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Introduction:
A Biblical Perspective on the Academic Disciplines
History
History is a study of how human society has responded to God’s mandate to rule and subdue the earth. History involves human perspective and as such is subjective. The recording of events does not make history. History always involves a perspective on the events. As Christians we attempt to understand and evaluate historical events in the light of God’s Word.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a human activity wherein people try to describe God’s orderly universe in terms of number and shape. “Mathematics originates with the things around us, not with theorems and deductive proofs. Mathematical results are almost always proved deductively only after they have been discovered, accepted, and used. Our primary aim in mathematics courses is not to teach the student how to think clearly and logically [although this is a key component in any study of mathematics]. Our first concern is to help the student understand God’s creation more fully, his task in it, and how mathematics can help him fulfill his calling” (Van Brummelen).
English
The English program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to understand and communicate with love in others. Language and communication have been distorted by the fall, resulting in miscommunication and misunderstanding. Through Christ, language can be redeemed as the Holy Spirit works in students through the study of English, Grammar, Writing, Speech, and Literature, helping students speak and write more clearly and honestly, and listen and read with godly discernment and enjoyment.
Science
Science is the activity of investigating physical phenomena to understand the structure God has given to His creation. The science program is designed to help students gain knowledge of how things work. In this regard, students learn methods of investigation that help reduce subjectivity and increase objectivity as conclusions are drawn. The science program aims to develop the student’s awareness that God’s creation is an integrated whole, to understand that science abstracts elements of creation to study them in a structured way in order to deepen understanding, to see science as a tool to serve God and one another, and to deepen understanding of the concepts, laws, theories and practices of science.
CHRISTIAN STUDIES
CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required
The question this course deals with is “how shall we live in a fallen world as Christians?” Ethical issues from racism to abortion are covered as students read articles from different sides of an issue and evaluate them from a Biblical perspective. Students will learn how to use discernment and wisdom as they struggle with real issues. They will learn to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information and behavior with Biblical discernment.
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required
Students will be exposed to major religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. Major cults such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism will be investigated as well. The identifying characteristics of each religion will be studied. Through understanding these religions it is believed that students will be better equipped to relate and witness to people who belong to these religions. It is expected that students will be able to discern true from false teachings.
OLD TESTAMENT
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required
This course will examine the various epochs in the Old Testament with a specific emphasis on Creation, Sin and the Fall, and God’s Covenant of Grace as it unfolds in Redemptive History. Students will learn of the different literary styles of the Old Testament, a general history of the Old Testament, and the major figures of Old Testament history. Finally, attention will be given to interpreting the Old Testament in light of the New Testament and learning how the Old Testament promises and points forward to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His church.
NEW TESTAMENT
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required
The class is an overview of the New Testament with an emphasis in four distinct but related areas. 1.) The relationship between Old Testament promise and New Testament fulfillment as recorded in the New Testament. 2.) The work of Christ as recorded in the Gospels. 3.) Apostolic teaching concerning Christ and the Church as recorded in Acts and the Epistles. 4.) The ongoing work of Christ in the life of the believer.
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ENGLISH
ENGLISH 9
Length: Two Semesters
Credits: 10
Grade: 9
Required
This course alternates between a study of literature and grammar, with constant emphasis on writing and reading. The literature is taught thematically so the students become conscious not only of what they are reading, but also of what the author’s attitude toward the subject is. Students learn critical thinking, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating skills. They learn to enjoy with discernment, a variety of literary forms. The study of grammar reviews parts of speech, types of sentence structure, paragraph development, and punctuation. The student’s vocabulary will be enriched through weekly vocabulary study.
ENGLISH 10
Length: Two Semesters
Credits: 10
Grade: 10
Required
Prerequisite: Passing grade in English 9
This course will help students develop skills in organization of ideas, self-expression, self-confidence, reading comprehension, and analytical and critical thinking, including discernment of worldviews in light of Biblical teaching. This will be accomplished through journaling, reading, discussing, studying grammar and vocabulary, researching, essay writing, speeches, and debating. The skills developed in this course will assist students as they accomplish the course tasks. Students will develop a Christian standards frame of reference within which they can evaluate various authors’ worldviews.
AMERICAN LITERATURE (ENGLISH 11)
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grade 11
Required
Prerequisite: Passing grade in English 10
In order to understand the present and contribute to the future, students need to grasp the philosophies and events of the past. This course, which focuses on the literature of America, clarifies the values and thought patterns of American authors, who reflect and influence the period in which they write. Students will be challenged to evaluate the validity of the concepts they study as they lay them against the measuring rod of Scripture. The course follows American literature chronologically, in order to provide a broad overview of the patterns of American thought.
HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grade: 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, strong English grades in 9th and 10th grades, student application.
The course offers students extended and enriched content. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement examination in English Literature and Composition. Students will understand and appreciate the literature of America by reading and analyzing literary techniques. The content will cover Civil War literature, Whitman, Twain, Hemingway, Wright, Miller, and contemporary poetry.
SENIOR COMPOSITION (ENGLISH 12)
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grade: 12
Required
Prerequisite: Passing grade in English 11
Students will work on several different types of writing assignments and activities that will serve to improve writing skills. In addition to journals, vocabulary, in-class essays, grammar, various writing exercises and three papers, students will also focus on revision and peer editing skills. Through clear, concise, creative language we have the opportunity to communicate lovingly and truthfully.
BRITISH LITERATURE
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grade: 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: C- or better in English 9 and 10
Works of British writers will be analyzed from a Biblical perspective. Some authors and works to be covered in the course are Beowulf, Chaucer, Spencer, Sidney, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Donne, Milton, Bunyon, Pepys, Defoe, Swift, Pope, Gray, Burns, Blake, Shelley, Keats, Browning, Tennyson, Dickens, Hardy, Wilde, Joyce, Orwell, Yeats, and Auden.
SHAKESPEARE
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grade: 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: C- or better in English 9 and English 10.
The works of William Shakespeare will be read and analyzed from a Biblical perspective with the goal of enjoying and interpreting them for a modern world. The course will cover an examination of who Shakespeare was, what the Elizabethan Theatre was like, an introduction to the Renaissance, the language of Shakespeare, and a study of Hamlet, Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, and the sonnets.
CREATIVE WRITING
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 11, 12
Elective
This single semester course explores various modes of creative writing including short story, poetry, and playwriting. Students will be exposed to examples of writing and will use these models to learn the forms and elements of different styles. Exercises and assignments will help students develop their ability to express themselves in creative and powerful ways. The course will explore why God has given people a creative and inventive nature and what the purpose of art is.
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FINE ARTS
ART I
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
This course emphasizes observations and interpretation of the visual environment. It covers the organization of
design elements and principles and provides study of their application in two- and three-dimensional problems in a
variety of media. Students analyze and use design principles in works of art throughout history. Students learn to
critique their work and the work of others and become more aware of art and design in their environment.
ART II
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in Art I
This course emphasizes the development of personal style and control of various two- and three- dimensional media.
Students apply the elements and principles of design to the field of commercial art and advertising design. The
course offers practical experiences in generating original ideas, executing layouts, and developing a portfolio of
work. Students study from historical and contemporary views artists who practice the art forms and learn to critique
their work and the work of others.
BAND
Length: One Semester
Credits: 10
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: Experience playing a band instrument for a minimum of one year or the approval of the instructor.
The course is designed to teach the students instrumental and musical fundamentals in order to assist them in developing their playing and instrumental listening skills. These fundamentals are taught because we, as image bearers of God, have been placed in this world to understand, shape, use and enjoy His creation. Sound is part of God’s created order. Christians should be taught to use musical sounds in praise and glory to God through service in community with others. Students will develop a vocabulary necessary for communication in band. Students will participate in concert performances.
CHOIR
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
This course is designed to teach vocal and music fundamentals to develop singing and choral skills. Choir should encourage students to develop musical abilities as image bearers of God for praise, service, and enjoyment. Students will develop a musical vocabulary, musical etiquette, sight-reading, rhythm, vocal techniques such as breathing control, intonation, diction, phrasing, posture, harmonization, and performing ability. Music from different periods (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary) will be learned, including both secular and sacred sources.
THEATER PRODUCTION
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Students will take on various technical and design responsibilities for the fall or spring school productions. Students will conduct research and do interviews, design and plan for areas of responsibility, and execute their designs and plans according to scheduled deadlines. Students will learn how to be stage managers, program designers, graphic designers, lighting designers, and costume and prop managers.
DRAMA SURVEY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Students will study dramaturgy (theater history and plays) and theater performance. Instruction will be provided on the nature and composition of plays and theater and on the skills and strategies for constructing and executing performances as an actor. In the study of drama, students will examine an overarching question of what is universal in our human experience and character and what is God’s design for humanity.
DANCE SEMINAR
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will experiment with various dance styles, looking at how to please God with the artistic gifts He has given us. Attention will be given to blending artistic excellence with a biblical understanding of the role dance plays in a Christian’s life. There will be opportunities for public performances.
