ELECTIVE COURSE FALL 2025

Business Innovations  Elective Credit (BCS11)

Compete for cash prizes, rewards, and national recognition while gaining career-ready skills. Build your resume and set it apart through a set of business challenges sponsored by companies like Lenovo and KPMG. Turn your creativity and problem-solving skills into real world success! Whether you’re brainstorming solutions, building presentations, or collaborating with a team, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, build your portfolio, gain career-readiness skills, and prepare for your future—all while having fun and earning rewards. This course is perfect for students looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

 

Career Development Elective Credit (RZS11QCD)

This course will examine various career options in relation to students' interests, abilities, aptitudes, and values. Students will learn how to plan and create an individualized career plan for the future. Through self-assessment inventories, job-seeking techniques and labor-market research, students will explore careers and occupations in relation to themselves to better understand the world of work. Students will engage in hands-on activities to create a professional career portfolio, and engage in career exploration field trips to various worksites and hear from guest industry professionals from a variety of career sectors to help students understand career pathways for the future. Open to 11th and 12th grade students. 

 

NEW! Climate Project Global History Credit (HGS11QCL)

Grounded in the belief that it’s essential to discover and explore climate change for yourself, Climate Project helps you more fully understand the causes, impacts, and most powerful ways to address it. Move past the fear, bias, and uncertainty surrounding climate change and join a generation of impatient optimists. Discover the skills, motivation, and insight to make a difference.

 

Creative Writing English Credit (ZJCRWRIT)

Creative Writing Class caters to students with an interest in exploring their creative side…through writing! Poetry and fiction have a way of transporting us, briefly, to another world, inviting us to consider new perspectives and ways of being. Students in this class will read a range of poetry and short stories from both U.S. and international authors, and learn narrative techniques that they will then apply to their own original works of fiction and poetry. Students in the class can also look forward to dabbling in experimental writing exercises or games which include ChatGPT inspired prompts, magnetic poetry, and more!

 

NEW! NYC History Through Art English and US History Credit (

This class explores the history and progress of NYC through short stories, poetry and art. We will visit parts of our city to understand how NYC became the best city in the world and create our own vision of NYC through our own reflection and creativity.  Trips, writing and creating art are essential parts of class.

 

NEW! Guitar and Bass Music/Art Credit (UGS11QBS)

This course will focus on the skills needed to play the guitar and bass. Students will be immersed in learning the basic chords and song structure needed to create their own songs and play in a band. We will learn pop and rock songs, jam on chord changes and practice our scales.  This course can be taken as a second section of Guitar Ensemble if you have taken that class already.

 

NEW! Percussion  Music/Art Credit (UNS11QN)

Are you interested in playing drums? In percussion we will focus on the rudiments and techniques needed to play various different types of drums and percussion instruments. You will learn how to read sheet music and create your own drum beats. Students will engage in playing drum cadences and exercises. There will also be an opportunity to learn how to play the drum kit. If you have taken Drumline prior you should sign up for this class.

 

Digital Photography 1  Art Credit (AJS11QDG)

We all have cell phones.  That means we all have a camera at our fingertips all of the time.  In this course, we will learn how to use the tools of photography built into our phones to make beautiful and interesting images.  We will explore the school with our cameras to find unique perspectives using techniques like brilliance, filters, positioning, flip, exposure. We also learn how to apply a variety of lenses and eyes to make something boring into something spectacular.  You will leave the course with your own color printed photos, knowledge, confidence and experience to capture the world the way you want.  

 

NEW! Introduction to Sculpture Art Credit (ADS11QQS)

Introduction to Sculpture is a hands-on elective that brings your creative ideas into three-dimensional form. In this course, you’ll explore a variety of sculpting techniques and materials—including clay, wire, plaster gauze, cardboard, and found objects—while learning about the principles of 3D design. From realistic design to abstract forms, you’ll experiment with shaping, carving, and assembling as you develop your own artistic voice. We’ll also look at inspiring sculptors from around the world and discuss how sculpture impacts our history and everyday lives. Whether you're a beginner or trying to build your art portfolio, this class will challenge you to think, create, and build in exciting new ways.’

