Electives

Course Offerings

Carpentry/Construction

Introduction

This course explores basic woodworking skills and techniques through project-based learning. Skills and techniques discussed include: shop and tool safety, reading a tape measure, types and characteristics of woods, finishing, shop and tool maintenance, and basic joinery.

Intermediate

This course explores intermediate skills in carpentry, project management, product design, overall shop maintenance, cabinetry production, and CNC manufacturing through project-based learning. Students will also explore career opportunities that use these skills.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing is an opportunity for students to create original forms of descriptive writing, poetry, drama, and fiction, as well as personal creative essays. Vocabulary development, creative writing techniques, and skills will be explored. Students will read examples of short fiction, flash fiction, poetry, and essays as they learn new writing techniques and cultivate their own voice. The end product will be a complete writing portfolio that includes multiple drafts of writing pieces to show student development. Students will also be encouraged and guided through the process of submitting work to online and print publications. Prerequisite: None

Criminal Justice

Students learn about criminal justice fundamentals and careers while investigating the question of how we can improve our current criminal justice system to better meet the needs of all Americans. Students will learn about law enforcement, courts, corrections, and citizens’ rights while developing critical thinking skills through real-world cases and discussions.

Ethnic Studies

In this interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and Indigenous identity, students analyze how race and racism have been and continue to be powerful social, cultural, and political forces. Students analyze race and its role in other experiences of stratification—including gender, class, sexuality, and legal status.

Journalism

In journalism, students will report and research stories that affect, or are relevant to, the students of Jefferson High School to be published in the school newspaper, The Pace. These include school, local, national, and global events. Students will get an opportunity to learn how to write news articles, OpEds, reviews, and features, as well as develop reading, research, and interviewing skills. Independent work and close communication with the instructor and student editors are crucial, and a love or interest in writing is helpful. The class also provides opportunities to work with layout and editing software, and create podcasts, zines, comics, and other media types. Prerequisite: None

Mass Communications

Students will learn how to think critically about various forms of media, the ethics of journalism, what makes a story worth telling (news values), how to cover a story, how to interview sources, and how to write various kinds of journalism, including but not limited to: breaking news, investigative stories, profiles, editorials, think pieces, sports coverage, and arts and culture stories. Students will also learn how to revise and edit, use digital and social media, and work as a team.

Podcasting

Students will learn how to create a podcast of their choosing. Journalism is evolving, and students will learn the necessary steps in order to create an engaging podcast. Students will learn how to develop ideas, write scripts, record and edit audio, and publish podcasts while building skills in communication, collaboration, and creative expression.

Sports Marketing

This course is designed to teach students to apply marketing concepts as they relate to the sports and entertainment field. This growing multi-billion-dollar industry has emerged as one of the leading career fields of the 21st century. This course will give students an overview of the industry, information about career opportunities, and hands-on experience implementing marketing concepts and strategies. Students who are interested in studying sports and entertainment marketing in college and pursuing a career in this field are encouraged to take this course. Emphasis is placed on the following principles as they apply to the industry: branding, sponsorship, promotion, licensing and naming rights, on‐site merchandising, public relations, safety, and security.

Stage Craft

Students build sets, use rigging to fly scenery and lighting, manipulate sound and microphones, and create lighting effects. Students also decide costumes, hair, and makeup for performers. Course can be repeated with instructor permission and advanced students through the CTE Program of Study “Theatre Production.”

Student Leadership/Government

This course is designed to introduce students to leadership by practicing and applying the qualities of effective leaders through lessons and projects. Projects will include, but not be limited to, school and extracurricular activities, assemblies, and service projects. Students will learn the various methods and techniques for planning, implementing, and evaluating projects related to school activities. Students will explore leadership qualities of self-awareness, goal setting, organization, time management, project planning, communication, public relations, meeting skills, group dynamics, responsible citizenship, evaluation and problem-solving. Students sometimes work beyond school hours. Prerequisite: None

Abby Abel

Creative Writing

ababel@pps.net

503-916-5180 ext. 83711

Dan Coffey

Theater

dcoffey@pps.net

503-916-5180 ext. 83621

Susan Elliot

Ethnic Studies

selliot@pp s.net

503-916-5180 ext. 83634