7th

AND 8th Grade Elective Course Descriptions

Creative Coding will help students learn how to code by working in a real software development environment to design, program, and
publish mobile apps and games.
Digital Literacy is an introduction to computer literacy. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that
encourage creativity, critical thinking, productivity, and collaboration in the classroom and day-to-day life. This is a State required course
of study. If course is not selected, student and guardian signature on card will serve as the “opt out” for this course.
FCS A Cultivate skills in interior design, clothing and textile construction, fashion design and merchandising, consumerism,
entrepreneurship, and career and job-related projects.
FCS B Learn essential life skills. FCS teaches skills in family relationships, food and nutrition, childcare, personal responsibility,
consumerism, and business and job-related tasks.
Creative Writing An introduction to imaginative composition: the study and writing of personal experiences, character sketches, short
fiction, and poetry is emphasized.
Intro to Debate Introduces students to debate, analysis, reasoning, delivery skills, organization, writing techniques, research and basic
debate competition.
Varsity Debate is the competition debate team of Mount Jordan. Students will compete in higher levels of rigor through analysis,
reasoning, delivery skills, organization, writing techniques, research. Attendance is required at all debate competitions.
Spanish 1 Teaches students to say, understand, read, and write many basic Spanish words and phrases.
Spanish 2 Will help you better develop your ability to understand and speak Spanish using sentences and participate in conversation
using a broader range of questions.
AVID is an elective class offered to students who would like to prepare for four-year colleges and universities. Students will engage in fun
learning strategies, learn organizational skills, and participate in teamwork situations. Students must have satisfactory citizenship, good
attendance, and a G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher. Applicants must be motivated to work toward college eligibility. *Must have a current AVID
teacher sign for eligibility.
Art 1 provides an overview of visual arts while studying a variety of art mediums and materials. This course is designed to develop higher
level thinking, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics through study of the elements of art.
Art 2 focuses on a mid-level of technique and skill through 2D and 3D mediums. A variety of other mediums used include: mixed media,
photo, collage, printmaking, painting, drawing, and sculpture through the study of the principles of art.
Art 3(Half & Full Yr) focuses on a high level of technique and skill through 2D and 3D mediums. Advanced craftsmanship will emphasize
theories of art through mastery of painting, drawing, and sculpture in individual exploratory projects. The semester will conclude with a
show directed by an art jury.
Ceramics 1 & 2 develops basic skills in the creation of 3-D forms and pottery from clays. Techniques in hand building, basic glazing, and
firing are taught. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking and art-related
technology skills.
Theatre Design An advanced theatre course for students to assist with theatrical productions. The class will be a collaborative workspace
to address the needs of a play, such as the audition process, costumes, props, blocking, set design, choreography, and stage makeup.
Students who take this course will work closely with the Director, and are expected to demonstrate high levels of behavior, academics, and
responsibility.
Theatre 1 This is an introductory course that will include improvisation, mono acts, characterizations, scenes from plays, play reading,
and work with voice projection and dictation.
Mixed Choir focuses on quality vocal production, part-singing, and music reading skills.
Concert Choir (Instructor Approval) An advanced vocal music group designed for advanced choral literature and techniques of singing.
Beginning Band is a class where you learn the basics of music and one of the following instruments: cornet, trumpet, euphonium, horn,
trombone, tuba, saxophone, flute, oboe, bassoon, or clarinet. Instruments may be rented from the school at a nominal fee.
Beginning Percussion is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn the basics of music on percussion instruments.
Instruments may be rented from the school at a nominal fee.
Advanced Band is an advanced instrumental music course where students will learn and perform a varied repertoire of rigorous music.
Audition is required. Attendance is required at all after school performances.
Beginning Orchestra is where you learn the basics of music and one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
Instruments may be rented from the school at a nominal fee.
Advanced Orchestra is an advanced course, which performs varied, advanced-level music. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and
performances.
Peer Tutor requires that students do not have any N’s or U’s in citizenship. This class is intended to teach you the skills necessary to work
with, teach, and become an advocate for people with disabilities. You will be an example of a model student. Peer tutors help people with
disabilities meet new people, make friends, and participate in school activities.
Student Center/Teacher’s Aide requires that students have a GPA of a 3.0 and no N’s or U’s in citizenship in prior grade. Aides will assist
counselors and secretaries with clerical duties, projects, and running notes to teachers.
Strength & Conditioning This course covers training techniques designed to enhance muscular strength, muscular endurance, as well as
some aerobic conditioning. Student’s will leave the semester with the knowledge necessary to walk into a local gym with confidence, and
the ability to properly and safely perform a wide range of exercises.
Competitive Team Sports This course is designed to take an in-depth approach to understanding the cooperation, strategy, and
responsibility required in a competitive sports setting. Students will participate in competitive gameplay, learn to effectively officiate
competition, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how to apply team strategy to a wide range of competitive scenarios.