Georgetown Prep Course Descriptions

ART

Senior Studio Art 1 credit. This production-oriented course that focuses on still life, portraiture, figure, and landscape, is open to students with some art background and a general interest in drawing and painting. The submission of a piece of art that integrates the work of each semester replaces the mid-term and final examination.

AP Art History 1 credit. The course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts and methods of Art History and Art Criticism through an analysis of the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the Western civilization from the Up per-Paleolithic period to the present post-modern age. In addition to developing the critical faculties for visual analysis, students examine the socio-political, religious, and intellectual context for different movements in art. This course fulfills the Social Studies requirement for senior year.

AP Studio Art 1 credit. This course is designed for highly motivated art students who will produce a comprehensive portfolio containing a concentration and a breadth of artwork.

Visual Studio .5 credit. The Visual Studio is designed to meet the needs of those seniors who have not fulfilled Fine Art graduation requirement. Visual studio also fulfills the same requirement for those students who transfer into the school after the freshman year. Visual Studio is a one-semester course which investigates the formal elements of Art. This goal is achieved by studying art theory and art history. Art production and art criticism round out the remainder of the course.

Technical Theater 1 credit. Tech Theater, a year long, one credit course, is designed to introduce students to the technical dimensions of theater production. Students work individually and in design teams on such topics as production management and theater organization, technical drawing and design using CAD, set construction, lighting, and rigging. Class meets after school.

Freshman Art .5 credit requirement. A half-year foundation course that introduces students to the elements of art and some of the important styles in 20th Century Art.

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

AP Latin IV:Virgil 1 credit. Latin IV studies Virgil's Aeneid, the poem which is the supreme literary expression of Roman achievement and aspiration and at the same time a work of universal appeal. The reading embraces the following: accurate knowledge of grammar, rhetoric, and metrics; the content of the whole poem in order to see its artistry of structure and the relation of parts to whole; the Greek and Roman literary background; the political and social context; the influence of the poem on later literature; some introduction to the modern criticism. Prerequisite: successful completion of Latin III and departmental approval.

*        Other courses offered: Latin I and II [required], Latin III, AP Latin V: Horace.  

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Advanced Computer Programming 1 credit. This course offers in-depth training in the Programming language C on the UNIX platform. The student will learn the C programming language, and its use in the UNIX application development platform. Emphasis is placed on event-driven application programming, and object orientation via the C++ superset. Using state-of-the-art equipment and platforms, the students will develop advanced applications both as individuals and as members of working teams. The class also explores seminal writing in the field in a seminar setting. Prerequisite: instructor approval; successful completion of Algebra II.  

ENGLISH

AP Language and Composition 1 credit. A course for those who wish to become superior writers, this seminar is designed to make each student a skilled reader of prose written in a variety of periods and disciplines, and a writer flexible enough to compose in a variety of modes and for a variety of purposes. The student will examine various expository and creative texts, with an eye towards recognizing each as a potential model for his own prose. A number of papers will be assigned each quarter, ranging in length from one paragraph to 10 pages. The teacher will guide the student through the process of drafting, response by peers/teacher, and substantive revision. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

AP Literature and Composition 1 credit. This course is a college-level seminar in literary analysis. Students read, discuss, and write about a variety of texts from a variety of cultures and literary epochs. The course is taught with an eye towards the AP exam in May: throughout the year, students are graded on their facility with analysis, interpretation, and expression. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

English IV From the list of four courses below, seniors choose a separate course for the fall and spring semester. Each course must be successfully completed with a passing grade [70 and above] in order to receive the required one credit in English for senior year.

