Carmel High | The Digital Campus

This course is designed for the student (male or female) who would like to know more about the automobile and its basic care. Both classes and lab time provide the basis for a broad, non-technical approach to learning more about the mechanical marvel of this century.

• Grades:9-12
• Prerequisites: None

This course prepares the successful student with classroom knowledge of the vehicle code and other state laws related to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. It encourages acceptance and respect for the rights and responsibilities related to driving.

• Grades:10
• Units:2.5
• Prerequisites:Student must be 15½ years of age by completion of the course. It is the parent’s responsibility to contract privately with an independent driver training company to complete the State’s mandatory behind-the-wheel training (estimated cost is $150).

Office hours are offered every Thursday from 7:45 to 8:30 am. The purpose of office hours is to allow students to meet with teachers for tutorial assistance and test make-up. Office hours enrollment is mandatory for every student earning two grades below a “C” at a quarter or semester reporting period. Students will be assigned to office hours until the next grading period (quarter or semester) and will be counted as truant if unexcused absence is reported. 

• Grades:9-12
• Prerequisites: None

Philosophy, which means “love of wisdom,” confronts the fundamental questions of existence. Questions such as “How can I know that?” or “is that right?” or “How does one judge beauty?” or “What is real?” These are some of the essential questions that have been puzzling humans for centuries. The best way to embark on the study of philosophy is to read the writings of the great philosophers first hand. Rather than be lectured at with someone else’s interpretation, those students who start on this quest will read the thoughts of the Western World’s most respected and influential philosophers. The Seminar Format of reading, discussing, and analyzing the great ideas of humanity will be a central component of this course. Topics that will be addressed will include: Epistemology (how can we know anything with certainty?), God and Religion, Ethics and Morality, The Self and Freedom, Metaphysics, and at least one of the following – Aesthetics (Philosophy of Art), Society and Individual, or Science and Method. 

• Grades:11-12
• UC Requirements:Fulfills Section G Requirement
• CSU Requirements:Fulfills Social Science Requirement
• Prerequisites:Grade 11 or Grade 12; college prep elective course.

Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. While psychology is most often associated with clinical issues (i.e., abnormal personality), this makes up only a small portion of the field. Other specialties within the field include, to name a few, physiological; social; cognitive; and developmental psychology. We cannot understand ourselves or the individuals around us without looking at how we develop, how we behave in a social context, or the physiological components of our behavior. Thus, this course will serve as an overview of the major fields within psychology with emphasis on developing an understanding of psychology as the science of human behavior and thought. Students will also learn to critically evaluate “common sense” knowledge about how people function, which will help them in solving everyday real-life problems.

• Grades:10-12
• UC Requirements:Fulfills Section G Requirement
• CSU Requirements:Fulfills Social Science Requirement
• Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

This class focuses on basic computer skills necessary for producing high quality work for high school, college, and business. Students will improve their keyboarding skills and learn to use Microsoft Office programs for school projects and business experiences. Students will learn to operate a computer efficiently, type with speed and accuracy, produce correctly formatted word-processed documents, create a Website on the Internet, build spreadsheets with formulas, functions, and graphs, create effective presentations, learn the functions of databases, utilize various tools on the Internet for information gathering, evaluate the credibility of Websites, and examine ethical and business issues regarding the increased use of technology in our society.

• Grades:9-12
• Units:5
• Prerequisites: None

In Speech and Debate, students will acquire the skills to speak in a variety of public settings. Strategies will focus on building confidence; developing enunciation and vocal projection; memorizing and inconspicuously relying on prompts; effectively incorporating multi-media aids; speaking extemporaneously; and delivering polished formal speeches. Students will also learn the argumentative techniques and skills needed to successfully research and debate controversial topics.

• Grades:11-12
• UC Requirements:Fulfills Section G Requirement
• CSU Requirements:Fulfills Elective Requirement
• Prerequisites: None

Student leadership is for those interested in learning leadership skills, improving their school and community, and representing student interests. This course will assist in acquiring excellent leadership abilities through the organization and coordination of proposed activities which will make Carmel High School an enjoyable and meaningful experience for the entire student body and staff.Objectives: • to develop responsibility, initiative, creativity, leadership, and school pride; • to allow students the opportunity to participate in and plan activities; • to successfully run an effective and democratic government; • to better understand the importance of good leadership; • to become familiar with parliamentary procedures; • to appreciate and implement appropriate and law-abiding ASB budgeting; • to develop school relationships; • to oversee all student clubs and expenditures on Carmel High's campus; • to form policies and procedures and be responsible for carrying them out; • to propose and pass amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws; • to assist in responsibly approving all club constitutions, Carmel High fund raisers, calendar requests, and purchase orders of all ASB accounts.Successful Completion: Meets ten units of elective credit for graduation.SPECIAL EDUCATIONSpecial Education services individuals with exceptional needs as defined by Federal and State law. Carmel Unified School District is committed to ensuring the best education in the least restrictive environment that Carmel High School can offer.INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLANNING TEAM MEETINGSEach student with exceptional needs must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) written for him/her by an IEP team comprised of the student, parents, teachers, counselor, school psychologist, administrator, and other specialists as appropriate. The team meets at least once per year to review each student's progress toward achieving set goals and the appropriateness of placement; revisions are made as necessary. Development of a class schedule is guided by the needs and strengths described in the IEP and is done by the IEP team.RESOURCE SPECIALIST PROGRAMCarmel High School has four full-time Resource Specialists and four teachers' aides. In addition to the Resource/SDC classes taught in the subjects listed below, the Resource Specialists provide consultation, coordination, and are liaisons for their students mainstreamed into regular education classes.RESOURCE/SDC CLASSESAlgebra/MathematicsEnglishElective (Transition)ReadingWorld Geography/CulturesSocial StudiesIntegrated ScienceVISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

• Grades:9-12
• Units:10
• CSU Requirements: Student Leadership Units: 10 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Content:
• Prerequisites: Required for elected student body and class officers. Recommended for class representatives and other interested students with instructor approval.

Students will have a period of quiet time for studying. Tutorial time with teachers may be available during study hall period. Students may enroll for semester or year.

• Grades:9-12
• Units: 0
• Prerequisites: None

Students can work as an assistant to a teacher, office personnel, or in the library for credit. Required tasks differ according to position. Students can only be a TA, OA or LA for two semesters total for credit during high school.Successful Completion: Meets five or ten units of the elective credit requirement, but does not count toward eligibility for athletics or other eligibility requirements. This grade will note be used in calculating athletic or academic grade point averages.

• Grades:10-12
• Units:5-10
• Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Permission of teacher or supervisor and assistant principal.