Course Offerings

Art 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "f"

Description: Students will explore various media used in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, and other two and three dimensional art forms. The basics of design and composition will be studied, including space, line, shape, form, texture, and color.

Art 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "f", "g"

Description: Students will further their understanding of design and composition, and deepen their appreciation of art as they develop skills in painting, sculpting, printmaking, and drawing techniques.

Art Advanced P

Meets UC/CSU "f", "g"

Description: Students will further their knowledge of and appreciation of art. Emphasis will be placed on three-dimensional projects and may include advanced sculptures, ceramics, stained glass, oil and water-based painting, illustration, and other advanced art techniques.

Ceramics P

Meets UC/CSU "g"

Description: A 2nd-year  studio art class for students who wish to explore the art of ceramics. Emphasis will be placed on the design elements: line, shape, texture, form and color. Focus will be on hand building techniques: pinch, coil and slabs.

Dance Beginning P

Meets UC/CSU "f"

Description: This course is open to students who have little or no background or training in dance. Students will combine the study of basic skills and techniques used in ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

Dance Intermediate

Meets UC/CSU "f", "g"

Description: This intermediate course is for students wishing to pursue their study of dance. In addition to the study of ballet, modern, and jazz, students will become more familiar with advanced technology, history, and movement.

Danced Advanced P

Meets UC/CSU "f", "g"

Description:This advanced course is for students wishing to pursue their study of dance. In addition to the study of ballet, modern, and jazz, students will become more familiar with advanced terminology, history, and movement.

English 1P (English 9)

Description: All Freshmen English classes are college pre-pretory and fulfill A-G requirements.  This course centers on 6-8 major works of literature, grouped with shorter selections. A diversity of genres, eras, and authors are included. Courses include at least 12 major, full-process writing assignments, including a research report, and all writing types in Grammar and Composition Level 3. Oral activities are emphasized and students are required to practice more complex study skills.

English 2P (English 10)

Description: All Sophomore English courses are college prep and fulfill A-G requirements.  This course centers on 6-8 major works of world literature.  Courses include compositions at least weekly including a minimum of 12 major, full process, writing assignments in a variety of writing forms and covering all CAP writing types. Oral activities are emphasized.

English 3P (English 11)

Description: All Junior English courses are college prep and fulfill A-G requirements. This course centers on  6-8 major works of American literature as well 6-12 major, full-process writing assignments in a variety of writing forms such as advanced academic typewritten research papers, resumes and autobiographies, book reviews, poetry, and journals. The full range of CAP types will be included in instruction. Oral activities are emphasized.

Honors English 3P

Prerequisites: A  "C" or better in English 9 and a "B" or better in English 10. Student may be self-referred, teacher or counselor recommended or placed at parent request.

English 4P (English 12)

Description: All Senior English courses are college prep and and fulfill A-G requirements. This course centers on   6- 12 major works of British and world literature. Each includes at least 12 full-process, writing assignments in a wide variety of forms including college essays, research papers, and the full range of CAP writing types. Oral  activities are emphasized.

AP English Language and Composition

Description: Can be taken in 11th or 12th grade. All Junior and Senior English courses are college prep and fulfill A-G requirements. 

The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to help students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and to become skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.

As well as engaging in varied writing tasks, students become acquainted with a wide variety of prose styles from many disciplines and historical periods, and gain understanding of the connections between writing and interpretive skill in reading. Concurrently, to reflect the increasing importance of graphics and visual images in texts published in print and electronic media, students are asked to analyze how such images both relate to written texts and serve as alternative forms of texts themselves.

In addition, the informed use of research materials and the ability to synthesize varied sources (to evaluate, use, and cite sources) are integral parts of this course. Students move past assignments that allow for the uncritical citation of sources and, instead, take up projects that call on them to evaluate the legitimacy and purpose of sources used.

Journalism (elective)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, successful completion of prior English courses.

Description: This elective course includes all phases of journalistic writing and of newspaper production. This class produces Oakland High's student newspaper, The Aegis, and students are expected to display a serious commitment to this responsibility.

Yearbook (elective)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, successful completion of prior English courses.

Description:  In this elective course, students will receive instruction in page design, graphic arts, desktop publishing, basic photography skills, and group organization. As this is the class that produces The Oaken Bucket yearbook students are required to display a serious commitment to this responsibility.

Algebra 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "c"

Description: The key content for Algebra 1 involves understanding, writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. Quadratic equations may be solved by factoring, completing the square, using graphs, or applying the quadratic formula. Students should also become comfortable with operations on monomial and polynomial expressions. Students learn to solve problems using all of these techniques, and they extend their mathematical reasoning in many important ways, including justifying steps in an algebraic procedure and checking algebraic arguments for validity.

