GSCD Course Catalog

The South Carolina Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) requires school districts to develop a curriculum organized around the career cluster system–16 career clusters, schools of study, and majors. In the organization of the district curriculum around the career cluster system, Greenville County Schools divided the 16 career clusters into six schools of study. These six schools of study include School of Arts, Communication and Information Technology; Business, Marketing and Management; Environmental and Agricultural Systems; Health Science; Human Resources and Services; and Industrial Manufacturing and Engineering Systems. Under each school of study a student will find related career clusters. The career clusters are then broken down into academic focus areas (majors) that students may choose based on interests and skills.

Personal Pathways to Success is the name given to this reorganization of the curriculum which is designed to help students take control of planning for their futures. Personal Pathways to Success provides the solid mix of academic and technical skills students need to compete in the global economy. It gives students a reason to achieve in school by connecting success in school with success in life. It maintains South Carolina's core academic requirements while opening up pathways to success for students no matter where they lead – to two-year colleges, four-year colleges or universities, the military, or directly into the workforce. Students, parents, and counselors work together to develop Individual Graduation Plans (IGP) that specify a student's cluster, academic focus (major), post-secondary goals, planned high school activities, and planned out-of-class activities. The Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) is a document that states the student's intentions related to courses that are taken during high school. The IGP is initiated in the 8th grade with the choice of a cluster area. When the IGP is updated in the 10th grade, the student will select an academic focus (major) within their cluster of choice. Students will utilize Naviance, a comprehensive college and career readiness tool, to help them align their strengths and interests to their career goals. The courses that are taken are determined by the student's interests. It can be modified over time as interests and skills develop or change. The IGP is like a road map to the future: if the student stays on course, the student will reach the destination – graduation – with all the courses, skills and experience needed to take his education or career to the next level. Each year the student, parents/guardians, and counselors will review and update the plans for the coming year. Switching clusters or majors is okay -- as the high school years progress and the student learns more about his interests and skills there are bound to be changes in choice of coursework.

Course Descriptions

English

Title:

English Studies 7th

20013100

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

English Studies 7 is designed to prepare students for College and Career readiness as required by the South Carolina State Standards. The curriculum exposes students to a variety of genres, both literary and informational. Placement recommendations: Successful completion of grade 6

Title:

English GT 7th

20013200

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course is designed to meet the needs of academically gifted and talented students who were identified through the standard measures implemented by The School District of Greenville County. The curriculum designed specifically for this course meets the guidelines set forth by the South Carolina State Department of Education as criteria for Gifted and Talented instruction. Students should expect to find the curriculum challenging in a number of ways: text complexity, analytical writing, problem solving, creative endeavors, and accelerated pace. PREREQUISITE: Identified as GTA (Gifted and Talented Academic).

Title:

English Studies 8th

20013800

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

English Studies 8 is designed to prepare students for College and Career readiness as required by the South Carolina State Standards. The curriculum exposes students to a variety of genres, both literary and informational. Placement recommendations: Successful completion of grade 7

Title:

Reading Assistance 7th

20241300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course offers students remediation and additional assistance in reading skills in support of on grade level instruction in the regular Language Arts and/or Literature classroom. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement

Title:

Reading Assistance 8th

20243500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

English 1 Hon

302403HW

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

8 - 12

English 1 Honors is a course for academically gifted students who have the ability to pursue an accelerated English program. These students may be preparing for Advanced Placement English - college level courses - in high school; therefore, the coursework will reflect more rigor than English I CP. Note: This course carries Honors GPA weighting. Prerequisites: High level of performance in reading and writing skills, ability to think critically and demonstrated enthusiasm for language arts, and/or teacher recommendation. All GTA identified students should enroll in the GT or Honors level course

Math

Title:

Math Assistance 7

21011300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course offers students remediation and additional assistance in math skills in support of on grade level instruction in the regular math classroom. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement

Title:

Math Assistance 8

21013500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course offers students remediation and additional assistance in math skills in support of on grade level instruction in the regular math classroom. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement

Title:

Math 7th

21100500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The emphasis in this standards-based seventh-grade course is on algebraic thinking and on extending the understanding of the real number system to include integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers. Students will investigate applications of number theory and will acquire skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers. Students will solve applied problems by using one-step equations and inequalities, percents, and proportional reasoning. Students will develop algebraic thinking by analyzing patterns to discover relationships, by representing information through symbolic, graphical, and tabular methods, and by identifying relationships that are linear. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the SCCCR mathematical process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections. PREREQUISITE: Math 6

