Courses Available to Freshmen

Academic Bowl

This course will support the development of TSAS's Division Champion Academic Bowl team by providing students with structured study and practice time. Students in this course will build their academic knowledge and sportsmanship by competing in mock matches. Students may be invited to compete in matches against other Tulsa area schools.

Instructor approval is required.

Algebra I

Students are initially introduced to: one-step, two-step, and multiple-step equations; factoring simple one variable equations; substituting values for various unknowns; rates and proportions; percent problems; combining various math concepts in solving real-world problems.

Algebra I students are ready to learn the following: functions, linear functions and equations, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and polynomials, different methods of factoring polynomials, quadratic functions and equations, data analysis and probability and introduction to complex numbers.

American Sign Language I

This course introduces the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of ASL. Students will focus on learning the ASL alphabet, basic vocabulary, grammar structure, fingerspelling, commands, and ASL questions. Students will be given the opportunity to develop both receptive and expressive skills in order to hold a beginning-level conversation with deaf/hard-of-hearing native users of ASL. An awareness of the history and culture of deaf people, as well as information on deaf role models, are included in the course.

Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts

Art Foundations

This class is a basic introduction to fine art methods and media for both beginners and students familiar with basic art media. By exploring of the Elements of Art, Principles of Design and a variety of art media you will learn how to use these simple tools to create both 2D and 3D works of art.

Biology

Biology is a laboratory science course in which students investigate a wide range of topics including cells, cell transport and reproduction, genetics, DNA, evolution, and ecology. Students will have an opportunity to participate in various laboratory activities and dissections throughout the course.

Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts

Composition 9

In this course, we will spend time reading about and discussing various themes and essential questions that relate to us as individuals. This class will help you sharpen your reading and writing skills as we dive in and examine literary works and texts. While studying long and short works of fiction and nonfiction, poetry, and drama, students will think and discuss critically while becoming familiar with literary elements and techniques. As a composition course, much of what we discuss and analyze will also lead to putting those thoughts and ideas on paper. Students will write creative pieces of fiction and poetry in addition to expository and argumentative papers using the writing process. These writings will show knowledge of standard grammar and usage as well as a sense of audience. Lastly, listening and speaking skills will also be developed throughout the course.

Creative Exploration

Enjoy the opportunity to explore your personal interests and create a project that reflects that interest. Using any available resources, this course offers the opportunity to create anything your mind can conjure up.

Darkroom 101

Interested in photography? Whether you’re picking up a new hobby or maybe it’s just been awhile, our Darkroom 101 class will introduce you to the Darkroom and, by the end of classes, you will feel confident developing your own film! You'll learn everything from best practices and equipment usage to understanding the basic mechanics of fine art printing. We will cover the concepts of the editing and aesthetics. You will develop your film, create contact sheets, discuss the editing process, and ultimately, create your own prints. We’ll discuss best practices and you’ll leave with an understanding of proper usage of equipment and chemistry. Along the way, we’ll have discussions about aesthetics and choices that are made during exposure, development and printing. The goal of the intro class is for you to feel comfortable and confident in the darkroom!

In this class:

• You will explore alternative photographic processes, discover different genres, and begin to understand basic film practices.
• You will use a pinhole camera, meet professional working photographers and grow confident in your understanding of exposure.
• You will begin to learn photographic composition techniques and strengthen your visual literacy.

A SLR manual film camera is required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out. This course requires a $25 lab fee.

Drama I

In addition to the technical side of the craft (lights, sound, sets, costumes, etc.), students in this course will explore characters, realign their thought process to believably portray a range of emotions, objectives, conflict and resolutions through voice and movement. Students will also incorporate improvisational skills in scenes and theatre games. Finally, students will create scenes and perform, work scripts to bring the words to life, and believably become someone else!

Drawing I

This class is a beginning drawing class for those who have never drawn before and those who have a grasp of basic drawing techniques. We will begin with line and progress through shape, form, positive/negative space, value, composition and proportion through careful observation and drawing of still lifes, interiors, natural objects and figures.

Drawing II

This class is a continuation of Drawing I. We will continue our drawing studies using various methods, such as: life drawing, linear perspective, intuitive gesture, building forms, figure drawing, abstract composition, master copies, color and mixed media.

