Wayne Central High School

 

Social Studies

The social studies program is geared to provide students with a strong understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States and the world.

 

GLOBAL HISTORY  & GEOGRAPHY I 

This course begins with the Paleolithic Era and the development of the first civilizations, continues with an examination of classical societies, and traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact. The course emphasizes the key themes of interactions over time, shifts in political power, and the role of belief systems. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical and spatial thinking, all of the social studies practices and standards are included in the study of global history and geography. The course concludes with a local examination.  

 

GLOBAL HISTORY  & GEOGRAPHY I HONORS

This course begins with the Paleolithic Era and the development of the first civilizations, continues with an examination of classical societies, and traces the expansion of trade networks and their global impact. The course emphasizes the key themes of interactions over time, shifts in political power, and the role of belief systems. While the course emphasizes the importance of historical and spatial thinking, all of the social studies practices and standards are included in the study of global history and geography. The course concludes with a local examination. The honors level students will be expected to analyze the material in greater depth using a variety of higher level texts and documents. The honors students will also be required to show a deeper understanding of the enduring issues through a variety of performance tasks. All Global I Honors students will take a local examination at the end of this course.  

 

GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY II

This course provides a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. The last three key ideas focus on global issues, applying a more thematic approach.  While the course emphasizes the importance of historical and spatial thinking, all of the social studies practices and standards are included in the study of global history and geography. All global studies students take the Global 10 Regents Examination at the end of this course.  

 

GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY II HONORS

This course provides a snapshot of the world circa 1750. The course continues chronologically up to the present. Several concepts are woven throughout the course including industrialization, nationalism, imperialism, conflict, technology, and the interconnectedness of the world. The last three key ideas focus on global issues, applying a more thematic approach.  While the course emphasizes the importance of historical and spatial thinking, all of the social studies practices and standards are included in the study of global history and geography.  In addition, this course prepares students for Gemini or IB courses in United States History in their junior year. The honors level students will be expected to analyze the material in greater depth using the honors textbook. All global studies students take the Global 10 Regents Examination at the end of this course.  

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY & GOVERNMENT

U.S. History & Government begins with the colonial and constitutional foundations of the United States and explores the government structure and functions written in the Constitution. The development of the nation and the political, social, and economic factors that led to the challenges our nation faced in the Civil War are addressed. Industrialization, urbanization, and the accompanying problems are examined, along with America’s emergence as a world power, the two world wars of the 20th century, and the Cold War. Students explore the expansion of the federal government, the threat of terrorism, and the place of the United States in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. The course concludes with all students taking the NYS Regents exam in United States History & Government. 

 

GEMINI US HISTORY

Gemini fee required (Students must pay for the Gemini fee both semesters or students will be moved to Regents US History.)

This course will focus on the foundations of the United States to the modern era.  The course will consist of lectures, student-centered projects, and analysis of college level texts and readings.  Students enrolled will take the United States History and Government Regents Examination in June.  Students will be expected to analyze material in greater depth using collegiate level textbooks and other primary sources.  Students are expected to work independently and complete quarterly research papers according to Gemini standards. Students will also complete a separate Gemini Final Assessment.  Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit. For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4.

 

IB HISTORY (IB HOTA & IB 20th Century)

 

IB History, at the Higher Level will be taught as a two-year course. This course is rigorous in reading and writing as the basis to gather information to hone analytical skills necessary to view Western history from multiple perspectives. The 1^st year of the course, History of the Americas, is designed to develop and expand students' understanding primarily of the history of the United States while delving into some Latin, South American and Canadian history from colonialism to the present. The 2^nd year, 20^th Century World History, is an in-depth study of the conflicts that shaped the 1900’s in World History. Students will explore historical events and their political, social, economic and cultural implications.  The course will conclude with three IB History Exams in May of your senior year as well as an internal assessment (research project), which will be completed early in the students' senior year. In order to be eligible to get IB credit for this class you must complete both years of IB History.

 

INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS

Economics examines the principles of the United States free market economy in a global context. Students will examine their individual responsibility for managing their personal finances. Students will analyze the role of supply and demand in determining the prices individuals and businesses face in the product and factor markets, and the global nature of these markets. Students will study changes to the workforce in the United States, and the role of entrepreneurs in our economy, as well as the effects of globalization. Students will explore the challenges facing the United States free market economy in a global environment and various policy-making opportunities available to the government to address these challenges. This course concludes with a local examination.  

