Mira Costa High School

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​

Course Description Book School Year 2024-2025

1401 Artesia Boulevard

Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Phone: (310) 318-7337
Fax: (310) 303-3814
Website: www.miracostahigh.org
Website for Mira Costa’s approved UC A-G Course List:
www.ucop.edu/doorways
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

VISION STATEMENT / ESLRs ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3

COURSE PREREQUISITES – ADD/DROP POLICY – AP COURSES – TIME MANAGEMENT​ 4

Click on departments below for quick access to course descriptions:

ATHLETICS, HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

ENGLISH​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

MATHEMATICS​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES

TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING COURSES

SPECIAL EDUCATION

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

WORLD LANGUAGE

ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS

1
 Vision Statement:
Mira Costa is a community of learners where each member has the opportunity
to achieve academic, creative, personal, and social excellence.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results

Mira Costa High School graduates, in becoming learners, will be:​

1.​ Effective Communicators Who

o​ demonstrate skills in reading, writing, and mathematics and apply them across the
curriculum
o​ articulate ideas clearly and effectively through oral, written and artistic expression and
creative means
o​ read, listen, and respond effectively and critically
o​ use technology to access and utilize information
o​ are self-advocates

2. Critical Thinkers Who

o​ work independently and collaboratively
o​ solve problems effectively by employing high level thinking skills
o​ identify, assess, analyze, synthesize, use and cite resources and information
productively
o​ explore, discuss, and demonstrate an academic growth and development
o​ demonstrate academic responsibility by meeting or exceeding the standards set by
faculty and staff​

3. Self-Directed Learners Who

o​ work toward achieving potential by setting challenging and achievable goals
o​ demonstrate personal accountability and principled behavior
o​ exhibit good study/work habits that include regular school/work attendance and
effective time management
o​ monitor, assess, and reflect upon their academic growth and development
o​ demonstrate academic responsibility by meeting or exceeding the standards set by
faculty and staff

4. Responsible Citizens Who

o​ are proactive in taking responsibility for their own actions
o​ acknowledge and respect cultural and ideological diversity and individual differences
o​ participate in community service
o​ respect property and natural resources
o​ demonstrate awareness of a healthy and productive lifestyle
o​ continue to represent MCHS on and off campus

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 MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL

FOUR YEAR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

SUBJECT/GRADE 9th 10th 11th 12th Semesters

(Credits)
ENGLISH 2 2 2 2 8
Semesters Semesters Semesters Semesters Semesters
(10) (10) (10) (10) (40)
MATHEMATICS* 2 2 4
Semesters Semesters Semesters
(10) (10) (20)
SCIENCE** 2 2 4
Semesters Semesters Semesters
(10) (10) (20)
ARTS OR WORLD 2
LANGUAGE Semesters
(10)
SOCIAL 2 2 2 6
STUDIES` Semesters Semesters Semesters Semesters
(10) (10) (10) (30)
HEALTH 1
Semester
(5)
P.E/ATHLETICS*** 2 2 4
Semesters Semesters Semesters
(10) (10) (20)
ELECTIVES 17
Semesters
(85)
MINIMUM
CREDITS 60 60 60 50 230
REQUIRED
* ​Must include first-year algebra or higher
** ​Must include one year of physical and one year of biological science
*** Unless exempted pursuant to Ed. Code 5124

3
 ​

Course Prerequisites

Each course has both a required and a recommended prerequisite. The required prerequisite must
be fulfilled prior to enrolling in the next course. The recommended prerequisite will help students
determine their preparation level and likelihood for successful completion of the course listed.
Successful completion means the student earned a C- or better in the course. All grades listed on
prerequisites are meant to include the grade with either a + or a – also.

Add/Drop Policy

The add/drop window for all courses will be the third week of the semester. Please refer to the
2024-2025 calendar for specific dates. Students need to determine prior to that date whether or not
they wish to continue in a course or change to another course. Students need to meet with a
counselor to make that change in their schedule.

The level-down window will be the fifth week of the semester. Please refer to the 2024-2025
calendar for specific dates. Students need to determine prior to that date whether or not they wish
to level down from an accelerated course into the regular course. This change is an
interdepartmental change only. Students need to meet with a counselor to make that change in their
schedule. Grades earned in a dropped course follow the student into the newly added course if the
new course is in the same subject area.

AP Courses

Students can take no more than four Advanced Placement (AP) classes in one year. Three AP
classes is considered a full college load. Students should take this into consideration when
scheduling their courses for the following year.

Time Management Worksheet

A goal of the Manhattan Beach USD is to reduce the amount of unhealthy stress experienced by
our students. In order to assist with this goal, Mira Costa High School has updated the Time
Management Activity worksheet along with an Estimate of Times Sheet to help students plan for
their 2023-2024 school year (see attached pages). It is highly suggested that students take the
time to complete the activity to ensure that they are being challenged but not overloaded. The goal
is to have well-balanced Mustangs.

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 ATHLETICS - HEALTH - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
70453​ ONLINE HEALTH​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Health
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Lifetime Health, ISBN: 0-03-064614-6

Expectations: Lectures and discussions will occur regularly in google classroom and will accompany notes. These
notes form the main guide for tests and quizzes. Homework will include studying for quizzes and tests, completion of
assignments in google classroom or other platform as instructed by the teacher, and a community service project.
Course Description: Health Education curriculum is required for graduation in the state of California. This class often
includes students ranging from freshmen to seniors. Health Education is a survey of topics important to today’s
teenagers. More specifically, topics include: physical fitness, nutrition, heart disease, cancer, tobacco, alcohol, drugs,
first aid, and sex education. In addition to the regular course of study, there is a community service project. This project
requires between 20-28 hours of volunteer work in the community.

70001 / 70002 ​ PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Physical Education
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students will be expected to dress out in the proper uniform daily. Uniforms are purchased at the Student
Store. Students should participate in all class activities to the best of their ability. Up to 3 days of non-participation will be
excused with a note from a parent, physical therapist, etc. Anything more than 3 days will require a note from a doctor.
If a student is out on medical for 5 weeks or more, the student will receive a NO CREDIT mark on the report
card/transcript.
Course Description: This course is designed to be part of a continuous process to meet the standards in physical
education through personal fitness, individual, and team sports. Activities in this course are designed to prepare students
for the California Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Students are required to take PE every year until passing the PFT.

70291 / 70292​ SURF TEAM​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits) ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None​
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Physical Education
●​ Required Prerequisite: Position on the Surf Team is earned through a competitive Spring try-out. (Upper-class
priority)
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Team members will compete before school in a local high school league along with four to five Saturday
specialty contests. The team will both attend and host non-league contests with high schools. Top competitors will
compete at the NSSA State and National Championships. Team members are expected to work out as a team after
school on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a fitness trainer. Team members must provide their own equipment and
transportation.
Course Description: The Surf program is highly competitive and is divided into junior varsity and varsity levels.
Competition is at the varsity level only. The program runs Monday through Friday and meets at the 26th Street lifeguard
tower at 6:30 a.m. Punctuality is required to continue on the team. Tryouts for varsity are held in the fall. Tryouts to get
into the program are held in the spring of the year prior. Dates for tryouts will be announced.

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 ATHLETICS - HEALTH - PHYSICAL EDUCATION (con’t)
TEAM SPORTS

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None

●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Physical Education

●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Being a member of an athletic team is both a tremendous honor and a significant responsibility. Teams
practice on a daily basis during their season, often including Saturdays. Sports can run through school vacation and
frequently have practices and/or games scheduled during vacation time. Before trying out for a sport, the student should
consider the time commitment. Once a student is on a team, they are expected to complete the season, including positive
attendance at all games and practices. In order for a student to participate in athletics at Mira Costa High School, their
grades must reflect a 2.0 grade point average or better and a minimum of twenty (20) credits of new work completed or in
progress. Every athlete is required to be registered on the 8to18 website https://miracosta.8to18.com/accounts/login and
turn in a completed physical form to the Administration Office. Emphasis is placed on developing performance for CIF
competition.
Course Description: These courses develop skills and team concepts in the following sports:​

FALL WINTER SPRING

70061 Badminton – Boys & Girls 70081 Basketball – Boys 70062 Badminton – Boys & Girls
(off-season practice) 70091 Basketball – Girls 70071 Baseball
70101 Beach Volleyball Boys 70251 Rugby – Boys 70111 Beach Volleyball – Girls
70121 Cheer Team 70451 Rugby – Girls 70191 Golf – Boys
70131 Cross Country – Boys 70261 Soccer – Boys 70211 Ice Hockey
70141 Cross Country - Girls 70271 Soccer – Girls 70221 Lacrosse – Boys
70151 Dance Team 70291 Surf Team 70231 Lacrosse – Girls
70171 Football 70391 Waterpolo – Girls 70281 Softball
70201 Golf – Girls 70411 Wrestling – Boys & Girls 70301 Swim – Boys & Girls
70331 Tennis – Girls 70321 Tennis - Boys
70361 Volleyball – Girls 70341 Track - Boys & Girls
70381 Waterpolo - Boys 70351 Volleyball - Boys

70401 / 70402 ​ WEIGHT TRAINING​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits) ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Physical Education
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students will be expected to dress out in the proper uniform every day. Uniforms are purchased at the
Student Store. Students should participate in all class activities to the best of their ability. Up to 3 days of
non-participation will be excused with a note from a parent, physical therapist, etc. Anything more than 3 days will
require a note from a doctor. If a student is out on medical for 5 weeks or more, the student will receive a NO CREDIT
mark on the report card/transcript.
Course Description: This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn weight training concepts and
techniques used for obtaining optimal physical fitness. Students will benefit from comprehensive weight training and
cardio-respiratory endurance activities. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of weight training, strength training,
aerobic training, and overall fitness training and conditioning. This course includes both lecture and activity sessions.

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 ATHLETICS – HEALTH - PHYSICAL EDUCATION (con’t)
70421 / 70422​ YOGA
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No​
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Physical Education
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students will be expected to dress out in the proper uniform every day. Uniforms are purchased at the
Student Store. Each student must provide their own yoga mat. Students should participate in all class activities to the
best of their ability. Up to 3 days of non-participation will be excused with a note from a parent, physical therapist, etc.
Anything more than 3 days will require a note from a doctor. If a student is out on medical for 5 weeks or more, the
student will receive a NO CREDIT mark on the report card/transcript.
Course Description: This course is designed to safely introduce students to the basic postures (asanas), breathing
techniques (pranayama), and relaxation methods of yoga. Students will learn proper alignment, the health benefits of
yoga, to practice mindfulness, and the knowledge and skills to keep fit for life. Students will begin to experience the
benefits of stretching, moving, and breathing freely as they relieve built-up stress, learn relaxation techniques, improve
concentration, and ultimately get more out of day-to- day life. This course will discuss the different styles of yoga, the
importance of proper nutrition, and how yoga and meditation can help with athletic performance, recovery, and everyday
life. The aim of this course is to promote vibrant health and to tap the body’s latent energy reserves, while also promoting
the importance of a lifetime of physical activity.

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 ENGLISH
60421 / 60422​ CREATIVE WRITING​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: See Syllabus

Course Description: This course is designed for students to pursue their love of writing and to understand the creative
process. Through writing exercises, readings, lectures, and workshops, students will create original forms of descriptive
writing. The students will critically examine literary techniques and students will give and receive critical feedback, read
with a writer’s eye, and revise and edit original material of student writing in a workshop mode. Writings are presented
orally and in written form and students prepare a portfolio of completed work.

10001 / 10002​ ENGLISH 9​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 9​ ​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: This is a college preparatory course. The course contains regular reading and writing assignments
throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned regularly.
Course Description: All incoming ninth grade students are enrolled in a college preparatory English course. The thrust of
this college preparatory course is to help students challenge themselves in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The
course focuses on the study of core and extended works, including novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. Students
read and discuss selections from all genres and deal with a variety of themes and topics. Students will also have a wide
range of writing assignments, will learn the effective use of process writing, and will build extensive vocabularies.
Furthermore, they will develop higher level thinking skills and focus on the analysis of themes by responding to literature
in writing, discussion, collaborative learning activities, and oral presentations.

10011 / 10012​ ENGLISH 10 ​ ​

Grade Level: 10​​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: This is an English 10 college preparatory course. This course contains regular reading and writing
assignments throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned regularly.
Course Description: All tenth-grade students study literature that engages the themes of power, oppression, and
redemption as represented in prose fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and drama. The core and extended literary works are
often paired with thematically-linked texts from a broad range of world literature. These literary texts serve as a basis for a
wide variety of assignments, particularly interpretative essays but also other writing styles, such as personal narrative and
persuasive essays, and individual and collaborative projects. Students also continue building on their reading, writing,
listening, and speaking skills through related assignments.

8
 ENGLISH (con’t)
10021 / 10022​ HONORS ENGLISH 10 BLOCK (H English 10/ H Modern World History)
Grade Level: 10​​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 with a grade of B or better.
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Course Description: After review of the forces that shaped modern history, the collaborative instruction focuses upon the
period from the Enlightenment to the present. This is a survey of the significant events and important constructions that
have shaped the modern world. The thrust of this course is to help students improve their competency in reading, writing,
speaking, and listening as well as in developing historical empathy and understanding bias and point of view. The dual
approach allows students to read and discuss selections that encompass all genres and the students participate in small
and large group discussions centering on the analysis of themes and values in literature. In addition, students concentrate
on improving skills in writing coherent essays, a wide range of writing assignments, and oral presentations. Information
and digital literacy skills will also be practiced through a variety of project oriented learning activities.

10031 / 10032​ HONORS ENGLISH 10 ​ ​

Grade Level: 10​​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 9
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: This course begins with mandatory summer reading and assessment and continues with regular reading
and writing assignments throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned regularly
for all courses throughout the year.
Course Description: Grade 10 is the first year that students may enroll in an advanced English program at Mira Costa
High School. Students in this class study canonical works in prose fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and drama that engage
the themes of power, oppression, and redemption; these literary monuments are often paired with thematically-linked texts
from a wide range of world literature. These selections will serve as a basis for many in-depth writing assignments,
particularly interpretative essays. The pace is quick and the workload is substantial. Although this course is challenging
and demanding, most students find it rewarding and wish to continue in the honors program for their last two years at Mira
Costa.

9
 ENGLISH (con’t)
ENGLISH 11: STANARD AND HONORS/AP COURSES ​
​
The eleventh-grade English program offers three paths. While most students will follow the college preparatory course,
others may elect to enroll in the honors program or take the Advanced Placement English Language course. Although the
sole prerequisite for Honors English 11 and AP Language is the successful completion of an English 10 course with a
passing grade, it is strongly suggested that prospective students for these programs have a solid track record in English.
Ideally, students who are interested in our advanced coursework will have maintained an A in college preparatory English
10 or an A or a B in English 10 Advanced.

