CHS Course Catalog

Course Number: C927 and C928 / Category: Special Education / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: LC / Length: Full Year / Description: This course focuses on the higher order thinking skills involved in mastering and applying the main mathematics curriculum strands – number and quantity, algebra, functions, modeling, geometry, and statistics and probability.

Course Number: C912 / Category: Special Education / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 11 / Level: LC / Length: Full Year / Description: The reading focus of this course is on drama, poetry, short stories, novels, and expository texts. Students review elements of fiction and learn strategies for responding to literature. Coursework focuses on writing personal responses to literature and essays.

Course Number: C913 / Category: Special Education / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 12 / Level: LC / Length: Full Year / Description: Students read a variety of fiction and non-fiction works, focusing on drama, poetry, short stories, novels, and expository texts. They apply reading strategies to compare and analyze texts. Students produce writing pieces including a comparative essay and a position paper.

Course Number: C925 / Category: Special Education / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: LC / Length: Semester / Description: Students develop their understanding of the language and fundamentals of the main mathematics curriculum strands – number and quantity, algebra, functions, modeling, geometry, and statistics and probability ‘ with increased focus on the application of mathematical concepts.

Course Number: C937 / Category: Special Education / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 10,11 / Level: College Prep / Length: Full Year / Description: Students take an in-depth look at the United States in the 20th century. They study World War I, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War.

Course Number: MAS-211 / Category: Mathematics / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course is intended for students who took, but did not receive credit for Algebra 1 (FAILED). This course focuses on mastering the real number system and the language and symbolism of Algebra. Students write, manipulate, and solve equations in and out of real world contexts. Students explore the definition of a functional relationship and then analyze, graph, and model with three types of functional relationships: linear, quadratic, and exponential. This course is designed to help students make the transition from concrete thinking to abstract thinking and develop problem-solving techniques that are relevant to all topics.

Course Number: C411M /Category: Science /Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 9,10 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course is intended for students who took, but did not receive credit for Biology (FAILED). Students study organic systems at the molecular level (through cell biology and genetics), the tissue and organ level, and the macro level (through ecological study of whole organisms and populations). Developing a solid understanding of the processes of life allows students to make scientifically informed decisions related to their health and to the health of the planet. Students take the Biology MCAS exam at the end of the course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a Freshman or 8th grade science course.

Category: English /Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 9,10 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course is intended for students who took, but did not receive credit for English 9 (FAILED). This course focuses on learning and applying active reading strategies to a variety of texts, including drama, poetry, short stories, novels, and nonfiction. They learn narrative text structure and the elements of fiction. Using active reading strategies to improve comprehension is emphasized. Students are expected to read self-selected and assigned novels outside of class. They write several portfolio pieces, including textual analysis essays, summaries, and personal narratives. Students learn the basics of writing research papers – writing a thesis statement; finding and citing sources, outlining, and organizing content. Self-evaluation of written work is emphasized.

Course Number: CB210C /Category: MLE /Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Full Year /Description: The course introduces the major concepts necessary for success in Algebra. Students work on improving their mathematical language.

Course Number: CB411 /Category: MLE / Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Full Year /Description: This course is aligned with the Massachusetts state Biology curriculum frameworks and the Common Core reading and writing standards for science. It covers most of the major topics of the regular Chelsea High School Biology curriculum, with a focus on developing the writing and reading skills of LEP students. It also prepares students to take the MCAS exam in Biology.

Course Number: CB220C /Category: MLE /Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Full Year /Description: The course introduces the major concepts necessary for success in Geometry. Students work on improving their mathematical language.

Course Number: C627 / Category: Performing Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This advanced course teaches the foundations of music theory, writing multi-part harmonies, and songwriting. Students also learn elements of music technology and recording skills through student-centered projects. These projects encompass a variety of musical genres and production techniques, including singer/songwriter, blues, rock, rap, hip-hop, classical, and film scoring. Students foster a deeper appreciation for all genres and styles of music and develop the confidence and self-awareness to produce their own music. Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency on a musical instrument and/or vocal performance, either through successful completion of Guitar 1 or Piano 1 or an audition with the instructor.