English IV: Utopia or Dystopia: 20^th Century Visions of the “Perfect Society” in Literature  1 semester  Can you imagine living in a society run and controlled by Amazon women?  Better yet, how about being a worker in a society where there is no emotion or feeling?  What if we had a government that watched your every move with video cameras…wait…sound familiar?  Then, there’s everyone’s concept of the perfect world—a beach paradise of single adults where “nothing could go wrong…”  In the class, we will explore several different kinds of Utopias created by 20^th century authors.  Together, we will read, analyze and write about the texts as we search for the motives behind each vision that idealizes or criticizes their respective societies.  Hopefully, we will also understand what these Utopias can show us about our own views of the “perfect world.”  From this, we will be creating our own Utopias (or Dystopias), forcing us to think about those social conditions in need of change in the world today.  Ultimately, we will look at essential questions:  Can a perfect society ever be achieved? What are the elements of a “perfect society?”  What are the components of each author’s “Utopian” vision?  Why have authors tried to create perfect societies?  We will read a variety of books, including classic, modern, and children’s literature.  In addition, we will explore our own society through magazines, commercials and short stories and examine other Utopian visions in film, television and poetry.  At least six essays (including one research assignment) will be assigned during the semester.

English IV: Blues Literature. 1 semester. The blues is a uniquely American phenomenon. Born in the fields of the Mississippi Delta at the beginning of the Twentieth Century, blues music pervades contemporary music, literature and culture. This class will examine the beginnings of the musical form as a response to the despair and endurance of recently freed African Americans and trace the blues idiom in song, novels, poetry and film. Texts will include Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, I Am One of You Forever (in conjunction with O Brother, Where Art Thou?) and Blues Poems. Many of our texts, however, are the songs themselves, and we will listen to and discuss blues and blues-influenced music throughout the semester. At least six essays and a research project will be assigned each semester.

English IV: The Hero in Literature 1 semester. The critic Northrup Frye has said "fictions may be classified...by their hero's power of action." This course will examine the concept of the hero as it has evolved through the five epochs of Western literature, beginning with the earliest examples of heroism [Moses, Jesus, Heracles, Prometheus], through the romantic hero [King Arthur, Lancelot, Fisher King], to high mimetic [Henry V], low mimetic [Robert Jordan], and ironic [Francis Phelan]. Texts will include selections from Greek, Roman, Norse myth, as well as selections from the Old and New Testaments, The Once and Future King by T. H. White, Henry V by William Shakespeare, For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, and Ironweed by William Kennedy. Quizzes and tests will be given on a regular basis, but the emphasis of the course is on writing. At least six essays [including one research project] will be assigned each semester and there will be a semester exam.

English IV: Introduction to Film as Literature. 1 semester. This course is an introduction to film as a narrative art form. By utilizing what they already know about narrative literature-the novel, the short story, and drama--the course will help students discover the aesthetic qualities of film. Students will apply the two basic principles of film analysis--identification and interpretation--to the viewing of various films. Texts: Students will read Gianetti's Understanding Movies as well as various articles and reviews. They will view at least three films each quarter. Likely titles include Psycho (Hitchcock, 1960), The Conversation (Coppola, 1973), Taxi Driver (Scorcese, 1976), Citizen Kane (Welles, 1941), The Wild Bunch (Peckinpah, 1969), and Do The Right Thing (Lee, 1989). Quizzes and tests will be given on a regular basis. At least six essays (including one research project) will be assigned during the semester.

MATHEMATICS

AP Calculus BC 1 credit. Calculus BC is an extension of Calculus AB. Calculus BC follows the College Board syllabus, but also includes some additional topics. The course emphasizes a multi-presentational approach to calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed according to the Rule of 4: 1)graphically, 2)numerically, 3)analytically (i.e. algebraically), 4)verbally. Using technology [a TI-83 graphic calculator is required] is an important part of the course. 60 minutes of homework per night is expected. All students are required to sit for the AP Exam in May. Prerequisites: placement by the Math department; successful completion of Calculus AB.

AP Calculus AB 1 credit. Calculus AB closely follows the College Board syllabus. The course emphasizes a multi-presentational approach to calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed according to the Rule of 4: 1)graphically, 2)numerically, 3)analytically (i.e. algebraically), 4)verbally. Using technology [a TI-83 graphic calculator is required] is an important part of the course. 60 minutes of homework per night is expected. All students are required to sit for the AP Exam in May. Prerequisites: successful completion of Algebra 3/Trig or Precalculus or a satisfactory score on the Calculus Qualifying Test administered by the department.