10041 / 10042​ ENGLISH 11 ​ ​

Grade Level: 11​​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits) ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of any English 10 course
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: This is a college preparatory-level course. This course contains regular reading and writing assignments
throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned regularly.
Course Description: English 11 is a study of American Literature and the forces that have contributed to American
culture. In addition to specific literary works, the course will emphasize both American literary history and specific literary
movements. The course will emphasize close textual analysis of all works of literature through discussion, small group
study, and writing. Students will also be expected to complete at least one research assignment throughout the year.

10061 / 10062​ HONORS ENGLISH 11 ​​

Grade Level: 11​​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 Advanced with a grade of B or better, or completion of
English 10 with a grade of A
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: This course begins with mandatory summer reading and assessment and continues with regular reading
and writing assignments throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned regularly
for all courses throughout the year.
Course Description: English 11 Honors is an accelerated study of American literature and the forces that have
contributed to American ideals, goals, and cultures. The course emphasizes both American literary history and specific
literary movements. Students will read a wide variety of texts at an accelerated pace and be responsible for numerous
written compositions to develop their academic and analytical writing skills. A close textual analysis of literature is
emphasized through discussion, small group study, and writing. Students are expected to complete at least one research
assignment throughout the year. A strong work ethic is encouraged for the rigor of this course.

10
 ENGLISH (con’t)
10191 / 10192​ AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
Grade Level: 11​​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits) ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10 or English 10 Advanced
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 10 with a grade of A or higher; Successful
completion of English 10 Advanced with a grade of B or higher
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: AP English Language and Composition is a rigorous introductory college-level composition course. The
course features accelerated reading, writing, and speaking assignments. It is intended for students who are serious about
studying literature and non-fiction texts at an advanced pace.
Course Description: In the class, students will read and interpret a broad range of texts, analyzing the rhetorical
structure, devices, and conventions of those works. More specifically, students will unpack the reasoning, organization,
claims, and evidence of the texts. Students will also write extensively, not only analyzing the rhetorical soundness of texts
they read but also crafting their own writing that makes use of rhetorical strategies. Beyond the course’s focus on rhetoric,
AP English Language will also include an accelerated study of American literature and the forces that have contributed to
American ideals, goals, and cultures.

ENGLISH 12: SEMESTER SEMINAR AND YEARLONG COURSES

In an effort to standardize students’ experience in senior English, please know that all students (regardless of which
course they select) will be expected to:

●​ Write a thorough research paper,

●​ Independently finish an outside reading book, and
●​ Write multiple analytical essay assignments

YEARLONG COURSES
The yearlong college prep course and AP course focus on world literature including works of fiction, non-fiction, drama
and poetry.

10071 / 10072​ ENGLISH 12​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English, Language Arts
●​ Prerequisite(s): None
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation
Expectations: This is a college preparatory-level course. This course contains regular reading and writing assignments
throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned regularly.
Course Description: This yearlong college preparatory course focuses on Contemporary World Literature including
works of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry. A variety of written assignments are required, as well as discussions and
oral presentations. This course focuses not only on interpretive, analytical writing but also personal narratives and
persuasive writing on contemporary and controversial issues. This course is designed to review and build upon all of the
skills learned in previous English courses while also incorporating cross-curricular ideas. This class also encourages
students to explore both individual and societal identity while also preparing students for post-high school education and
career goals.

11
 ENGLISH (con’t)
10081 / 10082​ AP ENGLISH LITERATURE ​ ​
Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Year/-long (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11 or application and acceptance into AP English
Literature
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Honors English 11 with a grade of B or better, or completion of
English 11 with a grade of A and successful application and acceptance into AP English Literature
●​ Textbook: Core and Extended Lists – school provides all copies but students may elect to obtain their own for
annotation

Expectations: This AP course begins with mandatory summer reading and assessment and continues with regular
reading and writing assignments throughout the year. Homework and individual and collaborative projects are assigned
regularly for all courses throughout the year.
Course Description: In each of the first three quarters, we use literary examples from every genre to instruct students in
the essentials of both reading and writing about literature. Our works include authors from the suggested list in the AP
Course Description as well as some not included on the list. We attempt to expose students to a range of authorial
voices—the works selected represent authors from the 16th century to the present, the voices are varied by ethnicity,
gender and sexual orientation. Our purpose in the construction of the reading list is to help students grapple with the
complexities of the philosophical underpinnings inherent in any work of literature. Students explore the social and
historical values of the characters as they interpret the works of literature. This exploration of character serves to help
them define their understanding of the world they inhabit and their place within it as well as to enrich their ability to
analyze and interpret the works of literature based upon such elements as structure, style, and theme. Students begin
with an in-depth study of each of the works read during the summer preceding AP English Literature. Students combine
study of an in-class work with quarterly outside reading from an approved list.

SEMESTER SEMINAR COURSES

The semester-long senior seminars are college-preparatory level courses that focus on particular literary and/or cultural
subjects of interest – for example, Women’s Literature, Philosophy in Literature, Themes in American Literature and Film,
Thanatology, Apocalypse Literature, Dangerous Books, and Love, Marriage and Delusions. Unlike the yearlong course
wherein students remain in the class for the entire year, the seminars last for one semester. Students will be scheduled
into two of their choices or alternatives depending on the master schedule and course availability. Scheduled seminar
courses are final and will not be changed. Student’s schedule will not be changed to English 12 from the seminar
scheduled courses. The academic objectives of the senior seminars are similar to the yearlong course; the differences
are the course duration and the literary selections.

10163​ APOCALYPSE LITERATURE​ ​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits) ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: This course will take an in-depth look at literature that depicts the end of the world. Students will
study both apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic literature with an overarching focus on the way that apocalyptic literature
seeks to present images of destruction to serve as both warning and revelation. The study of apocalyptic and
post-apocalyptic literature will range from Biblical and ancient portrayals of apocalypses, up to more modern treatments
of the issue that also tend to deal with current cultural concerns and events. Texts will include novels, short stories,
poems, and works of non-fiction that either depict apocalyptic scenes or deliver apocalyptic themes. Students will
analyze and respond to these works through, among other types of assessment, interpretive writing, reflective essays,
individual presentations, creative writing, and a research paper.

12
 ENGLISH (con’t)
10183​ DANGEROUS BOOKS-AN EXPLORATION OF TABOO SUBJECTS THROUGH
CONTEMPORARY DRAMA
Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: The course is not a survey of "banned books" but an exploration of texts with social settings,
political movements, religious beliefs, cultural expressions and/or personal identities that have been considered
“dangerous.” The texts students will study can all be considered dangerous by one or more “special interest” group
because they represent sexuality, race, politics, and religion in ways that challenge the current political/cultural norms of
their given culture. Students will participate in discussion and debate as they research taboo topics. Students will
examine the way cultural norms influence the categorization of various texts as taboo.

10193​ THE LITERATURE OF CLIMATE CHANGE ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: Climate fiction or “cli-fi” describes any art or modes of storytelling concerned with anthropogenic
(human-caused) climate change. This seminar will investigate how fictional narratives and other artistic mediums from
the emerging cli-fi genre can suggest new ways for thinking about what it will mean to live in a seriously altered climate
and even afford opportunities for imagining more just and resilient futures. This seminar aims to establish the core
themes and motifs of cli-fi, and compare key features and tenets of certain literary subgenres within the greater class of
cli-fi. Students will also chronicle the history and evolution of cli-fi, as well as adopt various theoretical approaches for
interpreting cli-fi texts and the real-world phenomena related to anthropogenic climate change.

10173​ LOVE, MARRIAGE, DELUSIONS?​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: This course is intended as a serious, but intermittently lighthearted look at a supposedly
light-hearted but serious subject…love, and especially at the sort of love that culminates, and often self-destructs, in the
institution called marriage. Students will examine the relationship between romantic love – both traditional and
non-traditional and begin to develop opinions on the relevance of traditional marriage, the optimum age for courtship and
marriage, and the ways in which gender roles and aging influence the marriage contract.

13
 ENGLISH (con’t)
10113​​ THANATOLOGY LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: Students will experience an interdisciplinary overview of major themes and attitudes regarding
death and dying in literature. Topics include the Death System; cultural, spiritual, and ethical issues; ageism; funerals;
popular culture and the arts as they relate to death; and philosophical questions that surround death. Upon completion of
reading and analysis of these works, students will be able to write, interpret, and reflect on these concepts and elements
in writing assignments.

10123​​ THEMES IN AMERICAN LITERATURE AND FILM ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: This course explores contemporary American culture through the lens of film. While the class is a
continuation of the literary analysis in previous English courses, students will also get an introduction to the language of
cinematic interpretation. The voices in the curriculum come from a diverse range of filmmakers and writers who explore
issues of individual identity and how that identity fits into the collective American experience. Students will view films
from a variety of genres--love stories, thrillers, family dramas, coming-of-age tales--and read both fiction and nonfiction
texts as they explore representations of American culture in cinema and in literature. Writing assignments include
persuasive essays, literary analysis, personal reflection, and a research paper.

10133​ WOMEN’S LITERATURE​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: B
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Novels published on the course syllabus

Course Description: This course will expose students to a wide variety of women’s literature in its historical context,
with an emphasis on shifting gender roles. Readings will represent the traditional limitations that created boundaries for
women in general and female authors in particular. However, other selections will emphasize strong female protagonists,
and the authors who succeeded in expressing their unique voices and visions. Contemporary women’s issues will also
be highlighted through the reading of modern fiction and the completion of a research project. In addition to this research
project, writing assignments will include literary analysis and personal reflection.

14
 ENGLISH (con’t)
10203 WRITING FOR COLLEGE AND BEYOND (Pending) ​
Grade Level: 12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: Pending
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12 / 1 semester
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook:

Course Description
Course Overview: Students at MCHS have a depth of experience writing about literature, however few will go on to
major in literature. This course aims to equip students with essential writing skills necessary for success in both academic
and real-life contexts, in particular: in response to nonfiction and subject-area texts. They Say, I Say, High School Edition
with Readings (Graff, Birkenstock, and Durst, 2021) will serve as the primary textbook, and will be used in this course as a
tool to guide students through various writing scenarios, to foster critical thinking and effective communication, and help
them develop a confident writing voice by providing them with the tools and “moves” of effective writing. Furthermore, this
course will emphasize that writing is part of being in a larger conversation on a topic and with an audience, so will help
students develop the ability to not only express their own ideas but also to respond to others.

15
 MATHEMATICS
20151 / 20152​ PRE ALGEBRA​
Grade Level: 9,10​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits) ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: McDougal Littell Math Course 2: 2007, ISBN: 978-0618610709

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to prepare students to be successful in Algebra 1. This course will
include extending and deepening Math 3 skills and introducing first semester Algebra 1 concepts. This course will
focus on three areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an
association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2)
grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and
three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and
applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

20031 / 20032​ ALGEBRA 1 ​ ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 8 (or equivalent), Pre-Algebra or Algebra A
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Math 8 (or equivalent) or Pre-Algebra with a grade of C or better
●​ Textbook: enVision Algebra 1, ISBN: 978-0-328-93154-5

Course Description: Algebra 1 is a rigorous, first-year algebra course. The focus is on the following critical areas: (1)
deepen and extend understanding of linear functions and their graphs, including systems; (2) introduce and work
towards mastery of absolute value, exponential, and quadratic functions and their graphs; (3) analyze and interpret
quantitative and categorical data, including applying linear models.

20041 20042​ GEOMETRY​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of C or better
●​ Textbook: Geometry, ISBN: 978-1-647-2741784

Course Description: The focus for this course is on the following: 1) Essentials of Geometry, 2) Reasoning and Proof,
3) Parallel & Perpendicular Lines, 4) Geometric Transformations, 5) Congruent & Similar Triangles, 6) Right Triangles &
Trigonometry, 7) Quadrilaterals, 8) Circles, 9) Working with Two-Dimensional & Three-Dimensional Geometric Figures,
10) Probability.

16
 MATHEMATICS (con’t)
20051 / 20052​ ALGEBRA 2​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of C or better and completion of a yearlong
Geometry course with a grade of C or better
●​ Textbook: Algebra 2, ISBN: 978-1-647-27420-7

Course Description: This course will extend the mathematics students learned in Algebra 1 and Geometry while
expanding connections to lay the foundation for future mathematics classes. Emphasis will be on three areas: (1) apply
the connections between algebraic and graphical representations of functions (quadratics, polynomial, rational, radical,
exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, piecewise, and inverse); (2) continue to develop algebraic skills needed for
modeling and solving problems (3) analyze and interpret quantitative and categorical data, make inferences/decisions,
and justify conclusions.

29161 / 20162​ HONORS ALGEBRA 2​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry with a grade of A and completion of a
yearlong course of Geometry with a grade of A
●​ Textbook: Algebra 2, ISBN: 978-1-647-27420-7

Course Description: The focus of this course is on the same topics as in Algebra 2; however, the level of rigor is
higher, more challenging, and faster paced. This class is intended for those interested in Math/ Science and preparing
for Honors Pre-Calculus and subsequently for AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC, depending on the student's success.

20091 / 20092​ FINANCIAL ALGEBRA​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Financial Algebra, ISBN: 0-538-44967-5

Course Description: This course is designed to teach and reinforce topics in Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Statistics,
Probability, and Geometry as they pertain to such financial topics as Investing, Entrepreneurship, Banking, Credit,
Owning an Automobile, Employment Basics, Income Taxes, Independent Living, Home Ownership, Insurance,
Budgeting, and Retirement Planning. Students will be using a wide array of technology within an extensive
project-based learning platform.

17
 MATHEMATICS (con’t)
20101 / 20102​ PRE CALCULUS​ ​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: PreCalculus with Limits, ISBN:978-1-33727105-9

Course Description: This is a course designed for the student interested in Math/Science. Rigorous topics from
previous courses are integrated with other topics, emphasizing their connections to functions/equations. New
components of trigonometry will be incorporated into students’ prior experiences. New topics include probability,
statistics, ellipses, hyperbolas, and the difference quotient. Knowledge and use of the TI- 8X graphing calculators will
be integrated into each topic. This course will prepare students to take a Non- AP Calculus course.

29141 / 20142​ HONORS PRE CALCULUS​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: PreCalculus with Limits, ISBN:978-1-337-27105-9

Course Description: This is a course designed for the student interested in Math/Science who is preparing to take AP
Calculus AB or BC. Rigorous topics from previous courses are integrated with other topics, emphasizing their
connections to functions/equations. New topics include exponential financial applications, matrices, parametric and
polar forms, vectors, sequences and series, and limits. Knowledge and use of the TI-8X graphing calculators will be
integrated into each topic.

20171 / 20172​ CALCULUS ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics

●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre Calculus
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of a yearlong Pre Calculus course with a grade of C or better
●​ Textbook: Brief Calculus: An Applied Approach 10th Edition, ISBN-13: 9781305860926

Course Description: Calculus is a non-AP introduction to the concepts of calculus. It will cover basic limits,
derivatives, and integrals, and move at a slower pace than an AP Calculus course, without the demand of the high
stakes AP Calculus AB exam. It will give time for reinforcement, procedural development, and review of relevant topics
learned previously in a pre-calculus course. The course will incorporate business, economics, science, and social
science applications that show students the relevance of topics and concepts. This course is intended to prepare
students for a first semester college calculus course. This course may also be a refuge for students who are unable to
meet the demand of the extreme rigor of AP Calculus AB.