Course Number: C609 /Category: Performing Arts, Elective /Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Full Year /Description: Students improve their skills on stringed instruments, including violin, viola, cello, and upright bass while learning to play in a variety of different styles within a large ensemble. Music theory, ear training, and music history are also included within the curriculum. Individual and group practice is expected and all performances are mandatory as part of the course.

Course Number: C680 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course is for students especially interested in learning to draw and paint realistically. Students explore a variety of painting and drawing media including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, oil pastel, watercolor and acrylic paint. Additional topics include learning to observe, study of art history and stretching a canvas. This course is designed to provide the skills necessary for working independently or creating a high-quality portfolio. Students are recommended to register for this course if they would like to take Art Portfolio in the future. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio Art 1: Foundations.

Course Number: C630 / Category: Performing Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Students combine elements of music and dance to create grooves and musical compositions with their body. Students use movements such as hand clapping, foot stomping, stomach slapping, knee slapping, jumping, and finger snapping to develop a catalog of ‘grooves.’ Students create and perform a final composition. This course ends with a final recital performance.

Course Numbers: C710I, C710N, C710L, C710F / Category: Physical Education, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9, 10, 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Students choose from the following physical education offerings:

Course Number: C725 / Category: Physical Education, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course allows students in their junior or senior year to become mentors in a physical education class. Students must understand the qualities of patience, proper behavior, leadership, and the ability to work well with other students. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physical Education – Team and Physical Education – Life and the approval of the Physical Education Department Lead Teacher.

Course Number: C441 / Category: Science / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: An Algebra-based physics course designed for 11th and 12th grade students. They will learn fundamental topics such as motion, force, energy, harmonic motion and electricity, and will be expected to write thoughtfully about them in inquiry labs and research papers. They will also use applied math to solve for variables such as velocity, acceleration, energy, and momentum. Students who have taken Introductory Physics as a freshman cannot take this class. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Chemistry.

Course Number: C622 / Category: Performing Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Students learn basic piano technique and music theory through in-class lessons. Musical selections include classical, modern, popular, and world music. Students critique well-known piano selections from various periods of history, and perform in four quarterly in-class recitals.

Course Number: C624 / Category: Performing Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Students broaden and develop the techniques learned in Piano 1 and expand their repertoire. Students perform in four quarterly, in-class recitals. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Piano 1 or the permission of the instructor.

Course Number: C590 /Category: Foreign Language /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9 /Level: College Prep /Length: Full Semester /Description: Students learn the building blocks of the Portuguese language: the alphabet, numbers, greetings, introducing oneself, telling time, and sizes and colors. They practice conversational French, working on everyday topics such as: introducing themselves, talking to others about leisure activities, buying clothes, asking about prices, offering opinions, ordering food in a restaurant, and paying bills. Students learn about the geography of Portugal and the differences between Portuguese and American culture.

Course Number: C240 /Category: Mathematics /Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Full Year /Description: This course combines the trigonometric, geometric, and algebraic techniques needed to prepare for the study of calculus and strengthens students’ conceptual understanding of problems and mathematical reasoning in solving problems. Topics include the complex number system, vector and matrix quantities, polynomial and rational expressions and equations, interpreting and building functions, trigonometric functions, right triangle geometry and conic sections. Ability with these topics is especially important for students intending to study calculus, physics, and other sciences, and/or engineering in college.

Course Number: C186PS Category: English Language Arts, Electives / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: ALL / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Considering a career in business, politics, or education? Do you imagine yourself being a lawyer, counselor, real estate agent, performer, teacher, coach, announcer, or manager? These careers and so many more require strong public speaking skills. In this class we will develop our skills as public speakers by writing, preparing, and delivering speeches for a variety of purposes (to entertain, to teach/inform, and to argue/persuade.) We will go over ways to lessen anxiety while presenting, effectively prepare for public speaking, and use visual aids well as we develop our verbal and nonverbal communication skills.  