Introduction to Calculus 1 credit. This course is divided into 2 parts each about a semester long. Part I launches a study of the elementary functions-polynomial, rational, linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigometric and inverse trigometric-according to the Rule OF 4: 1)graphically, 2)numerically, 3)analytically (i.e. algebraically), 4) verbally. Part I is calculus driven with a strong emphasis on rate of change. Part II begins the study of calculus. The concept of limits, the derivative and the definite integral are studied, culminating in a study of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Using technology [a TI-83 graphic calculator is required] is an important part of the course. 60 minutes of homework per night is expected. This course is roughly equivalent to a semester of college calculus and is primarily for Juniors. Prerequisites: placement by the Math department; successful completion of Algebra 2, Algebra II/Trig, Algebra 3/Trig, or Precalculus.

Precalculus 1 credit. Precalculus is designed to prepare students for college calculus. The course emphasizes a multi-presentational approach to calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed according to the Rule of 4: 1)graphically, 2)numerically, 3)analytically (i.e. algebraically), 4)verbally. Using technology [a TI-83 graphic calculator is required] is an important part of the course. 50 minutes of homework per night is expected. Placement by Department. Prerequisites: successful completion of Algebra 2, Algebra II/Trig, Algebra 3/Trig.

Advanced Placement Statistics 1 credit. A standard course in college-level statistics; topics covered will include regression analysis, correlation and causation, randomization and experiment design, probability models, confidence intervals and study of the lives and theories of those thinkers who will have contributed significantly to the process of this science: Galileo, Fermat, Pascal, Bernoulli, Keynes, and Stephen Jay Gould. On completion of the course, the student will be prepared to sit for the AP Exam in Statistics. This course will fulfill neither the mathematics nor the social studies requirements for senior year, though it will count as one of the six courses minimally required for all seniors. Prerequisite: permission of mathematics and social studies department and completion of Algebra II/Trig.

*        Other courses offered: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2, Algebra II/Trig, Algebra 3/Trig.  

MODERN LANGUAGES

French, German, and Spanish are offered to all students. Levels 1 and 2 concentrate on basic vocabulary and grammar, as well as geography, culture, and current events. Level 3 focuses on improving conversational and writing skills. AP courses are offered to those students who meet curriculum requirements. Two levels of the same modern language are required.

AP French 1 credit. AP French concentrates on a wide variety of reading material. Students discuss and evaluate content of such works as Le Petit Nicolas, Le Petit Prince, as well as selections by Beckett, Moliere, and La Fontane. In addition. Le Journal Francais d'Amerique, and the videos French Action, and Le Journal News are used.

AP German 1 credit. AP German emphasizes conversational fluency in discussions of stories by the classic writers Goethe and Schiller, as well as Rainer Maria Rilke, Gunther Grass, and Heinrich Boll. Comprehension skills are refined by working with the series Alltag in Deutschland.

AP Spanish 1 credit. This course is designed to prepare students to score highly on the AP Spanish Language Examination. There is a review of the material studied in Spanish I, II, III; and study and practice of advanced structures and idioms added. The emphasis is on communicating in Spanish. A text for AP Spanish and tapes, a review text in grammar, and readings from newspapers, magazines, and other materials together with video material are the nucleus of the course. Notes by the teacher are used to extend, clarify, and drill advanced structures. There is a variety of methods used for increasing knowledge and use of Spanish, such as written reports, oral presentations, and interviews with native speakers of Spanish.  

MUSIC

Sophomore Music .5 credit requirement A foundation course that covers an overview of basic Western Musical notation, acoustical foundations of common instruments, and a brief history of Western Music from the Medieval Era through the early 20th century.

