Practical Arts Department
Mission Statement
The Practical Arts Department's purpose is to develop a student's awareness of and ability to use and adapt to the increasing and constantly changing aspects of technology that have such a pervasive influence on many areas of their lives. A student should become familiar with the current tools of technology, and be able to use these tools as used in all areas of their current and future education; be able to use these tools upon entering business, or industry as an employee; and in managing and enhancing their personal lifestyles.
A student graduating from St. Joseph High School, depending on his/her career or educational goals, will have the opportunity to develop a working knowledge of three main areas of technological applications: 1) Industrial and Construction trades, Architecture, and Engineering; 2) Business and Office Management and communication; and 3) Computer Technology, as it applies to many fields, and as a career goal in itself.
Goals
- Students will learn the types of jobs available in these three main areas and the job skills required for them
- Students will learn the current technology being used in these areas and develop the ability to adapt to new technology in these areas
- Students will be able to use current and future computer and information technology for continued learning whether at the college level, or in their vocation or personal lives
- Students will develop ancillary skills in the areas of reading, writing, and analysis of technical materials; information processing, representation, and communications using tables, graphs, and technical drawings; problem-solving and computation; and project management and implementation
- Students will have hands-on experience on current machinery and tools in these areas.
Courses Available
Computer Applications I (Freshman & any New Transfer)
Computer Applications II, III (can be taken in any order)
Advanced Computer Applications I
Marketing
Basic Drafting
Architecture
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I
Required / One Term / .5 Credit
Course Description:
Computer Applications I is a course that is designed to cover Windows 2000 and the use of the fundamental computer applications consisting of word processing. Students will work from introductory level to advance level of Microsoft Word encompassing the newsiest research tools of ProQuest (eLibrary) and Encarta Encyclopedia.
Prerequisite: Freshman, and any New Transfer
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II
Required / One Term / .5 Credit
Course Description:
Computer Applications II covers Windows 2000 and the use of fundamental computer applications consisting of databases, and multi-media presentations. Students will work with the Microsoft Office 2000 suite of products to the following levels: introductory level to intermediate level of Access (database), introductory level to advanced level of PowerPoint (multi-media presentations).
Prerequisite: None
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS III
Required / One Term / .5 Credit
This course covers Windows 2000 and the use of the fundamental computer applications consisting of spreadsheet, and marketing communication skills. Students will work with the Microsoft Office 2000 suite of products to the following levels: intermediate level of Excel (spreadsheets, graphs, mathematics), introductory level of Outlook (calendars & agendas), and introductory to intermediate level of Publisher (publishing marketing & Communication materials).
Prerequisite: None
ADVANCE COMPUTER I
Elective / One Term / .5 Credit
Course Description:
Advanced Computer I is an introductory to Web design using HTML programming. Students will use HTML to create individual Web pages, advancing to multiple linked Web pages to create basic Web sites. Students will then use Java Script to add functionality to Web Pages by inserting codes within an HTML document. Students will also use QuarkXPress to create the St. Joseph High School Spring Musical playbill.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Computer Applications I, II, and III and earning a B+ or above in these courses.
MARKETING
Elective / Two Terms / 1-Credit
Course Description:
The most dynamic growth industry in the business environment is marketing. This course will instruct students in the foundations of marketing, the 4P’s of marketing (product, price, place, promotion), human relations and communications (people skills), and economic principles as they apply to marketing. Small group oriented instruction and the opportunity for involvement in the associated student organization will allow the student to achieve a true “hands on” experience.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior
BASIC DRAFTING
Elective / One Term / .5 Credit
Drafting is advisable for all interested in engineering, as well as any student interested in industrial jobs requiring a technical background. Lettering, layout and precision will be stressed.
Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior or Senior
ARCHITECTURE
Elective / One Term / .5 Credit
An overall view of job opportunities in the world of Architecture and related trades is covered. In addition to a complete set of plans, each student will build a scale model house as he/she sees his/her dream home of the future.
Prerequisite: None