Shared Time

These classes may be available to St. Mary’s students when offered by Sleepy Eye Public School or Springfield Public School. Admittance may also depend upon space availability. Additional courses may be available that are not listed. See the Counselor for more information and to register for shared-time courses.

SLEEPY EYE PUBLIC SCHOOL

Agriculture Department

Exploring AG
AG Survivor
AG Survivor B
AG Mechanics
Horticulture
Landscaping
Large Animal Science
Small Animal Care
Wildlife Management
Industrial Technology
Construction Trades
Auto Maintenance

Careers Department

Career Exploration & Workplace Success
Community to Career

World Languages Department

Spanish II
Spanish III
College Spanish

Art Department

Art 1
Art 2
Ceramics 1
Ceramics 2
Graphic Design
3D Computer Art & Animation

English/Communications Department

Creative Writing & Fiction
College Literature
College Speech
Professional Writing
Theatre Arts

Social Studies Department

College Economics
College Psychology
College Sociology

Sleepy Eye Public School Course Descriptions

Agriculture Department

Students who are interested in being involved with FFA should consider taking an Ag. Class

Exploring Ag.

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grade 9 (10 & 11 if no previous Ag Classes)

Course Number: AG100

Course Description: This course will introduce students to a variety of agricultural concepts. These will include the following: What is Ag., Careers, FFA, Animal Science, Plant Science, Food Science, Natural Resources & Forestry, Leadership, Parliamentary Procedure, and an Ag. Mechanics Project.

Ag Survivor

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG201

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Course Description: This course will cover topics in agriculture and welding. This class will simulate how to survive in the real world whether in operating a business or life in general. The class will cover an introduction to a variety of topics. *Can Qualify for Minnesota College Credit combined with Ag. Mechanics & Ag. Survivor B

Ag Mechanics

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG200

Prerequisite: Ag. Survivor

Course Description: This course will cover topics in agricultural mechanics. You will be learning advanced welding techniques as well as working in the shop on your own projects. We will review basic welding, wiring techniques, safety, and construction. This class will be project based so you must have shop experience! *Can Qualify for Minnesota College Credit when combined with Ag. Survivor & Ag. Survivor B

Ag Survivor

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grades 10,11,12

Course Number: AG202

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Course Description: This course will cover topics in agriculture and mechanics. This class will simulate how to survive in the real world whether owning a home or life in general. Money management will be discussed including the topics of: setting financial goals, budgeting, loans, checking accounts, credit, and credit cards. Students will also be exposed to mechanics. Rather than calling a professional, students will perform lab activities of these do-it-yourself fix-it projects including construction, electricity, sheet rocking, painting, and texturing. Job applications and resumes will also be covered if time allows. *Can Qualify for Minnesota College Credit when combined with Ag. Mechanics & Ag. Survivor

Horticulture

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG102

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Course Description: This class will explore the world of horticulture and plant science. Applied concepts in the horticulture industry will be presented. Topics that will be explored include: importance of the horticulture industry, careers, plant needs and functions, plant processes, propagation, hydroponics, annuals/perennials, flower beds, seeds & germination, types of plants, pruning concepts, arranging flowers, making corsages, and other horticulture issues.

Landscaping

This class will explore the world of horticulture and plant science. Applied concepts in the hor

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG203

1 Semester – ½ Credit

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Horticulture and landscape industry will be presented. Topics that will be explored include: importance of the horticulture industry, careers, plant needs and functions, plant processes, propagation, hydroponics, annuals/perennials, flower beds, seeds & germination, types of plants, elements of design, landscaping concepts, drawing landscape plans, actual landscaping, pruning concepts, arranging flowers, making corsages, and other horticulture issues.

Large Animal Science

1 Semester (.5 Credit)

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG204

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Course Description: This course will investigate the biology of livestock animals. Instruction will include: the animal industry; parts, breeds, management, selection, marketing, and meat/products (for dairy, beef, sheep, goats & hogs); digestive systems; and genetics.

Course Objectives:

Understand the importance of the animal industry.
Compare and contrast biological systems of various livestock animals.
Differentiate between the different breeds of livestock.
Understand the selection, marketing, and breeding programs for the different livestock animals.
Understand the values of the products from livestock.
Learn how to care for and handle large animals.