SCIENCE

Introduction to Physics 1 credit. Since physics in its conceptual form is the most basic of all sciences, and whose ideas are fundamental to the more complicated sciences of biology and chemistry, this introductory course provides an excellent beginning in preparation for the other science courses offered at Georgetown Prep.  It also offers to those who may not intend to pursue a science, engineering or math major in college a rich conceptual understanding of physics, especially as it applies to the world we live in.  The course covers all the core concepts of physics, while minimizing the abstract calculation-intensive areas of the field.  This course covers topics in Kinematics, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, heat, waves sound, light optics and basic atomic theory.  Conversion of energy is the underlying theme.  Laboratory experiments are used to help understand the topics being considered.  A conceptual approach to the learning of physics stressed.  

The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation.  Since this class is an introductory course in physics, there are no specific prerequisites.  A working knowledge of mathematics and geometry is most helpful.  Those who seek to perform well on SAT II and Advanced Placed Physics tests should consider taking Honors Physics or Advanced Placement Physics when qualified.    

Physics 1 credit. General Physics is an introductory high school physics course designed primarily for those students who intend to take few, if any, college-level sciences. The course covers all the core concepts of physics, while minimizing the abstract, highly technical, and calculation-intensive areas of the field. This course covers topics in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, heat, waves, and optics. Conversion of energy is the underlying theme. Laboratory experiments are used to help understand the topics being considered. A conceptual approach to the learning of physics is stressed. The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation. This is a senior course for which there are no specific prerequisites; however, students must have a working knowledge of algebra and geometry. This course does not meet the Honors Physics prerequisite for Advanced Placement Physics, nor is it sufficiently preparatory for the SAT II Physics exam.

Honors Physics 1 credit. Honors Physics is an introductory high school physics course that will survey all the major topics in physics, with additional emphasis on computation, analysis, and abstract theory. In addition to the topics covered in General Physics, the following highly technical concepts are added to the Honors Physics curriculum: thermodynamics, rotational mechanics, harmonic motion, modern physics, and relativity. The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation. This course may be taken by seniors, or by juniors planning on taking A.P. Physics in their senior year. Prerequisites: minimum of "B" level work (82% or above) in prior high school science courses and in Geometry; Algebra II/Trig is a minimum co-requisite; Precalculus is preferred. Application and departmental acceptance is required. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Placement Physics.

AP Physics 1 credit. AP Physics is designed as a freshman-level college course in General Physics which will prepare the student for the AP Physics exam. Major topic areas are mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. The curriculum meets the current requirements of the College Board's Advanced Placement Program: 33% Newtonian mechanics; 10% heat, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics; 25% electricity and magnetism; 15% waves and optics; 17%modern physics. The class meets every day for 70 minutes (11/2 periods). This arrangement provides sufficient time to complete the lab work required by the College Board. It is an intensive and highly-analytical course which requires many hours of independent work on the student's part. Prerequisites: minimum of "B" level work (82% or above) in both Honors Physics (General Physics does not meet this prerequisite) and in Algebra II/Trig; Precalculus is preferred. All students will sit for the College Board AP Physics Exam.

General Chemistry 1 credit. General Chemistry is an introductory high school chemistry course designed primarily for those students who intend to take few, if any, college-level sciences. The course covers all the core concepts of chemistry and ties them to key societal issues intended to catch the students' attention by applying chemistry to the world around them. Students prepare to become informed citizens able to make decisions related to science for themselves and their communities. This course does not place as great an emphasis on the abstract and mathematical concepts as does the Honors Chemistry course; rather, it will emphasize core concepts of chemistry discovered through an investigative approach. The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation. This is a junior course for which there are no specific prerequisites; however, students must have a working knowledge of algebra. This course does not meet the Honors Chemistry prerequisite for AP Biology or AP Chemistry, nor is it sufficiently preparatory for the SAT II Chemistry exam.

Honors Chemistry 1 credit. Honors Chemistry is an introductory high school chemistry course that utilizes the inquiry process to discover principles related to the nature and behavior of matter. During the course, the concepts related to the sub-structure of matter and building and applying abstract mental models to investigate chemical reactions are addressed. Topics included are the mole concept, the conservation laws, kinetic molecular theory of gases, condensed phases of matter, electronic atomic structure including elementary quantum mechanics, periodicity, bonding theory, nuclear chemistry, reaction kinetics, acid-base/solubility equilibria, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and the chemistry of carbon compounds. The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation. This is normally a junior course; however, sophomores who have already completed Honors Biology will take this course. Prerequisites: minimum of "B" level work (82% or above) in prior high school science courses and in Algebra I; Geometry is a minimum corequisite, but Algebra II/Trig is preferred. Application and departmental acceptance is required. This course is a prerequisite for AP Biology and AP Chemistry.

