The mission of Williamson County Middle College High School is to provide a counseling-based environment where each student will focus on educational pursuits relevant to a successful future.

COURSE  LIST

This is a list of classes offered by Middle College for the 2008-2009 school year.   For special interest classes - seniors get first priority, and classes will only meet if a sufficient number of students sign up.

Middle College students can also take Columbia State and NSTCC courses.

Middle College also offers a mandatory Focus Group class that meets daily covering a range of subjects including anger and stress  management, self - esteem development, etc.  Any classes not listed are offered through Columbia State or NSTCC.  If you have any additional questions or comments send us email.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

English II  

English II is a college preparatory class with emphasis on grammar, writing, and vocabulary.  Composition will include expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive essays .  .  Literature studies will include such items as short story elements, forms of poetry, figurative language, and drama. Vocabulary will also be studied.                                                                                              

English III  (and Honors) 

English III is a college preparatory class that surveys American literature. Composition will include narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative essays. Students will write a research paper using the Fifth Edition of the MLA Handbook. Vocabulary will be studied. Grammar, with an emphasis on editing and correction of mechanical errors, will be taught.

English IV   (and Honors)

English IV is a college preparatory class which examines British literature with the emphasis on the building of literary language, and composition skills. Literary skills include thematic and historical aspects of British writing. Language skills incorporate the use of context in the understanding of vocabulary. Composition skills stress critical and creative writing. Grammar skills are taught through writing.  A literary research paper following the Fifth Edition of the MLA Handbook will be assigned.

Journalism I   

Intro to Journalism teaches students the basics of producing and publishing a newspaper and yearbook.  Students will learn about the history and tradition of journalism and determine their place in history.  In addition, students will develop appropriate journalistic research and writing skills while learning to develop their individual strengths.  The class will consist of textbook-based learning, hands-on activities, and an ongoing dialogue with local and regional newspapers.

Journalism II

A continuation of Journalism I with more emphasis placed on completing a yearbook.

Speech

The primary speech course is designed to aid students in the area of verbal presentation by giving them not only the tools to become better speakers, but also the confidence to express their thoughts and ideas. Basic voice and diction techniques will be explored. In addition, students will learn the basics of effective storytelling and other forms of oral communication including informative and persuasive speeches.

Spanish I

Spanish I students are introduced to the four basic skills of foreign language, listening, reading, speaking, and writing.   Learning occurs through an exposure to a variety of teaching methods to ensure oral and written competency at the novel level.  

Spanish II

Spanish 11 students continue development of foreign language skills.  These skills encourage mastery of oral and written communication at the novice level and introduction to skills associated with the intermediate level. 

Latin II

This will be an online class.

Geometry

Geometry is designed to give students an understanding of basic geometry structures with emphasis on deductive reasoning and proof. Topics include relationship of points, lines, and planes, congruence, similarity, polygons, area and volume, basic coordinate geometry, and a brief introduction to trigonometry.  A Geometry course is required for the college prep path.

Algebra I

In Algebra I, students study properties of the real number system, exponents, radicals, polynomials, factoring, linear functions and systems of linear functions, linear inequalities, graphing, quadratics, and radicals.  Students learn the language of algebra and practice the application of algebraic concepts to real world problems.

 Algebra II

Algebra II is a college prep course that builds upon skills acquired in Algebra I. Proficiency with operations on signed numbers and fractions is essential. Topics include number systems, relations and functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomial functions, quadratic relations, rational expressions, probability and statistics, and the complex number system.  An Algebra II course is required for the college prep path.

Art I

This course is an introduction to drawing, painting, and principles of design. Color theory, perspective, painting, and drawing techniques are explored with various media. Art history is also covered this course fulfills the fine arts credit required for admission to Tennessee pubic universities.

Art II

Art II is designed to perfect skills of drawing and painting used in Art I and to develop individual styles.

Art III & IV

First Semester: Advanced Drawing:  Permission of instructor is required.  Application and development of skills acquired from Art II. Second Semester: Advanced Painting.  Permission of instructor is required. Emphasize

Dance I

Dance is a course that seeks to give students experience in the study and performance of a diverse repertoire of movement.

Theatre Arts I 

 This beginning course in theatre covers the performance and non-performance aspects of theatre.  It introduces the student to theatre terminology, elements of play structure, and voice and diction, as well as hands on performance in pantomime, improvisation, oral interpretation and scene study.  The student will also study make-up for the stage, stage combat and playwriting. 