*Large Animal Science is considered a Minnesota College Credit Course. It receives credit at a number of participating colleges.

Small Animal Care

1 Semester –.5 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG205

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Course Description: This course will investigate scientific concepts relating to the care and management of small animals. Instruction will include companion animal terms; safety & handling for small animals; careers; animal rights/animal welfare; history, anatomy, breeds, feeding & nutrition, general care (for dogs, cats, and other small animals).

Course Objectives:

Understand the importance of the companion animal industry and careers available.
Compare and contrast biological systems and parts of various animals.
Differentiate between the different breeds of small animals.
Learn how to care for and handle small animals.

*Small Animal Care is considered a Minnesota College Credit Course. It receives credit at a number of participating colleges.

Wildlife Management

1 Semester - .5 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: AG104

Prerequisite: None, although Exploring Ag. is recommended

Course Description: This course is an introduction to Wildlife Management.. Instruction will include information on the following: careers; renewable vs. nonrenewable natural resources; wildlife identification, tracks, and hunting & trapping; fish; waterfowl; wetlands; issues in natural resources; and possibly taxidermy projects or build a duck house or birdhouse.

Course Objectives:

Understand the importance of Natural Resources.
Identify wildlife animals, tracks, fish, and waterfowl.
Understand the management of wildlife animals, fish, and waterfowl.
Understand the importance, types, and management of wetlands.
Possibly complete taxidermy projects or build a birdhouse/duck house.

Industrial Technology Department

Auto Maintenance

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades (9 w/permission) 10, 11, 12

Course Description: An introductory class including auto care and maintenance. This is a class for those who know little or nothing about automobile care and maintenance. Learn how to check fluid levels, change oil, change flat tires, spark plugs and wires. Also, learn auto care methods to help make that auto last longer. The class will include some information on roadside emergencies, how to save on insurance, how to identify common problems; gain the ability to communicate with repair technicians and ways to save money on repairs. Students who successfully complete the course will earn college credit applicable for automotive service majors.

Presentation – Lessons, lectures, videos, hands on training and identifying problems.

Classroom Evaluation – Based on assignments, class projects, class participation in hands on training and attendance.

*Auto Maintenance is considered a Minnesota College Credit Course. It receives credit at a number of participating colleges.

Construction Trades

Semester 1 & 2 - .5 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Have you ever watched “This Old House” on PBS? The construction industry requires a wide range of skilled trades. This course can provide the opportunity to explore and practice some of these skills. In order to provide the best learning experience, you and your classmates will construct various structures and projects with the use of tools. Other areas, which may be included, are cabinet construction & installation, door and window installation, drywall, sanding, painting and staining.

Careers Department

Career Exploration and Workplace Success

1 Semester -.5 Credit

Grades 10, 11

Course Number: CAR200

Course Description: This course is designed to guide students through the career and academic exploration and planning processes and to provide the strategies and skills necessary for career-related decision making. Students will engage in a variety of self-discovery initiatives, exploring personal interests, values and abilities to help define and clarify educational and career plans. This course is also designed to address skills and attributes needed for workplace success and issues related to the workplace.

Methods of Presentation: lecture, peer teaching, Minnesota Career Information System, power point, interactive chalkboard, guest speakers, community experts.

Methods of Evaluation: Textbook assignments, projects, journals, reflection, tests/quizzes, presentations, preparation and attendance.

Art Department

Art 1

1 Semester – .25 Credit

Grades 9-12

Course Description: This is a beginning art class that will take what the students have learned from the elementary and junior high level and build that knowledge into higher levels of artistic creation and creativity. Students will be working with drawing, painting, and sculpture in various forms as a means to come to a better understanding about art. Fundamentals about art and design will be further explored as students use their creativity to design many different kinds of projects. Students will start learning how to write artist statements as well as present their art for critiques.

Art 2

1 Semester – .25 Credit

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Art 1 or Drawing/Painting

Course Description: This is an advanced art class. Students will be introduced to more complex artistic ideas and processes as well as integrate the elements and principles of art. Students will work with drawing, painting, sculpture, fibers, printmaking and many other different forms of art creation at a higher level. Students will have more creative control over their art, with guidance from the instructor. Students will revise artist statements as well as present their art for critiques.