18
 MATHEMATICS (con’t)
20121 / 20122​ AP CALCULUS AB​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre Calculus
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of a yearlong course of Honors Algebra 2 with a validated
grade of B or better AND completion of a yearlong Honors Pre Calculus course with a validated grade of B or
better
●​ Textbook: Calculus with Analytic Geometry, ISBN: 978-0-618-23973-3

Course Description: This course is equivalent to the first semester of a standard college/university calculus course.
The topics covered include limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, and differential equations. It has rigorous homework
demands. This course will prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam.

20131 / 20132​ AP CALCULUS BC​

Grade level: 12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Pre Calculus OR successful completion of AP Calculus AB
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of a yearlong course of Honors Algebra 2 with a validated grade of A
AND completion of a yearlong course of Honors Pre Calculus with a validated grade of A OR completion of AP
Calculus AB with a validated grade of B or better AND a score of 3 or better on the AP Calculus AB exam
●​ Textbook: Calculus with Analytic Geometry, ISBN: 978-0-618-23973-3

Course Description: This is an extremely fast-paced, rigorous calculus class equivalent to the first two semesters of
college/university calculus and prepares students for the AP Calculus BC exam. It includes all the content covered in
AP Calculus AB as well as slope fields, Euler’s method, L’Hopital’s Rule, integration by partial fractions, integration by
parts, improper integrals, logistic differential equations, polynomial approximations and series, Taylor and Maclaurin
series, convergence of power series and Lagrange error bound for Taylor polynomials. This course prepares students
for the AP Calculus BC exam.

20111 / 20112​ AP STATISTICS ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Mathematics
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2 with a grade of B or better and an overall academic
unweighted GPA of 3.0 or above
●​ Textbook: The Practice of Statistics, ISBN: 1-42924559-X

Course Description: Junior and senior students prepare for the AP Statistics exam and will need a strong analytical
background not only in math, but in the other core academic disciplines as well. Students will be working, analyzing,
reading, and writing well beyond the expectations of an introductory, college-level statistics course. The TI graphing
calculator is used extensively to explore concepts and execute statistical procedures. This course includes many written
assignments and projects, in-depth examinations of probability, game theory, sampling procedures, inference,
simulations, distributions, and variability.

19
 SCIENCE
40121 / 40122​ ASTROPHYSICS​
Grade Level: 11,12 ​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science (Chemistry or
Physics)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy, McGraw Hill
●​ Novel: The Three Body Problem, Cixin Liu

Expectations: Requires students to participate in on campus nighttime laboratory sessions each quarter and
as special events occur, complete activities utilizing real astronomical data, research and present on current
discoveries in the field, and think critically and engage in discussions about astronomy-related ethics and
issues.
Course Description: This course is designed to be a stand-alone class studying the astronomical universe
and our place in it. Astrophysics applies the accepted rules and laws of physics and chemistry to explain the
nature of our solar system, galaxy, interstellar medium and macro features of our universe and the objects
contained within it. Emphasis will center on the use of investigative physics tools including the role of gravity,
electromagnetism, particle/nuclear interactions and Einsteinium relativity and their foundations throughout
the cosmos. Astronomical material included will focus on our earth as a planet, conditions and mechanics of
our solar system, measurement systems to stretch our understanding throughout the familiar areas of the
Milky Way Galaxy and move outward to our present day understanding of the large-scale features and
theories of cosmology. This is a lab-centered class where you will explore your own observational telescopic
data as well as the latest research from professional sources to unravel the latest theories on how the
universe works.

40181 / 40182​ BIOLOGY IN EARTH SYSTEMS​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Experience Biology: The Living Earth Miller and Levine

Course Description: This college-preparatory biology course will provide the framework for success in future lab
science classes as well as an understanding of how humans affect the biosphere. Students will learn fundamental lab
techniques essential for them to be productive and dynamic in a research setting. These techniques will build the
foundation for future success in upper-level biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and many other
scientific disciplines. Learning will occur through direct instruction, experimentation, and reflection, and students will
discover the practical application of science- based inquiry. Major topics include: Ecology, Cells, Genetics, Evolution,
Earth Science and The Human Body.

20
 SCIENCE (con’t)
40021 / 40022​ AP BIOLOGY​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and any level of Chemistry in the
Earth Systems
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Biology in Earth Systems and Chemistry in Earth Systems with a grade of B or
better or successful completion of Honors/AP Chemistry
●​ Textbook: Campbell Biology in Focus, AP Edition. Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky, Jackson, Reece.
Pearson/Prentice Hall (2014)

Expectations: This is a challenging course where much of the grade will be based on testing. Homework will be
assigned at the beginning of each unit of study. There will be additional lab work and activities that students will
complete throughout the unit. Summer assignments change from year to year and will be announced in early June.
Course Description: This AP course meets the objectives of general biology at the college level and is designed to
prepare the college-bound student for the AP examination. The course will cover the four Themes of Biology: Evolution,
Cellular Processes and Homeostasis, Information Transfer, and Biological Interactions.

40031 / 40032​ BIOTECHNOLOGY 1 AND 2​

Grade Level: 10,11​ ​ ​ Length: Two years (20 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Algebra 1, concurrent
enrollment in Chemistry in Earth Systems or higher, accepted through rigorous application process
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Algebra 1 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Biotechnology: A Laboratory Skills Course, J. Kirk Brown, Bio Rad 1st Edition

Expectations: This course will run as a zero period, three-year pathway only. Selection for participants will occur at
the end of the freshman year and will include an application, letter of recommendation form, interview, and
commitment contract.
Course Description: This three-year pathway in science will train students to think critically in a laboratory setting. It
will provide an opportunity for practical application of coursework, exposure to unique problem-solving situations, time
for collaboration and a pipeline to STEM careers. Biotechnology is classified as a laboratory science elective course
and does not carry with it any Honors credit. The course begins with sophomores who will have the title of a Level 1
Investigator. These students will learn basic laboratory skills and apply them daily in a research setting. The
sophomores will then become juniors, Level 2 Investigators, who will mentor the new Level 1 Investigators and
perform more complex laboratory analyses. The juniors will then become seniors, Level 3 Investigators (coursework
discussed in Biotechnology 3). Upon completion, graduates will have an industry-recognized lab notebook, with
experiments that include DNA extraction and precipitation, GRAM staining, quantifying bacterial numbers, casting and
running Agarose gels, forensic DNA mapping, PCR analysis, bacterial transformation, Microarray, and much more.
Summation: Students who complete this course sequence will graduate Mira Costa High School with experience and
materials that rival that of a college graduate with a science major. They will enter undergraduate labs well equipped to
perform virtually any technical application and/or they will be competitive applicants for paid internships and jobs in
biotechnology.

21
 SCIENCE (cont’d)
40051 / 40042​ BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Length: Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biotechnology 1 and 2 as well as transportation to and from
the location of the internship
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Biotechnology: A Laboratory Skills Course, J. Kirk Brown, Bio Rad 1st Edition

Expectations: This course will run as a zero period, three-year pathway only. Selection for participants will occur at the
end of the freshman year and will include an application, letter of recommendation form, interview, and commitment
contract.
Course Description: Year 3 in the Biotechnology course pathway serves as an internship program directly in the field
of study. Students will build on the job training skills and develop working relationships with individuals currently
employed in the research realm. It is here that they will conduct an independent research project with a final,
graduate-level, poster presentation. This year 3 course includes a bi-weekly, one-hour class discussion, at least 15
monthly hours at the approved workplace of internship, at least 5 hours of lab assistantship in Biotech 1-2 class,
periodic reflections, and scheduled individual benchmark meetings with the teacher, on all of which the grade will be
based. Timelines will be discussed during the first week of quarter 1. This course is a full year commitment.

40191 / 40192​ CHEMISTRY IN EARTH SYSTEMS​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry
●​ Textbook: TBD - upon textbook adoption Spring 2023

●​ Course Description: This physical science course focuses on the study of various types of matter as it pertains
to Earth systems, their physical and chemical properties, as well as the mathematical relationships that support
these properties. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking by using the scientific method in
both lecture and laboratory assignments. Quantitative and qualitative analysis are required.

40071 / 40072​ HONORS CHEMISTRY IN EARTH SYSTEMS​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Biology in Earth Systems and previous math course with a grade of B or better,
successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2
●​ Textbook: California Inspire Chemistry, McGraw Hill

Expectations: Be able to manage high workload and manage time. Competency in mathematics and problem solving.
Course Description: This physical science course is for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in the
prerequisite course and who wish to take AP Chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking
skills and preparation for AP Chemistry. Honors Chemistry in Earth Systems is a laboratory-based course for students
and many foundational concepts will center on experimentation and investigation.

22
 SCIENCE (con’t)
40081 / 40082​ AP CHEMISTRY
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Chemistry in Earth Systems
with teacher recommendation or successful Honors Chemistry in Earth Systems. Recommended Prerequisite:
Completion of Honors Chemistry in Earth Systems with a grade of B or better, or completion Chemistry in Earth
Systems with a grade of A, Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2
●​ Textbook: Chemistry a Molecular Approach, Third Edition. Tro. Pearson. (2012)

Expectations: A strong interest in subject matter is imperative. Time management skills required to endure difficult
content, high workload and corresponding laboratory experiments.
Course Description: AP Chemistry is a rigorous and academically challenging second-year chemistry course that
expands in depth the topics covered in Honors Chemistry in Earth Systems, and will prepare students for the AP
Chemistry exam. It is designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of
college. Students achieving a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam generally receive one semester of college credit for the
course. Emphasis is placed on college-level inquiry-based laboratory experience, problem-solving techniques, and test
taking strategies.

40131 / 40132​ HONORS EARTH SCIENCE​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science (Chemistry or
Physics)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science with a grade of B
or better
●​ Textbook: Earth Science, Twelfth Edition. Tarbuck, Lutgens, Tasa. Pearson/Prentice Hall. (2009)

Course Description: Earth Science Honors consists of units on science process skills, surface processes, volcanoes,
earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic time, natural resources, meteorology, and astronomy. It is a lab-based course with
field studies and individual science projects. It challenges students to collect, correlate, and analyze observations and
data. Students enrolled in Earth Science Honors will use statistical and mathematical analysis of data and conduct
individual research of scientific topics on the internet, in the media, and in the library. The following skills will be
emphasized in this course: problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, communication of scientific concepts in written and
verbal forms, and analysis and interpretation of scientific data.

40141 / 40141​ AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science ​
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science (Chemistry or
Physics)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science with a grade of B or
better
●​ Textbook: Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, 9th Edition. Botkin and Keller. Wiley. (2014)

Expectations: This is a college level class and like in college, much of the grade will be based on testing. Homework
will be assigned on a daily, if not, weekly basis. No summer assignments
Course Description: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific
principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and
analyze environmental problems, natural and human - made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these
problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science is
interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study: biology, chemistry, earth science.
23
 SCIENCE (con’t)
40171 / 40172​ FORENSIC SCIENCE​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science (Chemistry or
Physics)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations 2nd Edition ISBN 13: 9781305077119 (978-1-
305-07711-9)

Course Description: Forensic Science is a two-semester course. The class is designed around authentic performance
assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. It involves all
areas of science including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science with an emphasis on complex
reasoning and critical thinking using content aligned to National Science Education and State Standards. In addition,
students must incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art, mathematics and social
studies.

40161 / 40162​ MARINE SCIENCE​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science (Chemistry or
Physics)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Marine Biology, Sixth Edition. Peter Castro, Michael E. Huber. Glencoe/McGraw Hill. (2007).
Course Description: This course is designed to engage students in scientific investigations of the marine environment.
Areas of concentration include physical oceanography, marine biology, and applied marine ecology. Some
investigations require work outside the classroom, including field trips to various marine science-related locations.
Group projects and fieldwork are required components of this course. An emphasis is placed on technology and
students will receive unique learning opportunities that require them to research a topic, conduct experiments, collect,
analyze, and report data using technology, and present their findings through various media.

40211 / 40212​ CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1
●​ Textbook: TBD - upon textbook adoption Spring 2023
Course Description: Conceptual Physics is an introductory course in algebra-based, high school physics for students
with all learning modalities and all levels of math skills. Lessons emphasize developing conceptual models and making
connections between classroom physics and physical phenomena. Students will learn through collaborative projects
and lab experiences focused on applying physics to real world scenarios. Students will use written assignments,
diagrams, graphs, and mathematical models to explore and explain the study of motion, forces, energy, and waves.
Major units include Forces & Motion, Forces & Interaction, Energy, Waves & Electromagnetic Radiation, and Earth’s
Place in the Universe. This course incorporates both hands-on labs and online lab simulations.

This course is not a prerequisite for AP Physics - See the AP Physics course description.

24
 SCIENCE (con’t)
40101 / 40102​ HONORS PHYSICS IN THE UNIVERSE​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Biology in Earth Systems
●​ Recommended Prerequisites: Biology in Earth Systems and previous math course with a grade of B or better,
successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2
●​ Textbook: TBD - upon textbook adoption Spring 2023
●​ Note: This course is NOT required to take AP Physics
Course Description: Topics will include: Newtonian mechanics, heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, electricity
and magnetism, planetary motion, forces involved in plate tectonics and waves and optics. Students will analyze and
summarize lab results using critical-thinking skills and physics principles.

40111 / 40112​ AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 11,12 ​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science

●​ Length of Course/Credits: 1 year/10 credits
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and 1 year of physical science, and.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of prior science and math courses with a grade of B+ or better,
successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BC
●​ Textbook: University Physics, 11th Edition. Hugh D.; Freedman, Roger A.; Ford, A. Lewis; Sears, Francis
Weston Young. (2004).
●​ Note: Honors Physics is NOT a prerequisite for this course

Expectations: Excellent math skills required and high workload.

Course Description: This course is designed as an equivalent first-year college course for students who plan to major
in the sciences. Students achieving a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam generally receive one semester of college
credit for the course. The major objective of the course is a fundamental understanding of classical physics and
development of analytical thinking skills. The course focuses on classical Newtonian mechanics.

40151 / 40152​ PHYSIOLOGY​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology in Earth Systems and Physical Science (Chemistry or
Physics)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Anatomy and Physiology- From Science to Life, Jenkins, Kremnitz, Tortora. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
(2007).

Course Description: Physiology strenuously focuses on a survey of anatomical terminology, anatomical identification, as
well as neurological and chemical processes of human body systems. Laboratory exams and activities include the
examination of animal tissues, organs and organ systems. Completion of this course requires an extensive amount of
effort, dedication and commitment from the student.

