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Course Descriptions

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English

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English I - 10 credits, 2 Semesters

This freshman English course introduces the various literary genres—poetry, drama, novel, short story and nonfiction—along with the authors’ uses of various literary devices and techniques with works culled from various British and American sources. Writing—expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive—is taught in response to literature, and research techniques based on the Modern Language Association (MLA) are introduced. The fundamentals of English grammar, particularly parts of speech and sentence structures, are also reviewed.

English II - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This sophomore English course continues the emphasis on the various literary genres and the literary devices and techniques authors use; however, the works studied are gleaned from world literature, both ancient and modern. Writing—expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive—in response to literature continues. A research paper using MLA guidelines is required, and grammar is addressed on an as needed basis.

English III - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This junior English course surveys American literature, exposing students to the various periods in American thought and the major authors who contributed to each. Students continue to develop their writing skills via the various types of composition with an emphasis on academic papers using the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a guide in formatting, especially in the required research paper.

English IV - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This senior English course surveys British literature, exposing students to the various periods in the development of English thought and culture. There is a continued emphasis on academic writing, particularly in analysis and research based on the APA format.

Honors English I - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

These semester courses are available to juniors and seniors who are working toward an honors diploma from MHA. Various major works of literature will be analyzed in depth for literary and cultural contributions. Authors who have made major contributions to world literature and thought, often initiating changes in values and perceptions, will be emphasized along with writing, particularly expository research. A special project is available to those students who wish to do their honors research in conjunction with their literary studies.

Honors English II - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course is designed as a companion to Honors English I. The format and emphasis is similar; however, the works studied will change. Again, an honors project is available.

Journalism/Yearbook & Newspaper - Credits to Be Arranged, 2 Semesters

This course covers the basics of journalism writing. Class members will place their focus on either producing a school newspaper or the yearbook, but not both. The fundamentals of journalism will be team taught and then the class will divide with students moving into one of the two formats. This class is by invitation only.

Fine Arts

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Art - 5 Credits, 2 Semesters

A course giving students introductory experience in a variety of art forms including drawing, painting, sculpture, and pottery. The course also gives students a basic knowledge of the principles and elements of art.

Concert Band - 5 Credits, 2 Semesters

Concert Band is our instrumental organization of brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. Several periods and styles of music will be explored. Based on availability, public performances and tours will be scheduled throughout the year. Grades are based on attendance, participation, and the amount of practice.

Academy Choir - 5 Credits, 2 Semesters

Academy Choir is an organization of mixed voices. This is an open admission ensemble and is offered to anyone with musical interests. Based on availability, public performances and tours will be scheduled throughout the year.

Private Music Lessons - 2.5 Credits, 2 Semesters

Instrumental lessons are available by arrangement with the Music Department. Recitals may be scheduled throughout the year.

Select Music Groups....... 2.5 Credits, 2 Semesters

This is an organization of select mixed voices that will be performing off-campus extensively. Entrance to class is by audition only.

Foreign Language

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Spanish I - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

The first-year of Spanish is predominantly an audio-lingual program with emphasis on understanding and speaking the language. Written exercises and grammar study are used mainly as a means for mastering the general structure of the Spanish language.

Spanish II - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This second-year course continues the oral approach by giving sufficient opportunities for conversation and the reading of material of cultural value. Written exercises and compositions are also frequently required. Prerequisite is an acceptable grade in Spanish I or the instructors consent.

Mathematics

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Algebra I - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

Thinking skills are woven into the whole fabric of algebra. These skills are key in the study of algebra: recall and transfer, applying concepts, analysis, interpreting, reasoning, spatial perception, synthesis, and a strong grasp of basic math, (i.e. multiplication tables, division, fractions, etc.). This class is an abstract study of the way numbers behave and interrelate. Emphasis is on providing a foundation in the basic concepts and skills of algebra with special attention to signed numbers, positive and negative exponents, linear equations and word problems. Factoring plays a large role and later topics include functions and quadratic equations.

Geometry - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

Geometry lends itself well to the goal of emphasizing cultural diversity at MHAA. Because geometry has important applications for so many aspects of our lives—art, architecture, astronomy and map-making—many cultures have helped further its development. By studying the contributions of these cultures, students gain a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of geometry to society. Among the topics approached in this class are the following:

• Principles of logical reasoning
• Deductive reasoning skills
• Real life application
• Algebra
• Synthetic, coordinate and transformational geometry
• Construction & Loci
• Areas and volumes
• Similar Polygons
• Congruency Proofs

Algebra II & Trigonometry 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

The following concepts guide the development of this class:

• Strong connections between algebra and geometry occur throughout the course in the use of geometric formulas, in the geometric modeling of algebraic concepts, in coordinate geometry, and in problem solving.
• Techniques for dealing with data, such as graphic presentations on graphing calculators to emphasize the current use of technology in statistical work. Other techniques such as interpolating and extrapolating, distributions and other statistical measures will be seen.
• Topics in discrete mathematics.
• Sequences and series.
• Trigonometry from triangle trig to polar coordinates to inverse functions.
• Prerequisite is Geometry.

Pre-Calculus - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

The following goals guide the development of this class:

• Provide a strong foundation of pre-calculus concepts, techniques, and applications to prepare students for more advanced work.
• Place appropriate emphasis on discrete mathematics and data analysis.
• Show how technology can be used as a tool to facilitate learning and doing mathematics.
• Develop students’ quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Develop students’ abilities to understand and communicate mathematical ideas effectively.
• Increase students’ appreciation of mathematics through seeing a wide range of mathematical applications and learning about the contributions of men and women from different backgrounds in the development of the mathematical sciences.
• Prerequisite is Algebra II.

