Louisiana History

8th Grade

Credit: 0.5 or 1.0

• The semester long course is a general survey of Louisiana’s history from the earliest days of colonization to the present. Although the primary focus is on events that took place within the boundaries of the modern state, we also cover material intended to help students understand Louisiana’s history in terms of relevant regional, national, and international events and contexts.

• The yearlong course is an overview of Louisiana History from the first Native Americans to the present. Major areas of emphasis include Native American cultures; French and Spanish colonial period; Louisiana Purchase and ante-bellum Louisiana; Civil War and Reconstruction; the Huey P. Long era; and modern Louisiana. Special attention is given to political and socio-economic developments, and the major personalities who shaped Louisiana.

World Geography

9th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• This yearlong course begins with an introduction to the five themes of geography. The relationship between people and places is examined. Focus is placed on the physical and human characteristics of major areas in the world. Students analyze historical events of the past and present and determine how these events have shaped the region today. Students examine how the location of a place impacts economic activities. Students have multiple opportunities to develop skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting maps, diagrams, and charts. 

AP Human Geography 

9th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• This yearlong, honors level course provides the opportunity for students to earn college credit. Human Geography introduces students to a study of human behavior. Unlike the historian, whose perspective is linear progression in time, human geographers study human activity spatially. Human geography maps where people tend to live and interact with their environment. More importantly, it asks students to answer why these relationships exist within a specific space and how those activities may look in the future.

Western Civilization

10th Grade

Credit:  1.0

• Western Civilization is a course offering students an overview of the geography and history of humankind from its beginnings until the Renaissance. The major emphasis is on the regional studies of significant cultures, events, and issues from the earliest times until the late 15th century. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in core hearths of the world’s major cultures. Students trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts. Students examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions. Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and change in society, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence. Students study introductory elements and themes of geography and examine the impact of cultural and physical geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems.

Western Civilization Honors

10th Grade

Credit:  1.0

• Western Civilization is a course offering students an overview of the geography and history of humankind from its beginnings until the Renaissance. The major emphasis is on the regional studies of significant cultures, events, and issues from the earliest times until the late 15th century. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in core hearths of the world’s major cultures. Students trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts. Students examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions. Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and change in society, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence. Students study introductory elements and themes of geography and examine the impact of cultural and physical geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems. The Honors course covers an extra Unit (Unit 1: Ancient Civilizations - Neolithic to Persians) and moves at a faster pace. Honors students will also engage with Advanced Placement questions such as Document Based Questions (DBQ's) and Long Essay Questions (LEQ's) which are designed to sharpen students' writing and analytical skills and prepare them for Advanced Placement and College level courses in the future.  

AP European History 

10th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• AP European History is an introductory college-level European history course. Students cultivate their understanding of European history through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like interaction of Europe and the world; economic and commercial developments; cultural and intellectual developments; states and other institutions of power; social organization and development; national and European identity; and technological and scientific innovation.  The course content is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide a suggested sequence for the course. These units comprise the content and conceptual understandings that colleges and universities typically expect students to master to qualify for college credit and/or placement. This content is grounded in themes, which are cross-cutting concepts that build conceptual understanding and spira throughout the course.

U.S. History

11th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• This yearlong course relates the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian period to the current era, tracing the development of political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of the American way of life. Students have opportunities to use maps, charts, and other graphic representations.  Collaborative projects, both small-scale and large-scale, encourage students to develop cooperative skills, to enhance their understanding through research, and to gain experience in public presentation.

U.S. History Honors

11th Grade

Credit: 1.0 

• This yearlong course relates the history of the United States from the pre-Columbian period to the present day. Students trace the development of political, economical, social, and cultural aspects of the American way of life. Through the use of maps, charts, and other graphic representations, students analyze the various time periods that define the United States. Students develop cooperative skills and enhance their research skills through large and small-scale collaborative projects. In addition, students gain experience in public presentation through various activities and projects. Students look at historical events or issues and compare them to current events and issues. 

AP U.S. History 

11th Grade

Credit: 1.0 

• This yearlong, honors-level course provides the opportunity for a student to earn college credit. It focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. history from approximately 1491 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Seven themes of equal importance — identity; peopling; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; environment and geography; and ideas, beliefs, and culture — provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places. Students are placed in this course based on previous grades, test scores, and teacher recommendations.  

