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In 7th grade, students will deepen their ability to analyze the texts they read and provide evidence form the text to do so. Specifically, 7th graders will learn to examine texts more closely and use details from the text to develop ideas, analyze, and make inferences. Students will read a variety of texts, including a novel excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and the short story Rikki-tikki-tavi by Rudyard Kipling.

In 8th grade, students continue to practice many of the skills they learned in earlier grades, specifically paying attention to details like text evidence, language, and cross-text comparisons in different genres of text. Students push their analyses of text further as they examine the details and writing structure and assess how those elements affect the text. Students will ready a variety of texts, including works by Maya Angelou, Mark Twain, and Anne Frank as well as an excerpt from the novel The Time Machine by H. G. Wells.

The Mississippi Writers course focuses on the state's rich literary heritage through the study of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. Recommended for Grades 9-12

Mythology and folklore have been used since the first people gathered around the fire to make sense of humankind and our world. This course focuses on the many myths and legends woven into cultures around the world. Students will explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore, and see how they are still used to shape society today. Recommended for Grades 10-12

Does the thought of speaking in front of people make you break out in hives? Maybe you want tips on how to make that first great impression? In this course, you will learn how to plan a speech and communicate effectively. Recommended for Grades 10-12

This course is designed to foster appreciation for African-American Literature and its contributions to the world of literature. The content includes speeches, slave narratives, poetry, plays, and stories that have contributed in establishing this genre. Recommended for Grades 11-12

Technical & Workplace Writing focuses on the various kinds of written communication currently occurring in a variety of workplaces and careers. Recommended for Grades 10-12

Twentieth Century Literature covers a multitude of writers and topics from World War I to the present-day. This course will set its focus on the fantasy genre. Recommended for Grades 10-12

The World Literature course is an examination of literary works that have contributed significantly to the thinking of humankind and have contributed greatly to various cultures. In this course, students will read a variety of masterpieces and influential literary works. Recommended for Grades 11-12

Probability & Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. It focuses on the interpretation of statistical results, especially in real world settings, and assumes that students understand algebra. Four major areas of concentration include data explorations, design of experiments, production of models using probability, and simulation and statistical inference. To be successful in Probability & Statistics, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra II. Recommended for Grades 11-12

Trigonometry builds on a well-developed geometry and algebra background to explore the study of unit circles and triangles. Trigonometric functions, their properties, and graphs are analyzed and studied in the context of real and complex numbers. To be successful in Trigonometry, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Recommended for Grades 11-12

Pre-Calculus covers those skills and objectives necessary for success in calculus. Topics of study include sequences and series, functions, and higher order polynomials. Topics are addressed from a numeric, graphical, and analytical perspective. To be successful in Pre-Calculus, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Recommended for Grades 11-12

In Science for Grade 7, students relate systems and cycles through analyzing various small-scale and large-scale phenomena. Using scientific methods, students can connect Earth’s systems with the flow of energy in supporting living and nonliving organisms and specific interactions of matter. Students use multiple investigative methods to discover evidence, make claims, and generate explanations about systems and cycles that take place on Earth. Recommended for Grade 7

In this course, students will read a variety of literary works. The short story is heavily emphasized because it allows readers to see the essential parts of plot. Also, students will read essays, a sampling of poetry, and William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.

Students continue to develop their skills in the tree aspects of language arts – literature, grammar, and composition. Students will read William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.

The historical development of American literature is the central theme of this course. Students gain an understanding of the ideas that fostered the growth of the United States and the ways in which its literature became distinctively American. Many of the works studied are non-fiction, including letters, written histories, essays, biographies, autobiographies, and persuasive speeches. Additionally, students will read The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

In this course students ready many of the great works of literature from the Anglo-Saxon period. They gain an understanding of the historical development of English literature as they study Shakespeare’s Macbeth, as well as selections from Beowulf.

College Prep Writing provides intense instruction in small classes to enable students to meet the demands of college-level writing. Specifically, student practice pre-writing exercises, drafting, revising, and editing, as well as review basic grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure related to basic composition.

This course provides students with a solid grounding in the writing process, from finding inspiration to building a basic story to using complicated literary techniques and creating strange hybrid forms of poetic prose and prose poetry. By the end of this course, students will learn how to discover their creative thoughts and turn those ideas into fully realized pieces of creative writing.

In this course, students will learn how to write a lead that grabs readers, how to write engaging news stories and features, and how to interview sources. Students will also study the history of journalism, how to succeed in the world of social media news, and how to turn writing, photography, and people skills into an exciting and rewarding career.

