POMONA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE CATALOG 2015-2016
Mission Statement
Pomona Catholic School, a tradition of excellence in the eastern San Gabriel Valley
since 1898, serves students of all socioeconomic backgrounds from the local community,
surrounding cities, and abroad, by offering a safe, nurturing, and challenging college
preparatory education in a Catholic environment, based on our four pillars: Faith,
Tradition, Scholarship, and Empowerment.
Philosophy
Pomona Catholic School, a culturally diverse, Los Angeles Archdiocesan all girls’
high school and coed middle school, fosters the development of the whole person, stressing
academic excellence, personal integrity, and sensitivity to others in their spiritual journeys.
Acknowledging parents as the primary educators, Pomona Catholic seeks to work with
them throughout their children’s adolescence, offering a comprehensive curriculum which
serves a range of ability levels. Strong co-curricular and athletic programs enhance the
social and physical development of each student, building confidence and leadership.
Synthesizing traditional values with 21st century technologies, we help middle school
students transition to the rigors of high school work and educate high school women to be
both proficient and Christ centered, prepared for any future educational situation,
demonstrating compassion, creativity, and the courage to act on their beliefs.
Scheduling
Students at Pomona Catholic arrange their own academic programs under the supervision
and approval of their parents and Director of Counseling. Permission to drop a course may
be granted only in specific cases with parent permission. Classes may not be added or
dropped after week three of the semester.
College Preparatory Courses
Are designed for students who need moderate
emphasis on the basic skills of courses.
Honors Classes Courses
Are designed for students whose command of
the basic skills enables them to pursue a more
detailed study of the course.
Advanced Placement
Designed by the College Board, these courses
include a very rigorous curriculum. There is a
required national exam every school year in the
month of May.
Honors and Advanced Placement Courses
Placement in honors and AP classes will be done when students meet departmental
requirements. These requirements could include: reading above grade level on the IOWA
exam, achieving a specified grade given in prior survey course (departments discretion),
teacher recommendation, and/or recommended by AP Potential (College Board) from
PSAT scores. Students who do not meet requirements will have to appeal in writing to the
Director of Counseling.
Students admitted to honors and AP courses will have to complete required summer
reading and assignments handed out prior to the completion of the previous school year.
Failure in completing these assignments will result in being dropped from the course.
Instructors will communicate all assignments and expectations for their respective courses.
Schedule Changes
A student may drop a class up until the end of the second week of the semester for a
semester or year-long class. Any dropped class after the third week may result in receiving
an “F” on the permanent record.
No schedule change may be allowed if the current progress is not at “C” level and /or
homework assignments are current. Consultation with the teacher and Vice Principal is
required.
Pomona Catholic Required & Recommended Courses
Subject
Religious Education
Foreign Language
Required years for HS Graduation
Recommended for
selective colleges
4
2
n/a
3
4
4
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
Advanced Placement Spanish Language
Advanced Placement Spanish Literature
Communication Arts
English 9, Honors English 9
English 10, Honors English 10
Survey of American Literature, Honors American Literature
Survey of British Literature, Advanced Placement Literature
Social Science
3
4 (1 elective)
World History
United States History
Advanced Placement United States History
United States Government/ Economics
Advanced Placement Government
Criminology
Psychology
Sociology
Introduction to Business
Science
2
3-4
Biology, Honors Biology
Chemistry, Honors Chemistry
Advanced Placement Biology
Human Physiology
Physics
Physical Education
1
n/a
3
4
Physical Education/ Health
Mathematics
Algebra I, Honors Algebra 1
Algebra II, Honors Algebra 2
Geometry, Honors Geometry
Concepts of Calculus
Calculus AB (Honors)
Calculus BC (Honors)
Statistics
Visual & Performing Arts
1
2
Art
Drama
Dance
Film & Television
Electives
1
1
Students must take 24 credits while at Pomona Catholic. Students must complete 22
credits as a minimum graduation requirement. All full year courses are worth 1.0 credits.
The additional two credits give the student the opportunity to expand her knowledge and
creativity through electives. A student must make up credits which she has lost due to
failure. A final grade of “F” in a required course at either semester necessitates repeating
the same course or an equivalent course in the same area in order to receive credit. It is
the student’s responsibility to make an appointment with the Dean of Academics if
an “F” grade is received in any semester. Credit lost due to failure in a non-required
course may be made up by taking another course if the credit is needed for graduation.
A final letter grade of “D” in a required course will need to be retaken in order to be eligible
to apply to most four year universities.
Academic Policies
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Only courses taken at Pomona Catholic will be considered for Valedictorian/
Salutatorian selection.
Only courses taken at Pomona Catholic will be considered in cumulative Grade Point
Average (GPA) that is reported in the fall of the student’s senior year to prospective
colleges.
Courses taken over for a higher grade will be posted on student’s transcript, but will
not be considered for honor roll or NHS, Pomona Catholic Scholar’s Society
eligibility.
All original grades are posted on transcript, even if course is retaken.
Course sequencing by department:
Religion Department
Introduction to the Catholic Faith (Religion 9)
Course credits- 1.0
Grade Level- 9th
Prerequisites: none
Course description: Students will learn to understand that our Church is a living, vibrant part of our lives.
Students will trace the origins of the life of Jesus Christ and the direct impact He has made in people’s lives
throughout the past two thousand years. Students will know that God reveals Himself to us through the lives
and actions of people, many remotely connected to our Christian ancestors and down to our own time.
Through their studies students will grow in understanding of our Catholic faith and deepen their relationship
with God.
Course: Old Testament/ New Testament (Religion 10)
Course credits- 1.0
Grade Level- 10th
Prerequisites: Religion 9
Course description: Students will continue to develop their relationship with God. The focus of sophomore
religion is to parallel World History course. Students will study the teachings of the Bible from the Old
Testament through the New Testament.
Course: Moral Theology/ Social Justice (Religion 11)
Course credits- 1.0
Grade Level- 11th
Prerequisites: Religion 10
Course description: The course is divided into two semesters. Students will study the Sacraments in the
Catholic Church. They will learn about the 10 Commandments and how they apply to their lives.
Course: Vocations and World Religions (Religion 12)
Course credits- 1.0
Grade Level- 12th
Prerequisites: Religion 11
Course description: As students begin to more toward an independent adulthood, they will begin to realize
that the main vocation of all individuals is to love. This course explains the four major vocations in life, what
they are, what they mean and how individuals can best live them in the context of the Catholic beliefs.
Foreign Language Department
Course : Spanish I
Course credits- 1.0
Grade Level - 9th
Prerequisites: none
Course description: Students in Spanish I are introduced to basic reading, writing, grammar and some
cultural influences in the target language. Spanish I proficiency is characterized by the ability to comprehend
and produce formulaic language (memorize words, phrases and sentences; in some instances, paragraphs).
Students will be assessed in both written and oral forms.
Course: Spanish II
Grade Level- 9- 12th
Course Credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: “C” or higher in Spanish or demonstrating proficiency of Spanish I on the placement exam
Course description: Spanish II is a progression of Spanish I in terms of developing vocabulary acquisition,
fluency, aural and written comprehension, and sophistication of expression. Spanish II proficiency is
characterized as the ability to comprehend and produce created language (sentences and strings of
sentences). Students in Spanish II deal with everyday courtesy requirements and topics related to self and
the immediate environment in informal and transactional settings. Students will be assessed in both written
and oral forms.
Course: Spanish III
Grade Level- 11- 12th
Course Credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: “B” or higher in Spanish II, teacher and counselor recommendation
Course description: Spanish III is a third year high school Spanish course and encompasses writing,
conversation, aural, oral skills, reading comprehension, and grammar composition. Spanish III proficiency is
characterized as the ability to comprehend and produce planned language. Spanish III users deal with
concrete and factual topics in most informal and some formal settings.
