Career Technical Education (CTE)

Recommended Prerequisite:  Biology 1-2, Chemistry 1-2

(Students can receive college credit for this course.  See “Articulated Courses”.)

The Biomedical Technology 1-2 course is an advanced course built off skills from the Biology, Human Biology, and Chemistry courses to prepare students for further education and/or employment options in the Biotechnology Industry. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the protocols, equipment, and techniques used in this field to better prepare them for a future in Biotechnology. The course will allow students to learn about biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, and the critical issue of bioethics. This course is aligned to PUSD and State Standards for Science. This course meets the UC “d” requirement as well as PUSD science credit. 

(Students can receive college credit for this course. See “Articulated Courses”.)   

A beginning study in contemporary media, Computer Graphic Arts 1-2 is structured around projects emphasizing the elements of line, shape, color, and texture. The course introduces students to the principles of design including rhythm, balance, proportions, and variety. Students will develop an appreciation of traditional artistic expression as well as an understanding of the role of contemporary media as a verbal and visual means of communication in today’s society. This course meets the UC “f” requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Recommended Prerequisites:  Computer Graphic Arts 1-2    

In this advanced course, students will use desktop computers to create graphic and photographic art for personal portfolios and public display. This is a hands-on course where students use vector graphic illustration software and raster graphic image editing software to master personal expression and individual style in visual communication. Students will become adept at understanding art from various time periods, as well as from other cultures, in order to give depth to their own creative expression. Students will expand upon an appreciation of traditional artistic expression as well as an understanding of the role of contemporary media as a verbal and visual means of communication in contemporary society. This course meets the UC “f” requirement for Fine Arts.

Recommended Prerequisite: 3D Computer Animation 1-2

3D Computer Animation 3-4 is a studio class that provides students the opportunity to communicate original ideas through the study of 3D Computer Animation. Students will develop a script/story and create a feature animation, video game, scientific visualization, or historical reconstruction. Storyboards will emphasize character development, design, backgrounds, props, digital painting, special effects, and scene development, using video techniques and principles. 3D Computer Animation 3-4 meets PUSD Fine. This course, if approved by UC, will meet the UC/CSU “f” requirement.

These courses provide introductory and intermediate training in video and film production.  The course covers the following: operation of cameras, digital video editing equipment, digital audio editing equipment, lighting equipment, multi-track recorders, video recorders, CD recorders.  Students are instructed in the basic development of storyboarding, scripts, and production. This course meets the UC/CSU “f” Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Digital Media Production. 1-2

(Students can receive college credit for this course. See “Articulated Courses”.)

This course is a continuation of Digital Media Production 1-2. In this course, students take the skills learned in the first course of the sequence and choose areas in which to specialize (writing, directing, acting, producing, storyboarding, scheduling, cinematography, lighting design, audio engineering, and editing). Students develop advanced skills within their areas of specialization and collaborate on projects with students who are specializing in the other areas of digital media production. This course will expose students to the proper use of state-of-the-art film and video production tools as well as access to professional seminars from industry professionals. They will learn the vocabulary of film and use it to express themselves clearly and concisely in their writings for that industry. They will be using industry standards in computer hardware and editing software. Most important is the art of filmmaking and the creative process that precedes any film or television project, this page-to-film process can be a painstaking endless series of creating, writing, rewriting, collaboration, and more rewrites. Students will study the impact of film and television on society from its social, economic, and political viewpoint. Films will be previewed for students in class and after school, they are expected to know the history of filmmaking and the technology that advances the art form. This course meets the UC “f” requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Instructor approval                 

This course concentrates on developing competencies across the breadth of film and video production, from script creation to presentation of the finished product. The course, a continuation from Digital Media Production 3-4, will continue to develop students’ skills in writing, directing, acting, producing, storyboarding, scheduling, cinematography, lighting design, audio engineering, and editing. Students will facilitate and mentor students from lower-level courses and manage projects throughout the production process. Students will be exposed to industry standard professional tools and will be expected to manage large-scale projects such as schoolwide broadcasts, campus film projects, and to enter their work into local and national media contests. This repeatable course meets the UC “F” requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit. 

Recommended Prerequisite:  Digital Media 1-2, Teacher Recommendation

(Students can receive college credit for this course.  See “Articulated Courses”.)