Algebra 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "c"

Description:  Algebra 2 expands the mathematical content of Algebra 1 and Geometry. Basic concepts of functions and graphs are introduced. Problem solving techniques, real-life and real-data applications, appropriate use of technology, mental mathematics, number sense, critical thinking, decision-making, and geometric concepts are integrated throughout the course. Many new concepts and techniques are introduced that will be basic to more advanced courses in mathematics and the sciences.  Major topics include absolute value and inequalities, complex numbers, quadratic functions, logarithms, arithmetic and geometric series.  An introduction to trigonometry is also included.

AP Calculus AB

Meets UC/CSU "c", "g"

Description: Calculus AB is a challenging and demanding course that is primarily concerned with developing the students' understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Calculus AB focuses on the topics in differential and integral calculus. Broad concepts and widely applicable methods are emphasized. The focus of the course is neither manipulation nor memorization of an extension taxonomy of functions, curves, theorems, or problem types. Through the use of the unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling, the course becomes a cohesive whole rather than a collection of unrelated topics.

*Students enrolled in the class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam. Exam scores, and each college/university will determine eligibility for college credit.

AP Calculus BC

Meets UC/CSU "c", "g"

Description: Primarily concerned with developing the students' understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications, Calculus BC is an extension of Calculus AB. The topic outline for this course includes all the Calculus AB topics (see description for Calculus AB) with additional topics such as parametric, polar, and vector functions, applications of integrals, and polynomial approximations and series. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. As in Calculus AB, broad concepts and widely applicable methods are emphasized. The focus of the course is neither manipulation nor memorization of an extensive taxonomy of functions, curves, theorems, or problem types. Through the use if the unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling, the course becomes a cohesive whole rather than a collection of unrelated topics.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam. Exam Scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

Geometry P

Meets UC/CSU "c"

Description: As an introduction to geometric skills and concepts course, students will explore the relationship among and properties of geometric figures, congruence, similarity, circles, measurement (perimeter, circumference, area, surface area, volume, angle measure), the Pythagorean Theorem, inductive and deductive reasoning, and proof writing.

Math Analysis

Meets UC/CSU "c", "g"

Description: Math Analysis combines many of the trigonometric, geometric, and algebraic techniques needed as preparation for the study of calculus and strengthens conceptual understanding of problems and mathematical reasoning in solving problems. Major emphasis is on functions. Topics include exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, analytic geometry and trigonometry, matrices and determinants, sequences and series, and an introduction to limits.

Probability & Statistics P

Meets UC/CSU "c", "g"

Description: Probability & Statistics is an introduction to the study of probability, interpretation of data, and fundamental statistical problem solving. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a solid foundation in probability and facility in processing statistical information. Some of the topics addressed review material found in earlier grades and reflect that this content should not disappear from the curriculum (e.g., measures of central tendency, data display and organization, basic probability concepts). Major topics include counting principles, standard distributions (e.g., normal, binomial), variance, standard deviation, and organizing and describing distribution of data.

AP Statistics

Meets UC/CSU "c", "g"

Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures form patterns, 2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study, 3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, 4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

Welcome to the Oakland High School Music Department!

The award-winning Oakland High School Music Program aims to build character through the learning, playing and performing music, individually and together as a group. We will learn music theory, notation, composition and arranging. Our goal is to develop musical skills, discipline and personal perception as a performer, while building an understanding of the unique and important role that every individual plays in a musical ensemble, be it Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Guitar. To support our goals we request that students actively participate in class, fulfill their written assignments, practice their instrument at least a minimum of 130 minutes per week and must attend all performances.

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Biology P

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: This course provides a general introduction to the major topics in Biology. Course topics include cell biology, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, evolution, ecology and human biology.

AP Biology

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Primary emphasis in an AP Biology course should be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to enviornmental and social conerns.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

Chemistry P

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: This required course provides a general introduction to the major topics of chemistry. Topics covered include atomic and molecular theory, periodicity, chemical bonds of conservation of matter, stoichiometry, gases and their properties, acids and bases, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium and nuclear processes. The exploration of chemical principles are included along with an introduction to organic chemistry.

AP Chemistry

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: Students should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. AP Chemistry should contribute to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The college course in general chemistry differs qulitatively from the usual first secondary school course in chemistry with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and the variety of experiments done in the laboratory. Secondary schools that wish to offer an AP Chemistry course must be prepared to provide a laboratory experience equivalent to that of a typical college course.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

Environmental Science 1 P A

Meets UC/CSU "g"

Description: This integrated course spans the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, and physics. There is an emphasis on environmental chemistry. Topics include water chemistry, soil structure, chemistry of metal refining, petroleum chemistry and park and urban design. Off-campus field research trips and investigations are also a major poart of this course.

