Electives

Art Courses

Instructional courses offered in the artistic programs at Fei Tian are considered equivalent to high school elective courses. These courses include Ballet Techniques, Elements of Performance, Chinese Classical and Folk Dance, Music Theory, Solfège, Orchestra, Vocal Program, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, and others.

Advanced Placement Courses (various subjects)

Talented and Gifted (TAG) students who have completed most of their high school requirements are encouraged to study Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English, History, Arts, Music, Economics, Sciences, Computer, or other courses they may be interested in. They will take the AP exams each year so that their coursework may be eligible for college credit.

Effective English

Effective English introduces students to the variety of writing styles used in journalism and other media. The key skills of exploration, investigation, and evaluation are a primary focus. Through the course, the student will be able to: 1) demonstrate the ability to write for different audiences and for different pur-poses, including academic research; 2) gain skill and assurance in using the conventions of standard writ-ten English; and 3) work and write collaboratively within a designated time frame. In addition, students learn to write various types of articles: news, features, sports, and editorials. The complexities of produc-ing a newspaper, including layout and design, are taught. Everyone will practice and learn how to be a responsible and ethical journalist. The course is writing-intensive and geared for advanced English for Media Professionals (EMP) students as well as advanced high school students who have completed their high school English requirements.

Calculus

Prerequisite: Algebra II and Trigonometry

This is a full-year course in college-level calculus that culminates in the Advanced Placement (AP) examination. Included is the study of functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, integrals, applications of integrals, the fundamental theorem of calculus, anti-differentiation, applications of the anti-derivative, and slope fields.

Cross Cultural Communications

Cross Cultural Communication provides students with the theoretical and practical foundations needed to build and maintain positive intercultural communication and relationships. Through class discussion and role-playing, students explore the different ways in which Westerners and Chinese express themselves in terms of language usage, nonverbal styles, and modes of thinking. Students learn everyday skills such as public speaking, presentation skills, and etiquette. Students also learn media-related skills such as how to conduct successful interviews and produce media advisories and press statements. The course will also explore some of the fundamental ways in which Eastern and Western art and music differ. Assessment is based on class participation and in-class projects. This course is a requirement for the Advanced Level English for Artists (EFA) and English for Media Professionals (EMP) Language Program Certificates.

Introduction to Economics

This course offers an introductory treatment of basic economic concepts and theories. Primary emphasis is placed upon acquiring skills with which to analyze current economic issues. Microeconomics analyzes the interactions of individual consumers and producers in specific markets. Macroeconomics encompasses the aggregate economy and is concerned with issues such as the total output, interest rates, inflation and unemployment. The goal of this course is to give students a sufficient understanding of economic issues and problems so that they may better understand the impact of government policy, economic phenomena, and the choices people make.

Anatomy and Kinesiology

The student develops a firm understanding of the skeletal joint mechanics and the muscles that produce motion of those joints. Through lectures, readings, and laboratory experiences, students examine movement strategies to enhance stability, control, and articulation. They learn to assess individual strengths, limitations, and anatomical differences that have an impact on dance performance. Common dance injuries and proper conditioning for dancers are also discussed.

Computer Graphic Design

In this course students learn the fundamental concepts and gain practical experience in both the artistic and technical aspects of computer art design. Hands-on lab projects cover digital imaging, illustration, multimedia presentation, and web design using industrial standard tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and DreamWeaver.

Digital Media Production

This course covers the fundamentals of digital media production, including graphics, audio and video. Students will learn about media acquisition, manipulation, and distribution. Through a series of projects and workshops, students will gain hands-on experience with a number of digital media software applications such as iMovie and Final Cut Pro.