Elan School Course Descriptions | School for Troubled Teens
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Critical Thinking - This course will include the study and practice of critical thinking and how that enhances a student's ability to distinguish fact, opinion, valid formal reasoning, sound inference, informal fallacy, unwarranted assumptions and bias as presented in a variety of media. Students will also apply this to their own work and assess to what extent those presentations ought to compel belief. They will learn how to generate questions, construct, and recognize the structure of arguments, and to critique the adequacy of evidences offered in support of arguments according to established criteria. They will also define, analyze, and devise solutions for reasoning problems. The will learn to evaluate and integrate information, see relationships, draw inferences and arrive at reasonable and informed conclusions based on rational and reasonable interpretations. The critical tools and methods discussed and practiced in the course aim to develop the student's study skills, facility in analysis, and exposition in general. Prerequisite: honors level in English
Organic Chemistry - Students will be introduced to structure, bonding, naming and stereochemistry, and functional group chemistry with an emphasis on reactions and reaction mechanisms. Computer based molecular modeling programs and video presentations of various reactions in the laboratory are an integral part of the course. Fundamental concepts are presented along with quantitative problems and problem solving methodologies. Prerequisite: Honors chemistry or permission of instructor
English IV - This is a survey course of British and Western Literature designed to develop interpretive and analytical skills. This is accomplished through the reading of short stories, novels, poems, plays and essays. Class time is used for reading and discussion of materials assigned by the teacher. Class participation is encouraged so that students can learn to formulate and verbalize their own opinions and expand their ideas by comparing them to others.
English Mystery Novels/Films - A semester-wide course devoted to the reading and viewing of novels and films of the fiction “British Mystery” variety, dealing with social and cultural motifs shaping the generations since WWI. Such readings encompass the works of culture and social commentary expressed through mystery plots and characters and written by authors comprising: Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Gladys Mitchell, Frances Iles, G. K. Chesterton, Margery Allingham, Colin Dexter, Lynda La Plante, Caroline Graham, and P. D. James.
Physical Science - Physical Science is an introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry and physics. It's offered to student who have successfully completed biology by may need additional time developing the study skills necessary for an entire year course in chemistry or physics. Skills in scientific reasoning and problem solving are developed. The course emphasizes both theoretical and practical science. Material is presented on a conceptual level along with the science study skills for an understanding of the physical world.
Chemistry - This introductory course presents a conceptual framework within which fundamental laws are exemplified through the formation of problems together with methodologies for solutions. The general outline includes: The nature of chemistry, atomic structure, chemical names, chemical quantities (mole/mass), reactions, and stoichiometry, states of matter, kinetics, thermochemistry, and the gas laws. Also included are the Quantum Mechanical Model, electron configurations, periodic table of elements, acids, bases, and oxidation reactions.
Spanish I & II - Spanish I is designed for students without any or very limited knowledge of Spanish. The course will include teacher-generated handouts, films, books, tapes and authentic texts. Students will demonstrate their ability to introduce themselves, other people, state their likes and dislikes, wants and needs, general state of health, and be able to take a simple phone message. Vocabulary will include telling time, seasons, foods, and other simple phrases used in every day conversation. Students will practice verbal skills and will also learn grammar. Topics will likewise include Hispanic culture and countries. Spanish II will go into more depth with all topics, and will emphasize increased ability to speak, read and write the language.
US History I - This course is a study of American history from the 1600's through the Civil War period, with an emphasis on the political, social, and cultural history of the American people. Class work activities will include emphasis on vocabulary, enrichment readings, map skills, critical thinking skills, understanding main ideas, chronology-time line activities, study of facts, ideas, people, places and things. Throughout the course, students will gain a better understanding of how and why this country grew and developed as it did.
Economics/Government - This is an introductory level course in economics with an emphasis on it's application to government. It also teaches students to apply their newfound economic knowledge to make better decisions in practical, real life situations. Classes are designed for student's active participation. Topics such as consumption and production will be studied. This class is project oriented.
Geometry - This course is designed to prepare students to take Advanced Algebra. Topics include solid figures, measurement, area, volume, geometric constructions, concepts of theorems and logical reasoning.
Algebra II - This course is designed to prepare students for Pre-Calculus. Topics include equations, inequalities, polynomials, factoring and second-degree equations, rational expressions and equations, matrices, exponents, radicals, the quadratic formula, and complex numbers. Some work is done with logarithm and exponential functions as well as an introduction to trigonometry.
Remedial English - This course is designed to help support students who have struggled in the past with reading and writing skills. Focus will include strengthening concentration, listening and note taking skills, comprehension, memorization techniques, grammar and spelling, problem solving, library skills, general writing skills and the writing process, and test taking strategies. The Wilson Reading program is also used when students lack phonological skills that are necessary for decoding and encoding words.