 

Storytelling through Film 1 Art and English Credit (ZJFILM)

The purpose of this course is to explore the art of filmmaking as a form of storytelling by making a movie from start to finish. The units of the course will follow the process required for creating a film (roughly 10-30 minutes for us). The units will be: planning, screenwriting, cinematography, directing/acting, and editing. Students will begin the semester with an idea and then spend the rest of the course turning it into a movie. This class will be devoted to ‘film as a form of storytelling’, which means the work should contain the elements of a story arc: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. We will use screenwriting templates, editing software and any other available filmmaking equipment.  Students will work together frequently on their projects and give constructive feedback.

 

Financial Math 1   Math Credit (MQS11QF)

Financial Math is a practical one-semester course that focuses on money skills, personal finance, money management, and economic fundamentals.

Forensic Science 1  Physical Science Credit  (SDS11)

The objective of Forensic Science is to give students a basic understanding of forensic science and how it is used in criminal cases by using published works and case examples. The class is designed around authentic performance assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. It involves all areas of science including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students must incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts,  and consumer science, mathematics and social studies.

 

Greenhouse 1  Life Science Credit (SWS11) 

This course will tackle the problems of living in an urban environment in a series of hands-on practical lessons and field trips. Learn about hydroponic systems (NFT, EAF, Dutch Bucket, aquaponics); plant growth requirements, growing structures (greenhouses), and plant nutrient requirements. Grow, harvest and eat plants; troubleshoot problems as they arise and gain a foundation in hydroponics suitable for working in newly emerging jobs such as hydroponic farming and green roof design and maintenance. 

 

People’s History of the United States  US History Credit (HUS11QJC) 

This course focuses on civil rights, equality, and justice for all in the United States. We will study how different groups have fought to prove the Constitution is meant to protect all people fairly and equally; learn where the government falls short to protect groups of people, and discover what can be done about it.

 

 

Latinx Diaspora  Global History Credit (HGS11QDL)

In this course we will see the formation of the latino/a diaspora in the US. It will cover the history of latinx countries that influenced the diaspora movement of each country. It will go into depth on the legacy of indigenous societies in latinx history and colonization history. We will also see African diasporas and influence in Latin America. Social Justice issues that are linked to racial formations, demographic patterns, (im)migration, settlement and community development. Issues of citizenship, racism and discrimination will be discussed as well as transnationalism and transnational identities. 

 

Newspaper  English and Art Credit  (ZJNEWS)

Be a part of reviving the school newspaper. In this course, you will get the opportunity to draft, write, edit and publish stories that impact the Tele community. You'll learn the basics of how to write and engage an audience, and how to find interesting things going on around the building, whether it's breaking news, sports, upcoming events, profiles of fellow classmates or teachers. In parts of this course we will also dive into photojournalism and design. Come launch a newspaper written by the students for the students. If you have any questions email clewis48@schools.nyc.gov

 

NEW! Instructional Practices (Teaching Assistant) (All academic subjects) Elective Credit  (KES11)

Are you confident in math, science, history or english and enjoy helping others succeed? Being a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your own understanding while making a real impact in the classroom! Requirements: you must be passing all of your classes and have strong grades in the subject(s) you are looking to assist in.  By choosing this elective, you will be assigned to a teacher or two depending on what subjects you choose.  You may rank one or more classes and we will match you based on availability.  This is a great opportunity to give back!

 

Introduction to Psychology Social Studies Elective  (HBS11QPS)

This course provides students insight into human emotions, behavior and motives by examining the role of biology, parenting, personality and therapeutic theories.  Students delve deep into the human psyche and uncover the mysteries of mood and personality disorders, neuroses, and mental illness.  Take Psychology and answer some of your nagging questions!

