OHS Course Offerings

Intro to Business

The class will help students gain an overview of the fields of Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Management and Real Estate as well as career opportunities and salaries associated with each.  

Journalism

Journalism is designed to teach students the various forms of journalism, application and analysis of media, as well as writing skills. Students will engage in multiple forms of media, with a strong focus in newspaper writing. This course is supplemental to the school newspaper, The Aegis, and students are expected to contribute articles to the production of the paper.

Leadership

This is an activities-based elective in which participants plan and execute all major activities for the school, including Delegate Assembly, dances, and spirit weeks.  Students learn meeting, planning, and collaboration skills.

Yearbook

Create and promote the yearbook which captures the moments and memories for the 2023/2024 school year, using photography, digital design, and marketing.

Art 1

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.

Illustration

This course will explore visual storytelling through a variety of mediums, as well as traditional art-making mediums. Students will explore illustration techniques through thematic concepts within each unit of study.

Ceramics

This introductory ceramics course will cover the basic hand building method and wheel method as well as both decorative techniques and different glazing techniques. Students will be encouraged to use creative design and individual expression.

Graphic Design

This course emphasizes the Principles of Design and the integration of the Elements of Art. Students are introduced to graphic design as a form of visual communication through the use of type, image, form, and color. Students will develop various methods of graphic design through spatial relationships, typography and imagery.

Sculpture

This course provides a well-rounded studio experience that gives students an opportunity to explore and develop three-dimensional art skills using a variety of materials and methods. Throughout the course students will work with paper, wire, clay, cardboard, fiber and mixed media to create unique work using elements of art and principle of design. They will learn about material safety. Students will also be exposed to different forms of sculpture in art history in the U.S. and around the world.

Dance Beginning P

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.

 

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.

Guitar

Students will learn to be guitar players using a variety of genres (pop, rock, R&B, blues, folk, etc.). Any level of experience (including no experience) is welcome. Guitars are provided.

Jazz Band

Prerequisite: Student has performed in an ensemble (Jazz, Concert or Orchestral) the previous school year. *Or with teacher approval.

This class will explore a variety of jazz styles and time periods. Skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading, and musical expressions will be studied. Improvisational techniques will also be introduced.

Orchestra

Prerequisite: Student has performed in an ensemble (Jazz, Concert or Orchestral) the previous school year. *Or with teacher approval.

This course is designed to further students’ technical instruction on string instruments while performing as a group or individually. Most students in this course have previous experience with string instruments that will be further developed. Students will receive deeper instruction in the aspects of written music, and skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading, and musical expressions will be further studied.

Students with experience playing a symphonic instrument, will improve musical, instrumental and listening skills. Skills in tone production, intonation, technique, music reading and musical expression will be studied within the string and symphonic repertoire. Performances include: Winter and Spring concerts in the OHS Theater, CMEA adjudicated festival, OUSD Orchestra Festival, and Music in the Parks.

**Attendance at evening concerts, community events and rehearsals will be required as scheduled. This course may be repeated for credit.

 

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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.

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.

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.

PE SPORTS (PE 10-12)
General PE for 10th-12th graders.

WEIGHTLIFTING (PE WL)
Learn the basics of sport based weight lifting and understanding of how to build a program unique to yourself.

WALKING (PE FITNESS)
This class will focus on improving fitness and overall health through walking exercises where students will actively participate in walking sessions to enhance their cardiovascular health and endurance.

YOGA (PE 10)
Study of Yoga in correlation with group and exercise physiology and psychology. Units include  behavioral and psychological bases of human movement (i.e., goal setting, motivation, stress, anxiety, arousal regulation, self-confidence, and concentration, etc.) with an emphasis on Yoga movements: exercise, rehabilitation and wellness; student-based teaching and coaching.

DANCE (DANCE BEG)
Study of the combination of basic skills and techniques used in ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

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.

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.

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.

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 2/3 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.

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 2/3 P

Meets UC/CSU "e", "g"

Description: Español para Hispanos 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.