25
 SOCIAL STUDIES
30031 / 30032​ AP EUROPEAN HISTORY​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies

●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Model United Nations or AP Human
Geography.
●​ Textbook: Palmer and Colton, A History of the Modern World, 10th Edition; ISBN: 9780073255002

Expectations: This course is taught at the college level. This college-level history course requires a greater amount of
reading and an in-depth focus on the content. Moreover, the AP curriculum demands higher-order critical thinking skills
within a rigorous academic setting. Thus, students are frequently required to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate
primary and secondary historical sources, in addition to comprehending, memorizing, and applying facts. Daily
quizzes, exams, essays, discussions, and debates will be frequent in this class as it is used to incorporate the learned
material at hand while implementing the critical thinking skills.
Course Description: The current Advanced Placement Program in European History corresponds to the most recent
developments in history curriculum at the undergraduate level. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of
basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to 1990, that is, from the High Renaissance
to the recent past. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP European
History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability
to analyze historical evidence, and (c) an ability to express that understanding and analysis in writing.

30093​ ​ ECONOMICS​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of U.S. History, any level.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Economics Principles in Action, ISBN: 0-13-133487-5

Course Description: Students will understand the forces that affect them every day and to evaluate costs and
benefits associated with decisions that shape private lives and public politics. Students will develop skills including the
ability to identify economic problems, analyze incentives, identify consequences of change, collect and organize
economic evidence, and compare benefits with costs. Students will understand basic economic concepts and be able
to reason logically about key issues.
​

30083​ ​ GOVERNMENT​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of U.S. History.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Prentice Hall, Magruder’s American Government

Expectations: Students in grade twelve study the way our American Government is organized and how the process of
government has evolved since our origin. The students will develop an understanding of the electoral process and be
able to argue varying political perspectives concerning contemporary issues. Students will also recognize the role of
media and international affairs in the shaping of national policy.
Course Description: Major topics include branch studies, principles of government, the Constitution, political parties,
the electoral process, interest groups, media, and cases of the Supreme Court. Additionally, students will be expected
to work at developing the range of skills necessary for success in college.

26
 SOCIAL STUDIES (con’t)
AP GOVERNMENT/AP ECONOMICS

This is a one-year course. Randomly, half the students will take Government first, and half the
students will take Economics first. Students must enroll in both AP courses and should take both
Advanced Placement exams in May.

30103​ ​ AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History, any level.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of U.S. History with a grade of A or completion of Honors
●​ U.S. History with a grade of B or better, or the successful completion of AP U.S. History, or completion of the
AP U.S. History exam with a score of 3 or better.
●​ Textbook: American Government: Roots and Reform, ISBN-978-0-13-391330-9

Expectations: Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the U.S. government as it works in theory and in
practice. The students will become familiar with the institutions of government and the role of politics in the electoral
process and policy formation. Students will learn to analyze trends in politics and the evolving nature of voter
participation, values and behavior of the voters and all participants in government and the political process. Students
will develop positions on contemporary court cases and issues of current policy debates. Students shall also recognize
the role of media and international affairs on the shaping of national policy.
Course Description: Major units include Constitutional Underpinnings; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties;
interest groups and mass media; institutions of national government; public policy; as well as civil rights and civil
liberties. Additionally, students will be expected to work at developing the range of skills necessary for success in
college.
​

30093​ ​ AP ECONOMICS (MICROECONOMICS)​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of U.S. History, any level.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of yearlong U.S. History course with a grade of B or better, or the
successful completion of Honors U.S. History or AP U.S. History.
●​ Textbook: Krugman’s Microeconomics, ISBN: 1-42928606-7 and Economics by Example, ISBN: 0-7167-6934-4

Course Description: This course gives students an understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the
functions of individual decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places
primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role
of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. The course is equivalent to an introductory
college course.

27
 SOCIAL STUDIES (con’t)
30143​ ​ AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY​ ​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies / Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Introduction to Model United
Nations.
●​ Textbook: Human Geography People, Places, and Culture, ISBN: 1-11904314-X

Expectations: Students are expected to critically analyze the physical and cultural aspects of the world. In order to
achieve this, students will attain an in-depth understanding of Geography as a multi-faceted area of study, they will be
exposed to a detailed oversight to the many cultures, political beliefs, economic structures and histories around the
globe and from their comprehensive analysis will develop new perspectives on an increasingly globalized world.
Course Description: This course deals with the physical and cultural aspects of world regions, as well as
contemporary global issues. Topics including economics, politics, cultural awareness, and history are emphasized as
they relate to Geography.

30173​ ​ INTRODUCTION TO LAW​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective​
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Course Description: This elective course is designed to be an introduction to the varied and complex fields of law that
students are most likely to encounter in adulthood. The course will (1) help students obtain an understanding of basic
legal principles so that the law will contribute to, rather than, detract from their duties as responsible citizens, and (2)
teach public speaking and critical reasoning skills that are not only essential in the legal field, but extremely valuable life
skills as well.

30163​ ​ INTRODUCTION TO MODEL UNITED NATIONS​

Grade Level: 9​​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: none
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Course Description: This course is an introduction to Model United Nations. Emphasis will be on international
relations, debate, speaking, research and position paper writing areas in Model UN. Students must also attend at least
one off-campus debate for beginning Model UN students. Though challenging, this course is open to all 9th graders with
an eagerness to learn.

28
 SOCIAL STUDIES (con’t)
30121 / 30122​ AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY/MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Application and acceptance into Model United Nations.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Model United Nations gives students a powerful hands-on learning tool. The class centers on
competing locally, regionally and nationally in simulated debate with other schools on current United Nations issues.
The students represent a variety of nations in actual policy on these issues. The students learn to speak in prepared
and extemporaneous formats. They will learn to research in the library and on the Internet, and to write position papers,
evaluations, resolutions and amendments using their research. Students are required to attend one conference per
semester. They have the option to attend all local conferences in which Model UN participates.

30001 / 30002​ MODERN WORLD HISTORY​

Grade Level: 10​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: World History, ISBN: 0-13-129977-8

Course Description: After review of the forces that shaped modern history, the course focuses upon the period from
the Enlightenment to the present. This is a survey of the significant events, important constructions and the key events
that have shaped the modern world. This is a demanding college prep class with reasonable expectations, i.e.,
research papers, subjective exams and collateral readings.

30011 / 30012​ MODERN WORLD HISTORY BLOCK (ENGLISH 10/MOD WORLD HISTORY)​
Grade Level: 10​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Human Geography.
●​ Textbook: Prentice Hall World History, the Modern World 0-13-129977-8

Course Description: After review of the forces that shaped modern history, the collaborative instruction focuses upon
the period from the Enlightenment to the present. This is a survey of the significant events and important constructions
that have shaped the modern world. The thrust of this course is to help students improve their competency in reading,
writing, speaking, and listening as well as in developing historical empathy and understanding bias and point of view. The
dual approach allows students to read and discuss selections that encompass all genres and the students participate in
small and large group discussions centering on the analysis of themes and values in literature. In addition, students
concentrate on improving skills in writing coherent essays, a wide range of writing assignments, and oral presentations.
Information and digital literacy skills will also be practiced through a variety of project oriented learning activities.

29
 SOCIAL STUDIES (con’t)
30021 / 30022​ HONORS MODERN WORLD HISTORY​
Grade Level: 10​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Model United Nations, Human
Geography, or AP Human Geography.
●​ Textbook: World History, ISBN: 0-13-129977-8

Expectations: This course is taught at the advanced level. This advanced-level history course requires a greater
amount of reading and an in-depth focus on the content. Moreover, the curriculum demands higher-order critical
thinking skills within a rigorous academic setting. Thus, students are frequently required to analyze, synthesize, and
evaluate primary and secondary historical sources, in addition to comprehending, memorizing, and applying facts.
Quizzes, exams, essays, discussions, and debates will be frequent in this class as it is used to incorporate the learned
material at hand while implementing the critical thinking skills.
Course Description: This course will study the development of modern society and the period from the Enlightenment
to the present. This is a survey of the significant cultural developments, important political constructions, and the key
events that have shaped the modern world. This is a demanding advanced college prep class with reasonable
expectations, i.e., research papers, subjective exams and collateral readings. Previous completion of a social science
class is recommended in 9th grade.

30183​ ​ INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Psychology and You, ISBN: 0-314-02772-6

Course Description: This course explores the behavior of living things, but focuses on the individual behavior of
mankind. The student investigates methods of psychological study, the formation of personality and attitudes, principles
of learning, the functioning of the brain, influences on behavior, mental health and illnesses, and individual behavior in
the family group and other relationships.

30131 / 30132​ AP PSYCHOLOGY​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern World History, Honors Modern World History or AP
European History.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Modern World History with a grade of B or better, or the successful
completion of AP European History.
●​ Textbook: Myers’ Psychology, ISBN: 1-46411307-6

Course Description: The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of
the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological
facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students will also learn
about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

30
 SOCIAL STUDIES (con’t)
30041 / 30042​ U.S. HISTORY​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern World History, Honors Modern World History or AP
European History.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: American Vision, ISBN: 0-07-867851-X

Course Description: This course briefly reviews early US political and ideological development. The remainder of the
course focuses on the 20th century. The historical, geographical, political, social and economic forces of the twentieth
century are emphasized as they reflect continuity and change from the nation’s beginnings.

30061 / 30062​ HONORS U. S. HISTORY​

Grade Level: 11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern World History, Honors Modern World History or AP
European History.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of a yearlong Modern World History course, Honors World
History or AP European History.
●​ Textbook: The American Pageant, ISBN: 1-11183106-8

Expectations: This class will fall, in terms of rigor and time commitment, between our standard college- preparatory
social studies courses and our AP offerings. It is an advanced course is the modern history of the United States.
Students can expect extensive reading assignments, as well as timely completion of a large number of project-based
assignments.
Course Description: This course represents an advanced study in American History, more challenging and in-depth
than our college-preparatory offering, but not as time consuming as our rigorous AP class. The reading level and load is
a bit higher than the college-preparatory course, and will be supplemented with ample primary source readings. The
course will also require the completion of multiple projects, both individual and group-oriented.

30071 / 30072​ AP U.S. HISTORY​

Grade Level: 11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: A
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern World History, Honors Modern World History, or AP
European History.
●​ Recommended: Completion of yearlong Modern World History with a grade of B or better, or the successful
completion of Honors Modern World History or AP European History.
●​ Textbook: The American Pageant, ISBN: 1-11183106-8

Course Description: Events of American history from the Age of Exploration to the present day are traced with
emphasis on shaping the historical, political, diplomatic, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces. The course
provides an opportunity for the advanced student to interpret and analyze historical writings at the college level in
preparation for the Advanced Placement exam in May; college credit may be earned. Strong skills in analytical writing
and critical analysis of text are essential for success in the course. Students who took World History in summer school
are discouraged from moving into the AP U.S. History curriculum.

31
 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING
60811 / 60812​ AEROSPACE ENGINEERING ​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles ofEngineering.
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The course ignites students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight.
Aerospace Engineering is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens
the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of atmospheric and space flight. Students
explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing
components related to flight such as an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. They learn orbital mechanics
concepts and apply these by creating models using industry-standard software. They also apply aerospace concepts
to alternative applications such as a wind turbine and parachute. Students explore a planet, including creating a map
of the terrain with a model satellite and using the map to execute a mission using an autonomous robot.
*Students earn free college credit from El Camino for completing this course.

60021 / 60022 ​ AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (AP CSP)​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Enrollment or completion in Algebra 1 or higher
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills. The course
covers the College Board’s new CS Principles framework. The course does not aim to teach mastery of a single
programming language but aims instead to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of
computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course also aims to build students’ awareness
of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for professionals in all fields who have computational skills. The
course also aims to engage students to consider issues raised by the present and future societal impact of computing.
Students practice problem solving with structured activities and progress to open-ended projects and problems that
require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Problems aim for
ground-level entry with no ceiling so that all students can successfully engage the problems. Students with greater
motivation, ability, or background knowledge will be challenged to work further. This class prepares students to take AP
Computer Science A (CSA) the following year.

60111 / 60112​ AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (AP CSA)​​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: C
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one of AP Computer Science Principles, Cybersecurity,
Introduction to Robotics, Principles of Engineering, or Data Science & Machine Learning
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Free Online Textbook – Think Java: How Think Like a Computer Scientist​
(http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkapjava/thinkapjava.pdf)

Expectations: This is a college-level class and like in college, much of the grade will be based on testing and lab work.
Course Description: This course will teach students how to write logically structured, well- documented computer
programs using the JAVA programming language. This course also emphasizes the design issues that make programs
understandable, adaptable, and, when appropriate, reusable. Additionally, the course will prepare the student for the AP
exam in Computer Science.

32
 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (con’t)
60791 / 60792​ CYBERSECURITY​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students must be self-directed learners.

Course Description: Cybersecurity introduces the tools and concepts of Cybersecurity and encourages students to
create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational
resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and
closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior.
It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively contribute to
communities with a dependable cyber- infrastructure that moves and processes information safely.

60501 / 60502​ HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and AP Computer Science A (AP CSA)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2
●​ Textbook: Selected Readings

Expectations: Students must be self-directed learners.

Course Description: Students will be introduced to the foundations and fundamentals of the World Wide Web and App
Design, acquire basic knowledge of Internet technologies, network infrastructure and Website development. Students
will develop websites and apps that utilize technologies that interface with databases. Students will learn the
fundamentals of database searches, web server technologies and Rich Internet Applications (RIAs).

60991 / 60992​ INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE AND AI ​ ​​ ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Prior coding experience
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: In this course students will explore the field of data science and the career pathway that can be
taken. Students will learn how the data science process can be used to address real-world problems. The course will
cover an introduction to data science including data acquisition and management, data modeling, analysis visualization
and data reporting. Students will be introduced to tools that analyze and visualize data for data driven decision making.
This course will also cover how business decisions can be made using machine learning. This course will cover the
terms and concepts required to help students gain a foundational understanding of machine learning, artificial
intelligence, and deep learning.

33
 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (con’t)
60521 / 60522​ INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students will need to work in a team environment.

Course Description: Students build and program a VEX robot using Robot C that is capable of both autonomous
(independent) and remote control operation. After completing a standard robot students advance to designing, building,
and programming their own design to take part in monthly competitions with the other teams in the class. Students will
study and learn to write programs in the ROBOTC programming language, with an emphasis on problem solving
techniques. This class provides a solid programming foundation that students will find beneficial for AP Computer
Science the following year. No prior programming experience is necessary.

60961 / 60962​ ROBOTICS ADVANCED​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Introduction to Robotics
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students will need to work in a team environment.

Course Description: VEX EDR Curriculum is divided up into 12 primary Units and 1 optional Unit. Students will start off
learning about engineering and engineering problem solving. They will be given introductions to VEX EDR and
Autodesk® Inventor®. In Unit 5 students will be presented with an engineering challenge; they will need to build a robot
to play a sport-like game. After this, the rest of the curriculum walks students through the design of their robot while
presenting them with relevant STEM and Robotics principles. At the end of the course, students compete head-to-head
with their robots.

