General Studies Course Offerings
Course Descriptions
GRADES 9,10,11,12
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Subject: English
Name: Ninth Grade English
Sections: 102,103 |
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All sections of freshmen English will introduce students to the study of major literary genres including, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, drama, and epic poetry. Students will read Homer’s Odyssey and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Students will also complete an interdisciplinary unit on satire that uses George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times to study creative responses to the Russian Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. All sections will also read weekly selections from the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition and the New York Times.
The objectives of this course are to improve writing and communication skills, to develop strategies for reading comprehension and to develop critical and creative thinking. Each section adapts to the level of mastery and concentration of its students; each includes grammar, vocabulary, classic and contemporary literature, summer reading, writing proficiency and learning to support a thesis statement, with emphasis on learning to organize cohesive and unified paragraphs for short essays. |
Subject: English
Name: Tenth Grade English
Sections: 202,203 |
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All sections of sophomore English will complete a survey of American literature from origins to the present. Major authors will include, Hawthorne, Poe, Emerson, Thoreau, Dickinson, Whitman, Hemingway, Fitzgerald and many others. Students will read novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and nonfiction. All sections will also read weekly selections from either the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition or the New York Times.
The objectives of this course are to improve writing and communication skills, to develop strategies for reading comprehension and to develop critical and creative thinking. Each section adapts to the level of mastery and concentration of its students; each includes grammar, vocabulary, classic and contemporary literature, summer reading, writing proficiency and learning to support a thesis statement, with emphasis on learning to organize cohesive and unified paragraphs for academic essays. |
Subject: English
Name: Eleventh Grade English
Sections: 301,302,303 |
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All sections of junior English will complete a survey of British literature. Major authors will include Chaucer, Shakespeare, Donne, Wordsworth, Austen, Dickens, Woolf and Joyce, among many others. Students will also be introduced to major periods and schools, including the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, The Restoration and Eighteenth Century, the Romantics, and Modernism. All sections will also read weekly selections from either the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition or the New York Times. Each Student will also give an oral presentation and complete an MLA research paper.
The objectives of this course are to continue to organize cohesive paragraphs and essays in preparation for college admission testing which includes the new format of the SAT, to expose students to test taking strategies, to continue to explore themes and literary devices as they occur in British Literature, to further broaden vocabulary, and to use critical reading and research skills to develop a literary analysis based on classic authors. Each section adapts to the level of mastery and concentration of its students; each includes: grammar as necessary, vocabulary, classic and contemporary literature, summer reading, and skills and practice necessary for college admission testing and the college application essay. |
Subject: English
Name: AP Eleventh Grade English
Sections: 304 |
The AP Language class at Hillel Yeshiva high school will focus primarily on analyzing the use of rhetoric in a wide variety of nonfiction writing. We will study nonfiction as a major literary art form and apply the same analytical rigor that we use in the study of fiction, drama, and poetry. According to the 2006 AP English Course Description, “An AP Course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.” Our nonfiction readings will cover a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to, politics, nature, popular culture, sports and fitness, and gender among many others. Our readings will be drawn from The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, and Rhetoric, which has been specifically designed for AP Language Courses. We will also read extensively from the editorial and op-ed pages of the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. All AP Language students will complete one op-ed/editorial assignment per week that will be kept in their journals.
Perhaps most importantly, students will develop their own writing skills through a wide variety of essay assignments. Students will complete a composition for each of our twelve themed units. Many of these will be 40 minute timed writings taken from past AP Language Exams, and at least four will be take-home assignments that will expose students to expository, analytical, and argumentative writing.
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Subject: English
Name: Twelfth Grade English
Sections: 402,403 |
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All sections of senior English will complete a survey of world literature. Major authors will include Homer, Sophocles, Shakespeare, Kafka, Ibsen, and Tolstoy, among many others. Students will also be introduced to major literary cultures and historical and intellectual time periods, including the Greeks and Romans, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and Modernism. Students may also read selections from major western philosophers including Plato and Aristotle. All sections will also read weekly selections from either the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition or the New York Times. Each Student will also give an oral presentation and complete an MLA research paper.
The objectives of this course are to continue to organize cohesive paragraphs and essays in preparation for college admission testing and college application essays, to reinforce students’ test-taking strategies, and to use critical reading and research to develop literary analysis skills. Each section adapts to the level of mastery and concentration of its students; each includes: grammar as necessary, vocabulary, classic and contemporary literature, summer reading, and skills and practice necessary for the college application essay and college admissions. |
Subject: English
Name: AP Twelfth Grade English
Section: 404 |
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AP English Literature students will complete intensive sections of poetry, drama, and fiction. Students will also complete bi-weekly timed writing assignments, and weekly literary vocabulary quizzes in preparation for the literature examination in May. Students who excel on the AP examinations may be eligible for college credit in the fall.
Major authors may include Homer, Sophocles, Shakespeare, Kafka, Austen, Dickens, Ibsen, and Tolstoy, among many others. Students will also be introduced to major literary cultures and historical and intellectual time periods, including the Greeks and Romans, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and Modernism. Students may also read selections from major western philosophers including Plato and Aristotle. All sections will also read weekly selections from the Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition and the New York Times.
