Advanced

For students currently enrolled in a traditional course who wish to take an honors course in the same subject (excluding Math, Science, and Spanish), the following criteria must be met: 

• Maintain an overall A average in the current traditional course
• Obtain a recommendation signature from the current traditional teacher and/or the upcoming honors teacher
• Adhere to the St. Benedict at Auburndale attendance policy
• Provide a parent signature of approval

For Math, Science, and Spanish, in addition to the above requirements, students may be required to complete an honors entrance test administered by the respective department and achieve a minimum grade set by the department chair.

Students currently enrolled in an honors course wishing to continue in that subject area must: 

• Maintain an overall A or B average in the current honors course
• Obtain a recommendation signature from the current honors teacher
• Adhere to the St. Benedict at Auburndale attendance policy
• Provide a parent signature of approval

All transfer students wanting to enroll in any Math, Science and/or Spanish honors courses must take honors testing regardless of previous classes. 

Students have the opportunity to enroll in Dual Enrollment courses in collaboration with the University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University, enabling them to earn college credit while still in high school.

English I Honors
Prerequisites: Pre-ACT Placement Test Scores and Transcript Evaluation
Grade 9
1 credit
Offers an introduction to the four-year honors literature program that develops analytical skills used in novels, short stories, poetry, dramas and essays. It provides the basic terminology used in literary analysis, acquaints students with major movements in literary criticism, relates literature to other arts and portrays the development of Western literary heritage from classical mythology to present day. A varied writing program seeks to refine writing skills. Research skills in the traditional as well as electronic areas round out the curriculum and give the students means to become independent learners. A research paper is required.

English II Honors
Prerequisite: English I
Grade 10
1 credit
Presents a genre approach to American literature concentrating on the American novel, poetry from the colonial time-period through the twentieth century, the short story and American drama. This course seeks to develop skills in the area of writing, reading comprehension and grammar as well as analytical and critical thinking skills. A research paper is required.

English III Honors
Prerequisite: English II
Grade 11
1 credit
Presents a survey of British literature with an emphasis on Renaissance literature. The works concentrate on history and its relationship to literature of the respective periods. Outside reading is required. A research paper is required. The course prepares students for Advanced Placement Literature in their senior year.

English IV Honors
Prerequisite: English III
Grade 12
1 credit
To prepare senior honors students for the rigorous reading demands of college literature courses. This course presents poetry, prose, short stories, drama, novels and analysis of literary movements through time and across cultures. A reading list with some selections from the Advanced Placement list of recommended works is used to provide outside readings. A research paper is required.

English IV Dual Enrollment Honors
Prerequisite: English III
Grade 12
1 credit
Dual Enrollment combines English 1010 (fall), English 1020 (spring), and categories of writing, conventions of writing and the ways and means of writing academic discourse. This knowledge will come to you from the course text, the instructor and the classroom activities. World Literature novels will be read. These novels will provide opportunities for discussion, quizzes and writing. English is a course designed to help further polish the critical reading, thinking, and writing skills required of undergraduate scholars. Through such design, the course will help with scholarly prose and the rich and varied languages that are already explored in the next semester, as well as introduce other ways of writing required of undergraduate intellectuals. These ways of writing include both interpreting texts and producing researched academic and argumentative discourse. English 1020 will be taught in the spring semester and will include a separate syllabus and grading system.

Algebra I Honors
Prerequisites: Pre-ACT Placement Test Scores, Transcript Evaluation
Grade 9
1 credit
This course consists of the traditional Algebra I material presented at a challenging and accelerated pace. This course covers algebraic techniques, important to future success in advanced mathematics and science classes. In addition to the traditional material, Honors Algebra I students cover an introduction to complex numbers and coordinate geometry.

Geometry Honors
Prerequisite: A in Algebra I; Teacher Recommendation
Rising freshman only: Pre-ACT Placement Test Scores, Transcript Evaluation
Grades 9, 10
1 credit
An advanced course developed from undefined terms, definitions, postulates, and theorems. The fundamentals of Euclidean Geometry are covered with an emphasis on
inductive and deductive reasoning and the nature of proof. Topics include angle relationships, parallel lines and planes, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. Other topics include coordinate geometry, areas of plane figures, and surface areas and volumes of solid figures. In addition, transformations, constructions, and the Pythagorean Theorem are covered.