Title:

Math 8th

21100700

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This standards-based eighth grade course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, and integers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the SCCCR mathematical process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections. PREREQUISITE: Math 7

Title:

Math 7th/8th

21102000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

7 - 8

This standards-based course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, integers, rational and irrational numbers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the SCCCR mathematical process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections. PREREQUISITE: Must meet district criteria including Teacher recommendation

Title:

Algebra 1 Hon

411402HW

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

7 - 12

Algebra 1 Honors students will study all of the topics included in CP Algebra 1. They will also study additional topics including step functions, transformations of absolute value functions, factoring quartic expressions in quadratic form, translating a quadratic function into vertex form, and sequences as functions. The SCCCR mathematical process standards apply throughout the course and, along with content standards prescribe that students experience math as a coherent, useful, and logical subject. PREREQUISITE: Math 6/7/8, or Math 7/8, or Math 8; District Criteria; Math Teacher Recommendation

Science

Title:

Science 7th

22211300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The focus of science in seventh grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Cells and Heredity-structure and function of cells and heredity; Human Systems and Disease-functions and interconnections within the human body and breakdown of these functions due to disease; Ecology-the Biotic and Abiotic Environment-interactions and responses between biotic and abiotic components and organisms; and Chemical Nature of Matter-classifications, properties and changes in matter. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of previous grade or science course

Title:

Science 8th

22513500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The focus for science in eighth grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Earth's Biologic History-Earth's biologic diversity over time; Structure and Process in Earth System-materials and processes that alter the structure of Earth; Astronomy-characteristics, structure, and motions of celestial bodies in the universe; Forces and Motion-effects of forces on the motion of an object; and, Waves-properties and behaviors of waves. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of previous grade or science course

Social Studies

Title:

Social Studies 7th

23101300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Seventh grade social studies continues the study of world cultures with a focus on the changes that have occurred in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from 1600 to the present. Students examine the history, geography, and continuing changes in political and economic ideas that have shaped the world in which we live today. Students also address the growing interaction among societies developing concurrently during this period, including the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. Instruction should emphasize the elements of social studies literacy, the tools, strategies, and perspectives necessary for understanding how history, geography, economics and government are interwoven. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of previous grade or course

Title:

SC/US History 8th

23203500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Eighth grade social studies focuses on the story of the history of South Carolina and the role that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a nation. Students learn about the state'sdevelopment during colonial times and the growth of the American ideal which led to the break with England, the rising controversy about slavery, and the Civil War. The study of the rebuilding of South Carolina after the Civil War and the continuing struggle for civil rights and justice waged by the people of South Carolina allows students to see the progress that the state has made and to appreciate the contributions that its people have made to the nation as a whole. Students also learn about the major political, economic, and social changes in South Carolina through the twentieth century and to the present in the context of national and worldwide events. Instruction should emphasize the elements of social studies literacy, the tools, strategies, and perspectives necessary for understanding how history, geography, economics and government are interwoven in our state'shistory. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of previous grade or course

Arts

Title:

Art 7th Beginning

25011600

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Students will develop creative-thinking and problem-solving skills as they observe the world around them. They will explore and produce artwork including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, arts, and crafts. A study of artists and their work will help students understand the techniques, skills, and diverse intentions of artists from many cultures and times. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Art 7th Advanced

25013800

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The purpose of this course is to teach students who have advanced art ability to achieve work at a higher level than the general art classes. The knowledge of the principles and elements of design will be studied in depth through vigorous exercises and research. Students will be involved in a variety of experiences with local artists and community arts organizations. PREREQUISITE: Previous art instruction with teacher recommendation; Art teacher approval

Title:

Art 8th Beginning

25014100

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Students will refine their ability to communicate visually, manage a wide range of tools and materials, and achieve quality, style, and craftsmanship in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. Students will have opportunities for evaluating and critiquing their own and other students' artwork as wall as studying artists and analyzing their work. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Band 7th

25311300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course is a continuation of Band 6 for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Intermediate-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: Band 6 or permission of instructor

Title:

Band 8th

25313500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course is a continuation of Band 7 for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Advanced-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: Band 7 or permission of instructor

Title:

Chorus 7th Beginning

25413800

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop the fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness learned in Chorus 6, through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 7 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of the musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Chorus 8th Beginning

25414400

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop the fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness learned in Chorus 7, through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 8 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of the musical concepts. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

General Music 7th

25611300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This is a course providing students with the opportunity to explore musical concepts and further their understanding of music through listening, singing, playing instruments, and engaging in creative activities. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