The objectives of this course are to continue to perfect writing skills in preparation for college admission, to perfect students’ test-taking strategies, to use critical reading and research to develop literary analysis skills based on World authors. This section is taught on an intense and advanced level and includes perfection of grammar and vocabulary, extensive reading and analysis of classic and contemporary literature, summer reading, skills and practice necessary for the college application essay, and most importantly, preparation for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition examination. Additionally, each student will give an oral presentation and complete an MLA research paper. |
HISTORY DEPARTMENT
Subject: History
Name: World History
Sections: 102,103 |
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This social studies survey course begins with a short introduction to Prehistoric times and concludes with an analysis of the World Wars. This course traces the development of both Western and non-Western civilizations. The course includes the political changes, the economic development, the influence of geography on cultures, the growth of science and technology, the development and effects of the major religions in the world, and the effects of contacts between cultures. Basic skills such as reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, chart and map reading, as well as note taking, are stressed |
Subject: History
Name: Jewish History
Sections: 202,203 |
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This social studies course surveys the major events, personalities, literature and trends of the last 3700 years of Jewish history, from the period of the Avot (forefathers) through the end of the nineteenth century. We will devote roughly three months to each of the three general units of history: classical, medieval, and modern. Students will practice analyzing both primary and secondary sources in our attempt to uncover general reoccurring historical patterns. |
Subject: History
Name: American History
Sections: 302,303 |
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This is a social studies survey course that begins briefly with exploration and proceeds through the 20th century. Emphasis in the classroom is placed on “cause and effect” where the students are expected to understand the relationship between people and events. Basic skills such as reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, chart and map reading are stressed. |
Subject: History
Name: AP American History
Section: 304 |
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This course is meant to be the equivalent of a freshman college course and can lead to earning college credit. AP American History is a survey course that begins with the age of exploration and colonization and runs to the present day. Students should possess strong reading and writing skills along with the desire to spend much time on outside reading assignments as well as research. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills, interpretation of primary source documents, and essay writing. Special attention is given to the document based question as well as the free response essay in preparation for the Advanced Placement exam. |
Subject: History
Name: U.S. Law and Government
Sections: Elective |
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This course will introduce students to the legal system and the structure of government. It is a survey course that will cover Lawmaking, Citizen Advocacy, the Court System, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Contracts, and Family Law. Time will also be spent studying the structure and responsibilities within the Federal government, the New Jersey State government, and the County government. |
Subject: History
Name: Art History
Sections: Elective |
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This course serves as an introduction to the histories of art of Western Europe and the Ancient Near East from the Paleolithic to the present day. Throughout civilization art has been the medium to express a wide range of human feelings and spiritual beliefs. The goal of this course is to illuminate the societies and ideas from which these feelings and ideas emanate. The traditions of Greece and Rome as well as the developments in the art and civilization of Western Europe will be examined. In addition the influences each century has had upon art will be explored. In every society art has a special place; it is a form of communication which is part imagination, part science and part magic. How art has survived and its metamorphosis through the ages will be studied. |
Subject: History
Name: Introduction to Psychology
Sections: Elective |
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This course introduces the student to theories, concepts, specialties, and practices in contemporary pyschology. It provides the student with knowledge about alternative areas of psychological research and applications relevant to their life experiences. Topics include: why study psychology, research questions, current findings about human behavior, the brain, perception, memory, emotion, consciousness, gender, personality, identity, and life-span development. The course explores key factors impacting learning, relationships, problem solving, mental illness, behavioral adjustment, and cultural/social diversity in modern society.
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MATH DEPARTMENT
Subject: Math
Name: Algebra I
Sections: 102 |
| An introduction to the fundamentals of algebra, this course teaches students the following: order of operations, arithmetic of real numbers, simplifyingand evaluating algebraic exp[ressions, solving and graphing linear equations and rational expressions. |
Subject: Math
Name: Algebra I
Sections: 103 |
| This is an elementary course that introduces the following: real numbers, evaluation and simplification of algebraic expressions, solution and graphing of linear equations and inequalities, solution of simultaneous linear equations, factoring and solution of rational equations. |
Subject: Math
Name: Algebra II
Section: 104 |
| This is an honors class for students who have successfully completed algebra I. Topics include relations, functions, and polynomials, rational and irrational expressions, complex numbers, conic sections, trigonometry, and exponential and logarithmic functions. |
Subject: Math
Name: Geometry
Sections: 201 |
| This introductory course provides students with an understanding of basic concepts in geometry including geometric definitions, triangle relationships, polygons, perimeter, area, and volume, similar and congruent figures and circles. |
Subject: Math
Name: Geometry
Section: 202 |
