Computer Science

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester

Type of Course — Computer Science Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement and UC Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) requirement
Prerequisite — None
Criteria for Enrollment – Interest in developing computer multimedia and design skills through creative web, print, and animation projects.

UC/CSU Subject F Approval

Course Description — This is an introductory computer art and design course with a focus on 2D and 3D graphics and video-editing software. Coursework includes a variety of graphic design projects created with software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Logic, FL Studio, Garageband, Soundtrap, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, TinkerCAD, OnShape, and Blender.  The learning of traditional art and design principles will be integrated into students' creative work and the course will culminate with a digital portfolio.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester

Type of Course — Computer Science Elective satisfying one semester of Fine Arts graduation requirement and UC Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) requirement
Prerequisite — Multimedia Design 1A
Criteria for Enrollment – Interest in developing computer multimedia and design skills through creative web, print, animation, music, and video projects.

UC/CSU Subject F Approval

Course Description — This class further develops skills learned in Multimedia Design 1A with a focus on utliizing 2D and 3D graphics, sound and video-editing software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, Logic, FL Studio, Garageband, Soundtrap, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, TinkerCAD, OnShape, and Blender.  The development of effective narrative structures will be emphasized so that students learn to use the various media to create intentional works with meaning.  Particular attention will be paid to the design process and students' conscious development of their own creative process.  Sample projects include stop motions, animations, music videos, special effects, and student documentary films. Student work will culminate with a digital portfolio.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or equivalent proficiency
Criteria for Enrollment — Strong interest in computer programming
 
Note: This course can be combined with Exploring Computer Science B (ECS B) to get credit for AP Computer Science Principles.

UC/CSU Subject G Approval

Course Description — Exploring Computer Science A is an introductory computer programming class where students will learn basic coding skills with an emphasis on object-oriented programming.  Students will explore multiple programming languages, including but not limited to JavaScript, Python, and Swift.  Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts such as: variables, looping, conditional statements, functions, graphics. and algorithms that make computers work.  Students will demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in hands-on collaborative lab experiences.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level — 9, 10, 11, 12
Length — One Semester

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Exploring Computer Science A, Algebra 1 Accelerated or equivalent proficiency
Criteria for Enrollment — Strong interest in computer programming 

Note:  This course can be combined with Exploring Computer Science A (ESC A) to get credit for AP Computer Science Principles. 

UC/CSU Subject G Approval 

Course Description — Exploring Computer Science B will build upon the knowledge acquired in ECS A abd facilitate students' basic coding skills with an emphasis on object-oriented programming.  Students will explore multiple programming languages including, but not limited to JavaScript, Python, and Swift.  Students will demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in hands-on collaborative lab experiences.  This course will explore hands-on applications of programming in the fields of robotics, gaming, app development, and virtual reality.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level —10, 11, 12
Length — One Year

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or Algebra 2 Honors
Criteria for Enrollment – Math and Science GPA 3.3 or higher and strong interest in computer programming

NOTE:  Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam administered in May.

UC/CSU Subject C Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations

Course Description — AP Computer Science is the study of information processing and algorithm design in the context of computer programming.  In this course, students learn to write programs in the Java programming language then use Java to solve a variety of computational problems with algorithms of their own design.  Students will be asked to work on programming projects outside of class time, so they should be prepared to use a home computer or use the on-campus computer labs regularly.  

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

Grade Level —10, 11, 12
Length — One Year

Type of Course — Elective
Prerequisite — Algebra 1 Accelerated or Algebra 2 Honors
Criteria for Enrollment – Math and Science GPA 3.3 or higher

NOTE:  Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam in May and complete an APCS P portfolio.  This course is equivalent of ESC A + ESC B.

UC/CSU Subject D Approval
Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations

Course Description — AP Computer Science Principles (APCS P) is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computing.  Assessment for APCS P is divided into two parts, both an end of course exam as well as the creation of artifacts throughout the course.  This course examines a variety of computing topics on a largely conceptual level, and teaches procedural programming.  In the Create "Through-Course Assessment," students must develop a program demonstrated in a video and a written reflection.  The course will primarily utilize the JavaScript and Python programming language but other languages will also be explored.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.