AP Chemistry;1 credit. AP Chemistry is designed as a freshman-level college course in General Chemistry which will prepare the student for the AP Chemistry exam. Students will attain a depth of understanding of the fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems normally associated with a comprehensive two-semester college chemistry course. This is a laboratory course that builds upon the skills developed in Honors Chemistry. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth. The class meets every day for 70 minutes (11/2 periods). This arrangement provides sufficient time to complete college-level laboratory investigations. Prerequisites: minimum of "B" level work (82% or above) in Honors Chemistry General Chemistry does not meet this prerequisite]. Algebra II/Trig is a minimum corequisite, but Precalculus is preferred. All students will sit for the College Board AP Chemistry Exam.

General Biology 1 credit. General Biology is an introductory high school biology course which emphasizes the ecological aspects of biology. The study of the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environment befits a traditional biology curriculum. Students will cover the core topics of biology through an investigative approach. Special ecological emphasis will be placed on the following topics: interactions among organisms in populations and communities, interactions between organisms and their physical environment in ecosystems and biomes, matter and energy in living systems, cell structure and function as the basic unit of life, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, diversity of structures and functions in living organisms, and human anatomy and physiology. The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation. Although this course does not meet the Honors Biology prerequisite for Advanced Placement Biology, it is preparatory for the SAT II Biology-E exam.

Honors Biology 1 credit. Honors Biology is an introductory high school biology course which emphasizes the molecular aspects of biology. The study of living organisms from a molecular biological perspective befits a modern biology curriculum. Students will cover the core topics of biology through an interactive discussion approach. Special molecular biological emphasis will be placed on the following topics: taxonomy, evolution, the origin of life, biochemistry, bioenergetics, cytology, genetics, reproduction and development, human anatomy and physiology, botany, ecology, and sociobiology. The class meets five days of the cycle for a single period; on the remaining day of the cycle the class meets for a double-period laboratory investigation. This is normally a sophomore course; however, one group of freshmen will take this course. These freshmen will be required to complete a computer-based project each quarter. There are no prerequisites for this course; application and departmental acceptance is required. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Placement Biology, and it is preparatory for the SAT II-M exam.

AP Biology 1 credit. AP Biology is designed as a freshman-level college course in introductory life sciences that will prepare the student for the AP Biology exam. The course covers all topics introduced to the student in our Honors Biology course, but covers them in a more in-depth manner. The curriculum meets the current requirements of the College Board's Advanced Placement Program: 30% structure and function of plants and animals, 25%molecular biology, 15% cytology, 10% evolutionary biology, 10% ecology, 10%taxonomy and phylogeny. The class meets every day for 70 minutes (11/2 periods). This arrangement provides sufficient time to complete the lab work required by the College Board. In addition to the required labs, there will be an independent study project required each quarter. Prerequisites: minimum of "B" level work (82% or above) in both Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry (General Biology and General Chemistry do not meet these prerequisites). There is no math prerequisite. All students will sit for the College Board AP Biology Exam.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Economics 1 credit. A year-long course concentrating in the first semester upon microeconomics and in the second upon macroeconomics. The former segment will investigate the internal cost structure of the modern business organization, distinguishing among the purely competitive, oligopolistic and monopolistic structures. The latter will survey subjects such as inflation, recession, and stagflation; the economic schools discussed will include the Keynesian, Monetarist, Rational Expectations and Supply Side. The course will also include readings from Robert Heilbruner's The Worldly Philosophers. Successful completion of this course would enable the student to sit for the Advanced Placement Examination in Economics.