Course Number: CB400 /Category: MLE /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course provides an introduction to the skills and concepts of science through topics such as movement; energy and heat; atoms as the basic unit of matter; and the design and execution of scientific experiments. Students develop language skills while they learn about science. The course provides a foundation for students who will enter core science classes.

Course Number: CB111 /Category: MLE / Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 11,12 /Level: College Prep / Length: Full Year /Description: This double-block course is modeled on the regular Chelsea High School English/Language Arts curriculum but with modifications for English Language Learners. It can be the culminating English class for students in the MLE Department.

Course Number: CB111 /Category: MLE / Credits: 2 /Recommended Grades: 9,10 /Level: College Prep / Length: Full Year /Description: This double-block course is modeled on the regular Chelsea High School English/Language Arts curriculum but with modifications for English Language Learners. It can be the culminating English class for students in the MLE Department.

Course Number: CB331 /Category: MLE / Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course follows the same curriculum as regular Chelsea High School US History 1 classes, which is aligned to the Massachusetts history frameworks and the Common Core standards. Students study the time period from the Colonial Era to the Progressive Era (1600 -1900), using primary and secondary sources, collaboration, and project-based learning.

Course Number: CB300 /Category: MLE / Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course provides an introduction to the skills and concepts of history and social studies through the study of topics such as geography and exploration. Using collaboration and project-based learning, students work on developing language skills while they learn about social studies. The course provides a foundation for students who enter US History or World History.

Course Number: C501 /Category: Foreign Language / Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course focuses on developing basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language. Students learn correct pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures, and engage in basic conversations. Coursework is also designed to help students develop an awareness of Hispanic culture.

Course Number: C511 /Category: Foreign Language /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course builds on the basic knowledge and language skills students learned in Spanish 1. Emphasis is placed on conversational skills, grammatical structure, vocabulary, Hispanic culture, reading comprehension, process writing, and critical thinking. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1 or the permission of the instructor.

Course Number: C520 /Category: Foreign Language / Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 11 /Level: Honors /Length: Semester /Description: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 2 and the permission of the Spanish 2 instructor.

Course Number: C530 /Category: Foreign Language /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 12 /Level: Honors /Length: Semester /Description: Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3 Honors and the permission of the Spanish 3 instructor.

Course Number: C502 /Category: Foreign Language /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course will enable students whose heritage language is Spanish to build upon the language knowledge the student brings to the classroom in order to maintain or enhance proficiency, by reinforcing or acquiring skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. In this course students utilize authentic texts, audios, and audiovisual materials that will be presented in thematic units to build fluency and confidence in academic writing and literary analytical skills. Students will write narratives and argument based essays. This course offers an accelerated introduction to study of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary, designed to prepare students for upper level Spanish in future years. The course content will facilitate the students’ reflection of the cultural values of the Spanish language and societies.

Course Number: C512 /Category: Foreign Language /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course will enable students, who have successfully completed SLA 1, to further hone their skills by being exposed to a variety of Spanish literary genres and authors. This course will further study of grammar nuances, spelling, and vocabulary, designed to prepare students for upper level Spanish such as the AP Spanish courses (with permission of instructor) or SLA III. The course content will continue reflecting the cultural values of the Spanish language and societies.

Category: Foreign Language / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Length: Semester / Description: This course will enable students, who have successfully completed SLA 1 & 2, to refine their skills in academic Spanish through presentations, essays, research, debates, and critical literary analysis. Students will further explore in-depth the history, politics, culture, and relevant contemporary topics throughout the Spanish speaking world. This course offers an intense study of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, designed to prepare students for upper level Spanish such as the AP Spanish courses. The course content will continue reflecting the cultural values of the Spanish language and societies.

