HUM 2641 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: Taking this acting class means being on your feet. Students learn and practice new skills as they explore diverse opportunities for self-expression. Acting has the ability to motivate students to develop ideas, insights, and values through an exploration of the thoughts and feelings of other people, welcoming and encouraging a community of creative thinking, expressing freely and building upon the student’s experiences, beliefs and learning. Students will also work on the skills to master the fears associated not only with performance, but with public speaking, interviews, oral examinations, and many other experiences they will face as they grow. Students will perform improv exercises, give a monologue, and work in teams to build scenes with a final short play presentation.

HUM 2756 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: The student must turn in a portfolio of ten artworks for departmental approval or have a final grade of 95 in Studio Art or Introduction to Photography.

Notes: Students are required to build and submit a portfolio of their artwork for evaluation, as their AP exam, to the College Board.

Description: The AP 2D Art and Design Studio Art course is intended for highly motivated independent students, who are seriously interested in developing their personal artistic vision. In this course the student is able to submit one of the three portfolios the AP Program Offers (AP 2 D Art and Design Portfolio, AP 3 D Art and Design Portfolio and AP Drawing Portfolio).  Students should have successfully completed at least one high school art class, possess a desire to grow artistically and demonstrate artistic skill. Students will need to work extensively outside of the classroom, as well as within, to be able to produce a mature, high quality portfolio of work.

HUM 2650 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.5 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 95 in American Literature or 90 in Honors American Literature or 85 in AP English Language and Composition, and departmental approval. 

Notes: Students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam. The goals and objectives of this AP course are aligned to the College Board Curriculum Standards.
Description: This course provides an opportunity for motivated juniors to fulfill their 11th grade humanities requirement in an Advanced Placement setting. Students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Art History examination. Units will include Prehistory, Ancient Mediterranean, Europe and the Colonial Americas, Indigenous Americas, Africa, Asia, the Pacific region, and Contemporary art.  Emphasis will be placed on developing strong writing skills and mastering the comparative, critical, analytical essays that are required by the national Advanced Placement examination.

HUM 2101 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 6th

Prerequisites: None

HUM 2201 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 7th

Prerequisites: None

Description: Art 7 is a middle school course that concentrates on painting processes. In this course the student/artist is guided through the process of creating art and craft projects that showcase the student/artist’s skills using a variety of media. The central idea for this course is to work on personal aesthetics, seeing, voice and growth in hopes of creating art/craft works that guide the beginning of a student’s personal artistic process/ vision by experimenting and challenging the student/artist’s art making process. The student will encounter diverse artworks, art processes and approaches to experiencing and making art. As part of the course, students will have several opportunities to work on assignments that are geared towards their personal creativity and voice.

Grade Level: 8th

Prerequisite: None
Description: Art 8 is a middle school course open to all 8th grade students, regardless of previous experience. In this course, students of all levels will be guided through the process of creating a portfolio of artworks that showcase the student/artist’s skills. The central idea for this course is for the student to work on a portfolio, like a personally developed concentration, and create a set of artworks that experiments with mediums/media and processes. The student’s personal aesthetics, seeing, voice, and growth will be part of creating art that becomes the core of a personal artistic portfolio and at the same time experimenting with and challenging the student/artist’s art making process and use of mediums/media. The student will work through aesthetic questions and ideas in their sketch book, and by looking and experiencing the work of different artists as well as different art processes, mediums, and approaches to experiencing and making art. As part of the course, students will have many opportunities to work through assignments created by the student and teacher for the purpose of pursuing their personal creativity and voice. The student/artist is expected to produce, explore and exhibit artworks that express specific intent, aesthetic merit and personal skill. The students will purchase basic materials at the beginning of the year depending on their exploration and will continue to purchase and explore materials as a part of the portfolio process (materials purchases will be different for each student depending on their personally created assignments and exploration). Students are not limited to one medium/media and are encouraged to experiment and explore.

HUM 2104A(.5 credit)
Grade Level: 6th
Prerequisites: Audition
Description: This band accepts all students with an aptitude and talent for music who want to learn the language of music. Students in this band will develop an appreciation for music as well as receive basic knowledge of their assigned instrument. Students with previous musical knowledge and skills playing an instrument will be in a separate class, and will have the opportunity to join more advanced bands in future years. Middle school and high school students will be in different bands. All students must audition before June.