Ceramics 1

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 9-12

Course Description: This is a beginning class that will introduce the student to clay. Projects will center around basic handbuilding techniques, decorative applications as well as finishing ceramic pieces with glaze and paint. Students will create decorative and utilitarian pieces that are both artistic and purposeful.

Ceramics 2

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 or Pottery/Sculpture

Course Description: This is an advanced class that will explore more advanced techniques. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to construct pottery on the ceramic wheel, become more proficient with handbuilding techniques as well as come up with combinations of the two.

Graphic Design

1 Semester –.5 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Description: This course is based on the elements and principles of art as they are applied to Graphic Design. Students learn the basics of visual design, layout, the use of font and the use of artistic construction to target a particular audience with a particular theme. They explore the use of Graphic Communication in Art Careers today.

Students will concentrate on editing images, layout design, special effects, the creation of digital artwork and implementing the elements and principles of graphic design through the use of photo imaging, layout and illustration software.

*Graphic Design is considered a Minnesota College Credit Course. It receives credit at a number of participating colleges.

3D Computer Art & Animation

1 Semester –.5 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Graphic Design

Course Description: This intense course will explore the creative capabilities of 3D computer art and animation. Students will begin with the fundamentals of the program, then move to learning how to visualize, plan and model objects in a three-dimensional space. Students will create objects and characters; learn how to manipulate controls to accurately portray movement based upon object interaction, kinetic and potential energy. Students will create surfaces and textures, learn how to light and record animation sequences and add special effects. This class is for any student who has already taken Graphic Design and would like to explore the exciting field of computer animation as it relates to movie and gaming production, television and marketing.

English/Communications Department

Creative Writing & Fiction

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 11, 12

Course Number: ENG303

Course Description: Three forms of creative writing will be explored: the personal narrative, short story, and poem. The student will create a writing folder consisting of his/her work. The literature aspect of this class is designed as a general survey of fictional literature including stories, legends, drama, and the novel.

Method of Presentation - Writing workshops, discussion, text

Method of Evaluation - Creative writing assignments, peer and self-evaluation, quizzes

College Literature

1 Semester - .5 Credit

Grade 12

Course Number: ENG500

Course Description: Any student that receives a “C” or better will receive 3 semester credits from Southwest Minnesota State University. This class will consist of the reading of various contemporary and classic novels. The novels will be selected from recommended college prep reading lists. The method of evaluation will be based on assigned papers, class discussion, and tests.

College Speech

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 11, 12 Course Number: ENG501

Course Description: This course is offered through the Challenge Program at Southwest Minnesota State University. Any student that receives a “C” or better will receive 3 semester credits from SMSU. Students will gain a knowledge of the following principles: developing critical thinking skills, selecting the speech purpose and limiting the subject area, research practices & library use, evidence and forms of support, developing an effective introduction, developing an effective conclusion, organizing the body of a speech, effective outlining, analyzing an audience, analyzing the occasion, effective speech composition, effective delivery, developing critical listening skills and effective methods of speech criticism. Students will research, prepare and deliver at least four speeches that are informative, persuasive, use visual aids, and are extemporaneous or impromptu. All speeches will be properly documented.

Method of Presentation – Discussion, group work, film, text.

Method of Evaluation – Assignments, quizzes, tests, essays and speeches.

Professional Writing

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 11, 12

Course Number: ENG304

Course Description: This course is an elective designed for students needing practical writing experience in preparation for college and the work place. Students will practice strategies for generating and developing ideas, locating and analyzing information, analyzing audience, and drafting. An introduction will also be given to the written and oral communication of technical information. Work includes writing and presenting reports, proposals, letters, memorandums, documenting sources in research, using computer applications in writing, collaborative writing, and effective speaking in a work setting.

Theatre Arts

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: ENG201

Course Description: This course is for students with or without experience in performing/theatre arts but are ready and willing to learn! The class will emphasize artistic and creative expression while also promoting enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre. Students will learn the basic approach to working comfortably on the stage, through warm-ups, monologues, scene work, pantomime, creative dramatics and improvisation. Basic techniques of movement, voice projection, character development and performance will be taught. Acting projects will provide positive group experiences in collaborative assignments and developing self-discipline. Students will also examine and study the role that acting, directing, sound, lights, set, costumes, make-up, publicity and current technology play in the creation of a production.

