The Computer Studies curriculum offers students an opportunity to understand and use computers and related hardware and software. All students are required to complete a minimum of a one-semester computer course to meet the SAS graduation requirement. Depending upon their interests, students can choose between introductory, networking, and programming courses.

Microsoft Office Fundamentals

Number: 44500       Grade: 9-11         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies

This course is designed for the student who needs an introduction on how to effectively use and integrate the components of the Microsoft Office. Additional topics will include basic digital photo manipulation, Internet and online database research, common PC hardware components, and Microsoft Windows features. This is an introductory course designed for non-technical students with minimal computer skills who would like to develop a solid foundation in computer use.

Emerging Computer Technologies

Number: 44501       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies

This survey course provides students with a background of current computer trends and a chance to explore a wide range of the most recent advances in hardware gadgets, software, and web-ware. This hands-on, project-based, course will explore new technologies (i.e., cell phones, PDAs, GPS, Bluetooth, Blue-ray, HD), web based applications (i.e., blogging, advanced browsers, webcasting, Wikis, video streaming, Flickr), online social networks (i.e., Facebook, MySpace), cyber crimes, identity theft, and web safety. Computer applications such as the following may also be introduced: advanced features of Microsoft Office suite, Acrobat, Premier, Photoshop, Flash, Inspiration, as well as online and open source applications. The course is dynamic and will adjust its focus to address and explore emerging technologies. This course is recommended for self-motivated students who have an interest in learning through discovery and working in teams while exploring new technologies.

Foundations of 3D Graphics and Animation

Number: 44525       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies/Visual Arts

This course is designed for students with an interest in computer generated imagery (CGI). As a foundation course, this course must be completed before advancing to other CGI courses. Students will learn the basic concepts behind animation and 3D development using an industrial standard 3D application such as Maya 7.5. The course will cover the basic methods of creating objects and characters in three-dimensional space. Students will also learn shading, texturing, rendering, and the use of dynamics to make creations appear realistic. A copy of Maya Personal Learning Edition will be provided to students so they can practice skills outside of class.

Advanced 3D Graphics and Animation

Number: 44526       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Visual Arts/Computer Studies

Prerequisite: Foundations of 3D Graphics and Animation

This course will build upon the skills developed in the Introduction to 3D Graphics and Animation. Students will continue to explore the 3D design world in the creation of more advanced characters and models. Students will use their creative abilities to develop a unique character which will be further developed through advanced texturing techniques to give the character a realistic appearance. Animation techniques will be explored and applied to the character as the student continues to develop their creations in a “living” model.

Building a PC and Home Network

Number: 44503       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies

This course is designed to teach students the fundamental hardware and software skills needed to assemble and repair a personal computer. Students will also create a wired and wireless network. In addition, students will learn additional skills often used in the creation of “LAN Parties.” This class is designed to give the students technical knowledge through a hands-on lab approach. While no prior technical skills are required for this course, students must be able to work in small groups. Most home and personal PC and networking needs will be met through this course.

Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design

Number: 44527       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies

This course is designed to teach students the necessary skills to produce a variety of documents for publication and display. Students will learn proper design and layout techniques required by the publication industry and will learn to create and produce posters, magazine covers, advertisements, pamphlets, and CD/DVD covers and jackets. The industry accepted software packages Adobe InDesign CS and Photoshop CS will be utilized. No prior experience is necessary for this course, however, students will be expected to push their limits of creativity to design, develop, and showcase their skills. This class is recommended for any student willing to be creative and explore the many exciting dimensions of print communication.

Web Page Authoring

Number: 44510       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies

The purpose of the Web Page Authoring course is to provide the student with a solid background in the use of the World Wide Web, Internet browsers, and web page design tools, including Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Flash. The student will master HTML tags to obtain a basic knowledge of how HTML is able to convey instructions to web browsers. This knowledge base will allow the student to analyze the products of other web page authors to determine how more advanced HTML tags are able to accomplish complex tasks. The student will then be able to use and evaluate the features of different web page authoring programs. Emphasis will be placed on the production of professional quality web pages with a proper balance of text and graphics.

Hypermedia

Number: 44508       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Computer Studies

This course is an introduction to the world of interactive multimedia. Students learn how to combine graphics, text, and sound into interactive movies. Using Macromedia’s Flash, students design characters and create simple animations using static graphics. The characters are then “brought to life” as students learn to modify the graphics, giving them the illusion of movement. Simple scripting is introduced, allowing more control over the animation. Students will learn how to integrate their Flash creations into a standard HTML web page. The course is project-oriented, and a large part of student evaluation is based on lab exercises that meet the individual interests of students. Projects may include web sites, presentation CD-ROMs, animations, learning aids, and games. Students should expect to spend time outside of regular class hours to complete larger projects. This is a hands-on, learn-by-doing course; students should be self-motivated and capable of independent work.

Journalism: Advanced Yearbook

Number: 46402       Grade: 10-12       Length: Year               Credit: Elective or Computer Studies (see below)

Prerequisite: Instructor’s approval

This is a magazine production course whose final product is the school yearbook, the Islander. Students will study news, feature and sports writing, caption and headline writing, magazine design and layout, photography, graphic design and reproduction processes. All students will write copy and lay out pages in one or more sections of the book. This work requires competence with a word-processing program; students will learn how to use the InDesign and Photoshop programs on Macintosh computers. Coverage of all school events and production deadlines will require students to work after school and on some weekends. This course may be repeated and will be listed as Advanced Yearbook (course #46402). Completion of the second year of this course will fulfill the SAS Computer Studies requirement.

Computer Programming

AP Computer Science A

Number: 44520       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: Computer Studies

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I. Grade nine students must have the permission of the instructor.

AP Computer Science A is a full-year course designed to teach the fundamentals of programming with the Java programming language. The course curriculum is based upon the requirements set forth by the College Board. There is no programming prerequisite for this course. It is designed to serve as a first course in computer science or as a course for people who will major in other disciplines that require significant involvement with computing. Computer Science A emphasizes programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving, algorithm development, and object orient programming (OOP). A large part of the course is built around the design, creation, and testing of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solves a given problem. This year long course is identical to a first semester programming course taught at most universities; therefore, students are expected to commit to a daily schedule of programming and studying activities.

AP Computer Science AB

Number: 44532       Grade: 11-12       Length: Year Credit:   Computer Studies

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Computer Science A or permission of instructor.

AP Computer Science AB is designed to complete the study of the fundamentals of computer science. Computer Science AB includes a review of all of the topics of AP Computer Science A, as well as a more formal and in-depth study of more advanced OOP concepts and programming skill. A strong theme throughout the second half of the course is abstract data typing and the ability of an object-oriented language to improve upon the implementation of user defined data types. It is assumed that the student already possesses the ability to program in Java. Students are expected to commit to a daily routine of programming and studying activities.