Course Number: C239bCategory: Mathematics /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 11,12 /Level: CP /Length: Semester / Description: This course is a continuation of BHCC Pre-Statistics. This course covers statistical concepts and methods. Topics include data organization, averages and variation; elementary probability; binomial, normal, and t-distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing; and linear correlation and regression. The course meets the General Education requirement for Quantitative Problem Solving. Prerequisite: Passing grade in BHCC Pre-Statistics.

Course Number: C735 / Category: Physical Education, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course is taught through a partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital and provides female students an opportunity to participate in a health and exercise program specifically tailored to meet their needs. Students must have 50 hours of participation to earn course credit. Interested students may also participate in this program as a non-credit course. The course is offered after school each Quarter.

Course Number: C675 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course introduces students to the basics of making, understanding, and discussing art. Students explore media and techniques related to drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. They will be introduced to various artists and art styles by surveying art history. All students are welcome, regardless of skill level or previous experience. Prerequisite: none.

Course Number: C677 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course builds on the skills and experience developed in Studio Art 1. Students explore similar themes and media, but materials and techniques are designed for a more sophisticated and advanced skill set. Students explore drawing, painting, visual storytelling, design, linear perspective, printmaking, and sculpture. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio Art 1: Foundations.

Course Number: C163 /Category: English Language Arts, Electives /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: ALL /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester / Description: In this course, we’ll take a closer look at the relationships and friendships that teenagers encounter in literature, media, and social media. Through reading and analyzing a variety of texts, we’ll examine how the archetypes and models of relationships that teenagers consume in the media impact their expectations of relationships in their own lives. Throughout the course, we’ll focus on developing critical thinking and reflection skills. We’ll have small group and full class discussions to analyze and deconstruct relationships, and we’ll engage in reflective exercises to help us examine our own experiences and biases. We’ll explore the different types of relationships, their qualities, and the ways they influence the characters and their behaviors. We’ll investigate the impact of communication, trust, empathy, and conflict resolution in relationships, and we’ll discuss how to develop and maintain these important skills in our own lives. By the end of this course, students will have gained an increased understanding of the role of media in shaping their attitudes and behaviors towards relationships. Students will also have also developed their critical thinking and reflection skills, empowering them to form their own conclusions and make informed decisions about their own relationships.  This course is ideal for those who are interested in understanding the impact of media on relationships, as well as those who are looking to develop their critical thinking and reflection skills.

Course Number: C280M / Category: Mathematics / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11, 12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: All students who wish to graduate high school are required to take and pass the Math MCAS exam. This course is designed for students on an EPP (Educational Proficiency Plan) who are required to take and pass a mathematics course during their junior or senior year. This course is for those students who need an alternative to fill the EPP requirement for graduation. Students on an EPP will need to pass the course as a graduation requirement. This course is also for those who have failed the Math MCAS and wish to earn their diploma. The course will cover topics that prepare students for an end of course proficiency exam and/or to pass the Math MCAS. The exam will address the high school mathematics content in the Massachusetts Frameworks. Topics addressed will come from the following conceptual categories: Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Modeling, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.  Prerequisite Courses: Algebra 1 and Geometry. (See:  http://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/ccr/epp/ for more information about EPP’s)

Course Number: C185 / Category: English Language Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: ALL / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: In True Crime, students will explore crime, psychology, and the criminal justice system through nonfiction articles, essays, and books. Students gain insights into the techniques writers use to write narrative and expository works about real-life occurrences. True Crime delves into the history, mechanics, and oddities of the famed genre. The class explores crime dating back to America?s first murder trial all the way to modern day media examples such as Serial and Making a Murderer. Aside from experiencing crime nonfiction across multiple mediums, True Crime places an emphasis upon how we view crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system in our society, school, and community.