Algebra II Honors
Prerequisite: 85+ Geometry Honors or A in Geometry, Teacher Recommendation
Grades 10, 11
1 credit
A review and continuation of the principles learned in Algebra I with emphasis placed on word problems. It covers algebraic techniques important to success in future mathematics and science courses. The course includes analyzing and solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and inequalities and rational expressions and equations. The course also explores polynomials, radical expressions, matrices, trig functions and conics. Students use a graphing calculator to illustrate and analyze functions, particularly exponential and logarithmic functions. Sequences and series are also introduced.

Pre-Calculus Honors
Prerequisite: 85+ Algebra II Honors or A in Algebra II,
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Teacher Recommendation
Prepares students specifically for AP Calculus. It combines all previously learned mathematical properties into one of complete analysis. Topics include series and sequences, functions and their graphs, and an in-depth study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. In addition, trigonometric identities, vectors, and conic sections are covered. Limits and derivatives are discussed as time permits.

Calculus Honors
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus, Teacher Recommendation
Grade 12
1 credit
Designed for the student interested in Calculus without emphasis on theoretical detail found in AP course. The course will incorporate use of algebra, numeric and geometric concepts, and will include limits, continuity, differentiations, integration and some discussions of calculus of trigonometric and exponential functions. It will primarily stress applications of derivatives and integrals as they relate to business, economics and geometry and will develop problem-solving strategies related to such areas.

College Algebra/Trigonometry Dual Enrollment Honors
Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors
Grade 12
1 credit
Dual Enrollment combines Math 1710 (fall), Math 11720 (spring). Analysis of functions (linear, quadratic, polynomial, root, rational, exponential, logarithmic); partial fractions; conic sections; theory of equations; inequalities; applications. Circular functions; inverse circular functions, graphs of circular and inverse functions, identities, equations, angles, trigonometric functions, solution of triangles, elementary application of vectors; trigonometric form of complex numbers.

Physical Science Honors
Prerequisites: Pre-ACT Placement Test Scores, Transcript Evaluation
Grade 9
1 credit
An introductory course that involves the student in an investigation of some of the basic concepts and processes of science. This honors class will be an introduction to measurement and information gathering techniques used by scientists, along with an examination of basic principles of phenomena such as motion, gravity, energy and heat. This fastpaced class will involve additional projects and papers. Laboratory experiments will enable the students to further investigate scientific principles as they apply to the world.

Biology Honors
Prerequisites: Physical Science Honors
Grades 9, 10
1 credit
Rising freshman only: Pre-ACT Placement Test Scores, Transcript Evaluation
A challenging course designed for the student who anticipates a science-based career, desires an accelerated, comprehensive program, and intends to take advanced courses in science. Instruction will emphasize laboratory investigations, and independent research and analysis. Students begin with cell biology- its chemistry, structure, function, cell division and metabolism; botany- photosynthesis, plant formation and function; human anatomy and physiology; genetics and ecology. A research paper or science project is a requirement. The level of difficulty is strenuous. The amount of homework required will be approximately five hours per week.

Chemistry Honors
Prerequisites: Biology, Geometry Grades 10, 11
1 credit
An in-depth course recommended for students planning studies in science
related fields at the collegiate level. Covers the same topics as the traditional chemistry course and continues with topics covered in university level general chemistry. A strong emphasis on problem analysis and solving requires more understanding of mathematical principles. Knowledge and skills are intended to improve students’ ability to make decisions, solve problems, understand the scientific process, show them the interrelationship of chemistry in everyday life and better prepare them for college-level chemistry and other sciences.

Physics Honors
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
An accelerated course with an emphasis on classic mechanics solving. Specifically, these topics will be studied in detail: 1) kinematics in 1 and 2 dimensions 2) circular motion 3) force 4) rotational mechanics 5) work and energy 6) linear momentum and collisions 7) mechanical waves and sound 8) center of mass 9) statistics and equilibrium. All topics will be covered with a full range of mathematical applications and models. However, no calculus is required for the course. 

Anatomy and Physiology Honors
Prerequisite: Chemistry
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Covers the basics of human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is on the structure and function of the biological systems of the human body. Subjects covered include anatomical terms, histology, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and other body systems as time allows. Additional emphasis is made on critical concept thinking. Appropriate lab work, which includes mammal dissection, and lab report writing are essential parts of the course.

Public Health Dual Enrollment Honors
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry
Grades 11, 12
½ credit
This dual enrollment course is the Biology 101 Public Health course offered in partnership with Christian Brothers University. This course provides students with an introduction to fundamental concepts and approaches underlying public health. Topics covered include evidence and prevention-based perspectives on health; the social context of health and health disparities; environment and health; health and our food system; the role of community in public health; effective public health interventions; ethical issues in public health; and future directions in public health. Special focus will be paid to the South, Memphis, and the topic of HIV/AIDS.

