February, 2008
Dear Students and Parents:
This course catalog is the approved listing of the Cathedral High School program of studies for the 2008 –2009 school year. It provides you with course descriptions for required courses, as well as electives to be offered dependent upon enrollment projections and/or teacher availability. Prerequisites are listed for courses that have eligibility requirements. Information about Cathedral High School’s graduation requirements as well as college and university entrance requirements are provided in this selection catalog.
These course offerings represent the program of study that Cathedral High School believes is appropriate and stimulating. They provide the intellectually rigorous course work students need as part of an integrated, well-rounded, college preparatory education offered in the Catholic and Lasallian tradition.
Cathedral’s academic program provides a balance between core courses required of all, and an elective program that recognizes the diversity of talents and interests found in our student body. Recognizing this balance and working with its many possibilities, are the primary tasks for students and parents with the academic advisors over the next few weeks as we move through the course registration process. Graduation requirements of Cathedral and entrance standards of colleges and universities should be carefully reviewed as next year’s program of studies is planned.
Working with the information contained in this catalog, each student should plan a program of studies for the next academic year in consultation with parents, teachers, administrators and counselors. Students should make appropriate and realistic course requests. It is always prudent to identify course alternatives in case first choices are not possible. It is important to remember that the school reserves the right to cancel courses or limit sections according to enrollment projections and/or teacher availability. As Dean of Studies, I am responsible for directing this process and ensuring the academic success of our students.
Please note that after schedules are set a change in course selection will be granted only if substantial need is demonstrated and space in the requested course(s) is available. The same course may be offered in several sections and taught by more than one faculty member. Course changes for teacher preferences are not granted. The Dean of Studies is the final judge of the legitimacy and feasibility of such requested changes. It is important, therefore, that you carefully prepare your course requests.
Please be assured of the support of the faculty, counselors, and administration as you continue to participate in our Catholic, Lasallian education in the Phantom tradition of excellence.
Sincerely,
Sulema Modesto
Dean of Studies
General Policies, Recommended Courses, and Graduation Requirements
University of California Requirements
California State Universities, Private Colleges, Community College Requirements
Visual and Performing Arts Department
Physical Education and Non-Departmental
College Counseling 4-year plan
It is important that both students and parents read the course catalog carefully, especially the course descriptions and prerequisites. Students should discuss course choices with parents, counselors and teachers.
You are to complete the course selection sheet after discussing choices with your parents and appropriate teachers. Parent and student signatures are required when the form is submitted to the Academic Counselor. If you are requesting an Honors AP course you must make sure you meet the requirements and satisfy any additional work.
During Advisement Week, you will meet with your Academic Counselor to review your Course Selection Sheet. At this time, your counselor will review your course requests, check your graduation requirements to date, and verify eligibility for certain courses. Approval will be based on space availability as determined by the Administration, graduation requirements, course pre-requisites, and/or Department Chair’s recommendations. Every effort will be made to honor your course requests, but scheduling constraints may not allow for all desired classes. Students will be required to take the courses for which they pre-registered, unless the student does not meet the published prerequisites, the class is cancelled or he drops the class during the summer schedule changes.
Please know that initial placement is made on the basis of your transcript and first semester grades. Final placement is determined after the second semester grades have been posted in June. Please check the published prerequisites in the course catalog for each individual course. The Dean of Studies and the Department Chair will approve final decisions for course selection in June.
Students may request a change in schedule on specified days during the summer and only the first week of school in August for the first semester and the first week in January for the second semester. Approval of requests are dependent upon: 1) space availability in the class requested; 2) suitability of the reason for the request and consistency with requirements as stated in the course catalog; and 3) parental approval. Student preference for a particular teacher will not be considered. If a teacher initiates a class change due to academic difficulties after the first week of the semester, a student will be withdrawn from the course with no academic liability up to progress report time.
Cathedral participates in the nationwide Advanced Placement Program of college-level instruction in high school by offering Advanced Placement courses. Cathedral offers eight AP courses. Students who complete these classes are required to take the nationwide examinations in May that are prepared by the College Entrance Examination Board. A passing grade of 3 or higher means the student has met requirements for the college-level course and is entitled to advanced placement. Additional fees are required from the student for each AP course he takes. Students are allowed to enroll in up to three AP courses.