60631 / 60632​ PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: D
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Principles of Engineering exposes students to some of the major concepts in a college level
engineering course of study. Students will master the basic concepts needed to continue their education in engineering
or engineering technology, and will apply them by tackling real world challenges. Students will develop skills in problem
solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and
presentation. Some of the topics taught will include but not be limited to: Energy and Power Sources and Applications,
Material Properties and Testing, Statistics, Kinematics and Projectile Motion, Control Systems – including computer
code, hydraulics and pneumatics, gears, pulleys, etc.

34
 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING (con’t)
60841 / 60842​ HONORS ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles of Engineering and Aerospace Engineering
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the capstone course in the PLTW high school
engineering program. It is an open-ended engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and
develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem by applying an engineering design
process. Students will perform research to select, define, and justify a problem. After carefully defining the design
requirements and creating multiple solution approaches, teams of students select an approach, create, and test their
solution prototype. Student teams will present and defend their original solution to an outside panel. While progressing
through the engineering design process, students will work closely with experts and will continually hone their
organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, their creative and problem-solving abilities, and their
understanding of the design process.

35
 SPECIAL EDUCATION
90031 / 90032​ LEARNING CENTER​
Grade Levels(s): 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective

●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: The Learning Center is an elective class for students with an active Individualized Education
Plan that provides guidance and support for their general education classes. Through consultation, special education
teachers and aides work with general education staff to support students. Time in the Learning Center consists of
learning strategies, organizational skills, and assistance with homework, tutorials, direct instruction, and access to a
computer/technology, study sessions, and quiet test-taking areas.

90631 / 90632​ ENGLISH 9​

Grade Level: 9​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 9
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This English class covers the core literature required for 9th grade English, but at an
accommodated pace. It is designed to introduce the freshman student to the culture of the western world and to his or
her place in the modern world through a study of selected core and extended works of literature. Students have a wide
range of writing assignments and are expected to develop higher level skills by responding to literature. Meets diploma
requirement.

90641 / 90642​ ENGLISH 10​

Grade Level: 10​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 10
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This English course the core literature required for 10th grade English, but at an accommodated
pace. It is designed to help students improve their competency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students
read selections from condensed versions of English and world literature. Students participate in small group
discussions. Special emphasis is put on the student’s Individualized Education Plan goals in the areas of reading and
writing. Meets diploma requirement.

36
 SPECIAL EDUCATION (con’t)
90651 / 90652​ ENGLISH 11​
Grade Level: 11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 11
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This English course covers the core literature required for 11th grade English, but at an
accommodated pace. Students examine core and extended literature selections through class lecture, group activities,
and writing assignments. Students also learn and practice research skills through a variety of assignments. Special
emphasis is put on the student’s Individualized Education Plan goals in the areas of reading and writing. Meets diploma
requirement.

90661 / 90662​ ENGLISH 12​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English 12
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This English course covers the core literature required for 12th grade English, but at an
accommodated pace. This class is designed to improve students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students
read from contemporary works and participate in discussions and oral presentations. Special emphasis is put on the
student’s Individualized Education Plan goals in the areas of reading and writing. Meets diploma requirement.

90581 / 90582​ BIOLOGY IN EARTH SYSTEMS​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: TBA

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This class is available for those students with Individualized Education Plans who require more
support to meet the Life Science requirement. The class covers the fundamentals of cells, biological evolution, and the
interdependence of organisms, matter, energy and organization of living systems. There is emphasis placed on the
understanding of molecular biology through written work and lab activities, with some algebraic applications. This class
meets high school diploma requirements.

37
 SPECIAL EDUCATION (con’t)
90591 / 90592​ PHYSICS IN THE UNIVERSE​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Science
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP and completion (or concurrent enrollment) in Algebra 1
●​ Textbook: Varied Resources

Expectations: N/A

Course Description: This class is available for those students with Individualized Education Plans who require support
to meet the Physical Science graduation requirement. This course includes basic knowledge in the following areas:
mechanics, heat, thermodynamics and kinetic theory, electricity and magnetism, planetary motion, forces involved in
plate tectonics and wave mechanics and optics. Students use the scientific method to analyze, predict, compare, and
summarize lab results.

90671 / 90672​ ESSENTIALS OF ALGEBRA ​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Algebra
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP and Pre-algebra
●​ Textbook: enVision Algebra 1

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This class is available for students with Individualized Education Plans, who have completed
Pre-Algebra and require a smaller class setting to meet the graduation requirement for Algebra only (this class is not
intended for students who plan to move onto higher level math classes). This class incorporates the fundamentals of
Algebra, including the following: understanding linear and exponential relationships, contrasting linear and exponential
relationships with each other, extending the laws of exponents to square and cube roots, and applying linear models to
data that exhibit a linear trend.

90681 / 90682​ MODERN WORLD HISTORY​

Grade Level: 10​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: After review of the forces that shaped modern history, the course focuses upon the period from
the Enlightenment to the present. It will include systems and processes focusing on significant events, important
constructions, and key events that helped shape the modern world. Content will include factors that influence the rise of
democratic ideas, the industrial age, wars and revolutions, up through today’s developing world. Modifications to
curriculum will be provided for students as appropriate based on Individualized Education Plan goals and objectives.

38
 SPECIAL EDUCATION (con’t)
90691 90692​ U.S. HISTORY​
Grade Level: 11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This class is available for those students who have an Individualized Education Plan and require
support to meet the US History requirement. It traces the events of American History, focusing on the 19th and 20th
century historical events. The course follows the California Standards, with support based upon the student’s IEP goals
and objectives and meets the high school requirement for diploma.

90673​ ​ GOVERNMENT​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Fulfills UC/CSU Requirements: No
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: American Government is a core academic course for graduation and diploma. This course is
available for students who require support to meet this requirement. The class covers a survey of the governmental
structure of the United States, systems and political processes focusing on Constitutional structures and foundations.
Content will include factors that influence the U.S. government and current government events. This course is designed
to develop a general awareness of governmental issues and the need for responsible citizenship.

90623​ ​ ECONOMICS​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Social Studies
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: See course materials

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This class is available to students who require a smaller class setting for Social Studies. The
primary objective of this course is to teach students the basic tool kit of economic concepts as well as personal
economics for everyday living. Assignments are designed to enhance students’ oral and written comprehension as well
as communication skills. Students will also learn basic budgeting and economics for everyday living. This class meets
the requirements for high school diploma.

39
 SPECIAL EDUCATION (con’t)
90041 / 90042​ SCHOOL TO CAREER​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: School to Career is a statewide program directed and funded by the California Department of
Education. It is designed to prepare students, who have minor academic deficits, for entry into the business world. This
training and employment program works to benefit students, employers, and the community at large. Students who are
enrolled in School To Career do not attend class, but earn their hours working at a job in the community. Because
placement is not guaranteed, students may not enroll in School to Career until enrollment is secured. Students who are
already employed and would like to be granted school credit, or those who would like assistance finding a job, should
contact the campus Workability Coordinator in the Learning Center.

90701 / 90702​ CONSUMER MATH​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This class is available for those students who require a small class setting for mathematics and
development of basic math skills. The class covers the fundamentals of arithmetic following a sequential pace to gain
the understanding and skills needed for consumer skills, with primary emphasis on the students’ IEP goals and
objectives. Math skills to survive as a consumer and vocational “real-life” skills are developed.

90711 / 90712​ PRACTICAL ENGLISH COMMUNICATION​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: English
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This Special Day Class is a language arts program for students learning basic skills. In this
course, students will apply speaking, listening, reading, and writing strategies in order to enhance their knowledge and
skills. Students will focus on remediation in grammar, reading, writing, and word recognition skills important in
understanding the world around them in terms of safety, transportation, cooking, and other practical situations.
Comprehension and inferential skills will be developed through listening to materials read to them.

40
 SPECIAL EDUCATION (con’t)
90721 / 90722​ PRACTICAL LIVING SKILLS​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This Special Day Class is developed to integrate the domestic, recreation, leisure, and school
community domains. Students investigate through activity-based sessions, a variety of activities associated with the
adult living experience. Organizing daily routine and schedule will serve the students in their process of taking charge of
independent living. Students will study areas of: safety, leisure, chores, duties, responsibilities, budget, time
management, first aid, and communication. Personal safety and responsibility will be examined in response for taking
care of one’s self, others and/or pets. Health care, transportation, telephone skills, and appropriate recreation activities
are addressed in the context of developing a full capacity living experience. Students will develop strategies to respond
to potential emergencies that may appear in the process of daily living. This class is taught based on individual goals
and objectives.

90741 / 90742​ SOCIAL CITIZENSHIP SKILLS ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: Students will explore the foundations of human interactions through guided self- examination and
learning to assess situations and the behaviors of others. Students will go through a series of activities to learn to
interpret body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and verbal communication. Students will explore appropriate
responses in social interactions and be able to generalize what they have learned to other social situations. Specific
skills taught will include stress management, building self-esteem, independence, time management, and finding
behaviors to replace inappropriate behaviors. A particular emphasis will be placed on developing and maintaining
relationships. Students will also participate in appropriate social media practice as well as learning about age
appropriate pop culture topics.

90761 / 90762​ VOCATIONAL SKILLS​

Grade Level: 9-,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: Course Description: This Special Day Class emphasizes interpersonal skill development as a
prerequisite to meaningful employment. Particular attention is placed on the skills of greeting, responding to authority,
interpersonal appropriateness, and problem solving and conflict resolution within a situational context. Use of
appropriate techniques is monitored through a variety of instructional settings including home, school, job, and other
settings available in the community. Skills of verbal communication, appropriate physical contact and body language,
expression of anger or disagreement, reporting inappropriate behaviors of others, and the ability to develop trust and
work cooperatively are introduced and frequently reinforced. This class is taught based on individual goals and
objectives.

41
 SPECIAL EDUCATION (con’t)

CHOICE TRANSITION PROGRAM​

Ages: 17-22​ ​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: No

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite(s): IEP
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: N/A
Course Description: This Special Day Class is designed for students with individual goals on their transition plans and
focuses on post-school success. Emphasis is on life skills and functioning in the community. The following skills are
taught as curriculum: Employment, Further Education/Training, Daily Living, Leisure Activities, Community Participation,
Health, Self-Determination, Communication, and Interpersonal Relationships.

42
 VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
All courses listed in the Arts Department may be used to fulfill the high school arts graduation
requirement. Not all courses, however, are accepted by all colleges as fulfilling the entrance
requirement. Individual course descriptions note UC/CSU acceptance practices.

ART
60051 / 60052​ ART 1​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Art 1 is an exploratory course designed for the beginning art student. All levels of experience are
welcome.The fundamentals of drawing, painting, pen and ink, and mixed media are incorporated in lecture,
demonstrations, and student artwork. A project-oriented class, students will become competent in perspective,
shading, etc., in a wide variety of art forms.

60061 / 60062​ ART 2​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Art 2 is an intermediate level project-based course. This course expands the student’s
knowledge of the arts and goes more in depth into the mediums and techniques. Students are exposed to advanced
drawing and painting exercises as well as block printing, pen/ink and mixed media work. They will be encouraged to
experiment and push themselves to expand their creative potential, enhance their art skills and start to develop their
own style.

60071 / 60072​ ART 3

Grade Level: 10,11,12​​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts​
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Art 3 is an intermediate to advanced level project-based course. The coursework encourages
exploration and development of a personal voice and vision. Students will build on the skills developed in Art 2 to
create portfolio quality pieces. This course serves as a foundation for AP Studio Art. Students will explore Drawing, 2D
Design and 3D Design topics. Students will also work in sketchbooks and create a digital portfolio.

43
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60001 / 60002​ AP ART HISTORY​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of most recent English and History course with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook(s): None

Course Description: This Advanced Placement course is designed to introduce students to the understanding and
enjoyment of works of art. Art history from the ancient world to the twentieth century is covered. No prior experience in
art is necessary. Students who have done well in studies such as history, literature, and art appreciation are
encouraged to enroll.

60041 / 60042​ AP STUDIO ART ​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Acceptance of portfolio review by the department
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook(s): None
●​ This is a college level studio art class and students are expected to work outside of class on an ongoing basis.
Projects will be assigned weekly. Students should have strong foundational skills before taking this course.

Course Description: This Advanced Placement program in studio art is intended for highly motivated students who are
seriously interested in the study of two-dimensional art or sculpture. Students create and submit a portfolio in drawing,
2D Design or 3D Design. The portfolio is viewed as the culminating experience in a student's secondary visual art
training. Course can be repeated to complete a portfolio in a different category.

60211 / 60212​ CERAMIC ARTS 1​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Prerequisite: None Recommended
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students are expected to complete all projects and continue to practice the techniques that are taught
throughout the year. Much of the students’ grade depends on improvement, challenging them creatively, and completion
of all projects.
Course Description: This course explores the different construction methods possible in high-fire clay. Stoneware
projects are created by wheel throwing, slab rolling and hand building techniques. Students will use a variety of potter’s
wheels, kiln types, firing methods, glazes, and decorative techniques. Students will be exposed to art of diverse cultures
and participate in oral and written critiques.

44
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60221 / 60222​ CERAMIC ARTS 2​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramic Arts 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students are expected to complete all projects and continue to practice the techniques that are taught
throughout the year. Much of the students’ grade depends on improvement, challenging them creatively, and completion
of all projects.
Course Description: This course will further students’ hand-built, wheel, and production ceramic skills by practice and
advanced project assignments. Students will be active in kiln loading and glaze experimentation. Students will be
exposed to art of diverse cultures, participate in oral and written analysis and have opportunities to display their work.
Students will work in other media as well.

60231 / 60232​ CERAMIC ARTS 3 ​​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts​
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramic Arts 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Students are expected to complete all projects and continue to practice the techniques that are taught
throughout the year. Much of the grade depends on students’ improvement, challenging themselves creatively, and
completion of all projects.
This is a follow-up course to Ceramic Arts 2 Advanced, which allows students to pursue their talents more in-depth.
Course Description: This course will further students’ hand-built, wheel, and production ceramic skills by practice and
advanced project assignments. Students will be active in kiln loading and glaze experimentation. Students will be
exposed to art of diverse cultures, participate in oral and written analysis and have opportunities to display their work.
Students will work in other media as well.

ART SEMINAR COURSES: Students will sign up for this course and take two of the following
courses during that year (1 semester each): Painting, Printmaking, or 3-D Fabrication/Surfboard
Shaping. These classes have been paired so students may obtain one full year of UC art credit. If
the student has already obtained their UC art credit, they may take just one of these courses and
pair it with another semester course, i.e AP Human Geography.

60823​ ​ 3-D FABRICATION/SURFBOARD SHAPING​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Students will learn the process of creating a 3- D surfboard. They will go from start to finish in the
process, focusing on all aspects of current and past surfboard design. They will research past and current surfboard
shaping practices, learn how to create a template, and add a surface decoration and logo for their board. They will do
this based on the elements and principles of art and design as well as basic math skills.

45
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60973​ ​ 3-D FABRICATION/SURFBOARD SHAPING 2​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: 3-D Fabrication/Surfboard Shaping
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Students will be able to create a number of surfboards with decoration and learn to glass their
board for a complete experience. This course will expand on 3-D Fabrication 1 with more detailed work with PU and
EPS foam. Students will learn how to do fin placement, learn about more advanced materials and how to use epoxy
resin and fiberglass to complete a board. They will also learn how to use color and decoration to enhance the overall
board.