| This course provides students with an understanding of basic concepts in geometry, but also includes the following topics: geometric relationships in the context of a deductive structure; to include elementary concepts, congruent and similar figures, perpendicularity, parallel lines, polygons and circles. |
Subject: Math
Name: Honors Geometry
Section: 203 |
| Honors Geometry emphasizes the use of logical proofs to solve geometric problems. Students learn geometric relationships in the context of a deductive structure, congruent and similar figures, perpendicularity, parallel lines, polygons, circles, locus, and alternate forms of proof. |
Subject: Math
Name: Algebra II
Section: 302 |
| This introductory course provides students with an understanding of basic concepts in algebra II. Topics include solutions of quadratic equations, inequalities, systems of equations, factoring, irrational expressions, complex numbers, and conic sections. |
Subject: Math
Name: Algebra II
Sections: 303 |
| Algebra II is an elementary course that introduces students to the following topics: set theory, solution of multi-step equations, advanced factoring, simplification of irrational expressions, complex numbers, solution and graphing of quadradic equations, conic sections and functions. |
Subject: Math
Name: Pre-Calculus
Sections: 304 |
| Honors Pre-Calculus teaches students advanced equation-solving techniques, functions, advanced concepts in trigonometry, advanced graphing techniques, sequences, series, probability, and an introduction to concepts of calculus. |
Subject: Math
Name: Concepts in Math
Section: 402 |
| Expanding on topics learned in previous math courses, this course teaches students the following skills: the solution of rational equations, second-degree equations, elementary trigonometry, and an introduction to probability and statistics. |
Subject: Math
Name: Pre-Calculus and Statistics
Section: 403 |
| This course provides students with an introduction to the following concepts: the study of conic sections, trigonometric functions, probability, and introductory topics in statistics. |
Subject: Math
Name: AP Calculus
Section: 404 |
| This course covers all of the topics required for the Advanced Placement examination. Topics include limits, derivatives, anti-derivatives, graphing, and advanced problem solving. |
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Subject: Science
Name: Biology
Sections: 102 |
| The course begins with an overview of the underlying themes of Biology and with the importance of cellular function as a basis of life. The student becomes acquainted with the major cell organelles. In subsequent chapters, the function of each cell structure is covered in detail. General laboratory techniques are also stressed in the weekly labs. The course ends with a discussion of the interrelationship of cellular components as evidenced in the behavior of one-celled animals and plants. |
Subject: Science
Name: Honors Biology
Section: 103 |
| This course is designed for the academically advanced student. Higher-level thinking is stressed along with personal responsibility for meeting class schedules and completing activities on time. The main focus of the course is an overview of biological principles, cellular biology and fundamentals of genetics and evolution. Class discussion and inquiry methods are supplemented by frequent laboratory protocols designed to augment curricular concepts. |
Subject: Science
Name: Chemistry
Section: 202 |
| Using demonstrations, experiments, problem solving sessions and student board work, an attempt is made to help students understand the concepts of chemistry and to apply those concepts to interpreting results of lab work. Problem solving is stressed with each problem set designed to extend as well as test the student’s grasp of chemical concepts. |
Subject: Science
Name: Chemistry
Section: 203 |
| This is an advanced class; students will be presented with basic chemical concepts associated with an introductory chemistry courses. Students will conduct over 23 experiments, complete prepared problem sets, answer selected questions from the text and conduct research and some experiments using the computer lab. One of the goals of this class is to provide students with enough background and understanding of chemistry that they may perform well on the Chemistry SAT II. |
Subject: Science
Name: Human Biology
Section: Elective |
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Human Biology is an honors course stressing anatomy and physiology. It covers the structure and function of human systems in detail and the interrelatedness of these systems. Microscope work, computer labs and tutorials, and organ dissections are used to reinforce class lectures. |
Subject: Science
Name: AP Biology
Sections: Elective |
| This course assumes a successful completion of first year Biology. The focus of the course parallels the requirements necessary to prepare for the AP Examination in Biology, in scope, level of complexity of thought and course content. Frequent use of laboratory protocol, AP-mandated and also instructor-selected, further reinforce and clarify course content. Exposure to former AP exam questions, by topic, allows each student the opportunity to evaluate his/her potential for taking the AP Exam in Biology, offered in May. |
Subject: Science
Name: AP Chemistry
Sections: Elective |
| The AP Chemistry students have had a year of basic chemistry already. During this course we will refine and extend their knowledge of chemistry to meet the more rigorous requirements associated with the AP test. Basic chemistry will be reviewed quickly and new labs and problem sets will be presented to challenge students. With each topic, a selected set of old AP test questions will be assigned and reviewed. The goal, of course, is to prepare students to do well on the AP test without “teaching to the test”. |
Subject: Science
Name: Environmental Science
Sections:Elective |
| This course is designed to explore the complex relationship between people and their environment, to make students aware of the ecological diversity in the world and to be conscious of methods of conservation of our natural resources. The basic knowledge of these ecological principles is then applied, by chapter, to practical environmental problems. Workable solutions are proposed, discussed and modified as needed. Frequent use of laboratory simulations allows students to view concepts realistically and to try out and evaluate their proposed solutions in a safe, minimal-impact setting. |
Subject: Science
Name: General Physics
Sections: Elective |
| The primary objective of this course is to build a conceptual base for understanding the laws of nature. Topics covered will include mechanics, sound, electricity, magnetism and light. Additional topics will be explored as time permits. Mathematics will be used as a tool in solving related problems. Laboratory experiences will be provided whenever possible to enhance comprehension. |
BUSINESS ACADEMY
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