SUBJECT AREA |
UNITS | REQUIRED COURSES |
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES |
| Religious Studies | 40 | Religious Studies I, II, III, IV | Religion & Media (P) |
| English | 50 | English I (P), II (P) English III (P) or Honors (P) or Eng Lang AP (P) English IV (P) or Eng Lit AP (P) Genre Literature (P) Speech (P) |
Across America Great Books (P) Latino Literature (P) Sports Literature (P) American War Literature (P) (Available 2009/2010) Utopian Literature (P) (Available 2010/2011) |
| Social Studies | 30 | World History (P) U.S. History (P) or AP (P) U.S. Government (P) or AP (P) |
Economics / Current Events (P) Law I A/B (P) Psychology (P) |
| Mathematics | 30 | Algebra I (P) or Honors (P) Algebra II (P) or Honors (P) Geometry (P) or Honors (P) |
Algebra III / Trig (P) |
| Science | 25 | Life Science Biology (P) or Honors (P) Chemistry (P) or Honors (P) |
AP Biology (P)
Human Anatomy and Physiology (P) Physics (P) Sports Medicine (P) Environmental Science (P) |
| Language Other Than English (LOTE) |
20 | Spnish I SPK (P), II SPK (P) Spnish I NS (P), II NS (P) |
AP Spanish Language (P) AP Spanish Literature (P) Spanish III (non-speaker) (P) Spanish III (speaker) (P) |
| Visual & Perform- ing Arts |
15 | Theatre Arts I (One Semester) And one year class from Recommended Elective Column |
College Art A/B (P) |
| Physical Education | 5* | PE / Health | Physical Conditioning Interscholastic Sports |
| Computer Science | 5 | Computer Literacy | Advanced Media & Information Design C.I.T.R./Computer Information Technology (Robotics) |
| Electives | 60 | Selected Electives |
280 units required for graduation
(P) - UC
and/or CSU approved courses
*P.E. units may be waived for students completing year-long Visual/Performing
Arts Courses
Note: This chart represents minimums.
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*P.E. Units may be waived for students completing year long
Visual and Performing Arts Courses.
^ Any course taken beyond the department requirements is considered an elective.
All students are required to take 7 classes (35 units) per semester for 8 semesters.
Five (5) semester units (credits) are awarded for the successful completion of each regular semester course.
Courses recognized by UC and CSU as college preparatory are designated by (P).
Typical Course Load Requirements
| Freshman Year | Sophomore Year | Junior Year | Senior Year |
| 1. Religious Studies | 1. Religious Studies | 1. Religious Studies | 1. Religious Studies |
| 2. English I | 2. English II | 2. English III | 2. English IV |
| 3. Speech / Theatre Arts | 3. World History | 3. U.S. History | 3. Government |
| 4. Life Science / Physical Education |
4. Biology | 4. Chemistry | 4. Elective |
| 5. Mathematics | 5. Mathematics | 5. Mathematics | 5. Elective |
| 6. Spanish | 6. Spanish II | 6. Elective | 6. Elective |
| 7. Genre Lit. / Computer Literacy/CITR * Band 1 students: Waive Theatre Arts/P.E. |
7. Elective / VPA | 7. Elective | 7. Elective |
A minimum of 280 units (credits) is required for graduation. For a senior student to be eligible for graduation, his transcript must show that all F grades have been made up through the successful completion of courses equivalent to those he failed. No diploma will be awarded until all semester Fs have been made up. Fall semester F grades must be made up by May 15th of the student’s senior year if he wishes to participate in graduation.
Semester grades are the only grades recorded on a student’s permanent transcript. The progress reports and mid-semester grades are not recorded on a student’s permanent transcript. Grades recorded on the transcript cannot be removed or replaced by supplemental course work.
In calculating the grade point average, letter grades are equivalent to grade
points as follows:
A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0.
Honors and AP course letter grades are equivalent to grade points as follows:
A = 5, B = 4, C = 3,
D = 1, F = 0.
Some colleges and universities do not give extra GPA weight to all honors courses
taken.
Pluses (+) and minuses (-) do not affect the GPA.
Since a semester D grade is not an acceptable grade for entrance to a four-year college or university, students with a semester grade of D are strongly encouraged to attend summer school to repeat the subject.
Course(s) in which a semester F was earned must be made up in summer school before the student returns for the fall semester. Semester F grades must be made up at Cathedral High School if the course (or an equivalent) is being offered in the summer school program. If a student fails both semesters of a yearlong CSU/UC required course, he must take two elective courses during Cathedral High School’s summer school session to make up credits for the F grades. The student will then re-take the failed course the following school year. The grades received in summer school are noted on the student’s permanent transcript.
