Freshman Electives

Art Survey exposes freshmen to a multitude of media with the intent that students will expand their understanding and skills in future advanced art classes. Students will enhance their drawing, design, and painting skills through a variety of projects. This course has a supply fee of $40.

Students will learn the fundamentals of computer programming, algorithmic thinking, and application development. Concepts will be implemented using modern programming languages and an integrated development environment (IDE). This course also incorporates circuit design, electronics, and embedded systems programming. Students will build and program a personal electronic device. This course has a supply fee of $30.

In this interdisciplinary course, students will be introduced to the elements of video game production by combining writing, art, and computer science. Topics include story writing, computer graphics, level design, and game logic programming. Projects will be implemented using the Unity game engine and graphics software. By the end of this course, students will have produced their own video game and have the competency to pursue further studies in the fields of 2D/3D graphics, animation, and computer science.

This course empowers personal wellness by focusing on the relationship between the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health and its effect on the total person. Goal-setting, personal growth, mental wellness, anxiety management skills, CPR and AED, first aid, fitness, nutrition, addictions, and violence prevention are topics of discussion. Health credit may be earned through a virtual summer class, more information below.

This course couples an exploration of the fundamental tools of entrepreneurship with key underlying components of business. Students are exposed to the idea of socially responsible entrepreneurship. Key concepts include basic microeconomic principles (including marginal analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and opportunity cost) and how they impact business decisions; understanding and applying SWOT Analysis; as well as marketing and pitching an idea, and more.

Although photography is one of the oldest forms of digital art, it is still incredibly relevant for society in the areas of media, advertising, and professional design. Combining in-depth analyses of classic and contemporary photography with the use of the film department’s state-of-the-art technology (Adobe software and Canon DSLR hardware), students will be challenged to reflect on, design, and produce compelling photography of their own.

In the era of Netflix and emerging augmented/virtual reality, students will become more aware of how images shape our identities, relationships, and the very environments in which we live. More specifically, students will explore how films, television programs, graphic novels, social media, advertisements, etc., influence our thoughts and emotions; in turn, we'll collaborate to create comics, a short film, as well as a variety of other 21st-century visual stories.

This course aims to develop critical thinking, research, analysis, and presentation skills. It also builds global awareness and an understanding of international affairs, with empathy for differing approaches and viewpoints. Creating collaborative mindsets toward problem-solving is a key element. Participants will be fully integrated into the existing Model United Nations (MUN) program and encouraged to attend conferences locally, regionally, and internationally.

This class will teach students the system of development for an athlete's movement patterns; as well as strength, power production, and injury resistance. Students who complete this course will be prepared for more advanced systems of training, including those integrated into St. Edward's varsity athletic programs.

Students learn techniques for playing orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) and perform varied orchestral literature. The combined orchestra performs at several concerts, including three mandatory Sundays during the spring semester. Emphasis is placed on ensemble performance techniques.