These may only be taken if the student has already been scheduled for the required courses for the year. Please note that core courses may also be taken as electives such as an additional math, science or social studies. Each elective will only be held if at least 20 students enroll in the course.

Creative Writing - 01104
Credit-0 .5
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12

This course will include the writing of poetry, fiction, and drama, as well as a study of literary terms and concepts, close reading and analysis of literary samples in each genre, and close reading and critiquing of each student's own work. Students will be exposed to different authors and styles of writing and will create their own compositions based upon their readings and class discussions. Students selecting this course should be competent writers who enjoy writing, want to improve their writing skills, and want to become better readers of literary writing.

Journalism I-11101
Credit-0 .5
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none

This course is a requirement for any student who wishes to work on the school newspaper. It includes instruction in the practice of gathering and writing news, writing features, covering and writing about sports, editing, writing headlines, writing editorials, planning and writing columns, taking photographs for publications, interviewing and examining careers in journalism. Students will also be introduced to the various careers that exist in the field of journalism while focusing on today's society and the role that a journalist plays within it.

Journalism II-11148
Credit-0 .5
Grade Placement: 11, 12
Prerequisite: 70% or higher average in Journalism I

This course extends on skills learned in Journalism I and focuses directly on the publication for the school newspaper. It is designed for students who wish to extend their skills acquired in Journalism and consists of the practice of gathering and writing news, writing the features, covering and writing about shop events, editing, writing headlines, writing editorials, planning and writing columns, taking photographs, writing reviews of the arts, producing publications, exploring careers in journalism, and exploring the role of the media in today's society. Students are also responsible for the layout of the newspaper, photography, and meeting of deadlines as well as mastering electronic technology associated with journalism.

Speech I - 01153
Credit-0 .5
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none

The main focus of this course is to increase confidence when speaking in front of a group and to gain a sense of control while speaking. Students will prepare and deliver a speech of introduction, an informative speech, a persuasive speech, and speeches for various occasions. Students will also engage in class discussions and debate. Students will also have the opportunity, if desired, to participate in extracurricular speech contests. This course requires students to maintain a high level of class participation.

Writing and Rhetoric - 01103
Credits-0 .5
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12

This course is designed for the student who plans to master writing skills in preparation for attending a 2 or 4 year post secondary institution following graduation. Students who take this one-semester elective can expect to bridge the gap between traditional high school writing assignments and the more thoroughly developed paper expected at the college level. Weekly assignments include comparison/contrast, cause/effect, analysis, and classification papers. In addition, a topic will be selected, researched at the DCTS library and developed into a 5 page paper using MLA or APA documentation. Students will master using proper research skills, developing a thesis, providing adequate and relevant support, writing effectively, editing, applying concise and appropriate language, focusing on audience, and adhering to instructions as objectives for this course.

Discovering Folklore, Myths, and Legends- 01065
Credit-0.5
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12

Through class instruction, reading, and both group and independent projects, students will be given an overview of the different tales that constitute Folklore: specifically folktales, mythology and fairy tales. After addressing each of these individual elements, students will write original tales for each genre and complete a research project examining specific cultures to determine the impact which culture has on folklore. At the conclusion of the course, students will understand the common threads of folklore and will realize what these stories can tell us about past civilizations, specific cultures, and the qualities that these worlds share with our present lives.

Spanish I- 06101
Credit- 1.0

This course introduces the student to the basic skills of speaking, reading, writing and understanding the Spanish language. The student will learn the grammatical structures of the language. Certain aspects of the culture are discussed. Use of technology (web based activities), hands on activities, daily homework for practice and active involvement in class is expected.

Spanish II - 06102
Credit -1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish I

The Spanish II course will introduce more complex structures, review and expand the vocabulary. Certain aspects of the culture are discussed. Use of technology (web based activities), hands on activities, daily homework for practice and active involvement in class is expected. Students must have passed Spanish I with a 77% final average to enroll.

Spanish III - 06103
Credit- 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish II

The Spanish III course will introduce more complex structures, review and expand the vocabulary. Certain aspects of the culture are discussed. Use of technology (web based activities), hands on activities, daily homework for practice and active involvement in class is expected. Students must have passed Spanish II with a 77% final average to enroll.

Spanish IV- 06104
Credit 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish III

The Spanish IV course will introduce more complex structures, review and expand the vocabulary. Certain aspects of the culture are discussed. Use of technology (web based activities), hands on activities, daily homework for practice and active involvement in class is expected. Students will be asked to work independently on projects and assignments. Students must have passed Spanish III with a 77% final average to enroll.

Career Development-22152
Credit 0.5
Grade Placement: 9
Prerequisite: none

This course helps students to develop a sense of responsibility by presenting themselves in ways that maintain dignity and respect for themselves and others. Students learn how to stick to commitments, relate in ways that promote cooperation and decrease conflict, deal productively with anger, and cope with "real world" life choices.

Driver Education- 08198
Credit 0.5
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none

Driver Education is a classroom-based course that focuses on the development of good driving habits and the importance of developing a defensive driving attitude. Students will also discuss the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, vehicle operation, sharing the road with other vehicles, trip planning, and winter driving tips and preparation, and basic controls.

English as a Second Language- 01008
Credit- 1.0
ELL English- 07410
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: This course is for students who have been identified as English Language Learners.

Instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking the English language will be the focus of this class as well as socialization and developmental skills and familiarizing the student with school culture. Study and organizational skills in content area classes will be supported.