Guidance Dept announces new courses

​The ALJ Guidance Department has announced a number of new courses that will be offered for the 2017-2018 school year. New courses are offered in Mathematics, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Business Education, Cultural Arts and Physical Education. Students will begin registering for courses beginning February 12th. Some courses are subject to a number of requirements, recommendations and/or prerequisites. Students should consult their guidance counsellors for additional information. The following summaries give a description of the new course. For a full description of the courses please refer to the Program of Studies available under “Guidance Department” on the school website.
 
Engineering: Design Thinking:
This semester course is designed for seniors who would like to take a fourth-year mathematics course or a mathematics elective. The course will provide the opportunity to engage in a number of design challenges: open-ended projects that encourage students to work collaboratively to achieve a desired goal within given, limited parameters.
 
AP Human Geography
The AP Human Geography course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.
 
New Jersey History
This semester course will provide insights into the fascinating history of the region from the first settlers to recent immigration patterns. Students will delve into specific topics including the original inhabitants, the settlement of the area by the Dutch and English, the American Revolution, Industrialization, the Civil War, the 1920's, World War II and more contemporary social and cultural issues.
 
American Civics
This semester course will provide an introduction to the foundations of American government and its operation in our present-day society.  Students will study the theoretical and practical aspects of citizenship, its rights and duties; the duties of citizens to each other as members of a political body and to the government.
 
Spanish Language and Culture
This is a beginner course designed to expose students to Spanish culture and initial language skills.  This is an alternative to the traditional Spanish 1 class and is available to classified, eligible students.  The course is designed for students who require additional remedial work to develop basic proficiency levels necessary to succeed in Spanish.  
 
American Sign Language
Advanced grammatical constructions and vocabulary are introduced. Goals for the course include improved conversational fluency as well as continued familiarity with American Deaf culture
 
Shorthand and Personal Notetaking
This course is designed for those interested in learning shorthand, improving their skill and communicating in classmate discussions on a variety of shorthand subjects.  It will focus on speed, efficiency, and privacy of note taking for high school, college classes, and business meetings.
 
Keyboarding & Computer Applications
Keyboarding is a one-semester course designed to help students develop speed and accuracy by learning the touch operation of alphanumeric/keyboard characters.  Students will work with the Microsoft Office Software Suite program, as well as specific typing programs to develop proficiency in business office skills.  
 
Stagecraft
In this semester elective course, students are provided with an opportunity to study staging and set design for school productions. They create stage scenery and props and utilize special techniques for painting scenery. In addition, they learn how to operate stage lighting equipment to create mood, special effects, and lighting patterns.
 
Coaching, Education & Team Building
This Coaching, Education, and Team Building course provides a unique curriculum for students, assisting them in creating a healthy and age-appropriate athletic experience that supports the educational mission of our nation's schools. Students will leave this course with NFHS Certification in both Concussion and Heat Acclimatization.
 
Advanced Health & Nutrition
Proper nutrition can optimize fitness throughout one’s life. This course will help students learn practical tips on how they can model and use proper nutrition for fitness and as a lifelong goal. In addition, strength and conditioning techniques will be taught and implemented, designed for any individual with specific conditioning programs
 
AP Seminar
AP Seminar is the first of two full year courses in the AP Capstone™ program.  It is a college-level thinking and research skills course that explores academic and real-world questions, problems, and issues from different disciplines and from multiple perspectives. Special focus is given to facilitating student learning in collaborative settings, while motivating students to think critically and innovatively about research questions.