 

GEMINI INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS

Gemini  Fee Required  - Students must pay the Gemini fee or students will be moved to Economics

This is an introductory course dealing with the principles of economics and how they are applied to consumer choices, business decisions, and within the domestic economy. Students will examine the role of public/private sectors, markets, market structures, economic indicators, and fiscal and monetary policies as they relate to the U.S. economy. This course concludes with a local examination. Students in this course are eligible for 3 college credits through FLCC, and can be applied to any SUNY institution.  For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4. 

 

PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT

This course aims to provide students with opportunities to become engaged in the political process by acquiring the knowledge and practicing the skills necessary for active citizenship. Participation in government is designed to be a hands-on, practical course that builds on civics, government and history courses that students have taken in previous years. Students view the Constitution as the basis for U.S. law, and will analyze real-life applications of the Bill of Rights in action. Students examine the election process on local, state and national levels and become registered voters themselves. Participation in government and in our communities is fundamental to the success of American democracy. 

 

GEMINI PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT

Gemini  Fee Required  - Students must pay the Gemini fee or students will be moved to Participation in Government 

This course explores the nature and dynamics of the American political system, including the basic structure, functions, and processes of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, the roles of political parties, the mechanics of political campaigns and elections, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and prominent issues in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. This is accomplished through the creation of products and engagement in their local, state, and national government. Students in this course are eligible for 3 college credits through FLCC, and can be applied to any SUNY institution.  For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4. 

 

Social Studies Electives

 

CRIMINAL LAW

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system and its relationship to the individuals and communities it serves. This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of their legal rights and obligations pertaining to the United States justice system. The course will reinforce students’ understanding of Constitutional rights and duties, the different types of crimes, every day legal issues, and the criminal justice process. 

 

GEMINI PSYCHOLOGY

Gemini Fee Optional

This course is a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It will familiarize students with the scientific methods used in the field of psychology. It will also introduce various topics within the field, such as consciousness, motivation, learning, memory, cognition, development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatments, social psychology, and the biological bases of behavior.  This course will have a final assessment at the conclusion of the semester. Students in this course may be eligible for college credit. For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4.

 

GEMINI SOCIOLOGY

Gemini Fee Optional

This course includes topics descriptive of the scope and methods of sociology, the interaction and social nature of man, human groupings, collective behavior and institutions and social change.  This course encompasses the study of Cultures, Socialization, Aging, Deviance and Crime, Class and Wealth, Race, Sex and Gender Issues, the modern Family, Religion and Cults, and Health Care. Students in this course may be eligible for college credit. For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4.

 

GENOCIDE STUDIES

This course explores genocides that have occurred in modern world history. Students will gain particular insight into the Holocaust period of Nazi Germany; Stalin’s persecution of the Ukrainian Kulaks and genocides in modern-day Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, Cambodia and Sudan.  Students will be able to interpret film, literature, poetry, music, and artwork relating to these global events. This course will conclude with a project-based local assessment.

 

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Positive Psychology is an elective course focused on personal growth. This course adopts a scientific, strength-based approach to discovering what helps people improve their levels of happiness, flourish, thrive and achieve optimal well-being. Students will be provided the opportunity to learn new skills and  participate in experiences to achieve this sense of well-being in a safe, supported, relationship-centered environment. Students will study the science behind positive psychology through experiences that will include topics such as mindfulness, happiness, gratitude, laughter, kindness, grit and resilience. Students will be challenged to grow and develop new skills that include mindfully paying attention, introspection, developing questioning skills, developing empathy, and communication skills. The class will involve individual reflection, group discussions, and practical exercises.

 

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (1&2)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) represents the hub for all IB disciplines.The course is two years but students can take just the first half of the course as seniors. The theory of knowledge (TOK) course plays a special role in the DP by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature, scope and limitations of knowledge and the process of knowing. In this way, the main focus of TOK is not on students acquiring new knowledge but on helping students to reflect on, and put into perspective, what they already know. TOK underpins and helps to unite the subjects that students encounter in the rest of their studies. It engages students in explicit reflection on how knowledge is arrived at in different disciplines and areas of knowledge, on what these areas have in common and the differences between them. Students do NOT HAVE to be part of the full IBDP to take this class.

 

 

Technology

The Technology Department at Wayne Central offers a comprehensive technology education program. While we offer traditional courses we are also affiliated with Project Lead the Way® (PLTW). PLTW is a pre-engineering program that uses activities-based learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning.  The courses included in this program use the modalities of activities, projects, and problems to ensure students are exposed to the rigor and relevance necessary to become strong citizens and members of a viable workforce. PLTW has developed a four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.

 

PLTW courses are: Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Engineering Design and Development. 

 

 

Project Lead the Way Sequence:

Project Lead the Way has developed a four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. The Technology Education department offers a 5-unit sequence. Many of these courses offer dual college credit.