Any student is subject to dismissal if he receives three or more semester F
grades during one academic year or if he does not achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA
after being placed on academic probation. See the Student Handbook for further
information on probation and conditions of continuation.
Cathedral High School offers a college preparatory program of studies to enable all students to meet the minimum requirements for both the University of California (UC) system and the California State University (CSU) system. Most academic advisors of both high school and college students agree, however, that preparation for university study includes preparation beyond the basic requirements for entrance. Therefore, students are encouraged to enroll in classes well beyond the minimum requirements.
Cathedral High School graduates usually continue their education at the college
or university level. Eligibility requirements and admission standards vary depending
upon the college or university. While Cathedral makes every effort to see that
students take courses commensurate with their ability and future goals, the
final responsibility for meeting college entrance requirements rests with students
and their parents. Students should consult with the College Counselor for more
specific information and guidance.
| USC | UCLA | |
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| Cal State University Los Angeles | Cal State University Fullerton | |
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This system consists of ten undergraduate campuses. Minimum eligibility requirements for all ten campuses are the same. The University defines a “freshman applicant” as a student who has graduated from high school but who has not enrolled in any regular, non-summer sessions in any collegiate-level institution.
To be eligible for admission to the University as a freshman, you must meet the Subject Requirement, the Scholarship Requirement, and the Examination Requirement. A minimum of fifteen (15) units, to be taken during grades 9-12, is required for admission to the University of California (a one year high school course = one unit; a one semester course = ½ unit). These fifteen units must be academic or college preparatory units, and of these fifteen units, at least seven (7) must be taken during the last two years of high school.
Specific course requirements are referred to as the “a-g” course requirements; all classes must be passed with a grade of C or better: (see chart below).
Subject |
University of California and California State University Requirements |
a. History |
Two years of history / social science to include: one year U.S. History or one-half of U.S. History and one-half year of Civics or American Government and one year of world history, cultures, and geography. |
b. English |
Four years of college preparatory English composition and literature. |
c. Mathematics |
Three years – algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra.
Four years of mathematics are recommended. |
d. Laboratory Science |
Two years of a laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge
in at least two of these areas: biology, chemistry, and physics. Three years of laboratory science are recommended. |
e. Language other than English (LOTE) |
Two years of a language other than English. Three years of study
of the same foreign language are recommended. |
f. Visual and Performing Arts |
One year of visual or performing arts: art, dance, drama, or music. |
g. College Preparatory Electives |
One year to be chosen from the following areas; history, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, languages other than English (a third year in the language used for the “e” requirement or two years of another language), social science, and visual and performing arts. |
The scholarship requirement is defined by the GPA, which students must attain in the “a-g” subjects. If your “a-g” GPA is 3.30 or higher, you have met the minimum scholarship requirement. If your GPA is below 3.30 but above 2.80, you have met the minimum requirement if you achieve the college entrance test score indicated on the Eligibility Index. (consult with the College Counselor for questions regarding the Eligibility Index.)
The following tests are required of all freshman applicants:
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In calculating the GPA for admission, grades for courses are counted as follows: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0. Only grades for “a-g” courses taken in grades 10-12 are included in this computation. Courses taken in the 9th grade will not be included in the GPA calculation, however, 9th grade courses can be used to meet the Subject Requirement if the student earns a grade of C or better.
