Upper School Core Courses

English
9th Grade
Focuses on developing writing and critical reading skills. Study of literary techniques through different genres; most selections come from American Literature. Composition instruction includes academic, personal and creative writing. Vocabulary study includes working with English words derived from Greek and Latin. Required summer readings.

10th Grade
Focuses on composition and vocabulary skills as well as reading and thinking about literature. Composition work includes expository, narrative-descriptive, persuasive and creative writing. Literature study is organized around the universal search for identity, including readings about and discussion of value systems, loss of innocence, conflicts between the individual and society, and the challenges of the search for fulfillment. Genres studied include fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama with readings from American, British and world literature. Individual, independent reading and/or projects plus summer reading required.

11th Grade
Composition work focuses on responses to literature as well as extended development and support of ideas and opinions. Editing skills are polished and vocabulary study continues. Literature study emphasizes British works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama connected whenever possible by thematic concerns. Students will also do independent reading.

Foreign Language
Students may select German or Spanish for their foreign language requirement. Reading, writing and speaking are emphasized. Freshmen may start a new language or continue with the study of a previous language.

History
9th Grade
A survey of the unfolding of United States History from the 1850s to the present. In the first semester Western expansion, the Civil War and the postwar era of reconstruction, immigration, urbanization, industrialization and the Progressive Era are covered. Topics include social, economic, and political aspects of American life and the development of the United States as a world power. Second semester focuses on Oklahoma and 20th Century history. Course is periodically integrated with the English course.

10th Grade
Surveys modern Western civilization from the Renaissance through the 20th Century. Students explore significant economic, social and cultural trends, study the development of Western democratic philosophies and evaluate causes and effects of World Wars I and II as well as contemporary global events.

11th Grade
A survey course dealing with American history from the end of World War II to the present, focuses on the Cold War, expansion of civil rights, unfolding of social movements in the US, globalism and current events.

Mathematics
Algebra I
Focuses on various algorithms; develop and use mathematical properties; apply mathematics in realistic situations; and represent or picture mathematical concepts.

Geometry
(Algebra I is a prerequisite.) Geometry teaches students to draw, visualize and follow algorithms; understand properties, mathematical relationships and proofs; use geometric ideas in real situations; and represent geometric concepts with coordinates, networks or other diagrams.

Algebra II
(Algebra I and Geometry are pre-requisites.) Focuses on functions, graphs and matrices; systems of equations using graphing, substitution and addition; quadratic functions and relations; and an introduction to trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus.

Pre-Calculus
(Algebra II is a prerequisite.) Designed to prepare students for Calculus or other advanced math courses.

Science
Biology
A comprehensive overview of the central concepts of biology: cell structure and functions, genetics, human physiology, ecology and the diversity of life. Presentation of new concepts accomplished through student investigation of real world problems within the discipline. Evaluation of concept understanding and mastery occurs through presentation of student-driven projects. Laboratory safety and skills are assessed through periodic laboratory practical exams.

Chemistry
A study of the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Topics include atomic structure, scientific measurement, periodicity, mass-mole relations, chemical reactions, gas laws, acid-base reactions and fundamentals of organic chemistry. A minimum of one project per semester is assigned as a practical application or for research.

Physics
Covers classical physics and an introduction to quantum physics. Topics include vectors, laws of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, waves, thermodynamics, optics, DC electricity, radioactivity and electronics. Practical labs and projects are assigned.

12th Grade Core Curriculum
Our seniors are able to take advantage of the rich curriulum at RCDS and those who have reached a minimum score on his or her ACT test, may take courses concurrently at the Tulsa Community College. Core classes include: