Courses Available to Juniors
3D Art
This is an in-depth study where students will nurture/develop a personal vision and start forming an identity as a 3D artist. You will explore 3D design by refining your craftsmanship skills and learn how 3D works are produced. The teacher will guide your vision, but every student will be required to propose/conceptualize ideas for their own designs. Goal setting is encouraged and quality work will be expected.
This is a studio format course. Non-participation and production will result in a failure.
Intermediate/Advanced Level Requirements: Art Foundations is a prerequisite 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 intermediate/advanced drawing abilities that aid in sculptural design, problem solving, and conceptualization.
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.
Acrylic Painting
This class will build upon the topics covered in Watercolor Painting, and will include more basic and advanced painting techniques and projects. Acrylics will primarily be used along with further exploration of mixed media methods.
Advanced Darkroom
Designed for students with some existing experience and knowledge in taking, developing and printing photographs, this course aims to consolidate existing skills and develop new ones to enable students to make a coherent body of photographic works which consider audiences, genres and professional contexts. The course content will be driven by the interests of individual students, to broaden their practical understanding and skills in photography as an art mediumIn this class.
- You will learn a greater range of imagery, allowing each student to communicate and express themselves using visual language.
- You will grow your body of work into a cohesive portfolio.
Advanced Darkroom is an advanced photography course. Darkroom 101 is a prerequisite.
A SLR manual film camera is required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out. This course requires a $25 lab fee.
Advanced Studio Art
Designed for advanced students who are committed to developing a specific artistic ability. Examples: oil painting, acrylic painting, textiles, puppet making, figurative drawing, animal anatomy, sculpture, drawing, watercolor, etc. You get to choose what you would like to focus on and we will do a deep dive into exploring more possibilities. You are allowed to collaborate with multiple students on a project.
Requirements: Teacher approval and portfolio review required. Art Foundations and 2 high school art classes are prerequisites. Students provide their own materials. This is a studio format course, so you will need to be driven and self-motivated. The teacher will help guide you and introduce new ideas, but you should have a specific vision and understanding of what imagery or concepts you would like to create. Students are required to have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, introduction to Art History, and advanced drawing abilities (to aid in your conceptualization of projects). Non-participation and non-production will result in a failure of the course.
Algebra II
Algebra II students are ready to learn: quadratic functions and applications; polynomial functions and applications; exponential and logarithmic functions and applications, rational and radical functions; probability, data analysis and statistics; and sequence and series.
Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
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
American Sign Language II
This course is designed for students to expand their understanding of the grammar and vocabulary of American Sign Language studied during the first level course. Students are given the opportunity to continue to develop both their receptive and expressive skills in order to communicate effectively with deaf individuals. An awareness of the history and culture of deaf people, opportunities to interact with the deaf community and information on deaf role models are included in the course. Students also study different sign language systems in existence.
Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
Ancient History and Mythology
In Ancient History and Mythology, students will be exposed to the classical world and its myths. They will gain an appreciation for past humanity by studying various ancient cultures from across the globe. The course will introduce students to the most famous myths, legends, and folktales of antiquity. The students will also explore the culture and language of these societies, and they will begin to understand the relationship between ancient and modern myths and why myths continue to speak to us today.
AP Art
AP Drawing, AP 2D Art & Design, AP 3D Art & Design
Are you a committed artist? This college level class will take your skills to the next level while strengthening your artistic eye. You choose whether you will create a 2D or 3D art portfolio for possible college credit.
AP English Language and Composition
AP Lang is a three-session course that focuses on language as a persuasive tool and is designed to develop students’ ability to utilize and analyze rhetorical appeals, techniques, and devices in various media. While students will primarily read non-fiction texts, we will also include some fiction. An AP exam is offered at the end of the year, but is not required to participate in the course.
AP Statistics
AP Statistics introduces students to the major tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students explore concepts including variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions. This course will include high level analysis alongside projects that explore real world application. Students should successfully complete Algebra 2 before entering AP Stat.
- Senior course — juniors only with teacher permission
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.
Art History
This class is an introduction to the history of art for those who might be interested in the subject and those who may have no interest whatsoever. Regardless, what you will learn from this class is the ability to look at art and understand it within its historical and social context, and construct informed critiques with your new understanding. What does this mean? It means that you will learn to look at the how and why of art, whether you love it or hate it, and then be able to say exactly what you love or hate about it—and know what you’re talking about.
Ceramics
This course is a basic ceramics class for both beginners and students with prior clay experience. We will explore all of the basic clay construction methods such as pinch pots, coil building, additive and subtractive, slab building (tiles and boxes) and basic wheel throwing and more. Students will learn a variety of clay construction skills and glazing techniques to create ceramic works of their own original design. Drawing skills are important in this course to conceptualize and plan pieces before construction. Classwork consists of clay projects and weekly sketchbook assignments.