General Music 8th

25613500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

Piano Keyboarding 8th

25994900

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This class is an opportunity for students to learn the fundamentals of piano keyboarding. Students will learn the skill of reading music and will work on eye-hand coordination. Simple musical compositions will be practiced and performed. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Piano Keyboarding 7th

25999300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

Art 1

350101CW

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

7 - 12

This introductory course provides students with problem-solving experiences in two and three-dimensional media, stressing design elements (line, shape, form, value, color, space, and texture), and design principles, (proportion, emphasis, harmony/unity, balance, rhythm/movement, contrast repetition/ pattern, and variety). Emphasis is on the development of basic skills. PREREQUISITE: None

Foreign Language

Title:

Spanish 7 Beginner Level

26501300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Spanish 8 Beginner Level

26503500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

Spanish 1 CP

365107CW

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

7 - 12

This course prepares students to: perform interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communicative tasks within the novice high to intermediate low range on the ACTFL Proficiency scale; interpret, exchange, and present, information, concepts and ideas both within the classroom and beyond on a variety of topics including connections to other subject areas; and understand the relationship among the products, practices and perspectives of other cultures. In addition, students develop insight into their own language and culture. PREREQUISITES: None

Physical Education

Title:

PE/Health 7th

2460A100

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Enrollment in this course fulfills the state law requiring 9 weeks of health education every year for all students in grades 6 - 8. Course content focuses on teaching students the information and the skills needed to become health literate, maintain and improve personal health, prevent disease, and reduce health-related risk behaviors as outlined in the SC Health and Safety Curriculum Standards. The course also focuses on evaluating, advocating, and coordinating valid resources and services to meet the needs of students, families, and communities. Course content areas include Personal Health and Wellness, Nutritional Choices, Mental Health, Preventing Injuries, Family Living, and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

PE/Health 8th

2460A200

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Career and Technology

Title:

GTT7 Design & Modeling

27800000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.

Title:

GTT8 Design & Modeling

27801000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

GTT7 Automation & Robotics

27810000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Students trace the history and development of automation and robotics. They learn about structures, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for careers in engineering.

Title:

GTT8 Automation & Robotics

27811000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

GTT8 Flight and Space

27841000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space (FS) unit. Students become engineers as they design, prototype, and test models to learn about the science of flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars.

Title:

GTT7 Medical Detectives

27890000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.

Title:

GTT8 Medical Detectives

27891000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

Career Education 7th

28301300

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course introduces the students to the careers that are available to them after their education. Students are given a chance to research and explore various careers as well as learn about the skills that are needed for a particular occupation. During this time, the students are also introduced to the career clusters that are used in the district. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Career Education 8th

28303500

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Miscellaneous

Title:

Study Topics 7th

27991600

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course focuses on skills that students need to make better and more efficient use of study time. Students will actively engage in learning time management skills, study techniques, organizational skills, and test-taking strategies to strengthen their performance in the classroom. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

Skill Building 7th

27991700

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course focuses on skills that students need to make better and more efficient use of study time. Students will actively engage in learning time management skills, study techniques, organizational skills, test-taking strategies, as well as other topics that will strengthen their performance in the classroom. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

ESOL 7th

27991900

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course is designed for the student who has a primary language other than English, and is not proficient in listening, speaking, reading, writing, or comprehension in the English speaking classroom. Instruction will be provided in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension to assist students in classrooms where English is the language of instruction. Students will receive skills to aid in the transition to all academic areas, as well as help in the preparation for middle school formal tests. Limited English proficiency should be determined by an approved language assessment instrument. PREREQUISITE: Guidance Placement

Title:

AVID 7th

27992000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is offered as an elective course to students who would like to prepare for four-year universities. The course prepares students for more rigorous coursework in middle and high school. The curriculum features writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. There is an emphasis on note-taking and study skills, and college/career/motivational activities.

Title:

AVID 8th

27992100

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

Study Topics 8th

27994000

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Title:

Skill Building 8th

27994100

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

This course focuses on skills that students need to make better and more efficient use of study time. Students will actively engage in learning time management skills, study techniques, organizational skills, test-taking strategies, as well as other topics that will strengthen their performance in the classroom. PREREQUISITE: None

Title:

ESOL 8th

27994400

Course Number:

Unit Credit:

Grade Level:

Table of Contents

Planning Your Education

Online Registration

Promotion Criteria for Grades Six, Seven, and Eight

IGPs, Career Clusters and Personal Pathways to Success

Course Descriptions