Course: Advanced Placement Spanish Language
Grade Level- 11th -12th
Course Credits- 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: “B” or higher in Spanish III, teacher and counselor recommendation
Course description: AP Spanish Language is intended for students who wish to develop their proficiency in
all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course encompasses aural/oral skills,
reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. Students taking this course are required to take the
AP exam.
Course: Advanced Placement Spanish Literature
Grade Level- 11th – 12th
Course Credits- 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: “B” or higher in AP Spanish Language, teacher and counselor recommendation
Course description: Students will develop their Spanish language proficiency and cultural understanding
through careful reading and critical analysis of literature written in Spanish. They will also understand
literary works within the contexts of both contemporary and historical cultures of the Spanish-speaking
world through the inclusion of art, film and other authentic resources. Students taking this course are
required to take the AP exam.
English Department
English Department PhilosophyThe Pomona Catholic High School English Department, through the combination of
literature and writing, seeks to produce students who can articulate their ideas and
appreciate cultural diversity and universal themes. The required literature offers moral
lessons and dilemmas, encouraging students to think and choose a moral path. Through
the instruction of written and oral communication, we strive to augment our students’
work ethic and personal integrity, helping them to develop self-confidence and self-reliance
for future educational situations. To ensure our students’ success after graduation, we
provide challenging college preparatory courses, yet we recognize the need for
remediation for some and provide it for those who require it. In each class situation, we
expect students to meet the highest level of excellence of which they are capable, making
them proud and secure in their achievements.
Course: English 9
Course Credits- 1.0
Grade Level- 9th
Prerequisites: none
Course description: English 9 is a literature and skills based course designed to help students understand
and appreciate critical values represented in the various literary genres: novels, plays, short stories, essays,
myths and poetry. The major goals of the course are to develop an appreciation of various aspects of human
nature and human relationships by exploring various themes in literature, to improve students’ reading,
listening and speaking abilities by studying, analyzing, and discussing the major themes, and to improve
students’ writing abilities.
Course: Honors English 9
Grade Level- 9th
Course Credits- 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: Above grade level test scores on HSPT, B+ or higher in 8th grade English course, teacher
recommendation.
Course description: English 9 is a literature and skills based course designed to help students understand and
appreciate critical values represented in the various literary genres: novels, plays, short stories, essays,
myths and poetry. The major goals of the course are to master an appreciation of various aspects of human
nature and human relationships by exploring various themes in literature, to improve students’ reading,
listening and speaking abilities by studying, analyzing, and discussing the major themes, and to improve
students’ writing abilities.
Course: English 10
Course Credits 1.0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 9
Grade Level- 10th
Course description: This class combines world literature and non-fiction, with the purpose of improving
reading comprehension and visiting and understanding myriad cultures. Much emphasis is placed on
composition and grammar in context of student writing. Students will augment their vocabularies and
increase their attention spans and detail retention. The main objective will be to have each student develop a
study/reading approach which works for her.
Course: Honors English 10
Grade Level- 10th
Course Credits- 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: B+ Average in Honors English 9 or English 9, reading above grade level indicated on the IOWA
test, and teacher recommendation.
Course description: This course consists of an overview of World Literature. It includes the literature of
Ancient Greece, the Mediterranean, Continental Europe, Africa, the Far East, Latin America, North America,
and Great Britain. Students will be assigned summer reading, focus on essay writing and grammar. Students
are also required to read assigned novels, plays, and write a research paper. Criteria for judging the student’s
ability to master course objectives will be largely through performance on tests, participation in class
discussions and through the quality of essays of a critical nature that will require comparison, contrast,
analysis, and synthesis at a level considered preparatory for college.
Course: Survey of American Literature
Course Credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of English 10
Grade Level- 11th
Course description: Students will become familiar with the diversity of literature that contributes to our
common civic culture and genres characteristic of the American literary tradition from 1603 to the present
time. They will learn to interpret literature using the appropriate literary terminology, expand vocabulary
through a sequential program, quizzes, tests, and bonus activities, compose longer essays of literary analysis,
demonstrating mastery of proper grammatical and mechanical principles and critical thinking, as well as
knowledge of literary terms presented throughout the course, and write a formal research paper.