VIDEO AND FILM PRODUCTION
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Students will study, practice and learn video and filming techniques. Students will learn about the different roles on a video production crew. Students will produce a video as a class project.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE
SPANISH I
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
This course is the first in a series of high school Spanish courses. Students will learn basic vocabulary and common phrases, how to count, make introductions; participate in simple conversation, rules of grammar, and conjugation.
SPANISH II
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Spanish I
SPANISH III
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades 10, 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish II
This course is intended for students who are seeking to strengthen their basic Spanish speaking, writing, and reading skills. This course is also intended for students seeking admission into colleges or universities requiring a third year of a foreign language.
SPANISH IV
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: B- or better in Spanish III
This course is intended for students who desire to gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish language. The emphasis in the course is on reading Spanish literature with comprehension and discernment as well as on writing compositions with clarity.
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HEALTH
HEALTH
Length: One semester
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required (1 semester)
The course is intended to help students achieve a high level of wellness and prevent disease by providing many opportunities to apply understanding of health knowledge. Some topics covered are mental health, family and social issues, life cycle, body systems, personal health and fitness, nutrition, medicines and drugs, disease and disorders, and safety and emergency care. The students will learn to take responsibility for their health. It is important to take care of the temples that we have been given in order to glorify God.
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LIFE SKILLS
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grade: 12
Required
This course covers instruction in the “basics” of life: budgeting, renting and leasing an apartment, buying and maintaining a car, choosing a college, investing money, understanding the legal system, rules of etiquette, home and car repair, personal hygiene, biblical decision making, prioritizing, memorization techniques, and sewing.
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MATHEMATICS
ALGEBRA I
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11
Required
This course will prepare students for higher-level mathematics by exposing them to basic algebraic manipulation of numbers and basic equation solving skills. The course is the first in a series of college preparatory mathematics courses. Students will become adept in the use of mathematical symbols and language and in the application of basic algebraic concepts and skills.
GEOMETRY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra I
Students will learn to write geometric proofs, including by contradiction, construct and judge validity of logical arguments, prove theorems involving the properties of parallel lines, quadrilaterals, circles and triangles, solve problems involving perimeter, circumference, area, volume, lateral and surface area of geometric figures, perform basic constructions, know basic trigonometric functions, etc.
ALGEBRA II
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: C- or better in Geometry
This college preparatory course is designed to teach higher-level algebraic concepts emphasizing analysis of different types of functions such as exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric. Some topics covered are polynomials, transforming equations, linear functions, exponents, radicals and irrational numbers, complex numbers, conic sections, logarithms, trigonometry, etc.
PRECALCULUS
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisite: B- or better in Algebra II
The focus of this college preparatory course is in mathematical analysis, emphasizing different types of functions such as exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Students will work with exponents, logarithms, trigonometric functions, graph linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, apply mathematics to real-world relationships and problems. The course ends with a study of probability and statistics as well as an introduction to calculus.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 12
Elective
Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor, B or better in Precalculus.
In AP Calculus students will find derivatives and integrals of a variety of functions, apply the derivate and integral to real-world problems, calculate area and volume of 2- and 3-dimential objects, and approximate irrational roots of higher order equations. Students will review and practice for the AP test.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Required (4 semesters)
Physical education is concerned with using physical activity for service to God and having a better understanding of the student’s body and how God created it. The course is designed to develop health fitness, motor proficiency, and knowledge of physical movement. Content involves the learning of sports games and rules as well as appropriate exercises.
COMPETITIVE SPORTS
Length: One Quarter
Credits: 2.5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Requirement: Sports fee, passing try-outs
Elective
Contra Costa Christian High School offers competitive, league sports in the following areas: boys’ and girls’ basketball, soccer, cross-country and volleyball as well as boys’ baseball and girls’ fast pitch softball and cheerleading. CCCHS competes in a league with high schools of similar size. Practices and games are scheduled to take place during after school hours. Passing try-outs may be required to participate in some sports.
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SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective
The study of Physical Sciences should lead to an understanding of God’s created order for the purpose of enriching our lives and bringing glory to God. Physical phenomena operate according to God’s law while the laws developed by scientists are descriptions of the phenomena and may need modification from time to time. The course will include an elementary survey of: Diversity of matter, patterns in matter, interactions of matter, motion, forces, and energy heat energy, electricity, and magnetism. Through the study of the physical sciences, students would grow in faith as they uncover the wonder of God’s physical creation, contribute to their community as they make connections between the course content and how it applies to everyday life, strive for excellence as they learn scientific investigative skills and procedures, and think critically as they conduct experiments and analyze theories.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisites: Biology
Human anatomy and physiology is a study of God’s mysterious and masterful creation of the human body and it’s functions. Special attention will be given to how disease mechanisms disrupt the body’s marvelous ability to efficiently metabolize, grow, develop, and reproduce. Topics will address details of all the body systems and some associated disorders. The study will include a histology and review of molecular and cell biology.