 

Yearbook  English and Art Credit  (ZJYRBK) *Seniors only. 

Students in this course will be designing and creating Polaris, the HSTAT yearbook.  Students will write, take photographs, and sell and design advertisements.  Each student will be responsible for a specific page or pages of the yearbook, so responsibility is a must for this class.

NEW! Virtual Emerging Technologies Elective Credit (TQS11QET)

This class will meet virtually on Zoom outside of the normal school day 

It’s 2024, time to learn how to live with robots!  Come learn about the 4 main emerging technologies in the 21st century- crypto, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality. We will explore blockchain, the underlying technology behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. We will learn the mechanics behind AI, specifically with how machine learning trains language learning models such as ChatGPT. We will create our own virtual realities using the program A-frame. 

 

Model UN  0.5 Global History Credit  (HGS21QUN) 

*This class meets after school 1 day per week from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

The primary aim of the course is to offer students a unique opportunity to learn about international relations while role-playing United Nations delegates. Students will participate in two to three conferences with delegations from high schools throughout the world at Hofstra University, Columbia University, and at the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York City. Each delegation will attempt to accurately represent their country's point of view as it is represented in the United Nations in New York City. Additionally, we will study the history of the UN and discuss the role of the United Nations as it works on varied issues including human rights, preservation of peace, and international politics.

Physical Education 

 

Advanced Weight Training (PGS22)

For those students who have taken Weight Training and are ready to move beyond the basics.

 

Dance  Art/PE Credit  (ZJDANCE)

This class is a study in many genres of dance, including jazz, tap, and hip hop, and will incorporate techniques ranging from classical ballet to modern.  Students can also expect to dance history, dance criticism and viewing, as well as improvisation and choreography.  This course culminates in a mandatory performance.  

 

Advanced Dance  Art/PE Credit (ZJDANCE2)

An audition is required for this class.

 

Physical Education (PPS11)

Physical Education classes are designed to use sports themes to engage students in exercise that will increase overall fitness, core strength, speed and flexibility.   

 

Physical Education, Anatomy, and Kinesiology (P.E.A.K.) Health/PE Credit  (ZJPEAK)

This elective seeks to introduce the science behind the movements and exercises covered in weight training, dance, yoga, and sport related P.E. classes through the lens of Kinesiology and Human Anatomy. Come take the journey in this exploration of the body, and gain a deeper understanding of its structures and operations. You’ll be sure to leave this class loving and appreciating the wonders of your body. 

 

Weight Training  (PGS11)

Want to get in shape?  In Weight Training, students learn how to use calisthenics, free weights and weight machines to work out safely.  

 

Yoga (PYS11)

Yoga focuses on the many poses that help build strength, flexibility, balance and stamina.  Yoga also focuses on breathing and meditative practice.  Taken together yoga will help students build their bodies and focus their minds. 

10th Grade Honors and Advanced Placement

 

AP World History (must have passed Global 1 and 2 courses) (10th Grade Global History Credit)  (HGS43X)

Focus on the development of historical thinking skills, not just the collection and memorization of information and events. Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.  *This class would replace your Global History class. 

 

Big History Project Honors  (English and History Credit)  (ZJBHPH1)

BHP delivers a big picture look at the world, and helps students develop a framework to organize what they’re learning both in and out of school. After you leave this class, you will have a better understanding of how we got here, where we’re going, and how you fit in. It’s a class that was 13.8 billion years in the making. *This is a one-year elective that would replace your 10th Grade electives.

12th Grade SEP Program Options

 

AP Computer Science A (Java)  (Technology Credit) (TYS21XA)

*Only open to students who have completed SEP 9, 10, and 11.

This course uses Java to understand object-oriented programming. It includes data structures and abstraction, and emphasizes problem solving and algorithm development. The course is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science.

 

AP Computer Science Principles (Technology Credit) (TYS21XPR)

This is an introductory course; no previous coursework in Computer Science necessary.  This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP CSP prepares students for college and career.   