U S Government and Politics 1 credit. This course will cover material similar to that offered at the AP level without the added pressure of preparing for the May exam. In-depth coverage will be provided for the U S Constitution, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court. Simulations will be scheduled in order to demonstrate the special role of elections, political parties and interest groups within the American political system. The development of public speaking skills will be enhanced through participation in classroom debates involving pertinent issues relating to civil rights and liberties provided under the Bill of Rights. Current events pertaining to the national government are covered each day and integrated into the regular course curriculum.

AP Economics 1 credit. This course will cover the same material as is covered in regular Economics, but with the explicit goal of preparing the student for the AP examinations both in macro and microeconomics. Colleges that accept the AP exams in these courses award one half credit for each.

AP US Government and Politics 1 credit. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in May. Moving at an accelerated pace, the nuts and bolts of government will be covered-- constitutional underpinnings, public opinion, conventional and unconventional political participation, interest groups, political parties, elections, civil rights and liberties, and the institutions of Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court. A public policy component will be achieved through high level reading materials and written exercises. Classroom debate and discussion will also play a key factor in the presentation of the material. Colleges that accept the AP exam in this course award one half credit. Prerequisites: students must have demonstrated academic ability through their overall academic record; all applicants are subject to departmental approval.

AP Political Economy: AP Macroeconomics and AP US Gov't & Politics 1 credit. This course combines AP Government and AP Macroeconomics into one year of study thereby preparing students to sit for the AP exams offered in both subjects in May and affording them the opportunity to earn full college credit for the year's work. Students take economics one semester and American government the next, or vice-versa. Review sessions for the course taken in the first semester are provided during the second semester prior to the AP exams. Colleges that accept the AP exam in this course award one credit.

Political Economy: Economics & US Gov't and Politics.  This course will cover material similar to that offered in the AP course without the added pressure of preparing for the May test.

AP Modern European History 1 credit. In addition to basic exposure to the factual narrative, the goals of this course are to develop an understanding of some of the principal themes of modern European History as well as an ability to analyze historical evidence. Themes for the course will be chosen from political and diplomatic history, social and economic history. The course will cover European history from the Renaissance to 1970. The textbook will be supplemented by other readings. There will be a five-page paper each quarter and one shorter paper each quarter. Quizzes will be given on random basis. Prerequisites: teacher/departmental approval.

AP Art History 1 credit. This course will fulfill the senior year social studies requirement.

U.S. History 1 credit. This is a survey course that explores the people, events, and forces that have shaped the American experience from the age of exploration to the 1980s. The course is reading intensive and also emphasizes expository writing based on secondary and primary sources.

AP U.S. History 1 credit. This course explores in greater depth than the regular survey course the people, events, and forces that have shaped the American experience from the age of exploration to the 1980s. Through intensive reading and writing assignments involving both secondary and primary sources, the course prepares students to sit for the A P examination.

World History 1 credit. This course surveys the development of western civilization from ancient empires to post World War I Europe and at least one non-Western civilization. The textbook material is supplemented by videos, slide shows, group presentations and primary sources.

AP Statistics 1 credit. A standard course in college-level statistics; topics covered will include regression analysis, correlation and causation, randomization and experiment design, probability models, confidence intervals and study of the lives and theories of those thinkers who will have contributed significantly to the process of this science: Galileo, Fermat, Pascal, Bernoulli, Keynes, and Stephen Jay Gould. On completion of the course, the student will be prepared to sit for the AP Exam in Statistics. This course will fulfill neither the mathematics nor the social studies requirements for senior year, though it will count as one of the six courses minimally required for all seniors. Prerequisite: permission of mathematics and social studies department and completion of Algebra II/Trig.  

Non-Western History .5 credit.  This course is a  general survey of the history of China, japan, Africa and latin America from the ancient period (2500 BC) to the modern period (1350 to present).  The course will also introduce students to regional and global themes.  Particular attention will be given to the relationship between non-western regions and nations and the rise of European colonization and imperialism.  Students will take a practice SATII World History exam and will be encouraged to take the actual exam on a date closest to the completion of the course.