 

Core Course

• PLTW Design and Drawing for Production (DDP)

Electives

• Principles of Engineering (POE)
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
• Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA)

Capstone Course

• Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

 

PLTW DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION (DDP) 

College Credit Option available from MCC or RIT

This course is intended to provide opportunities for students to design and draw through creative thinking, decision making, and problem-solving experiences. This is a hands-on course with many sketching, computer-aided design, and model construction exercises. Students may design a variety of different items including: vehicles, toys, games, furniture, posters, scale models and other items that are familiar to them in their everyday life. Software includes Onshape (web-based CAD), Adobe Illustrator, Universal Laser Systems, and Google application programs. The instructors are teaching the complete state approved course. This course fulfills the fine arts graduation requirement.

 

PLTW COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING (CIM)

College Credit Option available from RIT and MCC

This course builds on computer solid modeling skills developed in DDP. Students use CNC software and equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimensional designs. This course applies principles of robotics and automation in the creation of various products. Software includes but is not limited to: MasterCam, Onshape, VEX Robotics, and RoboPro.

 

PLTW PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (POE)

College Credit Option available from RIT and MCC

The Principles of Engineering course is designed to expose students to a broad array of the technological processes used in the field of engineering and engineering technology. Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. Typical activities in this course include such items as problem solving engineering design competitions.. Counts as one credit of math.

 

PLTW CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE (CEA)

College Credit Option available from RIT

This course provides an overview of the fields of civil engineering and architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state-of-the-art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as the roles of civil engineers and architects; project planning; site planning; building design, and project documentation and presentation. Software includes Onshape & Autodesk Revit Architecture.

 

PLTW ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (EDD)

This is an engineering research course in which students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the four proceeding courses and are guided by a community mentor. They must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. This project will coincide with the Senior Project. Software includes but is not limited to: Onshape, VEX Robotics, MasterCam, Adobe Illustrator.

 

Traditional Courses:

 

CAD (COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN)

CAD will expose students to the basic functions of technical drawing and project planning. Students will use Onshape (web-based CAD) to create engineering-based 3D models. Topics will include but are not limited to sketching, dimensioning, orthographic projection, section views, creating assemblies, and working drawings.

 

WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY 

World of Technology will expose students to several facets of technology education including but not limited to: technical communication, CAD (Onshape), energy systems, transportation systems, electrical systems, & resource management. This class will focus on problem solving, team building, and hands-on projects as a vehicle for the curriculum. Counts as one credit of math.

 

BASIC ELECTRICITY/ELECTRONICS

This course is designed to give students experiences with electricity in residential and industrial settings. Students will be introduced to basic electronic components and their functions, as well as instruction on how to wire basic components. The students will produce projects using electricity/electronic theory. Software includes but is not limited to: TinkerCAD Circuits, Onshape, Adobe Illustrator

 

MATERIALS PROCESSING

This is a project-oriented course using plastic, wood and metal. Material Processing is a more in-depth study of the properties and uses many types of wood, plastic, and metal. Students will have the opportunity to choose different materials for various uses and study their advantages and disadvantages in each application as they construct products to take home.

 

PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

This course allows students to learn methods of using hand and machine woodworking tools. Students use their skills to complete projects of the teacher's design as well as their own. Reading plans, drawing project designs, and working with traditional tools and materials form the basis of this course.

 

 

English

The ability to communicate is an essential skill in both personal and professional life.  Sequential achievement in English classes develops proficiency in active listening, effective speaking, critical reading, and writing for a variety of purposes.  Four credits are required for graduation with all students taking the Regents Examination in English Language Arts.  Accelerated courses in grades nine and ten are offered as an option for students who aspire to participate in Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate courses.

 

 

ENGLISH 1 

The English 1 curriculum focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking in response to high quality texts that are aligned to the Next Generation ELA Learning Standards. Units contain coherent progressions of learning experiences that build knowledge and understanding of major concepts and encourage independent learning. 

ENGLISH 2 

This course continues reinforcing many of the same skills practiced in English I, but it utilizes more challenging literature selections and varied writing situations. By the conclusion of the course, students are expected to be proficient with persuasive, analytical, and argumentative techniques. 

 

ENGLISH 3 

This course prepares students for success on the English Regents examination. Coursework will focus on reading and writing from a variety of genres to further their skills in literary analysis and the writing process.  Students are required to complete a research paper. 

 

ENGLISH 4

This course emphasizes the application of acquired skills and abilities in literary analysis, listening, speaking, and writing. The required research paper component of the Senior Project allows students to focus on an issue of their choice while instilling the necessary research skills needed for success in both college and future employment. 

