The Classes No One Knows About At Peabody High

There are some classes here at Peabody High that are relatively unknown to many students. What’s great about public high school is that, as students, we do not pay for the classes we take. It is important to take advantage of this opportunity to maybe learn about a subject you are been interested in or curious about before you graduate. Taking a class about something that you normally don’t think about could spark a love for it and transfer into a possible career. Here are some classes that are interesting, yet do not get the buzz they deserve.

Side Note: If any of these classes are not currently running when you ask your guidance counselor, get at least 10 friends to take the class and see if a teacher would like to involved.

Modern and Contemporary Poets

Prerequisite: 82% or above in any level English class and/or teacher recommendation.

Content in this course covers a range of modern and contemporary poetry written in English. Students explore styles of poetry, techniques, major influences and music relationships. Students evaluate, interpret discuss and practice with the written word and oral reading skills. Students write and read their own poetry and submit for publication as part of studying published work. They have opportunities to connect with the Slam Poetry Club and team.

Graphic Novel

POW! SMASH! SHAZAM! Students in the Graphic Novel course will explore the comic book medium as a way of communicating story using the various texts to acquire, practice, and master traditional and new literacies, including visual and critical media literacy. Through genre study, students will consider graphic novels as literature, analyze formal structure as it relates to content, trace the development of theme including gender, race, sexuality, justice, heroism, and research the history and growth of the popular culture phenomenon called comics. Works that students will read in the course include but are not limited to Maus, Persepolis, American Born Chinese, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and V for Vendetta.

DIY Crafty Sewing

Do you ever imagine how fashion and decorating magazines are able to put entire outfits or pull a room together using one of a kind accessories? This course is designed to spark and inspire creativity in crafts and sewing. You will learn how to sew while creating fun, decorative and useful projects. A variety of materials such as fabric, yarn, ribbon, embellishments, and paint will be used to create individual hands-on projects. Tap into your inner creativity and design something special that is a true reflection of you.

Discrete Mathematics

Prerequisite: 65%– 89% in Precalculus H; 80% in Precalculus CP1

Discrete mathematics is important in many fields including business and finance, computer science, industrial design, operations management, and physiology. Students will study combinatorics, probability, sequences and series, statistics, graph theory, matrix operations and an introduction to Calculus.

A graphing calculator is required.

Art of Cinema

The course considers filmmaking as an art, comparing it to literature and plays and other arts, tracing its technology and chronology, identifying major trends and variations and reflecting on its place in our culture and private lives. Reflection, discussion, analysis, and evaluation will focus on the following films viewed in class. Films include Citizen Kane, On The Waterfront, Rebel Without A Cause, The Graduate, Singing’ in the Rain, Vertigo, Rear Window, Some Like It Hot as well as more contemporary films. In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent review of a film of critical substance from the list of suggestion or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval.

From Bach to Rock

This elective music course is open to all students who are interested in learning about the fine art of music. There is no prerequisite for this class and it is not necessary to be able to sing or play an instrument. This course will explore music of all styles from the earliest time to the late 20th century with emphasis on the major periods of music, including jazz and rock & roll. Connections will be made to current and historical events, as well as the music you listen to now. The class will make use of student’s media (i.e. iPods and CD’s) for listening activities and homework assignments.

American Politics and Prominent Leaders

This course is designed to help students understand how our government works and apply those lessons to current political debates to help you become a highly informed citizen. The American Politics component will provide students an intensive review of the United States Constitution and civics education in order to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. It is expected that the student will come to understand the complications of the political process while developing a commendable preparation in assuming the responsibilities of citizenship. The Prominent Leaders component will focus on the presidents of the United States and other elected officials and justices who have played a critical role in shaping the political landscape and direction of the United States. Students may increase their knowledge of United States History in this subject, which offers them a close insight of the inner workings of American politics and the lives of its presidents & other influential officials.

World Geography and Economics

The overall objective of the World Geography & Economics course is to give students a basic understanding of geographic concepts and the interactions of the political, physical, cultural, and economic environment. It also provides students with a further understanding of the variety and interdependence of different cultures, the interaction of the world’s economic systems, and the importance of conserving the earth’s resources. The Economics component of the course will acquaint the student with a working knowledge of the financial, legal, and buying principles of the economic system, as involved in everyday living and the world economy. This subject will enable the individual to understand our complex economic system and to meet his/her responsibilities as a participant in our private system.

Museum Studies

This course is a cultural study of non-western cultures as reflected in the collections of the Peabody Essex Museum. The course will look at the art, culture, and architecture from nations such as China, Japan, Oceania, Hawaii and Native American tribes of the Northwest. The history of these areas will be explored through their connection with Salem from the Great Age of Sail into the present. The collections, museum experts, and scholars in these areas will assist in teaching the course. Students will also be introduced to various museum careers and have the opportunity to complete internships at the Museum.

Street Art

This class will focus on fine art and fine art making that emphasizes and explores the community art themes of social change: student empowerment, artistic collaboration, and street art. We will explore a variety of media to create art and possible projects may include murals, posters, graffiti, T-shirts, and altered books. Lab fees may be incurred.

Humanities

Prerequisite: 82% in US History II or World History, College Prep 2

This course will focus on significant figures and works in literature, art, music, philosophy, and history. The Humanities make cultural connections by showing how each age builds upon the past. Students will understand and appreciate human movements that have shaped today’s culture. A team of teachers from the Art, Music, English, and Social Studies departments will share instruction.

Basics of Healthcare

Careers in the health and medical field are considered the fastest growing occupations across the country. This course is the foundation course for students who are interested in the healthcare profession. Students will explore a variety of health careers, do research on post-secondary institutions and educational requirements, and research job opportunities and salaries. Students will be provided with basic skills regarding routines and procedures, vital signs, professionalism and basic medical terminology.