Course: Advanced Placement Language and Composition
Grade Level- 11th
Course Credits 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: B+ Average in Honors American Literature or Survey of American Literature, reading above
grade level indicated on the IOWA test, and teacher recommendation.
Course description: This course utilizes selected American works inn an intensive study of language and
rhetoric necessary for college level writing and analysis. Close readings of novels, plays, and essays will
emphasize the effective use of diction, syntax, tone, and literary devices. These readings will also allow
students to see an articulate historical, cultural and personal biases revealed by authors. Students will write a
major persuasive research paper using MLA format. Students will continue to augment their vocabularies
through formal tests and reading accountability. Students taking this course are required to take the AP
exam in May.
Course: Survey of British Literature
Course Credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: successful completion of American Literature (11th grade)
Grade Level- 12th
Course description: This class offers an overview of major British authors and movements and history of
ideas of Great Britain. Much emphasis will be placed on composition skills and vocabulary development to
prepare students for college level analysis and writing.
Course: Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Grade Level- 12th
Course Credits 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites- B+ Average in AP Language or a letter grade of A in Survey of American Literature, reading
above grade level indicated on the IOWA test, and teacher recommendation.
Course description: This AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful
reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students
deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their
readers. Students will consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements
as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Students taking this course are required
to take the AP exam in May.
Course: ESL (English as a Second Language) Course
Grade Level- All
Course Credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: Recommendation from the Vice Principal and/or Director of Academic Support.
Course description: This course will teach students to use academic language analytically to accomplish a
variety of intellectually challenging tasks, calling on them to use sophisticated academic language to
demonstrate, at an advanced linguistic level of competence, their ability to use a variety of writing techniques,
modes of development and formal conventions, and to demonstrate advanced literacy skills, for instance,
being able to locate, analyze and incorporate information gathered from multiple sources into their writing.
Students will complete regular extensive reading assignments and write multiple drafts of full-length essays,
often in response to one or more reading passages.
Social Science Department
Social Science Department PhilosophyThe Social Science Department, in accordance with the California State Content
Standards, stimulates learning by thematically linking the past and present. Current and
timely issues are presented with the idea that historical events contribute to experiences of
today. Balanced with core required classes, Advanced Placement courses and electives, the
Social Science Department strives to prepare students for college level work by focusing on
writing skills, research paper organization and citation, and critical thinking and analytical
projects that require students to access prior knowledge while interpreting historical
events.
Course: World History
Grade Level: 9th and 10th
Course credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: For 9th graders, above grade level test scores on HSPT, B+ or higher in 8th grade English course,
teacher recommendation. No prerequisites for 10th grade students.
Course description: Students will understand how and why we come to live in a world where democracy is a
widely accepted form of government, students in this course will learn about the history of democracy from
the Roman Republic to the end of the Cold War. The primary focus in the class is on learning, analyzing, and
synthesizing key events, circumstances, and factors in history influenced the development of democracy.
Course: United States History
Course credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of World History
Grade Level: 11th
Course description: This course is designed to equip students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge
necessary to deal critically with issues in American history. Students will review primary and secondary
historical records, and use maps, graphs, film, music, and a variety of other materials to help fully examine
key events in our nation’s history. Beginning with the first European explorations of the Amercias and ending
with the post-World War II era to present, the goal of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive
overview of the American historical experience.
Course: Advanced Placement United States History
Grade Level- 11th & 12th
Course credits- 1.0 with Honors
Prerequisites- B+ or higher in World History, teacher recommendation, and reading comprehension scores
above grade level indicated on the IOWA exam.
Course description: The AP U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and
factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U .S. history . The program
prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent
to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students will learn to assess historical materials—
their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance—and to weigh the evidence and
interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Students taking this course are required to take the
AP exam in May.
Course: Government/ Economics
Course credits- 1.0
Prerequisites- Completion of World History and US History
Grade level- 12th
Course description: The U.S. Government course will familiarize students with the origins of the American
governmental system, and provide an overview of politics and political behavior at state and national levels.
Students will examine the structure, functions and interrelationships of all branches of government; the
electoral system; political parties, interest groups and mass media; and the role of the individual in American
government.
The Economics course will provide students with an understanding of the way in which society organizes its
limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Students will be introduced to the major characteristics of the
mixed market economic system in the U.S. and how basic economic questions are answered. Emphasis will
be placed on the individual's role as producer, consumer, saver and taxpayer in relation to the American
economic system.
Course: Advanced Placement Government/ Economics (non AP)
Grade level- 11th and 12th
Course credits- 1.0
Prerequisites: B+ or higher in World History, teacher recommendation, and reading comprehension scores
above grade level indicated on the IOWA exam.
Course description: In AP Government, students will learn important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining
to U .S . Government and Politics. They will be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U .S .
government and politics. Finally, in preparation for the AP Government exam, they will be able to critically
analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the
curriculum. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May.
The Economics course will provide students with an understanding of the way in which society organizes its
limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Students will be introduced to the major characteristics of the
mixed market economic system in the U.S. and how basic economic questions are answered. Emphasis will
be placed on the individual's role as producer, consumer, saver and taxpayer in relation to the American
economic system.
Math Department
Math Department PhilosophyThe philosophy of the Math department is to comprehensively build the
mathematical knowledge that students have gained throughout their education. We strive
to offer a learning environment that fosters analytical thinking, logical reasoning, problemsolving skills, and an appreciation for the beauty and precision of mathematics. We strive
to show students the real life applications for math and the importance of using math as a
tool in an increasingly technological world. Our goal is that all graduating students will
have the knowledge and skills to be successful as they pursue high education and also later
in their careers.
Honor’s courses in the Math department are available to those students who receive a
letter grade of “A” in the previous year’s math course work. Students must also have a
teacher recommendation. Honor’s courses are exposed to a faster pace of learning and
more challenging assessments.
Course: Algebra 1 / Honors Algebra 1
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: Placement by Entrance Exam
Grade level: 9th
Course Description: The content of Algebra 1 is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis
on linear and quadratic functions. As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to
represent them in multiple ways- as verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. They will also learn to
model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
Course: Algebra 2/ Honors Algebra 2
Grade level: 10th, 11th
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: C or higher in Algebra, Placement by Entrance Exam for incoming freshmen. For the Honors
class an A in Algebra 1 and teacher recommendation.
Course Description: In this class we review and practice those skills acquired in Algebra 1 and gain more
experience in problem solving. As an honors class, students will be challenged to make connections between
topics and apply the basic skills learned to solve more advanced problems. Students will be introduced to
and work with various relations and functions including polynomial, rational, and logarithmic functions. We
will strive to prepare the students for further work in the fields of mathematics and science.
Course: Geometry/ Honors Geometry
Grade level: 10th through 12th
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: C or higher in Algebra 2 for Geometry. Letter grade of A in Algebra 2 and teacher
recommendation for honors course.
Course description: This course will allow students to study six major themes in Geometry. Students will
focus on congruence by experimenting with transformations in the plane, understand congruence in terms of
rigid motions, prove geometric theorems and make geometric constructions. They will study similarity
transformations, circles, expressing geometric properties and be able to explain volume formulas. Lastly,
students will apply geometric concepts in modeling situations.
Course: Concepts of Calculus
Grade level: 10th through 12th
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: B- or higher in Geometry and Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation.
Course description: In this class we will increase the student’s exposure and familiarity with functions and
relations, including trigonometric functions. Students will gain exposure to limits and function composition,
exponential and logarithmic functions and probability. We will strive to increase the student’s deductive
reasoning and study more advanced topics in mathematics.
Course: Calculus AB (honors)
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Course credits: 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in Concepts of Calculus and teacher recommendation.
Course description: In this class students will explore the concepts of differentiation and integration along
with their applications. We will strive to prepare the students for the AP Calculus Exam and for further work
in the fields of mathematics and science.
Course: Calculus BC (honors)
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Course Credits: 1.0 with honors
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Calculus AB and teacher recommendation.