Introduction to Engineering Design 1-2 is an in-depth, project-based course that concentrates on Industrial Design/Technology and is divided into four units: Introduction to Design, Design Solutions, Reverse Engineering, and Design Problems. Part of the Project Lead the Way Engineering pathway curricula, this course will give students the opportunity to use technology to learn about Engineering and Industrial Design. This course meets the UC “d” requirement as well as PUSD science credit.

Recommended Prerequisite:   Int. Math I A/B

Honors Principles of Engineering (POE) 1-2 is a high school-level survey course of engineering and physics topics. The course exposes students to many core concepts in physics and engineering that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study, including kinematics, energy, power, materials, structures, control systems, and statistics. Part of the Project Lead the Way Engineering pathway curricula, this course provides students the opportunity to develop skills and gain an understanding of Engineering concepts through laboratory activities, projects, and problem-based learning.  This course meets the UC “d” requirement as well as PUSD science credit.

(Students can receive college credit for this course.  See “Articulated Courses”.)

Photography 1-2 is an exciting hands-on course that introduces you to the world of photography—both as an art form and a potential career path. You’ll learn how to confidently use a digital camera, explore cool photography gear, and dive into editing software to bring your creative ideas to life. This class will show you how to use photography as a powerful way to tell stories and express yourself. You’ll develop your imagination and eye for detail by learning how to compose awesome images with the right elements. Plus, you'll explore the history of photography and sharpen your skills by critiquing photos like a pro.

Recommended prerequisites:  Photography 1-2                            

(Students can receive college credit for this course.  See “Articulated Courses”.)

Photography 3-4 takes your skills to the next level by focusing on real-world uses of photography, like journalism, magazine features, publishing, electronics, and portrait photography. This class gives you the chance to dive deeper into creative projects while also exploring potential career paths in the photography industry. Whether you're interested in storytelling, media, or technical photography, you'll get hands-on experience and discover new ways to apply your passion. This course meets the UC “f” requirement as well as the PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Photography 5-6 is all about building your portfolio and sharpening the skills you need for careers in commercial photography, portraiture, photojournalism and fine art. You'll work on developing your unique artistic style through personalized projects, class critiques, and self-reflection. This course encourages creativity and experimentation in every step— from brainstorming ideas to editing and presenting your work. You'll also explore the meaning behind your art through written reflections and daily discussions, helping you think more deeply about your creative process and goals.

Drama 1-2 is a survey course which includes many facets of dramatic activity. Included are basic storytelling, voice and diction, reader's theater, pantomime, and improvisational exercises. The students will be requested to visit at least one selected rehearsal or performance of a school play. Students will also do creative exercises to illustrate characters and situations, as well as improvisational exercises. It is a beginning study of theater with in-depth looks at structure of theater and plays and more improvisations and pantomimes. Students will visit movies and plays and be able to write a critique of them. At least one basic scene and/or series of pantomimes must be presented. Also included is a study of the function of the playwright, the actor, the director, and the technicians. In addition, the students will study the written scripts of four genres: melodrama, comedy, farce, and modern drama. This course meets the UC “f” requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of previous level drama class

Drama 3-4 is an intermediate acting course. Included in the course is a study of the history of the theater and changes in acting styles. Students are expected to perform scenes or plays from classical literature after studying the influences of the various periods on costume, movement, and makeup. Students are expected to investigate the technical side of theater with regard to designing lighting, costuming, and creating special makeup, along with knowing the function of a playwright, actor, director, and technician. Drama 3-4 is also a course in play production. The course includes a detailed study of how plays are produced, designed, costumed, cast, and directed. Specifically, students are expected to choose material, prepare the prompt book, draw a floor plan of the set, draw a set elevation, and design appropriate costumes for each character. Additionally, students are expected to collect a "makeup morgue," to arrange the rehearsal schedule, and to act in two scenes for other directors. A continuing study is made of theater history and additional styles and terminology. Students will begin to learn principles of directing and technical theater as well as produce a semester project and participate in much scene work. This is a performance class. This course meets the UC "f" requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of previous level drama class