60431/60432​​ DANCE 1 (Pending)

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: Pending
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts/Physical Education
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This class is designed to expose students to a variety of dance techniques and styles with ample
opportunity to express and develop individual creativity through participation in dance combination and choreography.

*Ninth graders may take this course as a UC approved Visual and Performing Arts elective, however, P.E. must be taken
concurrently.

60813​ ​ PAINTING 1​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course will focus on the fundamentals of painting. It will emphasize technique and
exploration, as well as the historical, cultural, and conceptual aspects of painting. Color theory and the elements of art
and principles of design will be expanded upon in depth. Class activities are project based and give students an
opportunity to practice these fundamentals. A range of subject matter will be explored including: still life, landscape,
figures, portraiture, non-objective and imaginative images. Students will work with a variety of different media, including
acrylic and oil paint on canvas. Students will learn how to build their own canvases, as well as be introduced to possible
occupations they could potentially pursue with their painting skills in the future.

46
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60853​ ​ PAINTING 2​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Painting 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None​

Course Description: Painting 2 continues upon the foundation built in Painting 1, but goes into more advanced
techniques and developed assignments. This class is suitable for intermediate to advanced students who want to study
specific painting topics in depth to prepare for AP Studio Art, college, or as an alternative fourth year course in the arts.
Students will have ample opportunity for exploration and gain an art historical background. A range of subject matter will
be explored including: still life, landscape, the human figure, portraiture, non-objective and imaginative scenes.
Assignments will be project based and allow students to work independently, exploring their own interests and strengthen
their personal portfolios.

60833​ ​ PRINTMAKING 1​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course is an introduction to Printmaking. The course will reinforce the elements of art and
principles of design and introduce the historical, cultural and conceptual aspects of printmaking. Printmaking methods
include screen printing, collagraph, monoprint, stenciling, and linoleum block carving. After students gain technical skills
they will apply print methods in pursuit of their individual artistic goals and preferred aesthetic style. Students will
develop their own brand, design and make logos, t-shirts, stickers, buttons and posters. Students will also maintain a
sketchbook and create a digital portfolio.

60853​​ ​ PRINTMAKING 2​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Printmaking 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Printmaking 2 is an in-depth studio course for students with a foundation in printmaking. The class
will focus on technical mastery and developing personal voice. Printmaking projects will be executed from the following
techniques: screen printing, monoprint, collagraph, stenciling, and linoleum block. Other artistic processes will include
airbrushing, bookbinding, lettering, layout/design and the creation of a digital portfolio. An emphasis will be placed on
self-directed projects that encourage students to develop an artistic style and a cohesive body of work.

47
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
BANDS
60101 / 60102​ CONCERT BAND​ (Pending)
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course is a performance activity and study on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments for
students beginning in music or returning to music after having had only a foundational level of experience many years
ago. It uses music and method books that are technically and qualitatively appropriate, and emphasizes refinement of the
physical and mental processes involved in ensemble playing included in the study of the music performed. The technical
skills, notations, and terminology needed to produce music within the ensemble are taught. Performance activities are
traditional and include performances open to the public.

60121 / 60122​ JAZZ BAND​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts

●​ Required Prerequisite: Assessment and acceptance into Jazz Band
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course offers instrumental music students the opportunity to explore the areas of traditional
and contemporary big-band jazz music of various styles through group rehearsals and public performances.
Instrumentation includes trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm instruments (i.e., piano, guitar, bass, drums,
and percussion

70243​ ​ MARCHING BAND​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (fall) (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Physical Education/Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Honors Music
Performance Ensemble, or Jazz Band
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: During the first semester of the year the PE activities are preparation for marching activities. Students are
expected to complete 4 required semesters of PE through participation during all four years of high school. Students take
part in physical fitness testing. Punctual attendance at all practices and performances (see calendar at mchsbands.com),
dressing out in athletic attire for practice, pursuit and continual exercising of the very best of one's physical, mental and
expressive abilities, camaraderie through working to contribute excellently to the team both on and off the field.
Course Description: Marching Band takes the musicianship learned in one of the core music ensembles outdoors, onto
the football field and into the stands. Advanced training in visually expressing music through marching and movement is
acquired through practice during after school hours commensurate with a sports team. As a competitive “Sport of the
Arts”, Marching Band is a physical, demanding team where everyone performs at the Varsity level. Performance
opportunities include marching band tournaments, home and away football games, and local parades.

48
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60141 / 60142​ SYMPHONIC BAND
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Assessment and instrumental music teacher recommendation.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course is an intermediate to advanced level performance-based instrumental music
ensemble for wind and percussion players which teaches and develops the higher order of thinking skills involved in the
musical performance process. With the core principle of communicating musical intent with clarity, students pursue the
ability to think and play creatively, collaboratively, and critically as the primary focus of this course. As a subsequent
focus, students will progress in their ability to acquire and apply historical and theoretical knowledge about the music
literature being studied. Performance activities fulfill the CSU/UC “f” requirement for extracurricular activities outside of
the curricular day and include concerts open to the public, festival performances and community events.

60161 / 60162​ WIND ENSEMBLE​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Assessment and acceptance into Wind Ensemble
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Students in Wind Ensemble will advance their musicianship through the study and performance
of challenging band, wind ensemble, and chamber music. Students will participate in performances and occasional
rehearsals outside of the school day.

70161​ ​ COLORGUARD​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (fall) (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Physical Education/Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Colorguard is offered to all Mira Costa students. The students learn movement, dance
techniques, choreography, manipulation of traditional Colorguard equipment (flag, rifle, and saber), as well as
non-traditional equipment choreographed routines. During the fall, this course pairs up with the Marching Band for field
show and parade performances. In the winter, it continues indoors on its own as the MCHS Winterguard. This class is
open to all levels of participation and interest. Students who sign up for the course are expected to participate in after
school practices and weekend competitions for both seasons. During marching season, students are expected to attend
all home football games and perform at halftime. The students’ grade is determined on their participation in class and
practices or events that take place outside of school hours.

49
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
CHOIRS

60901 / 60902​ CHORAL UNION ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Audition and acceptance into Choral Union
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Enrollment in this course is by placement audition only. The course provides an intermediate
education in reading music, vocal techniques, and understanding different musical styles. Emphasis will be on vocal
performance for upper voices. Performances and dress rehearsals outside of regular school time are required.

60981 / 60982​ MIRA COSTA VOICES ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the vast styles and traditions of the vocal arts, with an emphasis
on voice development and performance. All levels of singing experience are welcome, including students who have had
little to no vocal training. This course will provide students with a formative education in music literacy, performance
techniques, and training in pop, jazz, musical theater, classical, and other styles. Additionally, the class will address
refining the solo voice, as well as how to blend and collaborate within a group. Vocal development goals will be
augmented with other music skill sets, including improvisation, collaboration, and songwriting.

60301 / 60302​ VOCAL ENSEMBLE

Grade Level: 10,11,12 ​​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts

●​ Required Prerequisite: Audition and acceptance into Vocal Ensemble
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Enrollment in this course is by placement audition only. The course provides education for
advanced music students in reading music, vocal technique, and understanding different musical styles. Emphasis will
be on vocal performance. Performances and dress rehearsals outside of regular school time are required.

50
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
DRAMA

60461 / 60462​ DRAMA 1​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Drama 1 focuses on theatre games, stage and screen performance technique, script analysis,
and theatre history to build confidence, to learn theatre fundamentals, and to build community. Students will also gain a
practical understanding of stage terminology and explore writing and directing for the stage. This course is
recommended for students with previous theatre training and those new to the discipline.

60471 / 60472​ DRAMA 2​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drama 1 and successful application and acceptance into
Drama 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course is a continuation of Drama 1 and will prepare the student in all phases of acting
techniques for stage and film, as well as directing and writing. Instruction emphasizes formalized performance
techniques and students are exposed to a variety of performance styles and genres, from classical to contemporary
theater. Through play readings, theater games, and scene-work, students will continue to increase their awareness of
voice and diction, characterization, script study, and movement while gaining confidence and learning how to mount
projects in production teams.
​

60481 / 60482​ DRAMA 3 ADV​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drama 2 and successful application and acceptance into
Drama 3
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Drama 3 emphasizes the refinement of the student’s performance, directing, and writing skills.
Students will build upon previous skills developed in Drama 1 and Drama 2 and apply them to extracurricular
performance opportunities and competitions. This course places Drama students in positions of department leadership
and prepares them for collegiate and professional theater and film endeavors.

51
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
61003 ​ ​ PLAY PRODUCTION
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Cast Audition and Crew Application
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Play Production is a project/performance-based course that culminates in a two-weekend

performance of a licensed and fully staged and designed production before an audience. In this course, students will be
assigned specific duties (based on audition and crew applications) as cast and crew members and will learn designated
aspects of theater production including: script analysis, staging, character interpretation, performance technique,
production etiquette, design development and execution, and stage management. Students will meet deadlines related to
production timelines and rehearsal schedules, collaborate on all aspects of production, and perform in and crew for the
entire production's run.

This semester-long course will typically highlight a non-musical play in the fall (performance in the small theater) and a
musical in the spring (performance in the auditorium). Shows will be selected to provide variety in style, genre, and degree
of difficulty, so that students who participate in the course are exposed to a range of stories and experience diverse
production challenges.

60711 / 60712​ TECHNICAL THEATER​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Technical Theater covers design basics of set, props, costumes, make-up, lights, sound, stage
management, box office, house management and Technical Theater careers. In addition to design projects and
assignments, students receive hands-on experience as a member of the design, building and running crews for the
theater productions. Students may also serve as crews for outside performances and assemblies. This course serves
as a hands-on, lab and project-based program giving the students real world experience in the elements of Technical
Theater. This class will work to give the skills necessary for employment in the Technical Theater profession.

60741 / 60742​ TECHNICAL THEATER ADVANCED

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Technical Theater
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Advanced Technical Theater is designed for dedicated students that want to continue their
education in the technical side of theater arts. Students will be able to build upon skills learned in Technical Theatre 1.
Students will be able to pursue their passion of becoming designers and leaders in the technical theater world. The focus
of this class involves the development of design skills in multiple areas of theatrical design. Using the skills learned in
previous theatre classes the students will advance their skills in costume design and construction, lighting design, sound
design, makeup design, and sets and props design and construction. Students could be involved in the construction of
sets and props for outside theatre companies. Participants will gain an appreciation of theatre by attending and reviewing
theatrical productions in the community.

52
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
MEDIA
60181 / 60182​ BROADCAST JOURNALISM 1​
Grade Level: 9,10,11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Application/audition and acceptance into Broadcast Journalism program
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: “Sound Reporting,” Kern, Jonathan

Expectations: This fast-paced elective class requires self-motivation and collaboration skills, the ability to meet
deadlines, and strong writing skills. Some work will be done in class, but many assignments must be completed outside
of class time.
Course Description: Enrollment in this course is by application/audition only but no prior experience with journalism is
required. This class introduces students to the world of digital journalism as they take on real-life issues, events and
personalities, and learn to create non-fiction stories in a variety of media like video, podcasts, social media campaigns
and other online platforms. After a series of projects, students will learn to produce a live newscast, the nationally
award-winning Mustang Morning News. Students learn news writing and research skills, First Amendment law and
ethics, videography and editing skills, web design, sound recording, and social media marketing. Students learn all
aspects of news production including anchoring, directing, and producing in the state-of-the-art 2600 square foot Media
Arts Lab. This course is designed to prepare students for college majors and careers in journalism, broadcast
journalism, marketing and PR. Students may be invited to attend local and national journalism conventions with the rest
of the staff or international documentary trips.

60191 / 60192​ BROADCAST JOURNALISM 2 (Mustang Morning News)​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Broadcast Journalism 1 and successful application/audition
and acceptance into Broadcast Journalism program
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a rigorous, dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and collaboration skills, the ability
to meet deadlines, and strong writing skills. Some work will be done in class, but many assignments must be completed
outside of class time.
Course Description: This class builds on what students learned in Broadcast Journalism 1 to produce the nationally
award-winning Mustang Morning News; a live newscast seen by the Mira Costa community. Students will begin to
specialize in a variety of journalism tasks, such as reporter, videographer, producer, director and anchor as they
develop their voice as journalists and hone their technical skills. All current methods of news production and journalism
will be explored, including web design and the use of social media sites. In addition to producing the news, special
projects may also be awarded to outstanding staff members. Guest speakers and field trips are part of the curriculum,
and students may be invited to attend local and national journalism conventions with the rest of the staff.

53
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60951 / 60952​ BROADCAST JOURNALISM 3 HONORS
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective

●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Broadcast Journalism 2 AND teacher approval
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: “Sound Reporting,” Kern, Jonathan

Expectations: This is a rigorous, dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and collaboration skills, the ability
to meet deadlines, and strong writing skills. Some work will be done in class, but many assignments must be completed
outside of class time.
Course Description: Broadcast Journalism 3 Honors builds on students' skills and experience in creating and publishing
a weekly news broadcast. Students who have excelled during the previous two years of the class earn the Honors
distinction by taking on more complex story assignments and leadership roles. This is the third class in the sequence of
Broadcast Journalism. In addition to strengthening skills learned in the previous years, third-year students take on
leadership and editorial roles with corresponding responsibilities that direct the class in completing the weekly broadcast.
They teach and mentor less experienced students and provide creative and technical support as needed. The broadcast
is called Mustang Morning News. Students write, record, and edit stories for each broadcast. They record the broadcast
in Mira Costa High School's Media Arts Lab and stream the newscast live online, then market their content through a
variety of social media platforms and websites. The class combines skills and learning that support college and career
readiness, such as media literacy, ethical decision-making, leadership, management, assigned job responsibilities,
writing, project management, mentoring, teaching, collaboration, videography, video editing, and visual design.

60371 / 60372​ CINEMATIC ARTS 1​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and collaboration skills. Most work will be
done in class, but there are occasional written or film projects that must be completed outside of class time.
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to film-style video production and film criticism. Students will
learn the creative elements of cinematic language and production skills through a variety of individual and group
projects such as music videos, public service announcements and narrative short films. A variety of films will be
screened and critiqued to provide a historical and artistic foundation for student work. Students will also learn
cinematography, sound design, editing, screenwriting and directing as they develop their personal voice as filmmakers.

60381 / 60382​ CINEMATIC ARTS 2​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Length of Course/Credits: 1 year/10 credits
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Cinematic Arts 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and collaboration skills. Most work will be
done in class, but there are occasional written or film projects that must be completed outside of class time.
Course Description: This course builds on the fundamentals of Cinematic Arts 1 by providing more advanced work in
cinematography, screenwriting, directing and producing. Students will work on a variety of projects, including short
narratives, documentaries and experimental videos. Lighting and advanced editing techniques are explored, and
students are introduced to motion graphics and other cinematic techniques.

