Blue Springs School District

Course # HS0522
0.5 credit hours | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art

This course will include the fundamentals of observing and analyzing theatre performances. This class does not require students to perform in class.
 

Course # HS0523
0.5 credit hours | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Arts

This course is designed for students who wish to explore the fundamental elements of theatre.  Students will learn the basics of theatre concepts including acting, improvisation, theatre design, and technical elements.  This course does require a minimum amount of student performances in class.
 

Course # HS0530
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art
Prerequisite: Theatre Appreciation with teacher approval

This course is designed for those students who wish to further develop their acting skills.  Emphasis is placed 
on basic acting fundamentals, character development, play analysis, and scene study.  Students will apply learned skills in classroom performances.
 

Course # HS0537
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Practical Art
Prerequisite: Theatre I or Theatre Appreciation with teacher approval

Students will apply learned skills on upcoming productions in the technical theatre aspects of set construction, scene painting, lighting, sound, props, costumes and make-up.
 

Course # HS0531
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art/Elective
Prerequisite: Acting I or teacher approval

This course is designed for those students who wish to pursue theatre production in more depth as a performer.  Students will study various acting styles and audition techniques.  Students will apply learned skills in classroom performances, as well as required activities/performances outside of school hours.
 

Course # HS0538
1 credit hour | Grade 12

Credit Type: Elective
Prerequisite: Acting II or 3 semesters of Tech Theatre with teacher approval

This class is for seniors who wish to explore the basics of beginning directing, and apply learned skills in classroom performances, as well as required activities/performances outside of school hours.  Students will direct their own one-act production in the Spring.
 

Course # HS0760
0.5 credit hours | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art
Recommended: 9th and 10th Grade Students

Students will survey principles of selected fine arts.  This course will be comprised of rotations between selected fine arts disciplines which may include speech, debate, choir, art, theater, instrumental music.
 

Course # HS0539
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective
Location: Blue Springs South High School

This is a performance and presentation-based course for students interested in careers in law, legal studies, or the criminal justice system.  Students will study and apply the skills of legal argumentation.  The course covers the mechanics of criminal and civil trials.  Professional conduct, trial preparation, advocacy skills, litigation, cross examination skills, and opening and closing arguments will be emphasized.  Lawyers will serve as guest lecturers as well as mentors from the legal community individualizing on specific types of law such as criminal law; criminal/civil procedure; torts; contracts; property and family law.  Students will participate in classroom mock trials to help them synthesize and apply their acquired knowledge.  Students will be given the opportunity to compete on the mock trial team during the spring semester.
 

Course # HS0540
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective
Location: Blue Springs High School

Philosophy is designed to teach introductory level concepts in philosophy specifically in the areas of ethics, political and social philosophy, logic, and epistemology.  This course is writing intensive.
 

Course # HS0502H
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Elective
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU): COM 115 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR COMM 110

This semester course is designed to help students improve their communication skills through various types of activities. Activities include introductions to self-awareness, opportunities to prepare, present, and evaluate speeches, exercises in articulation, group decision-making activities, and analytical thinking. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. Three (3) hours of dual credit available through MSU if college’s criteria are met. Students taking this course have the option to enroll in dual credit through MSU.
 

Course # HS0508
1 credit hour | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective
Fees: Competitions (Amounts Vary)
Recommended: GPA of 2.0 or above is Recommended

Debate is designed to teach introductory level skills in argumentation, persuasion, speech, logic, research, analysis, organization, speech and debate formats and rules, in addition to a wide array of content knowledge covering areas of policy and philosophical studies and current events.  Because debate is a co-curricular activity, participation in weekend tournaments is required-both competing on behalf of Blue Springs School District and assisting in hosting Blue Springs School District’s annual invitational tournament during the second weekend of October. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.  In addition, students may have some expenses for their competitions. Interested students should immediately seek out their counselor for assistance in applying to the program. Special Note: The Blue Springs School District Debate teams are a four-year competitive program offering students the potential to earn up to nine (9) hours of college credit through the Missouri State University Dual Credit Program.  In addition, students may earn up to three (3) years of honor points toward their high GPA (i.e., Debate II/College Speech, Debate IV/Advanced Debate, and Debate III/College Debate are weighted courses).  
 

