Course Delivery: Independent Courses
Race and Ethnic Studies: Power and Perspective
Race and ethnic studies emphasize the intersections of forms of social differentiation, including race, ethnicity, class, gender, ability, and sexuality, and examine how these forms of differentiation provide advantages for some groups and disadvantages for others. This course looks beyond cultural identity to consider inequality, power, and social change while examining how race and racism
Continue readingUnited States Government: By the People, for the People
In this single-semester course, traditional topics related to U.S. government (the Constitution, three branches of government, federal and state governments, etc.) are covered, as well as lessons on media and bias, research methods, evaluating resources, philosophies of government, citizenship, landmark cases of the U.S. Supreme Court, infrastructure, and tribal government. Reflection and discussion prompts are
Continue readingPsychology: Journey Towards Self-Knowledge
This engaging and rigorous psychology course is designed to help students become more aware of themselves as unique individuals. Delving into their own experiences, students are encouraged to be scientists in the process of exploring themselves and their place in the universe. They will examine a variety of topics including memory, biology of behavior, stress,
Continue readingComposition I: The Writer’s Craft
This single-semester course is designed to provide a strong foundation of writing skills for high school, college, and career. The course offers multiple ways for students to develop as readers and writers. Students will study a variety of authors and practice different styles of writing and writing for different purposes. Extension revision instruction and practice
Continue readingAmerican Literature: The Westward Journey
This American Literature course explores how the United States developed its shape and character throughout the 19th century by way of the movement called the Westward Expansion. By reading and reflecting on the words, artwork, and novels that contain their stories, students will gain an understanding of the authentic experiences and perspectives of those who
Continue readingSustainable Food Systems
Note January 2024: The title of this course has been changed from Foodways: Sustainable Food Systems to Sustainable Food Systems. Food is fundamental to human existence. Historical events, cultural traditions, social structures, geographic features, and economic practices all factor into our food choices and options. Many people are fortunate enough to not have to think
Continue readingForensic Science
Forensic Science is a hands-on laboratory and project-based learning course that will lead the student through a foundation of law and criminal justice, history of forensics, and modern scientific advances in the field. Hair, fibers, DNA, ballistics, serology, poisons, drugs, arson, explosions, fingerprinting, forgery, and entomology are studied in detail. The scientific method, data analysis,
Continue readingIntroduction to Photography
Photography is a relatively new art, less than 200 years old, but one that changes the way we interpret the world around us and, quite simply, the way we see. This course will teach such fundamental concepts as frame, focus, and composition, while also exploring the more interpretive side of photography. Students will complete weekly
Continue readingPainting
The painting course introduces painting in terms of color and design, and explores representational skills as well as non-representational and abstract elements. This course helps develop basic skills and creative thinking, and students are asked to explore their creative thoughts in a written journal and to conduct self-evaluations. Using acrylics, students learn to paint still
Continue readingDrawing and Design
In this Drawing and Design course, students are introduced to the primary concepts of drawing and design using exercises and readings designed to enhance artistic skills and appreciation. These drawing and design principles develop a student’s capacity to think creatively and to develop an eye for aesthetics. Exercises include gestural drawing, contour drawing, the use
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