Principles of Engineering Honors
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
This course is intended to be a follow-on course to Introduction to Engineering Design but can also be taken independently. Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. For the honors course, the classes will be involved in several advanced engineering projects that will require the use of basic and advanced Algebra. Students must be already enrolled in honors mathematics courses or be eligible to be in an honors mathematics course.

World History Honors
Prerequisite: None
Grade 10
1 credit
The honors section of this class is similar in content to the traditional world history class. One of the major differences will be the level of difficulty of the assessments. It will
teach students about the history of the world around them and help them understand how and why events occurred. It will cover the following areas: Early Civilization, Early Modern Times, Enlightenment and Revolutions, Industrialism and World Wars. Students will be required to take notes from lectures, outline chapters and movies, participate in class discussions, and remain current on all reading assignments.

United States History Honors
Prerequisite: World History
Grade 11
1 credit
The Honors U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the conflicts and issues that have arisen throughout U.S. history. It is similar in content to an abbreviated version of the AP U.S. History course. Textbook chapters are shorter; assessments are less rigorous and cover less material. However, please be advised that an honors level curriculum requires more work and dedication than a traditional course.

Government Honors
Prerequisite: U.S. History
Grade 12
½ credit
Designed as an in-depth study of the founding and growth of the U.S. Government. Students will study and discuss Constitutional theory and look at the individual roles of the government and those in elected office. The U.S. political system and current issues will be an additional part of the course.

Economics Honors
Prerequisite: U.S. History
A recommendation from the most recent math teacher is required
Grade 12
½ credit
Honors Economics introduces the key principles in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course will cover various models used to analyze how a market economy allocates scarce resources, supply and demand, and the role of competition in markets. Additionally, students will use these models to determine the economic effect of policy actions, both fiscal and monetary, in our society. Students will be expected to apply principles to real life scenarios to predict outcomes in the economy. The course curriculum will include economic experiments and discussion of current events that are relative to the economy.

Spanish II Honors
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Rising freshman only: Placement Test Scores
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Designed for linguistically talented students as a continuation of Spanish I with greater emphasis on all communication skills including advanced grammar and vocabulary. Students will acquire the past tenses and be introduced to the future tense. The second year continues to broaden the student’s knowledge of the history and the culture of the Hispanic world. Students may elect to travel to a Spanish speaking country in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the language and culture.

Spanish III Honors
Prerequisite: Spanish II
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Review Spanish grammar and vocabulary taught in Spanish I and II. Students
will be taught more complex grammar structures, including the subjunctive and sequencing of tenses. Emphasis is on listening, discussing, and reading in the Spanish language. Students gradually acquire control of the language. Students may elect to travel to a Spanish speaking country in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the language and culture.

Spanish IV Honors
Prerequisite: Spanish III Honors
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
This course is conducted in Spanish and includes work in culture, grammar,
conversation and composition. Students continue their progression of reading and writing stories in Spanish. Students will read a variety of Spanish literature. Students may elect to travel to a Spanish speaking country in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the language and culture.

French II Honors
Prerequisite: French I Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Designed for linguistically talented students as a continuation of French I with greater emphasis on communication and writing skills. Two research presentations (oral and written) are required. Students may travel to France when the opportunity permits. 

French III Honors/Dual Enrollment Honors
Prerequisite: French II
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Continues the multi-sensory learning process from French II by continuing the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students continue to expand their study of the language through reading and lectures on the literature, history and culture of France and the lands where French is spoken. They continue to hear and read stories, hear and sing songs, and hear and see instructional audio and video presentations to assist them in the learning of the language. More time is spent with pronunciation drills and writing assignments. Students may travel to France when the opportunity permits. At least one quarter is devoted to the study of the novel, Le Petit Prince.

French IV Honors/Dual Enrollment Honors
Prerequisite: French III Honors
Grade 12
1 credit
Continues the multi-sensory learning process from French III by continuing
the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students continue to expand their study of the language through reading and research assignments on the literature, history and culture of France and the lands where French is spoken. More time is devoted to pronunciation and writing.

They continue to hear and read stories, hear and sing songs, and hear and see instructional audio and video presentations. Students work with numerous study props to assist them in the learning of the language. They also continue to explore French cuisine, fashion, music and art, and they may travel to France when the opportunity permits.

