Course offerings vary yearly.
 Check with the counselor.

Course Descriptions

English

English I Pre-AP: A survey course in which students build a foundation for the successful study of language arts at higher levels. Students examine and analyze widely varied texts including the novel, the short story, film, and poetry. The course includes introductions to literary theory, philosophy, and creative writing, with assessments that encourage students to engage actively and authentically with each of these genres.

The focus of English II is the development of critical writing, reading, vocabulary and discussion skills.   The material is arranged thematically, as students explore the writings of widely celebrated authors.  The review of PSAT and SAT skills is also an integral part of the course.

English III

English IV  

at ISA is called "A World of Ideas." The literary focus of the course is British and world literature; the composition focus is on academic writing in preparation for college. In this course students take an intellectual voyage through the ideas that shape our world, exploring the ideologies of various cultures, peoples, and eras. Students have opportunities to explore a wide range of texts and analyze them from multiple perspectives. Throughout their journey, students are asked to identify and articulate the differences, similarities, and links between these diverse points of view. Ultimately, the goal of the expedition is for each student to discover his or her own personal philosophy as part of the "world of ideas."

Foreign Language

Spanish I

Spanish II

Spanish III

Spanish IV

Spanish V

Latin American Cultures

Japanese

Students communicate to each other using simple vocabulary and basic sentence structure. They read and write Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.  Students explore Japanese culture through a variety of activities. This is a distance learning class through Georgia Public Broadcasting's, Irasshai Program. 

Math

Pre-Calculus, Honors

This is an adventure in advanced mathematics. We will explore Trigonometry, Probability, Statistics and the magic of Functions. This is an excellent opportunity to expand on previous math knowledge and prepare for college math courses.

Calculus AB, AP

This course is a precursor to college math courses. We will study the College Board's Calculus topics and prepare for the AP exam. The course includes study skills and basic Calculus concepts, like derivatives, and integrals, that will prepare students for future math courses.

Calculus BC, AP: 

This second year calculus course will expand on previous Calculus knowledge. We study advanced integration techniques, infinite series as well as polar and parametric forms of equations. Don't forget -- Calculus is Fun!

Course Description:  PreAP Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and changes in matter.  PreAP Chemistry is designed to prepare students for the complex thinking that will be expected of students in college.   By performing experiments, analyzing data, manipulating numbers mathematically, and studying scientific information, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to better understand the world.

Conceptual Physics (regular Physics):

The focus of this course is a conceptual understanding of how our world works. Forces in nature, motion, energy, light, vibrations and sound, electricity. Many hands on activities and algebra based problem solving.

Pre- AP Physics: (honors Physics)

focus of this course is a conceptual understanding of how our world works. Forces in nature, motion, energy, light, vibrations and sound, electricity. Many hands on activities, formal lab write-ups and trigonometry based problem solving.

Physics II AP (second year course)

(first year course)

Algebra I

In Algebra I we explore the concept of functions. We build the foundation for future mathematics by looking in-depth at linear and quadratic functions with an overview of exponential and other higher-order functions.

Algebra II is a survey of functions.  In Algebra I, you were introduced to linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.  This year, we will increase our depth of understanding about these three functions and then proceed to explore conic sections, rational functions, and irrational functions.  Along the way, we will improve our technical language communication and analytical skills.   

Geometry: 

Geometry is the study of two-dimensional (such as lines, angles, and triangles) and three-dimensional objects (such as cones and cylinders).  While exploring and learning geometry, you will become familiar with different types of reasoning and will be challenged to approach problems from multiple angles.

Science

Anatomy/Physiology

Biology  
is a course focusing on the study of the life in the world around us.  Highlights include ecological discussions, crime scene investigations, dissections, build-a-body projects, and field trips to the Olmos Creek.

Chemistry in the Community 

This course provides a full year of credit for

first year Chemistry. Focusing on applications of chemistry, participants learn

how chemistry affects the world. The focus is conceptual, rather than

mathematical. Units center on topics such as Energy, Water, Food, and Natural

Resources.

PreAP Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and changes in matter.  PreAP Chemistry is designed to prepare students for the complex thinking that will be expected of students in college.   By performing experiments, analyzing data, manipulating numbers mathematically, and studying scientific information, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to better understand the world.

Environmental Science

Geology, Meteorology, & Oceanography 

is an introductory course where students consider the impact of geologic, meteorologic, and oceanographic forces on the earth.  The first part of the course is a brief survey of topics, followed by an extensive independent study of a topic of interest to a student.  The second half of the course is discussion-based and concerns the impact of man on the earth and its processes.

Social Studies

Anthropology  

Anthropology is a semester course offered as social studies elective, exploring  physical and cultural anthropology, with an emphasis on cultural aspects.  To begin we explore definitions of anthropology, the study of human biological and cultural similarities and differences in time and space.  Then we will spend a short time on physical anthropology, exploring early man, and some of the development of man and his civilization through time.  Following we will explore cultural anthropology including topics such as the development of food production, development of culture, development of language, adaptation to changing eco systems, and variation in kinship, descent and marriage systems.

Archaeology  

In this class, students will explore the relationship between archaeology and history.  Study of the development of the study of archaeology and its innovations and technologies occupies part of the course of study.  Case studies and field trips provide students with an understanding of the actual practice of archaeology today.   Archaeology gives students opportunities to analyze the relationships between man, geography, environment, and culture and to examine.  