College Now Course Offerings-Seniors Only

 

COLLEGE NOW is a program in conjunction with Kingsborough Community College that offers credit-bearing and college preparatory courses without tuition and book fees.  Students may only take one College Now class per semester.

 

Introduction to Criminal Justice (Elective Social Studies Credit)  (HBS11UCJ)

This course endeavors to provide students with an overview of crime in America and the three elements of the criminal justice system: the police, the courts, and corrections. Questions to be investigated include: What environmental, psychological and biological factors contribute to the making of the criminal mind?  Should the police be allowed to break the rules in order to catch criminals? To what extent do class and race affect the quality of justice? 

 

Humanities (Art and English Credit)  (ZJEOUH)

This course introduces students to outstanding literature, art, film and music from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. By exploring the way these subjects are related, students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of modern American culture and the individuals who influenced the humanities.

 

The Individual & His/ Her World (Sociology)- (Social Studies Credit)  (HBS11UQS)

The Behavioral and Social Sciences are stepping stones to understanding general truths about human social behaviors. This course will use an historical and interrelated review of contemporary issues, such as work, authority and violence, to help students gain a greater appreciation of the behavioral and social forces that influence their world, both globally and locally.

 

Elements of Statistics  (Math Credit) (MSS11U)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to rudiments of statistics and probability. Particular attention is paid to practical real-life applications and statistics.

Advanced Placement and Honors Course Offerings-Juniors and Seniors Only

 

Advanced Placement courses are college-level classes that are offered to high school students.  Each course ends in a standardized exam, the results of which many colleges and universities use to grant college course credit.   Students are limited to 2 AP classes per year.  (This does not include Spanish). *If you would like to take an AP course but did not pass the Regents associated with this course, you will be required to attend additional study sessions to support you.  Students interested in AP courses should attend the AP/Elective. 

 

NEW! AP African American History: (Interdisciplinary Elective Credit) (ZJAASX)

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with rich and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment.

 

NEW! AP Art History (Art Credit) (AHS21X)

AP Art History examines art from prehistory to the present. Through this course, students learn the cultural and historical context of art, analyze and compare art from different eras and parts of the world, and develop arguments about the meaning of art. Topics include Prehistoric, Mediterranean, European, American, Native American, African, Asian, Pacific, and contemporary art and architecture. The AP exam has 6 writing prompts including 2 long essays. As such, students will develop skills in many areas of writing including description, comparison, and visual and contextual analysis. New York City is a perfect location to study Art History and students enrolled in the course will have opportunities to attend field trips to the many museums and galleries around the city. 

 

AP Biology  (must have taken and passed Living Environment course and Regents exam )  (ZQSBX)

The AP Biology course primarily concentrates on cellular biology and biochemistry, which are both important topics for those pursuing medical and scientific careers to comprehend and apply. Genetics, photosynthesis, cellular metabolic functions, evolution, and ecology are also studied at a depth far surpassing a Living Environment course. You will regularly work in student teams to develop advanced reasoning and inquiry skills, as you independently design experiments, collect and analyze data using statistics, and interpret data to write up conclusions. Students should be prepared to ask many questions, to draw biological models and phenomena, and to work with live organisms or insects regularly for scientific experiments.

AP Calculus AB (must have taken and passed Alg 1, Alg 2, Geometry courses and Regents exams)  (MCS21XAB)

Explore the key concepts, methods, and applications of single-variable calculus including functions, graphs, and limits, derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Become familiar with concepts, results, and problems expressed in multiple ways including graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support your conclusions.