Minimum eligibility requirements for all undergraduate schools are the same. You will qualify for regular admission as a first-time freshman if you:
| GPA ACT SAT I | GPA ACT SAT I | GPA ACT SAT I | GPA ACT SAT I |
| 3.00 any
score 2.99 10 510 2.98 10 520 2.97 10 530 2.96 11 540 2.95 11 540 2.94 11 550 2.93 11 560 2.92 11 570 2.91 12 580 2.90 12 580 2.89 12 590 2.88 12 600 2.87 12 610 2.86 13 620 2.85 13 620 2.84 13 630 2.83 13 640 2.82 13 650 2.81 14 660 2.80 14 660 2.79 14 670 2.78 14 680 2.77 14 690 2.76 15 700 2.75 15 700 |
2.74 15
710 2.73 15 720 2.72 15 730 2.71 16 740 2.70 16 740 2.69 16 750 2.68 16 760 2.67 16 770 2.66 17 780 2.65 17 780 2.64 17 790 2.63 17 800 2.62 17 810 2.61 18 820 2.60 18 820 2.59 18 830 2.58 18 840 2.57 18 850 2.56 19 860 2.55 19 860 2.54 19 870 2.53 19 880 2.52 19 890 2.51 20 900 2.50 20 900 2.49 20 910 |
2.48 20
920 2.47 20 930 2.46 21 940 2.45 21 940 2.44 21 950 2.43 21 960 2.42 21 970 2.41 22 980 2.40 22 980 2.39 22 990 2.38 22 1000 2.37 22 1010 2.36 23 1020 2.35 23 1020 2.34 23 1030 2.33 23 1040 2.32 23 1050 2.31 24 1060 2.30 24 1060 2.29 24 1070 2.28 24 1080 2.27 24 1090 2.26 25 1100 2.25 25 1100 2.24 25 1110 2.23 25 1120 |
2.22 25
1130 2.21 26 1140 2.20 26 1140 2.19 26 1150 2.18 26 1160 2.17 26 1170 2.16 27 1180 2.15 27 1180 2.14 27 1190 2.13 27 1200 2.12 27 1210 2.11 28 1220 2.10 28 1220 2.09 28 1230 2.08 28 1240 2.07 28 1250 2.06 29 1260 2.05 29 1260 2.04 29 1270 2.03 29 1280 2.02 29 1290 2.01 30 1300 2.00 30 1300 |
NOTE: Below 2.00 does not qualify for regular admission.
FRESHMAN CLASS
Mr. Terry Catlin
(323) 441-3121, tcatlin@cathedralhighschool.org
SOPHOMORE CLASS
Mr. Cesar Garcia
(323) 441-3122,
cgarcia@cathedralhighschool.org
JUNIOR CLASS
Mr. Robert Ryan
(323) 441-3177,
rryan@cathedralhighschool.org
SENIOR CLASS
Ms. Wendy Ruiz
(323) 441-3140,
wruiz@cathedralhighschool.org
DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
Mr. Terry Catlin
(323) 441-3121, tcatlin@cathedralhighschool.org

Chair: Brother Lawrence Haley, FSC Required courses: |
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All English department courses are aligned with the California State Standards for the Language Arts and meet the UC/CSU “B” requirements for English except as noted.
Chair: Ms. Nancy Price Required courses: |
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This course is introductory in nature; it lays the groundwork for future department offerings. The first semester introduces students to the resources in the library media center, includes a Greek mythology unit, a writing program, and a short story unit. The second semester covers the reading of two novels (Lord of the Flies and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer) and Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The course, however, integrates library skills, literature, vocabulary, composition and grammar so that these skills are taught together throughout the year. A comprehensive written final exam is required each semester.
Major areas of study include integrity, extemporaneous speaking, the voice, impromptu speaking, and group discussion. Speech is chiefly a performance course. The vast majority of the students’ time in class is spent in giving and listening to speeches. Pronunciation, vocabulary, and logic are also examined, but always within the context of platform performance. Special emphasis is placed on outlining and the three-part structure of the speech, i.e., introduction, body, and conclusion. An oral exam (performance) is required.
The course has a two-fold purpose: (1) to introduce students to the pleasures of reading outside the assigned curriculum, and (2) to improve students’ reading speed and comprehension. Students will read and discuss representative works of detective/mystery fiction, fantasy/science fiction, and young adult novels. Although the emphasis is on reading comprehension and vocabulary development, some written work will be required.
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English III traces the development of those movements peculiar to American literature and examines the ways in which authors establish and convey voice. In addition to readings in the textbook (which includes The Crucible), students will read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby, and Tortilla Flat. In addition to the usual essays first semester, a research paper is required during the second semester. A comprehensive written final exam is required each semester.
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English IV efforts are directed toward giving students a sense of world literature, that is, experiencing the best works produced by different cultures and different ages. In the first semester, two major essays (a personal statement to be used with college applications and a literary analysis essay) are required. Two novels, Catcher in the Rye and Alburquerque, and the drama Death of a Salesman make up the reading component. In the second semester, particular attention is given to poetry and drama: Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. Tennyson’s Idylls of the King and Shakespeare’s Hamlet meet the literature requirement. The skills of literature, vocabulary, composition and grammar are integrated and taught together throughout the year. The focus is on the permanent ennobling nature of great literature and the eternal themes of these works. In writing and word skills, the intensive programs begun in English I, II, and III are continued and completed here. A comprehensive written final exam is required each semester. |
ELECTIVE COURSES:
PREREQUISITES:
PREREQUISITES: Sports Literature focuses on fiction and nonfiction set in the world of athletics and organized sports. Students will read and discuss at least three novels, plus short fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Presentation of these works will be both oral and written, and may include approved videos as supplements. Texts vary depending on the instructor but may include Friday Night Lights, It’s Not About the Bike, Danger Zone or others. A comprehensive written final exam is required.