Economics  

During the course, students will gain a rudimentary understanding of economic principles and economic thinking.  Students will be asked to apply that understanding to practical problems, and to use it to better understand their own economic decisions.  As a part of this course students will be asked to analyze the effect of technology on productivity, the economic effects of the development of communication and transportation systems in the U.S.; the economic impact of obsolescence created by technological innovations, and how technological innovations change the way goods are manufactured, marketed and distributed.  Students analyze the interaction of supply, demand, and price and study the role of financial institutions in a free enterprise system, and they discuss business ownership and market structure, and the basic concepts of consumer economics.  Another area of emphasis is the study of the impact of a variety of factors including geography, the federal government, economic ideas from important philosophers and historic documents, societal values, and scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the national economy and economic policy is an integral part of the course.

Government 

The focus in U.S. Government is on the principles and beliefs upon which the U.S. was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels.   Study of the Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government which has developed from that are important components of the course.  A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. Students identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and examine the strategic importance of places to the U.S. Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a democratic society, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.  

MUN (Model United Nations)  

Model U.N. utilizes an international approach to examining the yearly issues/topics being addressed by the United Nations. Students will conduct extensive research on topics of international concern and will participate in simulations of United Nations’ deliberations through Model U.N. programs in the U.S. and Mexico.  

Philosophy

Philosophy is a semester course offered as a social studies elective and carrying one-half credit.  In philosophy we study the question that man contemplates when considering life and meaning.  The course is designed to give an introductory survey of many of the topics and issues within this broad field.  Great philosophers and the questions they focus upon will be part of the curriculum.  Another goal of the class is to encourage students to learn to understand other points of view.  Students will identify various philosophers and schools of thought from the historic context surrounding their ideas such as Augustine on war.   Enlightenment philosophers, Industrial revolution and Marx or Mill, and other  major theories and questions posed in the studies of ontology (being), epistemology (knowing), and ethics (acting) such as nature of reality, Plato’s forms, or Aristotle’s virtues, may also comprise part of the course.

Psychology  

Psychology is a one semester course and is a social studies elective.  In the study of psychology we pursue study of an overview of general psychological research and theory.  Topics of study include theories of human development, theories of personality, motivation, perception, learning theory and consciousness.  Abnormal psychology is also a part of the survey.  In psychology, students consider the development of the individual and the personality, theories of human personality, motivation, and individual and group psychology.

Sociology

In Sociology students study dynamics and models of individual and group relationships.  Students study topics such as the history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions, and mass communication.   Students have an opportunity to explore the major tools of the science of Sociology. These will include, but are not limited to, analyzing types of groups and interaction among groups, understanding the impact of media on groups, and analyzing the impact of science and technology upon people and cultures.

US History 

In the study of US History, content includes political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, and reform movements including Civil Rights.  The impact of constitutional issues on American society are examined, as well as the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government, such as the impact of the New Deal legislation on the traditional roles of states, the impact of third parties, and landmark Supreme Court decisions. The domestic and foreign issues related to U.S. economic growth are examined, such as the economic effects of WW II on the home front, or the relationship between international trade policies and the U.S. free enterprise system.

US History AP  

In the study of US History, content includes political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, and reform movements including Civil Rights.  The impact of constitutional issues on American society are examined, as well as the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government, such as the impact of the New Deal legislation on the traditional roles of states, the impact of third parties, and landmark Supreme Court decisions. The domestic and foreign issues related to U.S. economic growth are examined, such as the economic effects of WW II on the home front, or the relationship between international trade policies and the U.S. free enterprise system.

European History AP

AP European History is a one credit, year course in social studies.  It carries honors/AP credit for ranking purposes.  The course follows the College Board curriculum, and prepares the conscientious student for the Spring AP exam in European History.  Students receiving high marks on this exam are eligible for college credit in many universities.  Even if university credit is not sought, the course is taught more like a college course than usual high school courses, so it is good preparation for university academic life.

This course begins with the Renaissance Period (1450) of European History and proceeds through the1980’s.  Concentration in the course will be on the social, economic, and political institutions of the period, as well as on the cultural and intellectual development of Europe during this period.  A chronological approach to the history of this era will be used to organize the year; themes may be examined in various periods as well.  Interpretation of facts, and the interpretative nature of history are emphasized; content, methodology of history, and the breadth of the populations are also included.  Primary and secondary sources are used to make better sense of the past, and to emphasize the subjectivity of history and the changing interpretations of history.

World Geography

This is the study of world cultures, world religions, and the physical aspects of regions throughout the world.

Students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography.

• Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present.

• A significant portion of the course centers around: The physical processes that shape patters in the physical

• environment.

• The characteristics of major land forms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships.

• The political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions.

• Types and patterns of settlement.

• The distribution and movement of world population.

• Relationships among people, places and environments, and the concept of region.

• Students analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems of the world.

• Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment.

World History

In world history the goal is to provide students with an overview of the entire history of humankind, with major emphasis on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present.  Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze events and issues in Western Civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. Legal and political concepts of historical development, and well as the influences of religion and traditional philosophies are investigated in the course of this study. 

Students analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents that influenced that process.  The course also helps students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies.

European History AP

AP European History is a one credit, year course in social studies.  It carries honors/AP credit for ranking purposes.  The course follows the College Board curriculum, and prepares the conscientious student for the Spring AP exam in European History.  Students receiving high marks on this exam are eligible for college credit in many universities.  Even if university credit is not sought, the course is taught more like a college course than usual high school courses, so it is good preparation for university academic life.

This course begins with the Renaissance Period (1450) of European History and proceeds through the1980’s.  Concentration in the course will be on the social, economic, and political institutions of the period, as well as on the cultural and intellectual development of Europe during this period.  A chronological approach to the history of this era will be used to organize the year; themes may be examined in various periods as well.  Interpretation of facts, and the interpretative nature of history are emphasized; content, methodology of history, and the breadth of the populations are also included.  Primary and secondary sources are used to make better sense of the past, and to emphasize the subjectivity of history and the changing interpretations of history.

Electives and Other Courses