Drama 5-6 continues the application of the play direction techniques introduced in Drama 3-4. Students are expected to select a semester project and carry it to culmination in presentation and evaluation by an audience. In addition, students are expected to perform in scenes from classic, modern British, and modern American dramatic literature, as well as to research a selected topic. Students are also expected to develop a prompt book which demonstrates an increased attention to detail, steady improvement in basic techniques, and heightened creativity. Elements of theater management will also be covered. Drama 5-6 is a course in which students explore advanced methods and techniques of acting, interpretation, and direction. Students are expected to participate in classroom scenes and touring productions. Students are expected to research an individually selected topic. Costuming and makeup are also to be covered in this course. This is essentially a director's laboratory/workshop and a performance class with scenes and projects. This course meets the UC "f" requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Audition and teacher approval

This course is intended for those students who are ready to make an in-depth commitment to the study and performance of theatre. Students will continue to hone and expand their skills in performance, design, stagecraft, and theatre management through the process of selecting and producing plays from a variety of theatre genres for public performance. This course meets the UC “f” requirement as well as PUSD Fine Arts credit.

Technical Production for the Theater 1-2 is a course which covers the basics of set design and construction, lighting, costuming, sound, makeup, and stage management.  Students will be expected to operate the equipment used in sound effects and musical background for a play, to plan and apply makeup for play characters, and to act as stage manager.  This course meets the UC/CSU “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Tech. Production 1-2

Technical Production for the Theater 3-4 is a practical theater class which continues to build on knowledge, experience and interest acquired in 1-2.  These courses meets the UC/CSU “f” Visual and Performing Art requirement

Recommended Prerequisite: Integrated 1

Computer Science Principles is designed as a college-level introduction to a computer science course for non-computer science majors. The course focuses on computational thinking and fluency. In order to gain a basic understanding of computers and computation, students will: learn about the impacts of computing; identify abstractions and learn how to use them in computing; be given solutions to computer programs to analyze for correctness and to engage in discussions about the solutions; and create computational artifacts, working individually and in teams. The course meets the UC/CSU “g” Elective requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Integrated Math 2

Introduction to Computer Programming 1-2 will introduce the students to the current computer programming language. Students will learn to develop algorithms, computer programming in the computer language, as well as learn the Windows XP operating system. The primary emphasis will be to learn the proper and efficient use of standard commands, structures, and statements in the computer programming language. This course will stress logic and analytical thinking skills. It is recommended for the college bound student planning on a business, math, or computer science major. This course is designed for the student planning to take AP Computer Science 1-2. This course has been approved to meet the UC "g" requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Programming           

Advanced Placement Computer Science A 1-2 places major emphasis on programming methodology, algorithms, and data structures. Applications of computing provide the context in which these subjects are treated; applications are used to develop student awareness of the need for particular algorithms and data structures, as well as to provide topics for programming assignments to which students can apply their knowledge. A particular programming language constitutes the vehicle for implementing computer-based solutions to particular problems. Treatments of computer systems and the social implications of computing are integrated into the course and not isolated as separate units. This course meets the UC/CSU “g” Elective requirement.

Cybersecurity prepares students for success in postsecondary information technology majors and for careers in network administration and information technology support services with a focus on cybersecurity. The course includes a series of technical modules that provide hands-on learning as well as knowledge and skills development in computer hardware, operating systems, networking, coding, and security infrastructures. Industry-based curricula are utilized in network and virtual image environments to emulate real-life scenarios and prepare students for industry recognized certifications. Students research and address ethical and legal standards related to information security. Students mitigate cyber vulnerabilities through intricate problem solving scenarios requiring critical thinking, incident response and analysis, and collaboration. This Career Technical Educational Course is part of the Information and Communication Technologies pathway, and students will earn UC “d” credit.

Child Development and Psychology 1-2 is a comprehensive study of the developmental stages of children from conception through early adolescence. This course includes theories, research, and the range of practices related to the development of children. Hereditary, environmental, cultural, and socio-economic factors that influence human behavior and abilities are also addressed. The students will understand how the role of families, schools, and communities are integral to the successful development of children throughout their lives. During the first semester, the course focuses on the major psychological theories of development, biological data, current research, and effective practices. The second term studies include field practicum experiences for observation, interaction, investigation, and application of behavioral and learning theories presented in the course. This course meets the UC “g” requirement as well as PUSD elective credit.