Intermediate/Advanced Level Requirements. Art Foundations and Drawing I are prerequisites for this course, so students should already have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, introduction to Art History and have strong drawing abilities.

Fine Arts

Film & Media Studies

This class asks students to watch and study film. Student attention will fall on film narratives, camera work, set and sound design, costumes and make-up, and editing, among others. In addition to watching and studying film, students will have opportunities to develop and practice film-making through weekly labs and a final project.

Finding a Voice of Our Own

Focusing on the literature of E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolfe, and the storied members of the Bloomsbury Group, students will explore how a small, eclectic group of writers and thinkers discovered their voices. Students will choose one of the members of the loosely knit group to research and give voice to in a dynamic, multimedia presentation.

Food & Culture

What can studying food and dining practices tell us about a culture? What are the traditions surrounding food around the world? This class will look at the intersection of food and culture and even try some various cuisines along the way. We will also turn to our own community to see what food options our diverse immigrant community has brought to Tulsa.

Freshman Seminar

Transitioning to high school can be a pretty exciting time! Yet, with newfound freedom, an increased workload, and greater responsibility, one can feel a bit overwhelmed trying to balance all of the changes. In this class, we will discuss and explore strategies that will set you up for a smooth transition into high school. Some topics covered will include time-management skills, study habits, college/career exploration, and emotional well-being, with a strong emphasis on relationship building. We will engage in FUN hands-on activities, class discussions, and group projects to help ensure social and academic success for the next 4 years and beyond.

Career & College House
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
STEM

Government

Government is a one trimester thought-provoking exploration of United States Government and Politics. We will cover such topics as the Constitution, Bill of Rights, interest groups, politics, voting, branches of government, laws, public policies and current events.

Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts

Health & Fitness

Healthy individuals are composed of more than just a healthy body and healthy mind, but rather a synergistic system that is capable of building and healing itself. This class is designed as a safe space for you to push your physical and mental limits, but also learn how and when to rest. By the end of this class, you should have a good idea of how well-defined your physical limits are, how to focus on a task or problem, how to become the architect of your own growth, and how to maintain your own health.

Health and the Human Body

"Health and the Human Body" is a science elective that delves into the complexities of human health and how the environment and our own anatomy and physiology intersect and lead to either health or disease. Through lectures, hands-on activities, research, and engaging discussions, students will explore topics such as nutrition, genetics, and infectious disease transmittance and prevention.

Instrumental Music

Beginning in 6th grade students will learn to read and create music via exploration of multiple instruments and genres. Throughout this 3 trimester course our focus will move between music theory, composition and performance in an ensemble setting.

Intro to Digital Literacy

Do you like solving problems?

Do you find yourself excited by new technology coming out?

Do you just like learning new things?

This class is for you!!

We will explore the impact of technological advances and how they affect our lives.

We will explore how we can use the tech in our lives in better ways.

We will also explore a little coding, just to see what makes machines “think.”

Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts

Intro to Psychology

This course introduces students to the study of the human mind and behavior. Students will strive to better understand how we think and act based on intrinsic and extrinsic forces. Topics exploring the basic principles and theories of psychology including personality, the brain, consciousness, learning, and memory will be covered.

Intro to Speech & Debate

Students will develop the skills of public speaking, acting, and debating through in-class performance, peer feedback, and competition. Speaking and writing persuasively, research, and artistic storytelling are some of the main focuses of this course. Students will often engage academically with current events, politics, economics, and philosophy. This course prepares Novice debaters to join the Varsity Speech and Debate Team. Tournament participation is required.

Introduction to Film and Media Studies

This course explores the look, technologies, and social impact of moving images—film, television, and other new media, like video games and TikTok. Topics will include set design, cinematography, editing, sound, genre, and remix culture, among others. Students will also work in groups to direct short scenes illustrating learned concepts.

Introduction to Religious Studies

In Introduction to Religious Studies, students will be exposed to an array of sacred texts from the five major world religions and will read selections from several novels and short stories with religious themes and allusions. Students will gain an appreciation for the influence of religion on cultures, will begin to learn the basics of the field of religious studies, and will practice researching religions. Each student will write a research paper on a religious topic/theme and will give a presentation on a selected text from the course.

Library Aide

Students will pursue a number of projects intended to expand, improve, and maintain the library at TSAS. These projects will offer students the opportunity to draw on their knowledge of our culture and values while applying newly-acquired skills in library science and construction. Students will be expected to work collaboratively, incorporating surveys and community feedback as they tackle the design challenges of a fully-functioning library.