Environmental Studies 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "g"

Description: Students study combined course work in the natural and social sciences. This introductory course covers the ecological, political, and economic aspects of historic, current and future environmental plans.

AP Environmental Science

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the AP Environmental Science course. 1. Science is a process. 2. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes. 3. The Earth itself is one interconnected system. 4. Humans alter natural systems. 5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. 6. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

Physics P

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: This course covers fundamental principles governing the physical nature of our world. Topics may include the study of motion, Newtonian mechanics, conservation of momentum and energy, thermodynamics and heat, wave propagation, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics.

Physiology P

Meets UC/CSU "d", "g"

Description: A detailed study of the functions of the human body that includes the study of cell structure and specialization, the skeletal system, muscles, nervous system, digestion, respirations, circulation, the skin, excretion, endorine system, reproduction, and heredity, including the latest information on the structure and function of DNA. There will be extensive lab work in animal dissection and microscopic investigation.

American Government

Meets UC/CSU "a", "g"

Description: Students pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. They draw on their studies of American history and of other societies to compare different systems of government in the world today. This course should be viewed as the culmination of the civic literacy strand that prepares students to vote, to reflect on the responsibilities of citizenship, and to participate in community activities. The major units in this course include Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the Courts, Executive and Judicial Branches of Government, Federalism and Contemporary Issues. Students learn to use evidence (court opinions, editorials, census data, campaign ads and economic indicators) and to examine how others have used it, to study multiple perspectives and understand why these different perspectives exist, to analyze and interpret political and economic events, to understand the importance and significance of what they're studying and to prepare to participate in the social and political life of the community.

Economics

Meets UC/CSU "g"

Description: Economics introduces microeconomics and macroeconomics, consumerism and comparative economic systems as well as economic history and current economic issues. This course also exposes students to the economic conditions and policies that give rise to such issues as inflation, recession, unemployment, the national debt, and personal economic decisions. Students are able to compare economic systems and identify how these systems affect our global economy.

Leadership

Description: Students engage in leadership knowledge and applied skills such as problem-solving techniques and organizational methods. They will learn about human relations, group dynamics, public relations, and public speaking. Students will gain leadership skills in communication, decision-making, time management, goal setting, leadership styles, conflict management, team building, and delegation of duties. This course will allow students to function more effectively in leadership roles.

Psychology P

Meets UC/CSU "g"

Description: This general introduction to Psychology is designed to provide the student with a better understanding of human behavior. The course will provide insight into the nature of human behavior by studying psychological theories and past research as well as methods and ethics involving the study of Psychology.

US History P

Meets UC/CSU "a", "g"

Description: Students will examine major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. The major units include Reviewing the Nation's Beginnings, Industrialization, Religion in America, United States as a World Power, the Jazz Age, The Great Depression, World War II, Post World War II America, US Foreign Policy since World War II, Civil Rights Movement and Contemporary America.

AP US History

Meets UC/CSU "g"

Description: The purpose of the AP US History course is to assist students in the analysis and interpretation of primary sources, including documentary material, maps, statistical tables, and pictorial and graphic evidence of historical events. Topics may include The American Revolutionary Era, Antebellum America, The Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrial America, Urban Society, The Depression, The Second World War, The Cold War, and Society & Culture of the Twentieth Century. Students will develop an awareness of multiple interpretations of historical issues in secondary sources. Students will develop a sense of multiple causation and change over time, and will be able to compare developments or trends from one period to another.

*Students enrolled in this class are required to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

World History P

Meets UC/CSU "a", "g"

Description: In this course students examine major turning points in the shaping of the modern world, from the late eighteenth century to the present. The major units to be covered in this course include Rise of Democratic Ideals, Comparing Revolutions, Industrial Revolution, Rise of Colonialism and Imperialism, Causes and Courses of World War I, World War I and Its Consequences, Totalitarianism, World War II Causes and Consequences, International Developments in the Post World War II World, Nationalism and World Economy.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

Cantonese 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "e" 

Description: Cantonese 1 is a beginning level language arts course focusing on the development of communication skills and the exploration of cultural differences. Students will be introduced to the language of Cantonese (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and the Chinese culture. Students will learn how to have short conversations in Cantonese; have a basic understanding of the components of Chinese characters; and broaden their understanding of the Chinese Culture. Frequent oral and writing practices, conversational vocabulary, listening comprehension, and speaking are all key elements to this foreign language elective.

Cantonese 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Cantonese 2 will broaden students' ability in the languages of Cantonese (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and the understanding of Chinese culture. Students will learn to read longer paragraphs and carry on extended conversations. Student will learn to have extended conversations in Cantonese, further expand on their knowledge of Chinese characters, and further their understanding of Chinese culture. Frequent oral and writing practices, conversational vocabulary, listening comprehension, and speaking are all key elements to this foreign language elective.