 

 ENGLISH 1 Honors

This course challenges students through a combination of challenging reading and intensive writing instruction in order to prepare for the rigors of Advanced Placement Language and Composition or the International Baccalaureate program during the junior year. Accelerated students will take the Regents Examination in English Language Arts  at the end of their sophomore year. 

 

ENGLISH 2 Honors

This course continues to prepare students for the demands of both IB and AP level English classes. At the conclusion of the course, students will take the Regents Examination in English Language Arts.. Students should expect 1-2 hours of homework per week. Completing summer work is a component of this class.  

 

 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

 AP fee required                                                 

AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. Students will write in a variety of modes including narration, exploratory, description, argument, comparison and contrast, as well as others – and on a variety of subjects such as personal experience, public policies, social issues, and popular culture. The main objective of the course is to enable students to write effectively and confidently. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition in May. Completing summer work is a component of this class.  On average, homework for this class will require 2-3 hours per week. (Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit. For more information regarding AP courses see pages 4 and 7.)

 

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION 

 *AP fee required

Duration: Full  Year  Credit: 1   Prerequisite:  This course emphasizes the application of acquired skills with an extension into college-level analysis and writing.  Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition in May, and complete independent research and performance projects to fulfill course requirements. 

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of AP English Language and Composition or English 3 and teacher recommendation. Completing summer work is a component of this class.  On average, homework for this class will require 2-3 hours per week. (Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for college credit. For more information regarding AP courses see pages 4 and 7.)

 

IB ENGLISH LANGUAGE and LITERATURE 1 & 2 (HL)

The two year IB English Language and Literature course focuses on developing an understanding of the constructed nature of meanings generated by language and the web of relationships they share with the social world. This course focuses on literary and non-literary texts and the unique ways in which author's share their message. A key aim of this course is to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. The course helps students focus closely on the language of the texts they study and to become aware of the role of each text's wider context in shaping its meaning. Practically, this means students will develop an appreciation of the impact of the context (cultural and social) of both writer and reader on textual construction and interpretation. The appreciation of literary techniques as used in the various genres of literature forms an important aspect of this study as well. Through oral and written commentary as well as comparative textual analysis, students will develop an understanding of how language, culture and context determine the ways in which meaning is constructed as well as think critically about the different interactions between text, audience and purpose.

 

IB English Language and Literature requires a variety of internal and external written and oral assessments which will begin in the junior year and conclude during the senior year.  In IB English 1, students will complete a Higher Level Essay in the second semester.  In IB English 2, students will complete an Oral Commentary in the second semester and will take Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams in May. Students will complete summer work for both courses and should anticipate 2-3 hours of homework per week during the school year. 

GEMINI ENGLISH: COMPOSITION 101 

*Gemini fee required  

The goals of Composition 101 are to develop students’ abilities to write essays with narrative, explanatory, interpretive, and analytical qualities at a college level and to think critically. Students will learn to make decisions based on rhetorical concerns of a writer’s purpose, the readers’ needs, and the context in which documents are read. As using sources effectively is one of the goals in the course, research will be interwoven into documents as a way to support ideas and connect with the audience.  The course emphasizes process-based writing, student reflection of their learning progress, and it culminates in a research paper, genre remix, and a reflection essay. Gemini English 101 is only offered in the fall.  Completing summer work is a component of this class in order to prepare for the Midterm for this course. On average, homework for this class will require 2-3 hours per week during the school year. For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4.

 

GEMINI ENGLISH: COMPOSITION 103

*Gemini fee required

Composition 103 continues the educational goals of Composition 101 (critical reading and thinking, focused research, reflective writing, and process-based writing).  The course provides students with  higher-level practice in research, analysis, and reflection. The course emphasizes academic research-based writing and culminates in a larger research paper and a reflection essay. Students are required to successfully complete Composition 101 in order to take Composition 103 which is only offered in the spring. Composition 103 is a full semester course which requires students to register and pay a tuition fee. The successful completion of a Senior Project is a graduation requirement and it is a part of the course. On average, homework for this class will require 2-3 hours of  writing outside of school per week. For more information regarding Gemini courses see page 4.

 

English 4 - Communications 

This course is designed for students interested in various forms of media, including writing, videography, broadcasting, and public speaking. This course has two focuses: 1)develop the fundamental skills necessary to run a news broadcast and will cover topics such as interviewing, writing, photographing, developing an on-air personality, becoming familiar with national and world news, and identifying media bias and techniques 2)create videos and newsletters that cover a wide array of topics. Students will produce and broadcast Wayne’s morning announcements and publish bi-monthly student newsletters.