World Language Department

Spanish II

All Year - 1 Credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Spanish 1

Course Description: A follow-up course to Spanish I, continuing to emphasize the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills of the language. New vocabulary will be introduced along with reinforcement of that already learned. Additional grammar concepts will be learned.

Course Objectives: To increase the level of fluency of the student, to increase the student’s confidence in expressing himself or herself in the target language.

Method of Presentation: Text, readers, films, tapes, internet, and group work.

Method of Evaluation: Daily class work, participation, tests, developing small situations of everyday life.

Spanish III

All Year - 1 Credit

Grades 10 & 11

Prerequisite - Spanish 1 & 2

Course Description: This course will stress the oral understanding and fluency of the Spanish language. The vocabulary learned during Spanish 1 & 2 will be reinforced. The grading system will be based on oral discussion and Spanish conversations.

Course Objectives: To expand the student’s knowledge of the Spanish Language

Method of Evaluation: Daily class work, class participation, and oral tests

College Spanish

All Year - 1 Credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Course Number: SPAN500

Prerequisite: Spanish I & II. Instructor’s Approval Required

Course Description: This course is offered through the Challenge Program and Southwest Minnesota State University. Any student who receives a “C” or better will receive eight (8) semester credits from SMSU. The goal of this course is to further improve the student’s knowledge of the Spanish language. Some of the areas that will be focused on are: grammar, literature, culture, speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension.

Course Objectives: Give the student the ability to increase their oral and written understanding of the Spanish language, while learning about the cultures of Spanish speaking people.

Method of Presentation: Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through written assignments, oral presentations, reading, and daily assignments.

Method of Evaluation: Grades will be earned by completing daily assignments, tests, and quizzes in the following areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Social Studies Department

College Economics

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grade 12

( Must meet SMSU College Now requirements)

Prerequisite: Economics

This course is offered through the College Now Program at Southwest Minnesota State University. Any student that receives a “C” or better will receive 3 semester credits from SMSU. The purpose of this course in Economics is to give the student a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. This course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops your familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international trade.

Method of Presentation: Individual and group projects, daily work, videos, lecture, and research.

Method of Evaluation: Financial management and farm crises project, exams, participation, and daily work.

College Psychology

1 Semester – .5 Credit

Grades 11, 12

This course is offered through the College Now Program at Southwest Minnesota State University. Any student that receives a “C” or better will receive 3 semester credits from SMSU. This course is a study to understand oneself, others and understand experiences for its own sake. The class will study how we develop interests and values. Students taking this course must have a reading level of at least 11th grade.

Method of Presentation: Text, demonstrations, community based projects, field trips.

Method of Evaluation: Tests, daily assignments, projects, group presentations.

College Sociology

1 Semester - .5 Credit

Grades 11, 12

(Must meet SMSU College Now requirements)

This course is offered through the College Now Program at Southwest Minnesota State University. Any student that receives a “C” or better will receive 3 semester credits from SMSU. Students will study and understand the sociology, social institutions and the sociology of everyday life. Concepts include the structure and interrelationship of small and large groups in society, cultural influences, group dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

Springfield Public School Course Descriptions

Physics

All Year – 1 Credit

Grade 12

Physics is a class that shows how the world today is dependent upon the interaction of the environment, technology and science. Springfield Physics course will help to show how science is related to the everyday happenings around us using labs and problem solving techniques. Physics students will need a strong math background with Algebra II recommended. They will also need a good graphing calculator to store formulas and data. We will be using Lab-Pro and related equipment to collect and store data.

Medical Careers

1st or 2nd Semester – 1 Credit

Grades 11, 12

Knowing that the ideal time to begin preparing for health careers is in high school, the Medical Careers class is designed to assist students in gaining knowledge in a variety of medical careers through related hands-on skills and shadowing experiences. Students will work in seven different medical areas at the Springfield Medical Center for one quarter and then concentrate on one field of their choosing during the second quarter. The medical careers program is a cooperative program between the School Work Based Learning and Springfield Mayo Medical Center. Class takes up two hours at St. Mary’s.