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PREREQUISITES: Literature to Film is not repeatable. It is open to students who have completed English I. Students will read a novel and discuss how it might be translated to film, then view a film version (or more than one) and discuss the screenwriter’s choices as well as the director’s choices in bringing the novel to the screen. Students will see both good and bad adaptations and learn the limitations and advantages of each genre. Texts: Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. |
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• C or better in English II or English III
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All Science department courses are aligned with the California State Standards for Science and meet the UC/CSU “D” requirements for Science except as noted.
Chair: Mr. David Galaz Required courses: |
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All freshmen are required to take Life Science as a one-semester course. The goal of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the study of living things. Life Science is the study of living organisms, and the interaction of living organisms with the world around them. The course will include hands-on experiences in life science topics without the formal laboratory practices and reporting that are part of the biology course.
All sophomores are required to enroll. The goal of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the principles and processes of biological science. Biology informs our understanding of the world from practical applications in health to the deepest philosophical questions of our origins. The class will focus on five key biological processes: evolution, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology. The class emphasizes scientific methods and laboratory techniques including dissections and the use of microscopes.
The goal of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the principles and processes of chemistry. As a science, chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. The class will focus on the language of chemistry including symbols, formulas, and equations. Students will apply basic laboratory techniques to gain a better understanding of the material. Problem solving using appropriate formulas and mathematical procedures is also emphasized. |
Introduction to Chemistry is an enrichment course designed to prepare students for meeting the Chemistry graduation requirement. The course is limited to juniors who do not meet the mathematic requirement for Chemistry. Enrollment is determined by the Dean of Studies. Students will gain exposure to the topics covered in the general Chemistry course. There is an emphasis placed on the mathematical properties required to be successful in a Chemistry course
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All Math department courses are aligned with the California State Standards for the Math and meet the UC/CSU “C” requirements for Math except as noted.
This course is for students who have not yet mastered the skills and concepts that are necessary for success in algebra. The class reviews and practices the four basic operations with decimals, fractions, percentages, and variables. The class introduces linear equations along with some basic applications. This class cannot be used to meet the basic three-year math requirement for graduation. Students who pass this course continue to Algebra 1.
• Satisfactory grades in 7th and 8th grade math
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All Social Studies department courses are aligned with the California State Standards for the Social Studies and meet the UC/CSU “A” requirements for Social Studies except as noted.
| Chair: Mr. Robert Ryan | ![]() |
Required courses: |
Elective Courses: |
This course provides the students with an overview of world history from Paleolithic times to our post-Cold War era through analysis of social, political, economic and geographic forces that shape Western and Non-Western cultures. Specific instruction is provided to assist students in developing a thesis and completing one college prep research paper each semester.
This course offers a chronological narrative treatment of American history, highlighting major events and developments. It will also discuss those who have contributed to our nation’s history. It will help students understand how past events are related to the present. Students will also analyze historical issues and deepen their understanding of American history.
This course provides the student with a basic understanding of the structure and operation of the federal and state governments. At the same time, it calls attention to the basic values on which political and legal systems are based, and the principles that give direction to the ways in which those systems work.
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PREREQUISITES: This course provides students with an introduction to micro- and macro- economics through examining fundamental economic institutions of the United States. Emphasis in the second semester will be placed using previously learned concepts in the analysis of current business news.
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All courses meet the UC/CSU “E” requirements for Language other than English..
Chair: Ms. Martha Lira![]() Required courses: |
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Elective Courses: |
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This course will enable students to attain an appropriate level of proficiency in the Spanish language with four basic language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. An introduction to the history, geography, and the culture of Spain is complementary to the course.
This course fulfills the requirement for Spanish II. This course is a continuation of Spanish I Speaker. The course will emphasize the acquisition of advanced grammar structures, writing techniques, and styles as well as introducing literature. The study of history, geography, and culture of Spain and Latin America is an integral part of this course, which aims to promote knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Hispanic culture.
This course emphasizes mastery of all four skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It also reviews the grammar principles of Spanish I. Dialogue and active performances through the appreciation of the customs and traditions presented. This course will also present the history, geography, and culture of the countries in Latin America.
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