54
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60231 / 60232​ CINEMATIC ARTS 3​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Cinematic Arts 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and collaboration skills. Most work will be
done in class, but there are occasional written or film projects that must be completed outside of class time.
Course Description: This course provides intermediate work in filmmaking and cinematic arts. Student filmmakers
collaborate and work individually on a variety of short film projects such as narrative, documentaries and experimental
videos. This includes advanced work in cinematography, editing, screenwriting, directing and producing as students
continue to develop a personal style and “voice”.

60401 / 60402​ CINEMATIC ARTS ADVANCED​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Cinematic Arts 3
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and collaboration skills. Most work will be
done in class, but there are occasional written or film projects that must be completed outside of class time.
Course Description: This culminating course further refines the personal vision and voice of student filmmakers and
prepares them for film school or work in the industry. Students will study a rotating list of film movements and genres,
including experimental, non-fiction, surrealist and political films. Students are expected to produce a variety of digital
short projects that hone their technical skills and refine their creative vision. Students will explore advanced work in
cinematography, editing and sound as well as screenwriting and producing. By the end of the year, students will
produce a personal “reel” (portfolio) of work that can be used for college and job applications.

61001 / 61002​ GRAPHIC DESIGN 1

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Graphic Design 1 provides learning experiences where students develop a deep understanding of
how to communicate ideas, information, and emotion to audiences using visual design concepts and techniques. The
philosophy of this class focuses on the ability to translate ideas into tangible artifacts; to develop a personal voice; to
recognize, honor and integrate historical and cultural references; and to develop an ethical mindset and awareness of the
impact our work has on others. Students will learn how to ideate and brainstorm projects; work collaboratively to
workshop, test and revise designs; and present and publish their work online. The course will cover the basics of
Elements of Art, Principles of Art, Design Theory, Color Theory, Typography, and Layout for Print and Digital Publication.

55
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60611 / 60612​ PHOTOGRAPHY 1​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and an innovative mindset. Some work will
be done in class, but most assignments must be completed outside of class time (taking photos). Assessment is based
on mastery of technique, creative growth, meeting deadlines, collaboration and contribution to class discussions.
Course Description: The course is designed to help students master the California VAPA standards through digital
photography. Students will learn the essential elements of art as they pertain to photography and visual design, the
vocabulary associated with art as well as the digital camera and photographic techniques. Students will develop and
present ideas, opinions and facts that help them complete a body of works for their own portfolio. After completing this
course, students will be competent behind the digital camera, have basic photo manipulation skills, and have the
foundation to observe, discuss and appreciate other forms of artwork.

60621 / 60622​ PHOTOGRAPHY ADVANCED ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: One year of Photography 1 or equivalent experience. Portfolio assessment is required
for students who have not taken Photography 1 at Mira Costa High School
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: This is a dynamic elective class that requires self-motivation and an innovative mindset. Some work will
be done in class, but most assignments must be completed outside of class time (taking photos). Assessment is based
on mastery of technique, creative growth, meeting deadlines, collaboration and contribution to class discussions.
Course Description: This course is designed to help students master the California VAPA standards through digital
photography. Students will learn elements of art as they pertain to photography and visual design, as well as advanced
digital camera and photographic techniques. Students will develop and present ideas, opinions and facts that help them
complete a body of works for their own portfolio. After completing this course, students will be competent behind the
digital camera, have basic photo manipulation skills, and have the foundation to observe, discuss and appreciate other
forms of artwork.

ORCHESTRAS

60581 / 60582​ PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Teacher approval. No audition required
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The Philharmonic Orchestra is the entry-level orchestra ensemble at Mira Costa. This course
provides essential instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass through the rehearsal, analysis, and performance of
ensemble literature and method books. Focus will be placed on improving proper technique, reading, ear training, and
ensemble performance skills. Performances outside of regular school time are required.

56
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
60971 / 60972 ​ SINFONIETTA ORCHESTRA​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Audition and acceptance into Sinfonietta Orchestra
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The Sinfonietta Orchestra is a high-level music curriculum designed for string musicians who
wish to continue refining and enhancing performance mastery. This course involves a progressive education in music
literacy, technique, interpretation, and the application of different musical styles. Performances outside of regular school
time are required.

60591 / 60592 ​ STRING ORCHESTRA (Pending)

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area:
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Audition and acceptance into String Orchestra
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The String Orchestra, also referred to as the Preludium Orchestra, is the entry-level orchestra ensemble at
Mira Costa. This course provides foundational instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass while involving the rehearsal,
analysis, and performance of string ensemble literature. Focus will be placed on improving proper technique, reading, ear training,
and ensemble performance skills. Performances outside of regular school time are required.

60601 / 60602​ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Audition and acceptance into Symphony Orchestra
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The Symphony Orchestra is a performance-based class designed for highly skilled and versatile
string musicians selected through an advanced audition process. This course involves a comprehensive education
covering a variety of genres, elements, and performance techniques. Performances and rehearsals outside of regular
school time are required.

​
60781 / 60782​ HONORS MUSIC PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE (ORCHESTRA)​ ​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Symphony Orchestra
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The Honors Music Performance Ensemble, referred to as the Chamber Orchestra, is a select
group of students currently enrolled in the Symphony Orchestra. Participation is by invitation only, and is based on past
history of reliability, achievement, and the ability to prepare additional music literature at a very demanding level.
Performances and routine rehearsals outside of regular school time are required.

57
 VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS (con’t)
OTHER MUSIC
60571 / 60572​ MUSIC THEORY​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None Recommended
Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This is an introductory course that teaches students to read and write music. Students will learn
how to compose, interpret and analyze music from various styles and periods. Emphasis will be placed on mastery of
basic concepts in pitch, rhythm, harmony and form. Previous musical knowledge is helpful but not required.

60031 / 60032​ AP MUSIC THEORY​

Grade Level: 10,11,12 ​​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Ability to read music.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Intermediate understanding of music theory
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This is a college-level, first year music theory course. It incorporates the study of melody,
harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, and to some extent, history and style.
Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are also developed
within the scope of the curriculum. The student’s ability to read and write musical notation is fundamental to this course.
It is also assumed that the student has acquired at least basic performance skills in voice or on an instrument.

61041 / 61042​ WORLD MUSIC ​

Grade Level: 9, 10,11,12 ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: Pending
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This is an introductory course that examines music-making fundamentals and practices found in
diverse cultures from around the world. Students will explore distinct musical styles through a number of modalities from
listening, analysis of element and form, and practice with arranging and performing different styles of music. They will
also consider the intersections of music-making with cultural practices and norms related to social structures, religious
and faith-based practices, gender roles and identities, and the performative aspects of music. Previous musical
knowledge is helpful but not required.

58
 WORLD LANGUAGE
50211 / 50212​ AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 1​​ ​ ​ ​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: World Language or Elective
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Signing Naturally Level 1, Units 1-6

Course Description: This is a yearlong course that will introduce students to American Sign Language. Students will
study the natural language of the Deaf and will be provided instruction in vocabulary and grammar. Conversational and
cultural aspects of ASL and the Deaf community will be integrated into the course.

50221 / 50222​ AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 2​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: World Language or Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 1
●​ Textbook: Signing Naturally Level 1, Units 7-12 ISBN 978-1-58121-221-1 and For Hearing People Only:
Volume 2 ISBN-13: 978-0963401632.

Course Description: This course is designed to continue developing ASL vocabulary, grammar, fingerspelling, and
expressive and receptive skills in the language. In addition to language acquisition, students will delve further into an
understanding of American Deaf Culture. Students will complete tests, quizzes, class projects, hands-on activities, and
other activities in order to improve comprehension and fluency of American Sign Language.

50231 / 50232​ AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 3​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: World Language or Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 1 and ASL 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Signing Naturally, Level 2, ISBN 978-1-58121-131-3

Course Description: This course is designed to delve into the more abstract concepts of American Sign Language.
Students will take what they have learned in previous courses and continue to develop their mastery of the language.
During this course, students will learn to narrate events that have happened in the past, ask for solutions to common
problems, tell about events, and describe objects. This course focuses on ASL literature, vocabulary, narrative
structure, transitions, grammar, classifiers, and advanced sentence structure. During this course, students will also
continue to learn about Deaf culture.

50241 / 50242​ AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 4​​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E

●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective

●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of ASL 1, ASL 2, and ASL 3
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Signing Naturally Level 3, ISBN 978-1-58121-135-1

Course Description: This course is designed to emphasize language in context, featuring key vocabulary and
expressions. Successful completion of this course will increase vocabulary, develop everyday conversational skills,
introduce translating written text into ASL, and improve the ability to make formal presentations in ASL. This course also
focuses on stories that tell about the Deaf experience.

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 WORLD LANGUAGE (con’t)
50171 / 50172​ CHINESE 2​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Huanying: An Invitation to Chinese, Volume 1 ISBN: 9780887276628 (Units 5-6) for first semester
and Huanying Volume 2 ISBN: 9780887277252 (Units 1-2) for second semester

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: This class is a yearlong course that will continue the study of the Mandarin Chinese language
through speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Students will learn intermediate-level grammatical rules and oral
communication. Students will also continue their study of the cultural customs and traditions of Mandarin Chinese
speakers throughout the world through art, music, and drama (Students who successfully completed Mandarin 1A and
1B at MBMS with a grade of a C- or better should enroll in this course, not just Mandarin 1A.)

50181 / 50182​ CHINESE 3​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Chinese 3 Huanying, Volume 2 (Units 3-6): ISBN 9780887277252

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: Students will continue the study of the Mandarin Chinese language through speaking, reading,
writing, and listening. In the third year, students can handle most survival and social situations. Spontaneity should
begin to occur. Students should demonstrate the ability to use the present, past, and future tenses. Students will learn
early and advanced-level grammatical rules, which include Mandarin Chinese vocabulary rules that have no English
equivalent. Students should be able to sustain some lengthy conversations and discuss topics beyond basic needs,
when the topics are part of the course content. Students also continue to study the culture and civilization of the people
whose language they are studying.

50191 / 50192​ CHINESE 4​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 3
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Huanying: An Invitation to Chinese, Volume 3 ISBN 9780887277405

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: This class is a yearlong course that will continue the study of the Mandarin Chinese language
through speaking, reading, and writing, and listening. In the fourth year, students are able to comply with common
social demands. Pronunciation is such that most native speakers would have little difficulty understanding. Students are
able to describe and narrate, as well as to use most moods, while speaking about familiar topics such as everyday
situations, current events, and subject matter encountered in reading assignments. Students will learn advanced-level
grammatical rules, which include Mandarin Chinese vocabulary rules that have no English equivalent. Students also
continue to study the culture and civilization of the people whose language they are studying.

60
 WORLD LANGUAGE (con’t)
50201 / 50202​ AP CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 4
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 4 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Huanying: An Invitation to Chinese, Volume 4, ISBN 9780887277863

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: Students will be prepared for the rigor and technicalities of the AP Examination and have the
opportunity to expand and refine their skills in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. They will
also expand their proficiency in the four language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, using a variety of
authentic materials.

50001 / 50002​ FRENCH 1​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: D’accord! Level 1 ISBN: 978-1-61857-863-1

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: The purpose of French 1 is to give students the ability to function in real-life situations that they
might encounter in a French-speaking environment through the study of various themes such as meeting people, high
school, hobbies and sports, the weather, holidays, vacations and celebrations. Students will learn to talk about
themselves, their families, and their friends; they will learn how to make travel plans and give directions; how to shop
and make purchases in stores; how to order in a French café; how to give their opinions about things such as their
classes; and how to critique a movie. Students will be able to produce simple questions, answers, and descriptions and
use the present, future, and past tenses. Students will also increase their awareness of French civilization, culture, and
customs through various readings and media such as feature-length films, commercials, music videos, and more. All
content is presented with an integrated approach, incorporating the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
(This course is the equivalent of French 1A and 1B at MBMS.)

50011 / 50012​ FRENCH 2​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ D’accord! Level 2 ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-61857-864-1

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: The purpose of French 2 is to further develop the students’ abilities to function in situations they
may encounter in a French-speaking environment. Students will learn to talk about their homes and chores; about
French meals and how to shop for food in specialty stores; to describe their morning routine and their health; to discuss
technology such as computers, electronics, cars, and driving; to talk about their future jobs and professions; and will
discuss environmental concerns and nature. Students will be able to use a variety of verbs, the present, past, and
future; idiomatic expressions; make comparisons; and give opinions. Students’ cultural knowledge will expand to
include the Francophone world with its varied customs and points of interest. Students will each get a French pen pal
for the entire year with whom they will correspond about the various topics introduced and more! Field trips include a
French restaurant and a petanque tournament. (Students who successfully completed French 1A and 1B at MBMS with
a grade of a C- or better may enroll in this course, not French 1.)

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 WORLD LANGUAGE (con’t)
50021 / 50022​ FRENCH 3​
Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: D’accord! Level 3 ISBN: 978-1-61857-865-1

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: Students can now handle most survival and social situations and spontaneity begins to occur.
Students have the ability to use the present, past, and future tenses. Students will learn to talk about relationships, the
news and media, human rights, food, stages of life, inventions, the sciences, leisure activities, sports, shopping, and
politics. Grammatical concepts will be reviewed and expanded to include the conditional tense and subjunctive mood.
Students will also continue to study the culture and civilization of the people whose language they are studying,
focusing on the Francophone world and concepts such as freedom, the universe, and marriage. As a culminating
activity students will take a field trip to the Norton Simon Museum to study its impressive collection of French art.

50031 / 50032​ FRENCH 4​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of French 3 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Face-à-face ISBN: 978-1-60576-118-3; Trésors du Temps ISBN: 0-07-860655-1; Le Petit Prince by
Antoine de St. Exupery

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: The primary goals of French 4 are: (1) the refinement of communicative skills in the four skill
areas; (2) the enhancement of communicative competence through various strategies such as improv; (3) the
enhancement of grammatical competence (review of previously learned structures and acquisition of new structures
such as idiomatic expressions); (4) refinement in understanding French and Francophone culture. French 4 builds on
themes, vocabulary, and skills learned in French 1-3; however, the course aims to move the students to more abstract
levels of language usage at which they learn to work with more extended discourse and to deal with the cultural and
sociological (as well as practical) aspects of the topics studied. Topics include friendship and love, identity, poetry,
environmental challenges, tolerance, nutrition, technology, and idiosyncrasies. Students will read their first novel in
French and enjoy a field trip to the French/L.A. Film Festival in April.

50041 / 50042​ AP FRENCH​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 4
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of French 4 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Allons au-delà; ISBN: 978-0-13-317953-8

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: Besides preparing students for the rigor and technicalities of the AP Examination, the AP French
Language and Culture course offers students the opportunity to expand and refine their skills in interpersonal,
interpretive, and presentational communication. To facilitate the interweaving of language, content, and culture the
course will be structured around six broad themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life,
Identity, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. Students will refine and expand their proficiency in the
four language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, using a variety of authentic materials while preparing for
the AP French Language and Culture exam.