Civics

12th Grade 

Credit: 1.0

• This yearlong course focuses on the nature of American democracy – its principles and institutional forms. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary organization of the federal government and the operations of its three branches. The development of individual rights under the law, and current domestic and foreign policy decisions are also studied, as are local and state political issues and activities. The course provides the fundamental information necessary to a participating citizen. Collaborative projects, both small scale and large scale, encourage students to develop such skills as cooperation, teamwork, leadership, and public speaking, to enhance their understanding through research, and to gain experience in public presentation.

Civics Honors

12th Grade 

Credit: 1.0

• This year-long honors course focuses on the nature of American democracy — its principles and institutional forms. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary organization of the federal government and the operations of its three branches. The development of individual rights under the law, and current domestic and foreign policy decisions are also studied, as are local and state political issues and activities. The course provides the fundamental information necessary to a participating citizen. Students will demonstrate through various writing assignments their ability to understand and analyze primary and secondary sources presented throughout the course. Collaborative projects, both small scale and large scale, encourage students to develop such skills as cooperation, teamwork, leadership, and public speaking, to enhance their understanding through research, and to gain experience in public presentation. 

AP United States Government and Politics 

12th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• This yearlong, honors-level course can be taken in lieu of Civics, and it provides the opportunity for a student to earn college credit. It introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. It examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments. Students are placed in this course based on previous grades, test scores, and teacher recommendations.  

Psychology

10th-12th Grade

Credit: 0.5

• This semester course covers core concepts in psychology. Topics include the study of psychology, theories of human development, states of consciousness, and personality. The second half of the course will focus on stress and adjustments, eating disorders, psychological disorders, and social interaction. Students will also examine individual and group behaviors. Individual and group projects will be assigned throughout the semester to develop cooperative skills and gain experience in public presentations. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Positive Psychology

12th Grade

Credit: 0.5

• Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the individual characteristics and environmental conditions that allow human beings to flourish. This course takes an empirical and experiential approach to helping individuals understand and use course content to enhance their lives. Topics covered may include happiness and well-being, positive emotions and thinking, character strengths and virtues, motivation and self-control, resilience and post-traumatic growth, and healthy relationships and institutions.

AP Psychology 

11th-12th Grade

Credit: 1.0 

• This yearlong, honors-level course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes and provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. Students are placed in this course based on previous grades, test scores, and teacher recommendations.  

AP Seminar 

11th-12th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

AP Research 

11th-12th Grade

Credit: 1.0

• AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.  Successful completion of AP Seminar is a prerequisite of this course.

Business Economics 

11th Grade

Credit: 0.5

• This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the important relationships of economics to our social and political problems. The course emphasizes the philosophy, development, and operation of our American economic system and its important influence upon the individual and society. This course will also include a curriculum designed through Junior Achievement. All students participating in this class will take part in the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge under the direction of Junior Achievement. 

Genocide Studies 

11th-12th Grade

Credit: 0.5

• This semester course starts with the exploration of the various stages and aspects of the Holocaust. Topics of study include the history of Jewish persecution; WWII and the emergence of Hitler's NAZI party; the use and power of propaganda; and the capture, deportation, and murder of millions of Jews, Roma, and other targeted sectors of society.  The course then explores other examples of genocide around the world, both past and present, making a comparison of the resulting refugee crises. Movie clips, interviews of survivors, book excerpts, and articles are used to show the many sides of these terrible times in history. There are no prerequisites for this elective course. 

Law Studies 

11th-12th Grade

Credit: 1.0 

• Law Studies will provide an understanding of the American legal system and its basis in the United States Constitution. The course is designed to promote an understanding of society and its system of laws by introducing students to the legal process. This course will cover topics ranging from Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Torts and Contracts, as well as a discussion of Louisiana Civil Law and how it differs from the laws of other States. In addition to studying the various areas of substantive law, and in order to encourage a global understanding of the legal process, students will take part in various mock trials, hearings and case studies which will challenge them to analyze scenarios from the viewpoint of judges, jury members and attorneys.   There are no prerequisites for this course. 

Life Skills

11th-12th Grade

Credit: 0.5

• Life Skills education is an elective course based on preparing Seniors for life after high school by incorporating Catholic values to teach social-emotional well-being, skills necessary for everyday living and effective communication, goal setting and a healthy lifestyle.  It is a semester long course and will be composed of hands-on learning in the form of discussions, presentations, guest speakers, and evaluations.

Sociology

10th-12th Grade

Credit: 0.5

• This semester course explores human relationships and interactions with others through all aspects of life. Topics of study include how the human view of the world is shaped, the development of value and belief systems, historical influences on behavior and self-image, and a comparison of cultures.  Additional areas of focus include crime, social classes, discrimination, group behavior, socialization, family life, and personality development. There are no prerequisites for this elective.