Course Number: C331 /Category: History and Social Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9,10 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: Students examine the history of the United States from the Colonial era through the Progressive era. Coursework focuses the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras, the framework of American democracy, the basic concepts of American government, Westward expansion, the establishment and rise of political parties, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Industrial Revolution, Immigration, the labor movement, and the Progressive movement. Students approach these topics by reading a variety of source material, including a number of primary documents, and work on developing their reading, writing, and analytical skills.

Course Number: C330 /Category: History and Social Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 9,10 /Level: Honors /Length: Semester /Description: Students examine the history of the United States from the Colonial era through the Progressive era. Coursework focuses on the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras, the framework of American democracy, the basic concepts of American government, Westward expansion, the establishment and rise of political parties, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Industrial Revolution, Immigration, the labor movement, and the Progressive movement. Students read a variety of sources, including a number of primary documents, and work on developing their reading, writing, and analytical skills. Course requirements include more (and more advanced) reading, writing, and independent research than in the regular U.S. History 1 course. Students are required to complete assigned readings selected by the instructor during the summer before the course. Prerequisites: A high level of work in World History and a teacher recommendation.

Course Number: C341 /Category: History and Social Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 11 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: This course provides an in-depth look at the United States in the 20th century. Students begin with the Imperialist era, study World War I and the Roaring Twenties, and then examine the Great Depression and the goals and accomplishments of the New Deal. Coursework continues through World War II and the impact of the war on American life and American global power. Students then study the Cold War era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War. The course concludes with an examination of more recent events and trends that have shaped contemporary America. Like U.S. History 1, U.S. History 2 requires students to read a variety of sources, including a number of primary documents, and focus on continuous development of reading, writing, and analytical skills. Prerequisite: Successful completion of U.S. History 1.

Course Number: C340 /Category: History and Social Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10,11 /Level: Honors /Length: Semester /Description: This course covers the same material as U.S. History 2 but in more depth. Coursework includes more – and more advanced – reading, writing, and independent research than is required in U.S. History 2. Students are also required to complete a series of assigned readings selected by the instructor during the summer before the course. Prerequisites: A high level of success in U.S. History 1 and a teacher recommendation.

Course Number: C736 / Category: Physical Education, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Students improve both their cardiovascular and muscular strength through a series of strength training exercises in the weight room. This program takes place before and after school. Students must have at least 50 hours of participation to earn course credit. Interested students may also participate in this program as a non-credit course. The course is offered before and after school each Quarter.

Course Number: C311 /Category: History and Social Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: Students examine the social, political, technological, and religious changes in the world from the mid-19th century through the present day using a variety of written and visual sources. Along with the study of historical events and concepts, connections are made to physical and cultural geography, government, economics, culture, and the arts.

Course Number: C310 /Category: History and Social Science /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 11,12 /Level: Honors /Length: Semester /Description: Students examine the social, political, technological, and religious changes in the world from the mid-19th century through present day using a variety of written and visual sources. Along with the study of historical events and concepts, connections are made to physical and cultural geography, government, economics, culture, and the arts. Coursework includes more (and more advanced) reading, writing, and independent research than that required in the regular World History course. Students are required to complete assigned readings selected by the instructor during the summer before the course. Prerequisites: A high level of success in 8th grade Social Studies and English Language Arts and a teacher recommendation.

Course Number: C164 /Category: English Language Arts, Electives /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: ALL /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester / Description: In this elective, students will read short stories about magical realism from different authors from around the world, including Gabriel García Marquéz from Latin America, Salman Rushdie from India, Haruki Murakami from Japan, Isabel Allende from Chile, and Toni Morrison from the United States (among others).  In addition to reading and analyzing the stories, this course would also provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions, debates, and creative projects related to the readings. This will allow students to develop their critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills, while also encouraging creativity and imagination. The elective would be open to students of all grade levels who have a passion for literature and a desire to explore the complexities of magical realism.