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2013-2014 ParishVirtual Course Catalogue
ParishVirtual MISSION STATEMENT
ParishVirtual is committed to providing easily accessible, world-class learning opportunities in a blended setting. ParishVirtual aims to challenge students through vigorous coursework in a wide-range of content areas. Parish’s online campus engages students in collaborative, engaging learning environments that inspire globallyminded students to think and create in meaningful ways. Students enrolled in courses at ParishVirtual develops learning capacities that align with the 4 C’s that define preparation for college and life: Think critically and in original, creative ways; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Collaborate purposely and as part of a community of learners Create meaningfully to solve authentic, real-world problems
2013 SUMMER ACADEMY NOTE: students who earn credit in ParishVirtual Summer Academy courses demonstrate intellectual curiosity and gain additional scheduling flexibility during the academic year. Students may not, however, use Summer Academy credits to apply for a reduced load during the school year. Parish students must meet regular course load requirements (ie enrolled in six classes) during each trimester of the school year.
GOVERNMENT
The government’s portion of Parish’s year-long Government and Economics course focuses on the principles and beliefs that are the foundations of the United States governmental system. Discussions on origins and applications of these principles is an important part of this course. The goal of this course is to produce young scholar-citizens. We aim to prepare students for responsible citizenship. Course counts .5 credits toward Parish graduation requirements in History. This course is designed for rising 11th and 12th graders. 8-10 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ECOLOGY AND POPULATION DYNAMICS
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study that employs several major unifying themes. The Ecology and Population Dynamics segment of Environmental Science looks at the following topics: local ecosystems in both current and historical perspectives; ecosystem mechanics and webs; invasive versus native species; and biome succession. Course counts .333 credits in Science. This course is designed for rising 11th and 12th graders. 6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
HEALTHFUL LIVING
ECONOMICS
The economics portion of Parish’s year-long Government and Economics course focuses on the basic principles concerning production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in the United States and globally. Students analyze the interaction of supply, demand and price in a free market. The study of different economic systems will be analyzed. Microeconomics and Macroeconomics will be studied in detail. The Free Enterprise System is thoroughly studied, discussed, and emphasized throughout the course. Course counts .5 credits toward Parish graduation requirements in History. This course is designed for rising 11th and 12th graders. 8-10 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
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This course will enable student to gain knowledge and skills about healthful living topics. The following broad topics are focuses of instruction: nutrition and eating disorders, depression and anxiety, alcohol, drugs, and human reproduction and sexual wellness. Course counts .333 credits toward Parish graduation requirements in Health. This course is open to students enrolled in grades 9-12. 6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
WORLD RELIGIONS
This course provides an historical, cultural, and comparative study of the world’s major expressions of religious experience, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Additional topics may include contemporary religious issues, other religious of the world, and approaches to religious plurality. Course counts .333 toward Parish graduation requirements. This course is open to students in grade 10-12. 6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
ParishVirtual BIBLE AND WESTERN CULTURE
This course introduces the literature of the Bible and examines its influence on the heritage of Western civilization. The primary objective is to familiarize students with the Old and New Testaments; however, the course also introduces the related topics of canonicity, textual criticism, Bible translation, and methods of interpretation. Secondary emphasis includes a discussion of the biblical worldview and its impact on the history, art, literature, architecture, jurisprudence and other aspects of western culture. Course counts .333 credits toward Parish graduation requirements. This course is open to students in grades 11 and 12. Instructor: Fr. Scot McComas
PERSONAL FINANCE
6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
Personal finance prepares students to understand economic activities and economic challenges of individuals and families; the role of lifestyle goals in education and career choices; financial forms used in independent living; and shopping options and practices for meeting consumer needs. This course also repares students to understand consumer rights, responsibilities, and information, protect personal and family resources, and apply procedures for managing personal finances. Topics include: interest, credit card debt, renting and buying a home, the stock market and other investment options, savings and saving for retirement, types of bank accounts, types of loans, insurance and tax forms.
MILITARY HISTORY
Course counts .333 Parish elective credits. This course is open to students enrolled in grades 9-12. 4-6 course hours expected per week (June 3- July 5, 2013).
Students, using the paradigm of war and battle strategy, study the art of leadership, as well as worldwide intercultural conflict as it has developed over time. On the “micro” level, students will study various cultures to see how their geography and cultural values have affected their strategies for survival. Students will also see how such cultures have adapted themselves with technological developments, organizational strategies, and specific battlefield tactics, and how these factors remain an influence in those areas today. On a “macro” level, students will study the evolution of inter-cultural relations, focusing on martial conflict such as the development of rules of war and war crimes, along with international diplomacy and other methods of conflict resolution. Finally, students will read and discuss the philosophy of command and engagement, and will look at the historical and present global models of effective command. Course counts .333 Parish History credits. This course is open to students enrolled in grades 10-12. 6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
PSYCHOLOGY I,II, AND III
Each of these three trimester-long courses introduces students to both historical and current thinking in the field of psychology. Readings are used to initiate and propel discussion and provide a jumping-off point for student projects. Students conduct their own research and produce original work. Students who successfully complete these courses should be more confident in their abilities to understand their own beliefs about the science of human behavior. Each trimester-long course segment has different areas of emphasis. Psychology I: The Biological Basis of Behavior Psychology II: Cognition and Developmental Psychology Psychology III: Social and Emotional Psychology Students may elect any of these courses in or out of sequence. Each course segment counts .333 Parish elective credits. This course is designed for rising 11th and 12th graders. 6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-July 5, 2013).
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ParishVIRTUAL PARISHPREP
Prepare yourself with strategies for success in Upper School and beyond. This course will focus on orienting new students to Parish, understanding and managing the Parish block schedule, communicating with teachers, utilizing learning styles, strengthening time management and organizational skills, taking notes, preparing for tests, strengthening your memory, reading for information, skills for writing essays, research skills, and stress management. Hear from current successful students at Parish to find out what works for them. Find out how you learn best and how to make the best use of your particular strengths. Learn to pool your resources and figure out how to make the most of your time. This course will equip you with the tools you need to be academically successful in the Parish Upper School. This course is strongly recommended for Upper School students (9 th-11th) who are NEW to Parish. Lead Instructor: Lynda Csaszar
Session One: July 22-26 Monday and Wednesday 10:00-11:30 (face-to-face) Room 4035 Friday 10:00-11:00 (face-to-face) Room 4035 Online 4 to 5 hours Session Two: July 29-August 2 Monday and Wednesday 10:00-11:30 (face-to-face) Room 4035 Friday 10:00-11:00 (face-to-face) Room 4035 Online 4 to 5 hours
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WRITING THE COLLEGE ESSAY
This course will provide students with the opportunity to complete one of the most stressful aspects of senior year: the college essay. Course content will include an overview of what admissions offices look for in an essay, why the essay is important, the Apply Texas and Common Application prompts, and essay topic do’s and don’ts. Students will receive instruction on every step of the college essay process, including: brainstorming, organizing, drafting and revising. By the end of this course, students will have a polished, edited college application essay. In addition, the Parish college counseling department will review college selection tips, helpful hints for a winning interview, and admissions best practices. This course is designed for rising 12th graders. Instructor: Tracey Addington 6-8 course hours expected per week (June 3-June 21, 2013).
For more information: Dave Ostroff, Co-Director of ParishVirtual
[email protected] Craig Savagae, Co-Director of Parish Virtual
[email protected] Michelle Lyon, Head of Upper School
[email protected] 