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 WORLD LANGUAGE (con’t)
50091 / 50092​ SPANISH 1​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Senderos 1 from Vista Higher Learning, 978-1-54337-282-3
Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.
Course Description: Spanish 1 involves an integrated approach, incorporating the skills of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Students will be able to produce simple questions, answers, and descriptions. Language
acquisitions will include thematic vocabulary and use of basic grammatical forms such as present and preterit tenses as
well as pronouns. Students will also increase their awareness of the civilization, culture, and customs of the people
whose language they are studying. (This course is the equivalent of Spanish 1A and 1B at MBMS.)

50101 / 50102​ SPANISH 2​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: Senderos 2 from Vista Higher Learning, 978-1-54337-283-0

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: Students are now able to meet basic survival needs in the foreign language. They can engage in
common courtesy exchanges and carry on simple conversations, even initiating questions and statements. Past,
present, future, conditional tenses, and commands are covered. Students will continue to explore the culture and
customs of the people whose language they are studying. (Students who successfully completed Spanish 1A and 1B at
MBMS with a grade of C- or better should enroll in this course, not Spanish 1.)

50111 / 50112​ SPANISH 3​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2 with a B or better
●​ Textbook: Senderos 3 from Vista Higher Learning, 978-1-54337-284-7

Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.

Course Description: In the third year, students can handle most survival and social situations. Spontaneity should
begin to occur. Students show ability to use the present, past and future tenses, subjunctive, conditional, and perfect
tenses, as well as to master more frequent pronoun and verb forms. Students can sustain some lengthy conversations
and discuss topics beyond basic needs when the topics are part of the course content. Students also continue to study
the culture and civilization of the people whose language they are studying.

63
 WORLD LANGUAGE (con’t)
50121 / 50122​ SPANISH 4​
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 3 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Imagina from Vista Higher Learning,
Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.
Course Description: In the fourth year, students are able to comply with common social demands. Pronunciation is
such that most native speakers would have little difficulty understanding. Students are able to describe and narrate, as
well as to use most tenses and moods, while speaking about familiar topics such as everyday situations, current
events, job-related information and subject matter encountered in reading assignments. Students are able to write a
complex essay demonstrating critical thinking skills such as analysis and summarization. In addition, students continue
to study the culture and civilization within the context of the language.

50141 / 50142​ AP SPANISH​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: E
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 4 with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: Temas from Vista Higher Learning ISBN: 10-161857244X
Expectations: See individual teacher’s course expectations.
Course Description: Students are required to take the AP exam and prepare through intensive study and
practice in listening comprehension, speaking, writing, reading comprehension, language structure, and
vocabulary. Students will make connections between various themes and contexts, which are emphasized on the exam.

64
 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS
60081 / 60082​ ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT (ASB)​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: All ASB students must be either elected or appointed to office
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: ASB is a student government organization composed of positions both elected by the student
body and appointed through an interview process. Students are responsible for carrying out the duties of their specific
positions, as well as participating in the planning of all ASB activities. This class emphasizes the development of
student leadership through personal goals; interacting with peers, teachers, administrators, and community
members/organizations; and successfully working as a team with other ASB members.

10151 / 10152​ ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD)​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: 1 year English or Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: EL Instructor recommendation.
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: ELD is the term used to discuss an English Language Development academic program. It is a
program with an aim to assist ANY and ALL students on campus whose primary language is not English. Our ELD
program gives these students the opportunity to develop their English skills and succeed in school.

60531 / 60532​ JOURNALISM​

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course introduces students to the foundations of journalism and prepares students for future
coursework in student publications. Emphasis is placed on the journalism mindset, media literacy, research, and
newswriting and reporting using contemporary and emerging media. Students will learn journalism history, law and
ethics, and complete a variety of projects including writing, photography, video, social media and design.

60541 / 60542​ JOURNALISM ADVANCED (LA VISTA)​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts​
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Journalism.
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Journalism with a grade of B or better
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This is a production course devoted to the publication of the school newspaper, La Vista.
Students write, edit, design, lay-out, computer-typeset, and paste-up each page of the 20–28-page paper and upload
work to our online site. Students produce 10 issues per school year, on an approximately four-week basis.

65
 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS (con’t)
60751 / 60752​ YEARBOOK​
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: F
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Arts
●​ Required Prerequisite: Application and acceptance into the Yearbook program
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: Yearbook class produces the school’s annual, Hoofprints. Students should have superior writing
skills and show evidence of meeting their academic responsibilities. Students will learn basic computer layout
techniques, copywriting, photography skills, and apply the graphic arts.

60831 / 60832​ LINK CREW​

Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Acceptance by Application Process
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook(s): None

Course Description: The Link Crew class is eligible for any junior or senior Link Leaders at MCHS. Students learn
leadership skills ranging from goal setting to public speaking to self-reflection. Beyond practicing such skills, students in
the Link Crew class can anticipate taking on additional work organizing, planning, and running Link Crew events
throughout the year.

61011 / 61012​ PEER COUNSELING AND INCLUSION 1

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation, Peer Counseling Application
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Panel Interview, Must maintain a 2.5 GPA, Excellent attendance
●​ Textbook(s): None

Course Description: Course Overview: Increasing ways to address student mental health, withdrawal and isolation
during post-distance learning of the Covid pandemic has become our reality in high school. This course proposes a safe
place for all students to work through conflicts with friends, struggles with academics, stress, loneliness, family problems
and even seek appropriate resources for teenagers as the pandemic wears on. Students in this course are trained in
listening and communication skills for a full semester. When training is completed, they become available to counsel other
students who are referred by voluntary sign-up, a friend, staff or other school adult. Second semester will focus on
strengthening skill sets and skill building towards continuing education twice a week, while delivering peer counseling
three days weekly.

66
 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS (con’t)
61051 / 61052 ​ DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL STUDIES (Pending)
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: Pending
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook(s): None

Course Description: The course will study the diverse peoples of the United States and their experiences, using a lens
from related academic fields, including history, literature, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology and political
science. It is designed to provide a broad and deep exploration of the topics addressed in and expand upon the California
“ethnic studies” requirements to include the experiences of all groups that have experienced bigotry and discrimination in
this country based on identities arising from, but limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, ability and age, or intersectional combinations thereof.
Students will explore concepts of bias, community, mindfulness, justice, legal and social discrimination, policy and change
making, and social and civic engagement. The course will examine the nation’s various power structures and forms of
oppression that continue to have social, emotional, cultural, economic and political impact. Students will explore historical
examples of social activism to understand how collective action can lead to a more equitable and just society. The course
will also highlight contributions made by the diverse peoples of the United States to government, politics, culture,
economics and other fields.

61053 ​ ​ DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL STUDIES (Pending)

Grade Level: 9,10,11,12​​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: Pending
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook(s): None

Course Description: The course will provide an introduction to the study of the diverse peoples of the United States and
their experiences, using a lens from related academic fields, including history, literature, economics, sociology,
anthropology, psychology and political science. It is designed to prepare students for broader and deeper exploration in a
second semester continuation of this course, as well as other courses that may address the topics included in the
California “ethnic studies” requirements as well as the experiences of all groups that have experienced bigotry and
discrimination in this country based on identities arising from, but limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender,
sexual orientation, ability and age, or intersectional combinations thereof.
Students will explore concepts of bias, community, mindfulness, justice, legal and social discrimination, policy and change
making, and social and civic engagement. Students will explore historical examples of social activism to understand how
collective action can lead to a more equitable and just society. The course will also highlight contributions made by the
diverse peoples of the United States to government, politics, culture, economics and other fields.

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 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS (con’t)
90011 ​ ​ STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT 9 (SAS 9)​
Grade Level: 9​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Counselor recommendation
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Time spent in class will be divided between homework, studying, tutoring, counseling, and teacher
instruction.
Course Description: The purpose of the SAS 9 class is to create a structured environment where 9th grade students
can receive extra guidance from teachers, counselors, and peer tutors in order to improve their academic performance.
The class will incorporate multiple strategies to help students achieve success. Student completion of work will be
supervised and additional assistance will be provided to support students in mastering course content in specific
academic areas. Students will be held accountable for class work and homework, and will be required to submit a
progress report as needed. Study skills and organizational strategies will be an integral part of the curriculum. The goal
is to increase motivation, help students recognize and build on their strengths, and understand the value of knowledge
and learning. Additional support from an MFT will be provided once a week. Space is limited and will be offered to
students who need it most. The SAS 9 elective class is one semester long. The second semester of the school year,
students will have the option to take any semester-long class offered to freshmen. If your student is identified by MCHS
Counselors as needing a 2nd semester of SAS, the class will be offered for the 2nd semester.

90001 / 90061​ STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT 10, 11 (SAS 10, SAS 11)​
Grade Level: 10,11​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Prerequisite: Counselor recommendation
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Expectations: Time spent in class will be divided between homework, studying, tutoring, counseling, and teacher
instruction.
Course Description: The purpose of the Student Academic Support Program is to create a structured environment
where students can receive extra guidance from teachers, counselors, and peer tutors in order to improve their
academic performance. The class will incorporate multiple strategies to help students achieve success. Student
completion of work will be supervised and additional assistance will be provided to support students in mastering
course content in specific academic areas. Students will be held accountable for class work and homework, and will be
required to submit a progress report as needed. Study skills and organizational strategies will be an integral part of the
curriculum. The goal is to increase motivation, help students recognize and build on their strengths, and understand the
value of knowledge and learning. Additional support from a counselor will be available for students who may be
experiencing emotional difficulties. Space is limited and will be offered to students who need it most.

68
 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS (con’t)
90021 ​ ​ STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT TUTOR​
Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Counselor recommendation
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: As SAS peer mentors, students will be providing academic, one-on-one peer- tutoring and
helping the SAS teacher with any daily tasks. Peer mentors will earn a letter grade, 10 credits toward graduation, and a
certificate of recognition for assisting with the SAS program. Not only is this a great addition to a college resume, but it
is also a very rewarding experience. The purpose of the Student Academic Support Class is to create a structured
environment where students can receive extra guidance from their teacher and counselor with the assistance of the
peer mentors in order to improve their academic performance. The goal is to increase motivation, help students
recognize and build on their strengths, and see and understand the value of knowledge and learning.

60761 / 60762​ AP SEMINAR

Grade Level: 10,11​ ​ ​ Year-long (10 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: none
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: at least one honors or AP course (prior or current enrollment)
●​ Textbook: Intermediate Logic; The Craft of Research

Course Description: AP Seminar is a yearlong preparatory course, serving as the prerequisite to AP Research. The
content of the course is flexible, often taking a multidisciplinary, cross-curricular approach, designed to showcase for
students the overlapping and interdependent nature of their education. Over the course of the major thematic study,
students will be guided through the QUEST method or research: Question and explore, Understand and analyze,
Evaluate multiple perspectives, Synthesize ideas, Team/transform/transmit. This special topic course is designed to
give students the chance to self- generate areas of inquiry, and practice and develop important research-based skills
through collaborative, written, and presentation tasks. Special topics may change year to year, including the following:
Partisanship and Disagreement, Applied Ethics in the 21st Century, Humanism: an approach to cultural ‘Otherness’,
Social and Restorative Justice, Defining Beauty in the Postmodern Age of Aesthetics, The Role of Art in a
Technological World, to name a few. AP Seminar serves as a prerequisite course for AP Research; successful
completion of both courses (with passing AP scores) awards students with Certification (for just these two courses) or
AP Capstone designation (with successful passing of four other AP courses in any other subject areas).

69
 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS (con’t)
60821 / 60822​ AP RESEARCH
Grade Level: 11,12​ ​ ​ Yearlong (10 credits)​ ​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: G
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: AP Seminar (with a passing score through College Board)
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: at least one OTHER (besides AP Seminar) honors or AP course (prior or current
enrollment)
●​ Textbook: The Craft of Research

Course Description: AP Research is a yearlong culminating study based on individual student inquiry in a specific
cross-curricular area of interest, based on the foundational skills learned and developed in AP Seminar and further
enhanced through personal, peer, advisor, and expert mentorship. The class is flexibly structured to allow students the
personal time to engage not only their own academic settings, but the community and world-at-large as well. Students
may choose their own topics, synthesizing areas of study from a variety of their own coursework, conduct research,
studies, surveys, interviews, etc. in order to contribute in some way to the academic discourse surrounding their area of
inquiry. Over the course of the year, students will learn other formatting types (beyond MLA), specific to their area of
inquiry, will work through topic creation, researching, outlining, drafting and revising, peer and advisor reviewing, and
reflecting upon their own processes. In the end, students will have completed a project of extended, and significant
academic achievement, which should put them at a significant advantage in regards to college admissions and creating
avenues for themselves in specific collegiate programs, internships, and research. Successful completion of both AP
Seminar and AP Research (with passing AP scores) awards students with Certification (for just these two courses) or
AP Capstone designation (with successful passing of four other AP courses in any other subject areas).

60701​ ​ TEACHER ASSISTANT​

Grade Level: 12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: Successful application and approval of teacher and administration
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: None
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: This course provides a variety of practical experiences for students who may be assigned to
administrative offices such as Guidance, Attendance, and the Library. Students may also be assigned directly to a
teacher and/or department chair. Students may earn a maximum of 10 credits toward graduation as a Teacher
Assistant. This course is ONLY open to seniors.

60721​ ​ TECHNOLOGY AIDE​

Grade Level: 10,11,12​ ​ ​ Semester-long (5 credits)​ ​ ​ UC/CSU Subject Area: None
●​ MBUSD District Graduation Requirement: Elective
●​ Required Prerequisite: None
●​ Recommended Prerequisite: Intermediate-level or better in regards to computer technology
●​ Textbook: None

Course Description: The technology aide will assist other students as well as teachers with computers
and software usage. Students will be installing software, troubleshooting (both in the lab and around the campus),
setting up computers and possibly designing Web pages. Learning experiences will be driven by the real-world
challenges of a campus moving toward higher technology and student technology interests.

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 ELECTIVES / MISCELLANEOUS (con’t)
Additional Courses Though Southern California Regional Occupational Center

(SoCal ROC)​
Grade Level: 10,11,12

SoCal ROC are the leaders in providing current and relevant Career Technical Education programs that are meeting
today’s job demands and careers of the future! Part of the California public school system, their programs are offered to
high school students as well as adults in the South Bay and surrounding communities. They understand the importance
of not only providing students with theory-based instruction, but also the opportunity to apply that knowledge through
“hands-on” learning activities. Many of the programs offered at SoCal ROC also offer on-the-job training or external
components as well. There is a difference between just having a job versus doing something for which you have a
passion and can earn a good living. SoCal ROC’s programs and career pathways will provide students with quality
educational experiences that will tap into that passion and open doors to exciting career opportunities. Please see
course offerings on the SoCal Roc website: http://www.socalroc.com/

The Governing Board desires to provide a safe school environment that allows all students equal
access and opportunities in the district's academic, extracurricular, and other educational support
programs, services, and activities. The Board prohibits, at any district school or school activity,
unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, targeted at
any student by anyone, based on the student's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national
origin, immigration status, nationality, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status,
pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender
identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or association with a person or group with one or
more of these actual or perceived characteristics

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