CFC 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "e"

Description: Chinese for Chinese Speakers 1 (CFC 1) is a designed for students whose oral proficiency of Chinese is close to fluent, but reading and writing skills in Chinese are very minimal or almost zero. This course focuses on developing reading and writing skills for functional literacy, enhancing oral and aural proficiency, and gaining an understanding of the structure of Chinese Language.

CFC 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: This course is for students who have successfully completed CFC 1 P or with teacher permission. Chinese for Chinese Speakers 2 focuses on developing reading and writing skills for functional literacy, enhancing oral and aural proficiency, and gaining an understanding of the structure of Chinese language. Students may engage in reading narrative and descriptive texts as well as conversing on personal topics in limited situations.

French 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "e"

Description: French 1 is a beginning language course which enables students to understand vocabulary, communicate, read, and write French. Students will listen, respond, and practice French in simulated, realistic situations. Students will have opportunities to perform the communicative functions of socializing, exchanging information, counting, expressing feelings and emotions, and persuading, while learning the language structures needed to perform these skills.

French 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: French 2 is an intermediate course which enables students to use the skills and expressions learned in French 1 and expand them by using the language in various situations. Students experience cultural similarities and differences through role-play, video, film analysis, and song.

French 3 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Students improve their French proficiency as well as learn vocabulary and structures needed to be creative with the language in French 3. Students increase their knowledge and appreciation of French culture. Students participate in class discussions and work in small groups and with partners. there will be interactive literature and individual readings. As part of their cultural experience and connecting to other disciplines, students will experience francophone art and poetry, e.g.-the Impressionists, medieval stories, surrealism, the fables of La Fontaine, Cyrano, Symbolist poetry, and West-African poetry. French history is touched upon, such as Joan of Arc, the French revolution, ad World War II, as well as the influence of France in the world.

Spanish 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "e"

Description: Spanish 1 provides students the opportunity to learn to speak, listen, read, and write in order to develop basic language skills and knowledge. Students will learn everyday vocabulary related to everyday needs and activities as well as grammatical forms and functions. Importance is placed on developing the student's awareness of the culture of Hispanic people of Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain, as well as the role Hispanics have played in the history of the Untied States.

Spanish 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Spanish 2 provides the students the opportunity to increase their power in oral language, reading and writing in an authentic cultural context. Building on the foundation taught in Spanish 1, students learn to use and understand expressions of emotion, needs and requests. They are able to understand and express important ideas with some detail, as well as to describe, compare, narrate and understand ideas in present, past, and future. Students can understand and convey information about themselves (family, fiends, home, health, school, leisure activities, school life, likes, and dislikes). They can also understand and convey information on topics beyond self (geography, directions, buildings and monuments, places and events, travel, professions, and work).

Spanish 3 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Spanish 3 enables students to understand and communicate in a second language. The four communication skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing are equally emphasized with a focus on real-world situations. The course also covers cultural and historical aspects of the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish 4 P

Meets US/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Spanish 4 is a language arts course in which students have the opportunity to explore a variety of literacy works from different areas of the Spanish-speaking world. The reading selections (Don Quixote; La Casa de Bernarda Alba, Cinco Maestros among others) are used to review grammar, increase vocabulary and cultural understanding, and to provide a focus for creative writing. The class is conducted primarily in Spanish.

AP Spanish Language

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: An AP Spanish Language course is comparable to an advanced level college Spanish Language course. Emphasizing the use of Spanish for active communication, it encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. In this course, special emphasis is placed on the use of authentic source materials and the integration of language skills. Therefore, students should receive extensive training in combining listening, reading, and speaking (or listening, reading, and writing) skills in order to demonstrate understanding of authentic Spanish-language source materials.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

AP Spanish Literature

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: An AP Spanish Literature course is comparable to a third-year college introduction to Hispanic literature course. It is based on a required reading list. The works on the list are the literary significance and represent various historical periods, literary movements, genres, geographic areas, and population groups within the Spanish-speaking world. The objective of the course is to help you interpret and analyze literature in Spanish.

*Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam. Exam scores, and each college/university, will determine eligibility for college credit.

EPH 1 P

Meets UC/CSU "e"

Description: Español para Hispanos 1 (EPH 1) is a Spanish Language Arts course for students who speak Spanish, but have limited reading and writing skill. Expansion of vocabulary is taught through reading, writing, compositions, culture, music, guided dictations, and grammar practice.

EPH 2 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Español para Hispanos 2 (EPH 2) is a Spanish Language Arts course designed to improve native speakers' written and oral fluency in Spanish. Students expand their vocabulary through the reading, writing compositions, culture, music, guided dictations, and grammar practice.