Either Art Foundations, Drawing I or Drawing II are required prerequisites for this course, or by special permission of instructor.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a laboratory science course in which students will explore the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes. This course combines lecture and discussion to support a heavily laboratory focused curriculum, allowing students an active learning environment to explore basic and complex chemistry concepts.
Chemistry in the Community
Chemistry in the Community is a laboratory-focused course, using experimentation to explore basic chemistry concepts. This course uses real-world environmental issues to explore multiple topics in chemistry through lecture, discussion, and guided experiments.
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.
Critical Writing
Critical Writing is a two-session 11th grade English course designed to help students understand practical approaches to critical analysis, research, and the application of those skills to reading and writing. Students will be engaging with various texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays.
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.
Digital Photography
Digital Photography is a trimester introduction to the digital camera as an art-making tool designed for students at the beginning level. The course will use digital photography to help students learn and apply the basic elements of art and the principles of design. This course will also provide students with opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills in the field of photography and the use of Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, and Lightroom. Digital Photography will familiarize the student with digital photographic equipment, materials, methods, and processes. Visual problem solving skills are explored through the use of the computer as the main tool for creative expression and communication. Cellphone photography and editing with a variety of phone applications will be infused in the curriculum. Students create their own blogsites as a place to exhibit their projects and portfolio work. Self promotion of student photography is encouraged and beginning social media marketing is introduced.
In this class:
- You will explore electronic imaging through the use of digital cameras and computers.
- You will be able to incorporate the elements of art and principles of design.
- You will be introduced to professional software including Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and Lightroom.
Digital Media is an advanced photography course. Darkroom 101 is a prerequisite.
A digital camera, thumbdrive and an appropriate media card are required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out. This course requires a $15 digital print 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.
Election Studies
Election Studies is a one-trimester deep dive into the 2024 General Election. Our conversations will center largely on the presidential election but also national congressional elections. Together we will follow speeches, debates and note-worthy news that leads up to election day on November 5th. Whether you are a politics enthusiast or beginner, if you have an interest in learning more about the 2024 elections, their significance and their public policy implications, this course is designed for you.
Prerequisite: Open to Grades 10-12. Students must have completed Government before taking this course.
Experimental Literature and Writing
This class asks students to reflect upon reading and writing practices that are “experimental” or “non-traditional.” Topics discussed will include writing under strict rules to explore creativity and critical thinking and choose-your-own adventures and blackout poetry. In addition to reading select works of experimental writing, students will have opportunities to create their own experimental writing and develop a zine of original experimental writing.
Prerequisite: This is an advanced English class reserved for 11th and 12th grade students, but 9th and 10th grade students can petition for admission.
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.
Genocide Studies
Genocide is defined as the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. When genocide has occurred outsiders have often proclaimed, “never again!” - In this one trimester elective, we will seek to understand the cause and effect of the world’s deadliest genocides and ask ourselves “Is never again truly possible? And if so, what is our part in making never again a reality?”
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 Engineering
An overview introduction to the world and application of various engineering fields. This course will cover the various disciplines of engineering and what the degree and industry applications are of those disciplines. Additionally, practical skills every engineer should know such as unit conversion and problem solving will be covered. Students who are interested in pursuing degrees/careers in the varying fields of engineering are encouraged to take this course.
- Senior course — juniors only with teacher permission
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 Computer Science
Do you like computers and want to learn more about them?
Have you ever wondered how to program your own interactive stories, animations, or games?
Have you ever wondered how to build a website?
This class is for you! We will:
- Learn computer science through games and websites.
- Program interactive stories, animations, and games.
- Build your own webpage.
Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
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.
Law & Society
This is a deep dive into our legal system. Students will dissect landmark cases, learn how our judicial system works, try their hand at lawyering, and maybe even go observe court. Guest speakers may include area attorneys and professors of law. At the end of the trimester, students will engage in a mock trial.
- Junior and Senior course — sophomores only with teacher permission
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).
Native American History
This elective course provides a general introductory overview of Native Americans within the fields of history, anthropology, literature, and political science. This course introduces students to the diverse perspectives concerning Native Americans and promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding indigenous rights, culture, and histories.
Oil Painting
This course will dive deep into historical and practical oil painting. It’s an intermediate and advanced level of training for students who desire more. Contemporary discourse will be emphasized.
