PACHS Course Descriptions 2008 – 2009

Puerto Rican Studies

The purpose of this course is for the students to analyze, interpret, and challenge historical events to determine cause and effect of the Puerto Rican reality in the Mainland as well as the diaspora. Topics include immigration and migration, culture, politics, economics, gentrification, colonialism, language, music, and historical figures. Students will engage in research, group projects, debates, class discussions, quizzes, reading and writing, homework, fieldtrips, after school events, and hands on activities in the classroom and Puerto Rican community of Humboldt Park. Students are also encouraged to critically analyze their current reality through their course of study.

United States Studies

The United States is a multicultural country with a diversity of histories.  Throughout this course, students will engage in the various perspectives, events, and individuals often undocumented in traditional U.S. History courses.   The foundation of the course will focus on the minority voices and their relationship to the development of the United States.  It is their stories that create the untold story of the United States.  In analyzing the U.S., students will review and analyze historical documents, films, poetry/prose, and fine arts.

Women’s Studies

Women have played an integral role in the development of civilizations and societies.  However, in a male dominated society, the historical significance of women is often overshadowed and neglected.  In this course, students will analyze women’s position in a global society and the oppression women experienced throughout history.  Additionally, students will discover the advances, historically, politically, and scientifically, made by women throughout the world.

Globalization

This course will focus on critically analyzing historical global events that shape and influence our current reality. Students will engage in researching, analyzing historical problems, and creating innovative solutions to issues in the community. Students will have the challenge of connecting our community as a part of the city of Chicago, state of Illinois, US, and the world within a historical context.

English I: Stories of Community

English I is the entry-level English survey course.  Although we will mostly work on basic reading and writing skills, students will also learn to understand literature and practice speaking skills.  All skills will be gained through real-life, problem-based learning.  All content is focused on helping students gain an understanding of the role that self-determination, self-reliance, and self-actualization play in the struggle for social justice and community building.

English II: Writing for Change

English II places an emphasis on the development of strong writing skills.  Students will collect a portfolio of their progress as their writing improves throughout the year.  Most writing projects are based around real-life scenarios, in which students will have to use writing and research skills to solve problems within the community.  As with most classes at PACHS, content will be based on the school mission themes of self-determination, self-reliance, and self-actualization.  Specifically, students will tackle issues involving gentrification, understanding the power differences between various English dialects, and the obstacles that oppressed communities encounter in the face of colonialism and racism.

Introduction to Spanish

This class teach the basic structures to communicate in the language of Spanish. Is created for the students who don’t have a previous experience in Spanish or have a small written and oral expression in this language. In this class the students will learn the basic language skills, like simple conversation including numbers, greetings and descriptions of themselves and others.

Intermediate level Spanish Class

In this class students will advance their language skills in speaking fluency, vocabulary and reading. Pupils will gain mastery of Spanish through grammar practice.  They will also explore Latino cultures with a focus on Puerto Rican customs.

Advanced Level Spanish Class

Students will learn higher level grammar and expand their writing and reading skills through the exploration of Latino literature.

Integrated Math – Introductory

This course will be focused on issues in our community such as politics, agriculture, human insecurities, gambling, etc.  We will explore these issues by using various disciplines of mathematics.  The fundamental skills gained from this course will lay the foundation for future math applications.

Integrated Math – Intermediate

This course will be focused on issues in our community such as politics, agriculture, human insecurities, gambling, etc.  We will explore these issues by analyzing various disciplines of mathematics.  The Intermediate level skills gained from this course will enhance students understanding of mathematics in becoming a more independent learner.

Integrated Math – Advanced

This course will be focused on issues in our community such as politics, agriculture, human insecurities, gambling, etc.  We will explore these issues by applying various disciplines of mathematics.  The Advanced level skills gained from this course will extend students understanding of mathematics in preparation for college.

Integrated Science I

Integrated Science I is a class that focuses on the basic understanding of chemistry, physics, biology, and earth and space science.  Students will understand that as human beings they both act and are acted upon by the forces of nature.  As scientists, students will use the scientific method to solve scientific problems within the community.  In response to the community need for fresh and affordable produce, students will work together to grow fresh fruits and vegetables through the design and maintenance of hydroponic urban gardens.  Scientific skills and content will be acquired through problem-based, real-world scenarios, making learning meaningful and engaging. Students will become familiar with atomic structure and bonding, energy transfer, physical laws, origins of the solar system, geological cycles, cellular function, and biodiversity.

Integrated Science II

Integrated Science II is a class that builds upon the basic concepts of chemistry, physics, biology, and earth and space science to establish a more comprehensive understanding.  Students will use their advanced scientific knowledge and skills to examine societal issues within their community.  In response to the community need for fresh and affordable produce, students will work together to grow fresh fruits and vegetables through the design and maintenance of hydroponic urban gardens.  They will work both independently and in groups to examine quantum theory, variations in chemical bonding, electrochemical processes, kinematics, magnetism, earth’s natural cycles, population dynamics, cell division, and reproduction.

Integrated Science III

Integrated Science III is a class that explores the frontiers of chemistry, physics, biology, and earth and space science.  It is designed to create an awareness of contemporary issues in science and will also prepare students to be successful in college-level science courses.  Students will use their advanced scientific knowledge and skills to examine societal issues within their community.  In response to the community need for fresh and affordable produce, students will work together to grow fresh fruits and vegetables through the design and maintenance of hydroponic urban gardens.  Coursework includes the analysis of universal forces, fission and fusion, optics, special relativity, radioactive dating, cosmology, biotechnology, transcription and translation, mechanisms of evolution, and environmental ethics.  Primary scientific literature will be read.

Physical Education Classes
Boxing – Saul
This class is an intense workout combining sparing, nutrition, aerobics, technical skill, and cooperation. Students are required to buy a mouthpiece and handwraps on their own.

Cross-Training – Elaine
Students are using the Humboldt Park Field House to train for specific personal goals.

Volleyball – Steven and Abraham
Students are engaged in full volleyball games. They are required to stretch and participate to learn skills and cooperation.

Cooking – Zoraida
Students learn how to prepare Latino foods, and proper healthy eating skills. Students also learn table manners and clean up after themselves.

Bomba – Danette
Students learn the traditional styles of Bomba and learn how to drum, dance and sing.

Pool/Ping Pong – Juan
Students learn the specific rules and learn how to play within those rules. Students learn manners and sportsmanship in victory and defeat.

Martial Arts – Chris Dino
Students learn different forms and how to use sticks to create rhythm and competition.

Basketball – Raymond
This class is for the Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School Basketball team, and anyone that wants to help them train for upcoming games. Students simulate games, practice basic skills, and discuss “competition”.