Non-Departmental Electives

Though dissimilar in content, the following courses are grouped together in order to clarify their place in a student’s overall
curricular plan. These classes do not fulfill any department’s graduation requirements. Additionally, not all of these courses are offered every year.

Introduction to Computer Science - Python, Part I

This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking, helps develop the ability to solve complex problems, and covers the basic building blocks of programming along with other central elements of computer science. It gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science. Topics include: 1) number calculations and data, 2) making decisions, 3) repetition and loops, and 4) graphics.

Introduction to Computer Science - Python, Part II

This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking, helps develop the ability to solve complex problems, and covers the basic building blocks of programming along with other central elements of computer science. It gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science. Topics include: 1) for loops, 2) text and string Processing, 3) functions, 4) arrays and 2D arrays, and 5) Internet. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science, Part I

Sexuality and Society

Building on past studies at Friends’ Central, this one-semester course takes an interdisciplinary approach to examining important topics in human sexuality. Using the lenses of biology, history, sociology, and psychology, students explore the impact of human sexuality on the individual, community, and larger society. Grounded in the belief that our sexuality is a force for good, the course explores how healthy sexuality can be used to make the world more just, free, loving, and whole. Practical skills emphasized in this class include: keeping one’s body healthy, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making deliberate, informed choices about engaging in sexual activity. This is a one semester course open to students in grades 11 and 12.