Course Selections for Twelfth Grade (2023-24) – Senior Elective Choices

All courses in the World Language Department are electives. Students are encouraged to pursue their study of foreign language if they have completed advanced levels in previous years. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required for AP and college level courses.

French IV

The students enrolled in this course master topical vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and practical expressions on an advanced level. They discuss a variety of contemporary themes gathered from authentic materials, including novels, films, short stories, articles and newspaper articles. Literary vocabulary is acquired. This course emphasizes aural comprehension and oral proficiency. These students will be eligible for Adelphi University college credits upon completion of the course.

Spanish V

A communicative approach will be continued of Spanish language mastery including in- depth literary analysis and essay and paragraph writing. The students will acquire more advanced communicative skills in multiple tenses with an extensive vocabulary base as well as increased synonym and antonym acquisition. Cultural information will be accessed and discussed, Spanish newspapers read weekly, and novels, essays and poetry will be studied. Literary vocabulary is taught. These students will be eligible for Adelphi University college credits upon completion of the course.

Spanish IV

The students enrolled in this course master topical vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and practical expressions on an advanced level. They discuss a variety of contemporary themes gathered from authentic materials, including novels. Newspaper article analysis assigned weekly and written paragraphs and essays submitted. This course emphasizes aural comprehension and oral proficiency. Those students wishing to enroll can take this course for college credit from Adelphi University. Three college credits may be earned. (Adelphi Spanish 122)

All courses in the computer science department are electives. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required.

AP Computer Science A

This course is equivalent to a semester-long, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both structural and object-oriented problem solving and design using the Java language. The AP Computer Science A course includes a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on structured lab experience to engage students in individual or group problem solving. Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles. Teacher recommendation required for enrollment.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

In this Machine Learning class (ML) students will take a deep dive into the world of AI and Machine Learning and will understand the “magic” that’s behind ChatGPT, image recognition, and more. Students will work in Python and will be introduced to various types of machine learning - supervised ML, unsupervised ML, and reinforcement learning. By the end of the class students will have a portfolio of projects that will include Regression Models, Classification Models, Neural Networks, Sentiment Analysis, Clustering, and Natural Language Processing.

Advanced Topics in Computer Science (Independent Study)

This course will be a student driven course in advanced computer science topics. The course is currently through independent study with a teacher as advisor and guide. Students pursue topics of interest to them. Usually students who take this course have taken all other CS courses offered at the school and plan to pursue computer science in college. Topics that students have previously learned include JavaScript, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Advanced Mobile Application Development, Unity/Game Development and Mobile Apps & Entrepreneurship.

All courses in the engineering department are electives. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required.

Advanced Robotics

Robotics commences with a historical timeline followed by group exercises aimed at improving team mettle. In parallel to learning electro-mechanical solutions to industrial and societal challenges, students will work together on their prototypes for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). Throughout the year, students will apply their knowledge of machining, computer-aided design, and electro-mechanical systems to compete on the local level and become science and technology leaders. Students will design robots to efficiently complete the tasks provided by FIRST for that season's competition. Each year in FTC, different rules and challenges require uniquely designed robots. Each year in Robotics, students get to experience a fresh set of challenges, as the game rules change from season to season.

All business courses are electives. We have partnered with several local colleges to offer courses for college credits.  Students may enroll in these courses at a significantly reduced cost and earn college credits. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required.

Advanced College Accounting II

This course provides a thorough and comprehensive look into Managerial Accounting. Students will explore business concepts and methods used to report managerial performance information to internal users and managers to assist in making sound business decisions in managing the firm.  Topics include product costing methodologies, cost behavior, operational and capital budgeting, and performance evaluation. Students can earn 3 college credits.

College Investing/Real Estate

We cover Investing in semester one and real estate Investing in semester two. The investing course includes topics that every investor should know, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, hedge funds, private equity, commodities and more.  Current events will play an important role in class discussions.  Every student will participate in a simulated stock market game.  The real estate course covers topics such as researching and finding properties, building a portfolio, financial analysis, legal issues and more.  Students can earn three credits for each course, for a total of six credits.