Physical Education

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P.E.-A - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This class is designed to give the student a new look at the Christian’s involvement in sports and fitness. Students are coached in the fundamentals of basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer, softball, track, and volleyball.

P.E.-B - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This class is designed as a continuation of Freshman P.E., extending the discussion of the Christian’s involvement in sports and fitness. Students are coached in the fundamentals of basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer, softball, track, and volleyball. Junior/Senior P.E.-Lifetime

Activities - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This class is designed to help the student develop healthy habits to be incorporated into adult life. The emphasis is on personal recreational pursuits.

Religion

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Religion I - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This freshman course is an introduction to Christianity. Areas of study include God, man, salvation, Gift of Prophecy, and decision-making. Also studied is God’s early interaction with man from creation through Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph.

Religion II - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This sophomore course studies the development of God’s church from the Exodus experience to modern times. It includes a specific examination of the establishment and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Religion III - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This junior course consists partly of a study of the letters to the Romans (righteousness through Christ) and to the Hebrews (the atonement and the ministry of Christ in Heaven). It also includes a study of the origin, purpose, the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In addition, a survey of Bible appreciation and devotional skills is covered.

Religion IV - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This senior course focuses on practical application of Biblical principles to Christian living. It emphasizes such areas as vocational choice, money management, marriage, and family life.

Science

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Physical Science - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course involves introductory material relating to the major branches of science. The students of Physical Science will become familiar with the methods of scientific investigation, laboratory equipment and procedure, terminology, and general concepts relating to each field covered.

Biology - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

In this course an emphasis will be made to show the common characteristics and needs of organisms in order to point out the consistency of design in nature. Topics of study will range from molecular organization to community organization. Laboratory experience by the student will be the special emphasis.

Chemistry - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

The topics presented in this course range from the fundamental aspects of chemistry to the applications of chemistry in society. Some of the topics included are matter and its classification, its states, and other properties; and atomic symbols, molecular formulas and their derivation. In addition, students learn to balance chemical equations, perform mass to mass calculations, understand the mole concept, understand atomic structure and the periodicity of the elements, learn bonding processes and results, and learn to balance oxidation-reduction equations. Prerequisites are Biology, Algebra I, and Physical Science.

Physics - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course is an introductory study of energy and the changes it undergoes. Practical application of physical laws is stressed along with actual laboratory experience. This is an elective class designed to challenge the science-oriented student with a greater depth of study than can be offered in a general science class. Prerequisites are Biology, Algebra I, and Physical Science.

Anatomy & Physiology - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course involves the study of the human body, the eleven body systems and how they unction. The course will begin with an introduction and review of cell biology & histology and will then take a detailed investigation of the body systems. The dissection of the cat will be expected of all students. Prerequisite is Biology.

Social Studies

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Geography - 5 Credits, 1 Semester

This is an introduction to the major themes of geographical study and the regions of the world. Students will examine the physical and human geography of each region in the areas of climate and vegetation, events and government, economics, the peoples and cultures.

Government - 5 Credits, 1 Semester

This course’s primary objective is to help the students develop an understanding of the structure of our federal and state governments; how government relates to our daily lives; and how to become informed, concerned, and voting citizens.

United States History - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course gives a basic overview of the settlement, growth, and functioning of our United States. It provides an in-depth analysis of the major factors, issues, incidents, and peoples which have significantly affected our nation, its people, and its government. It also covers the internal struggles and triumphs that have made us a nation, world power, and functioning democracy.

World History - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This is a comprehensive survey of the world. From ancient civilizations to modern times, this course examines the major events and issues that have shaped society. Students will also examine a variety of components of the culture of important civilizations of each era.

Economics -5 Credits, 1 Semester

This course’s primary objective is intended to give students a broad overview of micro and macro economics. Concepts such as scarcity, productivity, economic institutions and incentives will be introduced. Students will apply basic reasoning skills to explore the relations between economics, real life, and government policies.

Honors Developmental Psychology - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course covers human development from conception to death, emphasizing biological, cognitive, emotional, social and personality development. Scientific approaches for studying developmental psychology will stress the importance of research methodology and research findings across the life-span. Theories of development and applications to real-world problems will provide a context for understanding how humans change during the life-cycle.

Technology

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Computer Applications - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course covers everything that the beginning to intermediate student needs to gain proficiency using the personal computer. Topics covered are DOS, word processing, spreadsheets, database management, desktop publishing, presentation graphics, and the Windows operating environment. Prerequisite is Word Processing.

Applied Arts

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Independent Living - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course is a life-preparation class composed of two sections. It includes one semester of personal finance and one semester of shop. This class explores topics relating to personal finances, such as calculating net worth, planning monthly budgets, completing banking transactions, paying utility bills, performing credit transactions, making rent and mortgage payments, applying for loans, planning for large purchases, and reconciling monthly bank statements. Topics of shop include transportation and basic vehicle maintenance, design, construction, woodworking, and home repair.

Photography

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Photography - 10 Credits, 2 Semesters

This course introduces the student to the artistic and technical skills of photography. Required supplies: Digital Camera with specs as provided by instructor. May count as Vocational, Computer, or Fine Arts.

Health

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Health - 5 Credits, 1 Semester

This course is an introductory wellness class and seeks to help students develop knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and lifestyle practices that enhance personal and community health. The class focuses on the teachings of the Bible and of Ellen G. White.