Latin II Honors
Prerequisite: Latin I
Grades 10, 11, 12
1 credit
Begins with the same curriculum as Latin II Traditional but with additional
requirements. These include but are not limited to summer reading of one of the books suggested by the instructor, and an additional research project.

Latin III Honors
Latin II or Teacher recommendation
Grades 11, 12
1 credit
Continues to build on knowledge acquired in Latin 1 and 2 with a focus on Roman literary heritage, including poetry, comedy, history, grammar, oratory, philosophy, and liturgical texts. Projects will stem from information acquired in the translations. Summer reading requirement.

Latin IV Honors
Prerequisite: Latin III Honors
Grade 12
1 credit
Continues and expands on all the above. Students will read selections from Cicero, Ovid, Terence, Caesar, St. Augustine, Erasmus, etc. The language’s vast 2,500-year history will be on full display. Projects will include making Latin come alive. Summer reading requirement.

***Most classes in the Fine Arts Department require students to attend at least one theatrical performance a year. Music and Band classes may also require student participation outside of regular class hours.

Music

Concert Choir Honors
Prerequisite: Audition is required; 2 years of Choir 
Grade 12 
1 credit 
Honors Choir is for outstanding senior vocalists who have completed at least two years of choir classes. Students enrolled in Honors will be placed in one of the other ensembles and must complete all the course work for that ensemble in addition to the following: complete an honors portfolio, audition for regional honor choir (1st quarter), complete at least one out of class performance (recital, musical, etc., first semester), and perform a solo aria at the spring concert.

Concert Band
Prerequisite: One or more years of reading/playing music
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 credit
Honors credit for juniors OR seniors (only one year) not taking AP Music Theory may be given by the instructor. Honors credit is gained by performing two solos and requires private lessons. Students are required to audition for All West with one of the two solos.
This class is composed of woodwind, brass, and percussion players looking to play fun and engaging music. Students should have prior experience in a band, have taken lessons, or have completed beginning band. During this course, students will develop music literacy, music theory, and auditory skills. Musical selections will come from a large range of genres such as classical, contemporary, and pop. This group is a competitive ensemble, competing at Concert Festival and other festivals in the spring. Students should expect to prepare for 3-4 concerts a year as well as a trip we take every fourth quarter. Standard band instruments include flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, baritones, and tubas. Students are required to attend after school rehearsals and concerts unless excused by the director. Students in Concert Band are required to be a part of pep band.

Chamber Orchestra
Prerequisite: One or more years of reading/playing music
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 1 credit
Honors credit for juniors OR seniors (only one year) not taking AP Music Theory may be given by the instructor. Honors credit is gained by performing two solos and requires private lessons. Students are required to audition for All West with one of the two solos.
This class is open to any student who plays an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Students must have prior experience playing their instrument. Students will play a variety of classical and contemporary string music. Students will develop skills in music literacy, music theory, and auditory skills and will continue to build a strong fundamental playing level on their instrument. This group is a competitive ensemble, competing at Concert Festival and other festivals in the spring. Students should expect to prepare for 3-4 concerts a year as well as a trip we take every fourth quarter. Students are required to attend after school rehearsals and concerts unless excused by the director. Students in Orchestra are required to be a part of pep band. 

Chamber Orchestra
Prerequisite: One or more years of reading/playing music 
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 
1 credit
Honors credit for juniors OR seniors (only one year) not taking AP Music Theory may be given by the instructor. Honors credit is gained by performing two solos and requires private lessons. Students are required to audition for All West with one of the two solos.

This class is open to any student who plays an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Students must have prior experience playing their instrument. Students will play a variety of classical and contemporary string music. Students will develop skills in music literacy, music theory, and auditory skills and will continue to build a strong fundamental playing level on their instrument. This group is a competitive ensemble, competing
at Concert Festival and other festivals in the spring. Students should expect to prepare for 3-4 concerts a year as well as a trip we take every fourth quarter. Students are required to attend after school rehearsals and concerts unless excused by the director. Students in Orchestra are
required to be a part of pep band.

Theatre

Advanced Technical Theatre
Prerequisites: By application 
Grades 10, 11, 12 
1 credit 
Honors credit for juniors or seniors (only one year) may be given by the instructor.
Advanced Technical Theatre provides intensive work in lighting, sound, and set design, along with hands-on experience operating lights, sound, and constructing sets for the Theatre Program's productions each semester. Students are required to run lights and sound during the run of each production and/or serve as the backstage crew.