education course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): P.E. 1
Course Description: This course is designed to increase the knowledge of high school students as it pertains to lifelong fitness, workout plans, and basic knowledge of team activities and to increase the knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies through team sports and cooperation.

P.E. ELECTIVE

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 semester or year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): none
Course Description: This course is designed to help students reach their athletic potential by presenting them with a challenging course on CrossFit modalities. Students may also wish to pursue a new workout regimen, including yoga, upper body and lower body strengthening, martial arts, outdoor adventure sports, etc.

SPORTS PE

Grade Level: 10-12   Length: 1 semester or year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: None
CRHS: Fulfills one year of an elective course toward graduation.
Prerequisite(s): Maintain a C grade in all courses and Charter School eligibility. Pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and participate in 1 or more school sports. A maximum of 20 Sports PE credits can be earned. This course is graded as (Pass/No-Pass) with 5 credits.
Course Description: This course focuses on learning various ways to keep physically fit during the athlete’s “off-season” period. This class aims to learn different methods to stay physically active, apply those strategies in the classroom and during sports training, and create healthy habits leading to lifelong fitness.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Grade Level: 9-12   Length: A minimum of 15 hours per school year for 60 hours over four years.
UC Requirement Fulfilled: none
CRHS: Fulfills a graduation requirement for community service
Prerequisite(s): Community Service hours of 15+ are applied to each student’s four years in high school.
Course Description: One of our essential Life Skills and School-wide Outcomes is serving and acting for the benefit of the community. CRHS requests every student to serve his/her various communities as part of their portfolio requirement and one of several requirements to receive an Honors cord at graduation. To receive an Honors cord, students must complete at least 100 hours of community service before their Senior year. Students may serve up to 20 hours by helping at officially sanctioned CRHS and/or All-Charter activities or a combination.  As part of the CRHS culture, Lifeskills, and School-wide outcomes, all students are encouraged to complete 60 hours of community service before graduation. Students new to CRHS will have their hours adjusted accordingly and pro-rated. Summers are a great time to complete community service hours. Speak with your advisor about summer opportunities in your community.