The Pre-Algebra course will build a foundation of algebraic concepts, including real numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations, polynomials, inequalities, geometry, ratios, proportions, percents, number theory, measurement, data analysis, statistics, and graphing.

In Algebra I, students will analyze and explain the process of solving equations and inequalities; learn function notation and develop the concepts of domain and range; use regression techniques; create quadratic and exponential expressions; and select from among these functions to model phenomena.

In Geometry, students will build a thorough understanding of translations, reflections, and rotations; develop an understanding of similarity and theorems; extend the formulas for 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional objects; investigate geometric concepts of lines; prove basic theorems about circles; and work with experimental and theoretical probability. To be successful in Geometry, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra I.

In Algebra II, students build on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions to extend their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions. Students work closely with the expressions that define the functions, and continue to expand and hone their abilities to model situations and to solve equations, including solving quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers and solving exponential equations using the properties of logarithms. To be successful in Algebra II, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra I and Geometry.

Algebra III topics of study include both Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus topics, specifically sequences and series, functions, and higher order polynomials. Topics are addressed from a numeric, graphical, and analytical perspective. To be successful in Algebra III, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

Calculus focuses on the mathematics of change, with the major focus on differential and integral calculus. The use of graphing calculators and other technologies are major components of the course. To be successful in Calculus, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra III or Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus.

The Biology course is designed to build a life science foundation emphasizing patterns, processes, and interactions among organisms. Students explore the organization of life; the interdependence between organisms and their environment; the chemical composition of life; the role of DNA, RNA, and protein in cellular structure and function; inheritance; and evolution.

The Earth and Space Science course provides opportunities for students to continue to develop and communicate a basic understanding of the Earth and its place in the universe.

This course will introduce students to the study of astronomy, including its history and development, basic scientific laws of motion and gravity, the concepts of modern astronomy, and the methods used by astronomers to learn more about the universe.
NCAA Approved

Building upon the prior prerequisite course (Astronomy I), this course presents a variety of subjects that allow the student to become more familiar with the universe. Students will explore the solar system, the sun, comets, asteroids, and meteors, as well as become familiar with the concepts of space travel and settlement.

Chemistry explores empirical concepts central to all areas of science. Topics that will be addressed throughout the course are dimensional analysis, naming compounds, balancing equations, and stoichiometry. To be successful in Chemistry, it is recommended that students have completed Algebra I and Geometry, and be enrolled in an upper-level math course.

The Human Anatomy and Physiology course investigates the structures and functions of the human body. To be successful in this course, it is recommended that students have completed Biology.

Have you ever wondered about the secrets of the deep, and how the creatures below the ocean’s surface live and thrive? It is truly a new frontier of discovery, and in Marine Science, you will begin to understand a great deal more about the aquatic cycles, structures, and processes that generate and sustain life in the sea.

Building upon the prior prerequisite course (Marine Science I), students will continue their study of the biodiversity of salt water and fresh water organisms, including their interactions with the physical and chemical environment.

Physical Science is a course that provides opportunities for students to develop and communicate a basic understanding of physics and chemistry through a variety of lessons and activities.

Mississippi Studies is a course designed to foster appreciation for the state and its culture. The content will include the geographic, historic, economic, political, and social events that have contributed to the state’s development. This course will trace Mississippi’s transition from agriculture to industry and its effort to expand participation in the political process. The course will include the study of the diverse contributions of the citizens of the state. NCAA Approved

World History is a global history course that provides a cohesive approach to learning and understanding the history of the world. In this course, students will explore the transformations that created our modern world, beginning in the long 19th century and ending in our present moment. This course will help students learn how to use stories about our connected human past to orient themselves to their present moment and prepare for the future.

US History focuses on the role of the United States as it made the transition from a young nation to a leading nation in the global arena.

US Government will provide students with an understanding of civic life, politics, and the constitutional process, as well as a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens and a framework for competent and active civic participation.

This course focuses on an awareness of the relationship of world economic systems. The student will trace the American economic system and the impact of that system in a global setting. The student will also develop an understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics from individual finances to world economic organizations.

The Advanced World Geography course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and environmental consequences.

How do the places we live influence the way we live? How do geography, weather, and location relate to our customs and lifestyles? In this course, you will explore the diverse ways that different people have physically influenced the world around them and how they, in turn, are changed by their surroundings.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Students are introduced to the scientific method and the core ideas and theories of psychology. Students will study sensation, perception, memory, thought, language, and emotion.