BIOLOGY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11
Required
The course covers the basics of biology: cells and their structures, function, metabolism (anaerobic and aerobic respiration), photosynthesis and plant biology, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), heredity and genetics, animal and plant classification, and creationism and evolutionism.
PHYSICS
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisites: C or better in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II taken concurrently
This course is a survey of basic physics. Physics deals with energy and its effect on physical objects. Physics relies on mathematics to help explain concepts such as energy and motion. Physical laws developed by people are more or less true approximations of God’s natural laws that govern how the universe operates. For example, Newton’s laws of motion are approximate descriptions of motion. Under certain unusual conditions, Newton’s laws do not fully describe how motion works. This course will address classical mechanics, optics, acoustics, special relativity, quantum behavior, electricity and magnetism, and waves.
CHEMISTRY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 11, 12
Elective
Prerequisites: C- or better in Algebra I and Geometry, Algebra II taken concurrently, C or better in Biology
This course examines the structure of the atom and nuclear energy, chemical periodicity, chemical kinetics and bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, basic organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and properties of elements.
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SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD HISTORY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Required
World History is a class that studies the establishments of early civilizations, their accomplishments, their contributions, and what effect they had on future generations. The course goes briefly into the early civilizations known to man; it covers the Golden Age of India and China, it traces the roots of Greeks and their contributions, it studies the Roman empire and its role in history, it traces the Renaissance and the Reformation, and it covers early exploration of the New World. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, discuss, conduct research projects, write essays, do oral presentations, compare and contrast, and relate the past with the present.
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Length: Two semesters
Credits: 10
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Required
U.S. History is a study of how the country of the United States was formed. The course goes briefly into European history to attain background, covers colonial life up to the American Revolution, re-traces the times and trials of America as an early nation, emphasizes the years of growth (manifest destiny), researches the Civil War, and pushes on into the 20th century. Students will be able to demonstrate skills in analyzing content, writing essays, creating projects, doing research, making oral presentations, and participating in class discussions.
ECONOMICS
Length; One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 12
Required
Senior high school economics presents fundamental economic principles in a manner that will help students become better citizens, better stewards and individuals with a greater understanding of how the economic world operates around them. The course is taught from a Biblical perspective that money, business, and economics are part of God’s domain and that as stewards of the earth, we must learn to be stewards of the economic aspect of our lives. Students will learn to be stewards of their own money by learning the skills of budgeting and revenue estimation that include incorporating giving into their budgeting plans. The course involves an economic history paper and a class entrepreneurship project.
GOVERNMENT
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 12
Required
The course takes a look at various aspects of government from the foundations of the constitution to current events. This course includes a look at the documents serving as the roots for the United States constitution, a study of the creation and evolution of the Constitution as a living document, and learning new aspects of the role of the presidency and Congress through lecture, research, and class projects. The course includes a mock congressional debate on a topic selected by the students as legislators, and a research project oriented toward a major current event.
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STUDY SKILLS
STUDY SKILLS
Length: One semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
Students learn study skills such as note taking, outlining, using references, using the internet for information, organizational skills, scheduling, etc.
KEYBOARDING
Length: One Semester
Credits: 5
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
The course uses the Mavis Beacon computer program for learning typing. Students are self-paced under the supervision of the teacher. Emphasis is on drills promoting speed and accuracy.
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YEARBOOK
Length: One semester
Credits: 10
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective
The yearbook is an important memento of the students’ life at school and as such will be produced in a professional manner. Production will require learning skills in planning, layout, record keeping, sales, writing, editing, proofreading, and photography.
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INTERSESSION
Intersession courses occur for one week between the fall and spring semesters and are worth 2.5 credits. Courses are graded on a “pass/fail” basis. While the courses are electives, students are required to enroll in one intersession course per year. Intersession courses are designed by the faculty members and often concern an area of particular talent, interest, or passion on the part of the instructor. The courses vary from year to year and are intended to provide students with the opportunity to learn and explore a topic or skill not covered by the typical high school curriculum. The following represent a sampling of courses offered in previous years:
• movie making in Hollywood
• culinary arts
• exploring the jungles of Costa Rica
• living in the Mojave desert
• attending Broadway musicals
• touring Paris
• experiencing the city of New York
• screen writing and movie making
• writing and recording your own songs
• ecology of the bay
• crime-fighting
• CSI forensics
• driver’s education
• photography
Some courses have costs to be covered by the student. Course listings for a given year are available in December.
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