Maker Space Creations

If you like to solve problems and DIY projects, this class is for you. You will use creative thinking skills while getting hands on experience with all kinds of maker tools like the laser cutter, 3D printer, and more.

Modern Science Discoveries and Research

In this elective, we will be learning about the most exciting and groundbreaking research happening across the globe! We will explore topics in chemistry, biology, technology, and more. We will explore exciting new topics, ranging from the power of isotopes, how scientists use DNA today, and how new technology breakthroughs are shaping our world.

Musical Theater

In addition to the technical side of the craft (lights, sound, sets, costumes, etc.), this course entails developing skills in vocals, dance and acting. Class performs at all applicable venues and performs the annual “big” musical. Lots of hard work but even more fun!

Students enrolling as a performer MUST enroll in 2nd and 3rd trimester. Students wishing to enroll as tech support may take either trimester. See also Theatre Tech

Narratives in Fantasy Fiction

In this elective students will focus on the writings and conversations of “The Inklings”: C.S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, et. al. Students will also practice writing/sharing their own works (in the spirit of The Inklings).

Oklahoma History

Oklahoma History is a one trimester survey of significant events, time periods and individuals that have formed and continue to transform our state. Students will demonstrate an understanding of relevant political and ideological movements, as well as economic, cultural, and social accomplishments of individuals and groups making a lasting impact not merely on this state, but on the progress of the nation. Oklahoma History is a core class and required for graduation.

Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts

Seeking Shakespeare

Who was William Shakespeare and why aren’t the questions of authorship more widely known and discussed? After looking at recent research and scholarship on the playwright, students will watch several comedies, tragedies, and a couple of the history plays—all attributed to William Shakespeare, the man from Stratford Upon Avon.

Sewing

In Sewing, students will learn the basics of mending, quilting, and garment construction. Using hand and machine techniques, students will engage in the creative cycle from pattern creation to final project production. Projects will range from altering thrifted clothes to creating bespoke garments with specialty fabrics.

Instructor approval is required.

Spanish I

This course assumes no prior Spanish knowledge and teaches students to listen, speak, read and write Spanish on an elementary level. This is accomplished through activities, projects, and lessons from a variety of sources and experiences that focus on these four skills.

Spanish II

This course builds upon the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing learned in Spanish I through activities, projects, and lessons from our curriculum (Avancemos II) and other sources that focus on these four skills.

Student Newspaper & Media Studies

Students will learn theories and practices associated with gathering, writing, and evaluating the news. This course will allow students to generate content for publication while applying the skills and techniques of responsible journalists. Students also will exercise their media literacy by thinking critically about the relationships between mass media and society, culture, identity, politics, and economics. Students will produce the TSAS student newspaper.

Prerequisites include completion of an application process and teacher approval.

The 1990s

The 1990s: grunge, pop-star icons, Oklahoma City Bombing, Boy Bands, the rise of hip-hop to the mainstream, Y2K, the OJ Simpson trial, the impeachment of President Clinton, and so much more. This interdisciplinary course blends elements of Literature, American History, Political Science, and American Studies to explore the decade of the 1990s. We will use film, television, music, theory, literature, advertisements, and more to understand the culture-changing decade. Students will complete reflective in-class writing, whole-class and independent reading, discussions, and an independent research project.

The Voices of Harlem

In this elective, students will explore how a group of Black writers and thinkers give birth to a renaissance. Students will choose one of the members of the group to research and give voice to in a dynamic, multimedia presentation.

Theatre Tech

Students will learn how to do backstage, technical theatre work; students will also learn about theatrical design, focusing on set pieces, costumes, props, lighting, and sound design. This course has some written work, but is mostly hands-on; the class will be working to help produce plays at both the middle and high school level. Evening attendance to do backstage work at plays will be required at least once per trimester.

World War I

Focusing on the Great War students will spend the trimester exploring the perspectives of World War I. Ranging from soldiers' stories from the trenches to an understanding of the social upheaval caused by the conflict, students will gain valuable skills of research, writing, and critical thought. Some other topics included are the Russian Revolution, Tulsa Race Massacre, Right to Vote for Women, Child Labor Laws, and Segregation in Schools.