Theatre Arts II

This course will cover the history of theatre.  Students will study and perform various scenes form the different historical genres.  Major emphasis will be on the process of acting with attention to the audition process, resumes, relaxation techniques, dialogue study, character analysis and beginning directing.  Students will also study the oral traditions of storytelling and Reader’s Theatre.  A One Act play will be presented during the year.

Theatre Arts III

 This course will focus on the technical side of theatre.  The class will study theatre safety, stage construction and painting, set design, lighting and sound design as well as make-up and costuming design and construction.  Students will have guest speakers discussing the various aspects of technical theatre as well as  a tour of a working theatre.  Students will work on the two main stage school productions as well as assist the other theatre classes with their technical needs.

Theatre Arts IV  

Students will produce four “Open Mic” sessions during the school year as well as head up the production responsibilities of the two main stage school productions.  Play analysis will be studied and a full-length play will be performed and produced by the class.   All students in the class will be required to complete an individual theatre project during the school year.

Biology I

Biology  I is a college preparatory course for the 10^th grade student. The first semester encompasses units on cellular structure and function, genetic continuity, and biochemical pathway to success. The second semester surveys the diversity of living organisms and their development. A major emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations involving extensive microscope usage and dissections.

Ecology

Ecology will develop an understanding of the interdependence of all organisms and the relationships that are shared within the ecosystems of our environment. The course will focus on the many variables such as population, natural resources, and geologic conditions that affect the environment. 

Chemistry

Chemistry is a college preparatory course that covers structure and behavior of matter, moles, stoichionietry, gas laws, atomic and molecular structure, solutions, thermodynamics, acid‑based theory, and organic chemistry. The course is laboratory centered Abstract thinking is required.

World History

U.S. History

U.S. History is a comprehensive study of the American Nation. It is taught in two semesters. The first semester covers the settlement of America, the American Revolution, the formation of the U.S. government, the rise of sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. The second semester covers reform in government, the Industrial Revolution, and the two great wars through the U.S. becoming a Free World leader.

Economics

Economics is a social science or study of how man’s wants and needs are met. This is also the study of supply and demand the process involves the problem of scarcity and the elements of production, i.e. land, labor, and capital. Consumer aspects are covered in  banking, credit, insurance, labor, and how business is organized for production. The economic systems of other nations are also studied.

US Government

American Government is a one-semester course focusing on the structure and participation in the American political process. Emphasis is placed on the federal level of government with detailed study of the Constitution.

Psychology

In Psychology High School, students study the development of the individual and the personality. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes.

Contemporary Issues

Contemporary Issues is a research and discussion class covering main news stories over the past few years.

Career Management Success

CMS is a core course for career clusters. The course provides students with tools for achieving success in their academic, work, and personal lives. Course content emphasizes the basic skills and knowledge needed for employment success, as identified by industry and supported by relevant national standards. All course content is presented in a real-world context, providing concrete opportunities for developing personal and career goals, effective communication skills, teamwork abilities, and successful work attitudes.

Workbase Learning (WBL)

The student will apply keying, typography, layout and design skills in this course. The student will be proficient in using interactive multimedia tools to develop electronic presentations. Creative design, persuasive communications, and language arts skills are applied through research, evaluation, validation, written, and oral communication.

International Business and Marketing

International Business and Marketing is designed to provide students the opportunity to develop skills needed to live and work in a global market place.

Keyboarding Document Layout and Design

The Keyboarding/Document Layout and Design course builds on the Keyboarding/Document Formatting course. Student proficiency can lead to software certification. The student will use a hands-on approach to develop proficiency in document creation and design.

Service Learning

The curriculum emphasizes volunteerism, leadership, involvement, community issues (such as, homelessness, poverty, emergency aid, and the handicapped), and environmental concerns.  The students will interact with community leaders, research social issues, and reflect on their work in the community.  Students must submit an application and be accepted into the program based on good attendance, participation in extracurricular activities, and a statement about their desire to serve their community.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

***Two years of JROTC may substitute for one year of wellness

GATEWAY TEST:

   In order to receive a regular diploma from high school, students must meet the basic standards on the Math, Language Arts, and Science tests.

EXIT EXAM:

   One of the following tests must be taken as an Exit Exam for graduation:  ACT or SAT.