Since the discovery of oil painting, young students would apprentice under a master artist and work their way up. When modernism rolled around, many technical skills were lost or abandoned. This class seeks to re-establish classical knowledge and skills, in a contemporary world. Students will learn direct painting, indirect painting, mediums, ground preparation, canvas stretching, and more.
Intermediate/Advanced Level Requirements Art Foundations is a prerequisite for this course, so students should already have an understanding of Color Theory, the Elements of Art, Principles of Design and intermediate/advanced drawing abilities.
Note: you will be working at an easel regularly, so standing is required.
Philosophy
Philosophy is an investigation of Western thought presented as two separate courses which are alternated each year. The first course is over Plato, Descartes, Hume and Kant, where the focus is on deep reading of the material. The second is over the major topics of philosophy, namely logic, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and linguistics/aesthetics.
Post-apocalyptic Lit
This course will focus on themes common to the genre, reflect on how people (real and fictional) respond to crises, and investigate how these stories can uniquely critique the present. We will read and analyze novels, short stories, and other forms of post-apocalyptic media. Students will practice writing their own stories in this genre and will demonstrate their learning through other projects.
Printmaking I
This class will be an introduction to the art of printmaking, which is the oldest form of graphic design. As well as basic printmaking techniques, students will learn collographs (collage texture prints), relief prints (linoleum and rubber carvings) and other methods. Correct use of specialized printing equipment, tools, and supplies will also be taught.
Printmaking II
This class will be a continuation of the techniques learned in Printmaking I, and will further your skills in the art of printmaking. Students will learn how to create drypoint intaglios on plastic, reduction relief prints (linoleum), and silkscreen, with the possibility of other advanced methods such as monotypes (painting on Plexiglass), and oil-based ink printing.
Revealing Lies in History
This elective course explores the relationship between the creation of personal and collective memory and the production of history. The seminar will examine the tensions between memory and history, using some of the most acclaimed recent history books. Students will think critically about memoirs and autobiographies, oral histories and personal reminiscences, festivities and holidays of commemoration, historical memory in popular culture, and family lore and stories. What receives the privilege of being remembered and what gets deliberately forgotten constitutes the essence of what we know as history.
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.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies relationships involving lengths and angles of triangles. Trig students are ready to learn: trigonometric functions, trigonometric graphs and identities, advanced forms of geometry, and real world applications.
Varsity Speech and Debate
Speakers develop the skills of acting and public speaking. Daily activities may include creating original speeches or portions of speeches, engaging critically with literature, annotation, memorization, and other tasks associated with artistic speaking and storytelling. Debaters develop skills such as writing and speaking persuasively, conducting quality research, time management, critical listening, and rapid note-taking. Debaters will often engage with current events, politics, economics, and philosophy. Assignments in this class incorporate performance, peer-feedback, and preparation for competition.
Prerequisite and Enrollment Note: This class serves as the regular meeting time of TSAS's competitive Speech and Debate Team. Prerequisites include: Intro to Speech and Debate and/or teacher approval. Students will be expected to enroll in all three trimesters. Tournament participation is required.
Video Production
Introduction to Video Production is a trimester course for students who enjoy film, television, and internet videos and want to learn how to create their own video projects. This course is designed to introduce students to the artistic and technical terms, techniques, and skills inherent in the visual medium of film. Students will study elements of composition and cinematic language, and apply these concepts effectively and purposefully to their own work. Introduction to Video Production heavily focuses on student-centered projects; active participation is vital to the successful completion of this course. Students will be expected to engage in the production process to write, plan, film, and edit short film projects so as to apply what they have learned. Students in this course will learn basic camera, audio, and lighting equipment terminology, and functions and will be expected to act responsibly when using said equipment. Writing assignments include reflections and screenplays. In addition, students will gain valuable experience using professional video editing software.
- You will explore video capturing through the use of smartphones, digital cameras and computers.
- You will be able to incorporate the elements of art and principles of design.
- You will be introduced to professional software including Premiere Pro Video Editing Software
- You will be expected to showcase a short film at the end of the trimester at the Film Festival
Video Production is an advanced digital photography course. Digital Photography is a prerequisite.
A Smartphone, digital camera, thumb drive and an appropriate media card are required. Limited school cameras are available for temporary check out.
Watercolor Painting
In this course you will learn many watercolor techniques to depict texture and form. You will use layers of paint to create dynamic pieces of art.
World History
The purpose of this course is to give the student a better understanding of the complex global community that we live and participate in on a daily basis. Throughout this two trimester course, students will be looking at many aspects of our global community as they relate to political, economic, historical, geographical, religious, and cultural themes as they relate to global studies.
Career & College House
STEM
Fine Arts
Liberal Arts
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.