Course description: Students will explore the concepts of differentiation and integration along with their
applications. We will strive to prepare students for the AP Calculus Exam and further work in mathematics
and science.
Course: Statistics
Grade level: 12th
Course Credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: Successful completion of mathematics department graduation requirements (Algebra 1,
Algebra 2 and Geometry).
Course description: This course is organized in four parts, analyzing data, producing data, chance, and
inference. Through the use of activities, applications, and data explorations the students will investigate,
discuss, and make use of statistical ideas and methods.
Visual and Performing Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts Department, in its commitment to the development
of the whole person, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, aims to create space
and environment so that each student feels free to express her talents and develop her
creative gifts. Instructors foster an understanding of the five components of the artsartistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing,
and connections, relationships, and applications while promoting self-confidence and an
appreciation of the arts in their students. Whether they reach a level of proficiency, which
will allow them to continue their work at university or college level or merely an
appreciation of the arts, students of all ability levels can find fulfillment and success among
the courses offered.
One complete year of a Visual and Performing Art is a graduation and UC requirement.
Course: Drama
Course credits: 1.0
Grade level: All
Prerequisites: none
Course description: This course emphasizes performance, while instilling in the students a knowledge and
appreciation of theatre terminology, technology, and history. The students will perform and/or rehearse
weekly, doing pantomimes, improvisations, monologues, and scenes.
Course: Dance
Course credits: 1.0
Grade level: All
Prerequisites: none
Course description: This course covers the basics and essentials of classical ballet, emphasizing ballet as
being the base of most dance techniques. The second semester focuses on jazz and other various styles of
dance. The entire course teaches choreographic construction and rehearsal and performance of student
work. Semester performances are required.
Course: Art 1, Art 2
Grade level: All
Course credits: .5 per semester
Prerequisites: none
Course description: Students will be shown and expected to produce in class, the basic techniques in various
media in drawing and painting, while being exposed to the concepts of the elements of art and principles of
design. They will work with the dry media in drawing and shown how to paint with water based paint in the
second semester. Through studio work, they will be exposed to art history and art criticism.
Course: Film and Television
Course credits: 1.0
Grade level: All
Prerequisites: none
Course description: Students will examine all aspects of how films and television shows are made. From
directing to editing, students will analyze and understand the intricacy and artistry in creating movies.
Science Department
Students are required to take 2 years of lab science (Biology and Chemistry) to graduate.
Course: Biology/ Honors Biology
Grade level: 9th and 10th
Course credits: 1.0 credits (honors credit for honors class)
Prerequisites: No prerequisite for Biology course. Students taking Honors Biology will be placed in this
course based on HSPT scores and grades in previous science courses.
Course description: Using a multitude of learning modalities, this course involves the scientific study of living
organism. The following topics will be covered: basic chemistry; the structure and organization of cells;
genetics; evolution; taxonomy; micro-organisms; plant biology; animal biology; and environmental biology.
Course: Chemistry/ Honors Chemistry
Grade level: 10th through 12th
Course credits: 1.0 (honors credit for honors class)
Prerequisites: Must be taking Algebra 2 or have taken Algebra 2. For Honors Chemistry, B or higher in
Honors Biology or a letter grade of A in Biology course and teacher recommendation.
Course description: This course is a study of fundamental chemical concepts, such as atomic theory and its
relation to chemical behavior, chemical bonding, molecular kinetics, energy relationships, solution
dynamics, acids-bases, equilibrium, organic and biological chemistry, and nuclear interactions. Emphasis is
placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, and communication skills as well as
interdisciplinary approaches to discovery.
Course: Physics
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Course description: This course provides students with a demanding algebra and trigonometry based survey
of physics. The course includes labs and lecture ranging from Newtonian Mechanics to Electromagnetism.
Course: Anatomy/ Human Physiology
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Chemistry
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Course description: Using a multitude of modalities, Anatomy focuses on studying the anatomical structure of
the human body. Body structure will be studied by organ systems and will involve a balance between gross
anatomical study and histology. Form-function relationships will be emphasized. The laboratory study will
involve working with human skeletal collections and dissection of preserved specimens.