 

AP Calculus BC (must have taken and passed Alg 1, Alg 2, Geometry courses and Regents exams)   (MCS21XBC)

AP Calculus BC is designed to be the equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. AP Calculus BC applies the content and skills learned in AP Calculus AB to parametrically defined curves, polar curves, and vector-valued functions; develops additional integration techniques and applications; and introduces the topics of sequences and series.  Students who take AP Calculus BC should have basic familiarity with sequences and series, as well as some exposure to parametric and polar equations.  These topics will be reviewed at the beginning of the term.   If you take the AP Calculus BC Exam, you’ll get a Calculus AB subscore (1–5) in addition to your regular score. The Calculus AB subscore shows how you did on the part of the exam devoted to Calculus AB topics, which is approximately 70% of the exam.   You have the opportunity to earn 1 or 2 semesters worth of College Calculus credit. 

 

Advanced Placement and Honors Course Offerings-Juniors and Seniors Only

 

AP Chemistry  (must have passed Algebra and Chemistry courses and Regents exams)  (ZQSCX)

Learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry, such as structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, reactions, and how to use chemical calculations to solve problems. Develop your ability to think 

clearly and express your ideas with clarity and logic, both orally and in writing. Work with classmates to conduct meaningful laboratory investigations that let you observe chemical reactions and substances, interpret your findings, and communicate your results.

 

AP Computer Science Principles  (TYS21XPR)

This is an introductory course; no previous coursework in Computer Science is necessary.  This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP CSP prepares students for college and career.   

AP English Language and Composition (Juniors only)  (EES85X)

AP English Language and Composition course is a study of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts that follow the historical and literary movements in American Literature from Native American Literature to Contemporary Literature and nonfiction. Students will develop the skills to independently analyze nuanced themes, write complex arguments and papers of literary analysis, and make connections across disciplines. Through reading and writing, students will study the interactions among a writer's purpose and content and reader expectations, as well as genre conventions and language use. This course will support you in developing your writing in order to be college-ready and an informed citizen.  

AP English Literature and Composition (seniors only, must have passed the ELA Regents exam)  (EES87X)

The AP Literature and Composition course invites you to explore literary works from several different genres and periods. Through close reading, students will deepen their understanding of how writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Learn to read and think critically as you experience great literary works, interpret those texts, and evaluate their quality and artistic achievement. Students will also consider the social and historical values the literature reflects and embodies. Considering the context, language use, and criticisms of works of literary merit will support you in developing your discussion and writing skills for college and beyond. 

 

AP Environmental Science   (ZQSWX)

In AP Environmental Science, students will explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll take part in laboratory investigations and field work.  Students will learn how to explain environmental concepts and processes, applying  environmental concepts and processes, applying quantitative methods in solving problems, proposing a solution for an environmental problem, and analyzing a research study to identify a hypothesis. 

 

AP Physics 1 (must have taken and passed Physics and Algebra 1 courses and Regents exams)  (ZQSPX)

Develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills through inquiry based learning. Explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.

 

AP Spanish Language and Culture (must have taken and passed Spanish III course and Regents exam) 

In this course, you will develop your Spanish language skills and learn about the cultures in Spanish-speaking parts of the world. You’ll practice communicating in Spanish and study real-life materials such as newspaper articles, films, music, and books.

 

AP Statistics    (MSS21X)

The big question of the AP statistics course is: How can we use information from a sample to make predictions about a population.  For example: before an election, give a survey to 500 Brooklyn residents asking who they plan to vote for, and use this to predict voting percentages for all Brooklyn residents.  Along the way, we look at what patterns we can use (linear models, exponential models, the normal curve, etc) to help us make predictions, and explore how we can adjust our work to make our predictions more accurate.

 

AP United States History (Juniors only)  (HUS21X)

This course is divided into two semesters: United States History from European Exploration through Reconstruction (1491-1877) and The Gilded Age through the Present. This course is instructed at a college level. Advance Placement is offered as a way for you to potentially receive college credit for United States History with a required culminating College Board exam in May, which means there is a rigorous level of reading, writing, analysis, discussion, and depth of content in this course. Students will be expected to consistently analyze, synthesize, and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources at a rigorous level and pace, in addition to a high level of application, comprehension, and memorization. If you have not yet taken the US History Regents, you will also have to take that exam at the end of this course.