Electives

Fifty elective units are required for graduation.

Many of the elective courses below meet both the UC/CSU elective requirements, as well as meeting credit requirements needed for graduation. Those meeting the UC/CSU requirements are noted.

Elective Courses

AP Computer Science

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

11th - 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, Exploring Computer Science, and AP Computer Science Principles or demonstrated proficiency as determined by the course instructor.

The ability to write basic computer programs is a valuable skill not just for computer science majors but for people in almost any field. AP Computer Science is an intensive, college-level introduction to computer programming using the Java programming language. This course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem-solving and algorithm development. No prior programming experience is required or expected, but students should expect the class to move at a challenging pace in order to prepare them for the Advanced Placement Exam.

Note: Students are encouraged to take AP Exam in the spring.

AP Computer Science Principles

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

11th - 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Exploring Computer Science, or demonstrated proficiency as determined by the course instructor.

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

Documentary Film

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

10th - 12th Grade

This one-semester course provides students an opportunity to study the history, structure, and role of the documentary film, as well as the way in which visual messages have great power to inform, educate and persuade an individual. Combining film, history, journalism, and ethics, this seminar will explore the documentary film from every perspective: the content, the director, the audience, and its place in history. Students will learn how to consume and analyze various forms of broadcast media before gaining practical production experience by developing their own voice in a student-made documentary film. This should be regarded as an advanced social science class.

Exploring Computer Science

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

9th - 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1.

Exploring Computer Science is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible tools. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. This is a year-long course consisting of six units, approximately six weeks each. Assignments and instructions are contextualized to be socially relevant and meaningful for a diverse population of students.

Model United Nations

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

10th - 12th Grade

Model United Nations is an elective course for students interested in solving global issues like climate change, refugee crisis, military conflicts, food shortages, or other social issues. This class will prepare students to debate with others and present their arguments in clear ways, supported by effective reasoning and evidence through written position papers as well as formal and informal discussions. Public speaking, discussion, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism are developed in this course that requires students to act as delegates of a country and participate in mock sessions of the United Nations.

Psychology

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

11th - 12th Grade

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behavior, with a focus on the human psyche, personality, and behavior. This course is a survey approach to the study of terms, approaches, theories, and important researchers. Students learn about the brain and nervous system, how we learn and remember information, how we sense and perceive, how we are motivated, and how emotions affect us. The class explores altered states and dreams, psychological disorders, and attitudes towards those who "deviate from the norm." We follow stages in the life cycle from infancy, through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age, and death. We examine methods of therapy and means of dealing with stress. The focal theme will be social psychology -- looking at the interaction between personal psychology and sociology, both how we "tick" as individuals and how we interact with others. Issues to contend with include the following: adolescent development, ethnic/cultural/racial issues, gender relations and discrimination, types of crime and roots of violence.

Publication Design

(Pending UC A-G Approval)

10th - 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Teacher approval.

This hands-on course explores a variety of temporary media topics and skills. New material is presented by the instructor and peer teachers, and students design and create individual and collaborative modules for publication. Students will learn to produce storytelling packages in a variety of digital formats, usually during class with a combination of Google Drive, Adobe Creative Cloud, and several web-based digital and social media apps. Finally, students will write for and design the Encinal Horizon yearbook, Jet Blast newspaper, and other student publications (news website, literary magazine). Students do not need any prior experience to be successful in the design, photography, and media aspects of the course.

Sociology

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

11th - 12th Grade

This one-semester elective course introduces students to the basic tenets of sociology. Students learn about socialization, characteristics of groups, inequality, ethnicity, gender, and cultural outliers. Students reflect on their own social situations while learning about social theory and the thinkers who have influenced the field. There is an emphasis on understanding the self in relation to social forces, patterns, and problems. In this course, students will not only gain an understanding of some of the major theories, approaches, historical and contemporary studies, and applications of sociology, but they will be invited and trained to think like sociologists. Students will be asked to apply their sociological knowledge to design and conduct their own studies and experiments and to develop their own conclusions. The course should be regarded as an advanced social science for students who excel in critical thinking. Students are exposed to college-level readings and ideas.

Student Government

9th - 12th Grade

Prerequisite: Application and interview process; teacher approval.

Student Government assists the student government officers in serving the student body and the school. Subjects such as how to plan and conduct meetings, budgetary procedures, election procedures, fundraising, and working within the community are covered. Those enrolled in the class will work towards the following goals: to improve and enhance the quality of student government, foster better relationships throughout the community, and open and maintain constructive channels of communication. The course is required of all elected student body officers. Approximately 10 hours a quarter is required of all students outside of the student day. Students need to choose to be a part of Link Crew (EHS Ambassadors) or ASB.

Teacher's Assistant

10th - 12th Grade

Prerequisite: 2.5 cumulative GPA and 96% positive attendance and promptness; teacher approval; application process.

Interested in being a teacher assistant or helping out a teacher and their classes as a teacher’s assistant? Interested students may get an application in the first two weeks of each semester. Students must contact teachers and both parties must agree to the application. Prerequisites are strictly adhered to.

Other Resources

2023-2024 Course Catalog

2023-2024 Course Catalog

Department Members

Elective Instructors