Course # HS0521H
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Practical Art
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU):  COM 115 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR COMM 110
Prerequisite: Debate I

Debate II/College Speech is designed to teach intermediate level skills in argumentation, persuasion, speech, logic, research, analysis, organization, speech and debate formats and rules, in addition to a wide array of content knowledge covering areas of policy and philosophical studies and current events.  One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. Because debate is a co-curricular activity, participation in weekend tournaments is required-both competing on behalf of Blue Springs School District and assisting in hosting Blue Springs School District’s annual invitational tournament during the second weekend of October. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.  In addition, students may have some expenses for their competitions.  Students taking this course have the option to enroll in dual credit. Interested students should immediately seek out their counselor for assistance in applying to the program.  Special Note: The Blue Springs School District Debate program is a four-year competitive program offering students the potential to earn up to nine (9) hours of college credit through the Missouri State University Dual Credit Program.  In addition, students may earn up to three (3) years of honor points toward their high school GPA (i.e., Debate II/College Speech and Advanced Debate/College Debate are weighted courses).  Must meet MSU dual credit requirements.
 

Course # HS0522H
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Practical Art
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU):  COM 120 Introduction to Debate
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR COMM 220
Prerequisite: Debate II/College Speech

College Debate is designed to teach mastery level skills in argumentation, persuasion, speech, logic, research, analysis, organization, speech and debate formats and rules, in addition to a wide array of content knowledge covering areas of policy and philosophical studies and current events. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. Because debate is a co-curricular activity, participation in weekend tournaments is required-both competing on behalf of Blue Springs School District and assisting in hosting Blue Springs School District’s annual invitational tournament during the second weekend of October. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions. In addition, students may have some expenses for their competition files (copies, evidence boxes, etc.) Three (3) hours of dual credit are available through MSU if the college’s criteria are met. Students taking this course have the option to enroll in dual credit through MSU.
 

Course # HS0523H
1 credit hour | Grade 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Practical Art
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU): COM 320 Principles of Advanced Debate
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
Prerequisite: Debate III/College Debate

Advanced Debate is designed to teach more advanced level skills in argumentation, persuasion, speech, logic, research, analysis, organization, speech and debate formats and rules, in addition to a wide array of content knowledge covering areas of policy and philosophical studies and current events. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. Because debate is a co-curricular activity, participation in weekend tournaments is required-both competing on behalf of Blue Springs School District and assisting in hosting Blue Springs School District’s annual invitational tournament during the second weekend of October. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions. In addition, students may have some expenses for their competition files (copies, evidence boxes, etc.) Three (3) hours of dual credit are available through MSU if the college’s criteria are met. Students taking this course have the option to enroll in dual credit through MSU.
 

Course # HS0516
1 credit hour | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art
Fees: Competitions (Amounts Vary)

In this course students prepare for competitions in such categories as duet acting, dramatic and humorous interpretation, poetry and prose reading, storytelling, and duo interpretation.  Weekend tournament participation is required.  Students will help with the Blue Springs or Blue Springs South Tournament.  May fulfill the 0.5 unit of Fine Arts credit for graduation. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.  In addition, students may have some expenses for their competitions (copies, evidence, boxes, etc.)
 

Course # HS0518
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art
Fees: Competitions (Amounts Vary)
Prerequisite: Beginning Forensics

This course is designed for those students who wish to continue a more in-depth analysis of interpretation of literature and rehearsal techniques.  Students are required to participate in weekend tournaments and to help run the Blue Springs or Blue Springs South Speech Tournament. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.  In addition, students may have some expenses for their competition files (copies, evidence, boxes, etc.).  May fulfill the 0.5 unit of Fine Arts credit for graduation. 
 

Course # HS0519
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Fine Art
Fees: Competitions (Amounts Vary)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Forensics

This course continues the development of the critical and independent analysis of interpretation and rehearsal techniques.  Students will also increase their research skills and acquire a better knowledge for the cutting and adapting of interpretive materials.  In addition, reader’s theatre and radio speaking will be covered.  Students will hold committee positions for the Blue Springs/Blue Springs South Speech Tournament. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.  In addition, students may have some expenses for their competition files (copies, evidence, boxes, etc.).  May fulfill the 0.5 unit of Fine Arts credit for graduation.
 

Course # HS0520H
1 credit hour | Grade 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Fine Art
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – University Central Missouri (UCM):  THEA 1100 Oral Interpretation
Fees: ~$255 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
Prerequisite: Advanced Forensics

College credit Forensics refines the critical and independent analysis of interpretation and rehearsal techniques.  Learners will be exposed to peer coaching.  Students will assume leadership roles in the Blue Springs or Blue Springs South Speech Tournament.  Weekend tournament participation is required.  Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.  In addition, students may have some expenses for their competition files (copies, evidence boxes, etc.). A UCM dual credit fee is required if this course is taken for college credit.  This course may fulfill the 0.5 unit of Fine Arts credit for graduation.  One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.  Three (3) hours dual credit through UCM if the college’s criteria are met.