College Marketing/Entrepreneurship

We cover Marketing in semester one and Entrepreneurship in semester two. The Marketing course focuses on the central role that marketing plays in the business process.  The key areas of study are the 4 P’s: product, price, promotion and place.  We have lots of group projects as well as individual and group presentations. The entrepreneurship course covers the fundamentals of starting a new business from idea generation to financing. Students will develop an idea for a new business product or service and write a comprehensive business plan.  Students can earn 3 credits for each course, for a total of six credits. This course will help students to become comfortable with technology tools necessary for success in the business world. As such, laptops are required for this class. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required for enrollment.

College Virtual Enterprise

Virtual Enterprise is a live global business simulation in which students create and manage a virtual business. The program provides opportunities to develop valuable 21st-century skills in entrepreneurship, global business, problem solving, communication, personal finance and technology. VE replicates all the functions and demands of real businesses in both structure and practice. As “employees” of the virtual business, students experience the expectations of the workplace and are accountable for the firm’s performance. Students can earn three college credits. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required for enrollment.

All courses in the Art Department are electives. Enrollment requires teacher and administrative approval.

AP Art II

Advanced Placement Studio Art is a distinctive and rigorously demanding course of study which teaches students how to elevate their creative process, critical thinking, investigative skills and ‘student voice’ in preparation of effectively completing The College Board requirements of the AP Studio Art Exam administered at the end of the school year.  The AP Studio Art Exam consists of a student developed body of successful artwork which will be submitted in a portfolio. The culmination of the student produced artwork during the school year is aimed at targeting and exploring their chosen sustained investigation which was selected in AP Art 1.  The investigation focuses on a body of work based on a “Central Theme" and focuses on a process of INVESTIGATION, GROWTH and DISCOVERY. Students are required to attend to their sketchbooks and continuously explore and research their Art Assignment topics so that they may develop the vital skills needed to successfully complete their investigation. Prerequisite: AP Art I.

Studio Art II

Studio Art 2 is a second-year course that provides an opportunity for students to expand on the drawing and painting concepts introduced in Studio Art 1. Emphasis is placed on a deeper understanding of design principles, drawing techniques and painting skills leading to the development of abilities that are necessary for advanced art courses. Students are given more in depth problems to solve creatively while becoming more adept through a broad exposure to various media. Students will advance both technically and conceptually, preparing them for the next level of art at North Shore. Alongside refining their artistic skill set, the students will learn about 21st century art and have the opportunity to visit contemporary art institutions. Prerequisite: Studio Art I.

Pre College-Portfolio Development (non AP)

Portfolio Development is a new course offered at NSHAHS. We are trying to bridge the gap between HS and College by preparing students for the next step in an art career. Students will create a series of new works that span from drawing, painting and mixed media, showcasing a core understanding of a variety of materials as well as the courage to experiment and break the traditional boundaries of each medium and subject matter. Our objective is to provide students with a professional portfolio that can offer admission to high-ranking universities with scholarships. In addition to creating art, our Portfolio Development course will prepare students to become fluent in the art language. Through artist statements, participating in group critiques, and photographing and digitizing artworks, students will become familiar and comfortable in speaking about not only their own art, but others’ works as well. Prerequisite: Studio Art II, or AP Art I.

Fashion Design III

This design course further encompasses the fashion design process from inspiration through production learned in Fashion Design 2. Focus is on draping, sculpting and 3D textile design and exploration. Projects will deal with pragmatic and creative issues. Assignments are progressive so that students will continue to have the opportunity to establish their professional identity and brand. They will utilize a range of media and a variety of techniques to create versatility in their work and portfolio.  Museum, fabric store trips, and fashion show trips are planned.   This course aims to broaden and deepen the students' awareness of fashion as a discipline as they work on completing a portfolio for presentations to colleges. Prerequisite: Fashion Design II.