Building upon the prior prerequisite course (Psychology I), students will continue their study of the complexities and diversity of human thought and behavior. Students will study the stages of human development, motivation, stress, psychological disorders, therapy, interaction, and influence.

Sociology engages in the study of people and their lives in groups. This course examines how people behave in groups and how interaction shapes both the individual and group behaviors. The analysis of the rules, organizations, and value systems that enable people to live together will also be an area of emphasis.

This course is a survey of the world’s major religions including, but not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Both the philosophical and socio-cultural manifestations of these religions will be studied. Particular attention will be given to the basic tenets, history, values, and impact of each religion on the development of civilization.

Art has been a way to communicate beliefs and express ideas about the human experience throughout all stages of civilization and in every region of the world. In this course, we take a thematic approach to art history and appreciation. Rather than a linear chronology, we will explore connections in Western and non-Western art, illuminating the breadth, complexity, and beauty of works produced around the world and at different periods of time.

In this course, students will learn creative photographic skills and processes including movement, direction, light, shadow, and flash, and build a portfolio of work.

Building upon the prior prerequisite course (Digital Photography II), students will be introduced to image editing, and will experiment with transformations, adjustments, repair tools, layers, and special effects.

Cyber Foundations I is an exciting course which encompasses many different skills that will be used throughout a student’s remaining education career, as well as in their personal life and chosen profession. This course focuses on digital citizenship, keyboarding, technology applications, problem solving, web development, and programming.

What does it really take to own your own business? Does the sound of being your own boss make you feel excited? Discover what is needed to operate a personal business from creating a plan, generating financing, and pricing products to marketing services and managing employees. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a true entrepreneur but feel daunted by the prospect, this is your chance to learn all you need to know.

Personal Finance introduces students to basic financial habits such as setting financial goals, budgeting, and creating financial plans. Students will learn more about topics such as taxation, financial institutions, credit, and money management. The course also addresses how occupations and educational choices can influence personal financial planning, and how individuals can protect themselves from identity theft.

Contemporary Health is a high school course that helps students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for making healthy decisions, achieving health literacy, adopting health-enhancing behaviors, and promoting the health of others. In this course of study, emphasis is placed on personal, social, and mental health. It includes instruction on human growth and development, disease prevention and control, substance abuse and prevention, community and environmental health, nutrition and wellness, and safety and first aid.

Physical Education will help you acquire knowledge about health-related physical fitness and healthy lifestyles (such as regular physical activity and sound nutrition) that lead to physical fitness, health, and wellness. The class also will help you use self-management skills; become a good decision maker and problem solver; and become a good consumer of fitness, health, and wellness.

Learn how to fuel your body, maintain your emotional and physical health, and find your way around the grocery store and kitchen. This course prepares you for a healthy life and provides you with the essential skills you need to plan and make healthy and delicious meals for you, your family, and your friends. You will learn how to budget for your meals, shop for groceries, and fit cooking into a busy schedule of school, work, and other responsibilities.

Spanish I is an introduction to the study of Spanish and its culture. It allows students to perform the most basic functions of the language and to become familiar with some elements of its culture. The emphasis is placed on the development of the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a basic level and within a given context.

Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I. These lessons will build on those skills which students acquired in the previous course.

The Spanish III course will review some of the skills students learned in the previous courses, and present a more in-depth study of the language. Students will become more familiar with several of the countries where Spanish is the official language.

This course is designed to set up a structured environment to help students’ study for and practice taking the ACT. This course will cover all angles of the ACT test and is designed to not only provide information on what the test covers and instruction on how to do the material, but also to provide helpful hints on how to be a better test-taker.

The CCR course was developed to ensure that all students graduate from high school prepared for college, career, and active citizenship. This semester course focuses on goal setting, career exploration, college selection and transition, and introduces the personal finance topics of compensation, taxes, financial pitfalls, checking and savings accounts, and budgeting.

Building upon the prior prerequisite course (CCR I), students will continue their study of personal finance topics by focusing on credit, debt, investing, and insurance. Students will also examine community service, digital literacy and paying for college.

This course aids new students in their transition to online learning and the use of the UMHS Learning Management System.

This course is designed to help students master themselves and their ability to study, learn, and retain information. Students will learn how to use time effectively, learn test-taking strategies, and learn tips for taking better notes.