Course: Advanced Placement Biology
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Course credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: Minimum letter grade of B in Honors Biology or a letter grade of A in Biology and teacher
recommendation.
Course description: The key concepts and related content that define the AP Biology course
and exam are organized around a few underlying principles called the big ideas, which encompass the core
scientific principles, theories and processes governing living organisms and biological systems. For each
of the big ideas, enduring understandings, which incorporate the core concepts that students should retain
from the learning experience, are also identified. Students must take the AP exam in order to receive
honors credit of this course.
Physical Education
Physical education at Pomona Catholic is aligned with the State of California’s standards.
Students at PC are required to take one full year of physical education to graduate. If a
student plays a Varsity sport, one semester of PE is waived.
Course: Physical Education/ Health
Course Credits: .5 for each semester
Grade level: All
Prerequisites: none
Course description: The content articulates the knowledge, skills, and confidence students need to maintain
meaningful physical activity throughout their lifetime. The course sequence provides a blueprint for
delivering the content in a manner that equips students to make a successful transition from the physical
education instructional program to participation in physical activity during adulthood. Students develop
proficient movement skills in each area of physical education; they expand their capabilities for independent
learning; and they examine practices that allow for sound decision making to enhance successful
participation in movement activities.
Electives
All courses taken above and beyond graduation requirements are considered electives.
Below are courses not assigned to a specific department and are available for student to
take to fulfill elective graduation and college admission requirements.
Course: California State University, Dominguez Hills Young Scholars Program
Course credits: 1.0 credits given for each college semester course successfully completed and passed.
Prerequisites and description: California State University Dominguez Hills offers high school juniors and
seniors in California the opportunity to earn one unit of college credit each semester for $3.50. Eligibility
requirement is a minimum 3.5 GPA. Courses are broadcast live on cable television and webcast live on the
Internet. Students who view the live broadcasts/webcasts can interact with the instructor by phone or email. Students can also view archived videos of the classes at http://youtube.com/csudhtv. Credits for the
courses are recorded on a Dominguez Hills transcript which can be transferred to any college or university.
Each college and university will determine if the courses meet their general education and degree
requirements. Pomona Catholic transfers two semesters of credit for each college course completed on to the
high school transcript.
For further information on the selection of courses offered each semester and the application process, contact
Mrs. Sultany or Mrs. Arteaga.
Course: Journalism/Yearbook
Course credits: 1.0 credits
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Grade level: All
Course description: Students work with instructor to learn the process of producing the school’s yearbook.
Students are required to put in additional hours outside of the regular school day. Attending training and
school events are mandatory.
Course: Psychology
Course credits: .5 credits
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Prerequisites: none
Course description: This is an introductory course that studies human behavior. Students taking this course
will examine theories of personality and development, explore motivation and behavior, understand
personality disorders and environmental and biological causes of mental illness, and examine career
opportunities in the field of psychology.
Course: Sociology
Course credits: .5 credits
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Prerequisites: none
Course description: Students will explore the concepts and theories necessary to systematic understanding
of our social worlds. Topics may include considering sociology as science, the nature of large- and small-scale
groups, social stratification, historical eras and social change, and race, ethnic and gender relations.
Course: Criminology
Course: 1.0 credits
Grade level: 11th and 12th
Prerequisites: none
Course description: Students taking this course learn about the Criminal Justice System: the police, court
system and corrections. They will identify how crime begins with an arrest and follow it through the Criminal
Justice System. As a major component of this course, students will study crime, crime trends and the
psychological and sociological factors that could predict criminal behavior. Criminal law and research are
utilized as a way to help guide students along their journeys into the history and planning of criminal justice
in the United States.
Course: Introduction to Business
Course Credits- 1.0
Grade Level: 11th and 12th
Prerequisites: none
Course Description: In this course, students will study all aspects of the area of business. Topics include:
Introduction to Financial Literacy, saving, investing, credit scoring, money management, and economics.