Architecture III

Students will reinforce skills they learned in the earlier courses and focus on design techniques, as well as review and study the history of architecture. Emphasis will switch to conceptual design and planning on larger urban scales. Students will study Urban planning, also known as town planning, city planning, regional planning, or rural planning, is a technical and political process that is focused on the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, such as transportation, communications, and distribution networks and their accessibility. They will work at a variety of scales, with a variety of techniques in a variety of research situations while being asked to comprehensively address architectural problems. This course aims to broaden and deepen the students' awareness of architecture as a discipline as they work on completing a portfolio for presentations to colleges.  Prerequisite: Architecture II

Architecture II

This course is for the student who has completed the requirements for Introduction to Architecture 1 and plans possibly to pursue his or her architectural studies as part of their college education. Students will reinforce skills they learned in the earlier course and focus in on design techniques, as well as review and study the history of architecture, build scale models from plans and build vertically, understand shape, convex and concave, space, light, acoustics, circulation, enclosure, boundaries, path, threshold and portal, understand the use of planes and their relationship to patterns, consider issues dealing with commercial/ public space, render hand illustrations using a variety of media, become aware of the need for conservancy and the need for buildings that reflect respect for environments and future generations and  learn about the history and evolving technologies of modern architecture. Emphasis will switch to vertical construction and consideration of public space vs. private space as well as architectural production as a process of analysis, critique and synthesis. Students will study architectural design as a mode of cultural communication and imaginative experimentation. They will work at a variety of scales, with a variety of techniques in a variety of research situations while being asked to comprehensively address architectural problems. This course aims to broaden and deepen the students' awareness of architecture as a discipline as they work on preparing a portfolio for presentations to colleges.  Prerequisite Architecture I.

Architecture I

This is a course in which basic fundamentals of architecture are examined and perfected.  While design will be the main emphasis for this level and the student should have a good background in basic mathematics. Students will learn about the design process and explore the architectural concepts of space, form, function, and technology. Students will learn how to create mechanical and freehand drawings, draw in 1, 2 and 3pt perspective, interpret and create floor plans, create orthographic and isometric drawings, understand drawing to scale and read blueprints, construct scale models, consult with groups on various approaches to design problems, address environmental concerns and conservation efforts, learn to render architectural styles, explore the history of architecture, reference the internet for architectural sources and create computer renderings using CAD. Trips to or visits by working architects are anticipated.

Fashion Design I

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the world of fashion design. They will acquire knowledge and skills related to the principles of fashion illustration and design by utilizing a range of media and a variety of techniques to create versatility in their work.  Students will learn the proportions of the fashion (croquis) figure. They will learn through the elements and principles of design as they pertain to fashion, design terminology for apparel and recognition of design styles are also included as components of the course. Students will be required to demonstrate creative use of inspiration and design experimentation through various projects and a design journal and will be assessed on their knowledge of terminology, styles and applicability of the elements and principles. Museum and fashion show trips are planned.

Fashion Design II

This design course further encompasses the fashion design process from inspiration through production learned in Fashion Design 1. Focus is on developing the fashion silhouette and fabric rendering techniques using a variety of materials. Students will study the interconnectivity between fabric weight/texture and garment representation based on rendered croquis. Principles and creative standards common to all design fields will be introduced. Projects will deal with pragmatic and creative issues. Assignments are progressive so that students will have the opportunity to establish their professional identity. They will utilize a range of media and a variety of techniques to create versatility in their work and portfolio.  Additionally, sewing basics will be introduced to students. Students will be exposed to how a historical timeline of fashion is reflective of society. This will help to illustrate the ways in which material use has been affected by the technological changes in manufacturing.  Museum, fabric store trips, and fashion show trips are planned.  Prerequisite: Fashion I.