HUM 2204 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 7th

Prerequisites: Audition

Description: This band accepts students who already participated in Band 6 or passed an audition. The main objective of this band is to develop the students’ musical knowledge and musical performance skills at a higher level in a large ensemble. Students will be trained to read more complex musical pieces. The students will also work on musical expression and the development of articulations and dynamics.

HUM 2304 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 8th

Prerequisites: Audition

Description: This band is designed to prepare students to participate in the Jazz Band, Orchestra, or Concert Band. The students are trained to sight read an advanced repertoire through which they develop stylistic skills and deepen their understanding of musical concepts. To participate in this band, the student should have participated in Band 6 and 7 or passed an audition.

HUM 2626 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th - 12th 

Prerequisites: Audition

Notes: Students in this class are required to participate in a music competition.

Description: The Belen Concert Band is the largest band formed entirely by high school students who are selected by auditions. Students in this band must have the skills to approach high school musical material that requires difficult techniques, styles, emission, and expression.

HUM 2202 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 7th
Prerequisites: None
Description: Drama 7 is a course in theater. Some of the basics in acting: Warm ups, Memorization and Concentration, Focusing, Rhythmic Movement, and Communicating with Words are practiced. In addition, students become familiar with the physical parts of a theater at our Roca Theater. They are assessed through reading and acting short monologues, duet scenes, improvisations, and vocabulary tests. Focus is also placed on diction, concentration, relaxation and memory work. During the entire course each student prepares a monologue for their midterm which he must memorize and act using the stage of our Roca Theater. With the help of the teacher, each student chooses a monologue. The student then reads and understands the play in which his character appears, researches his character, memorizes and rehearses, and finally, presents his monologue. For the final exam each student chooses a partner and prepares a duet acting scene.

HUM 2627 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th - 12th 

Prerequisites: Audition (demonstrate the ability to read music and play a percussion instrument)

Description: In this class, students will develop the ability to play in a group and will learn different pieces and cadences in order to represent Belen in various school and community events. Students who join this band are required to play in all scheduled Belen Drum Line events.

HUM 2404 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th - 12th 

Prerequisites: Audition

Description: The High School Band course is designed to help students improve their instrumental skills by playing in a small orchestra and creating small ensembles. These students will learn basic knowledge of how to play different styles of music, including liturgical music.

HUM 2610-S (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum of 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA and a Final Grade of 92 in the previous year’s Spanish course or a minimum of a Final Grade of 85 in the previous year’s Honors Spanish course.
Description: Honors Western Civilization and Art History in Spanish is a chronological survey of the visual arts and architecture from Prehistory to the 21st Century. The styles and periods in the history of Western art will be examined within the context of geography, politics, socio-economics, religious and cultural perspectives.  This course is offered in lieu of Western Civilization and Art History (HUM 2600 or HUM 2610) for students who have demonstrated a particular interest in advancing their written and spoken command of the Spanish language. 

Grade Level: 11th -12th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.00 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in previous music class and a minimum of 3 years in the High School music program.

Notes: Students in this class are required to participate in a music competition.
Description: The Honors Concert Band performs the same repertoire as the Belen Concert Band. Students in this course must complete a mandatory presentation about the composers and styles that have been performed during the year. 

HUM 2711 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th - 12th
Prerequisites: Audition

Notes: The students in this band perform in a variety of festivals and community events. Students in this class are required to participate in a music competition.
Description: The Belen Honors Jazz Band is part of the Belen Jazz Band, performing the same repertoire, which includes all styles of jazz. This honors class is offered to students who have been in band for more than three years, have earned a final grade of A in all band courses, have a minimum point grade average of 3.0, and are in their junior or senior years. This course includes a mandatory presentation at the end of the academic year about the composers and styles that have been performed during the year.

HUM 2710 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in Western Civ & Art History or 85 in Honors Western Civ & Art History or 80 in AP Art History, and departmental approval.

Notes: This course is offered as dual enrollment with St. Thomas University.
Description: This one semester course introduces the students to the basic ideas of Western philosophy. It deals with the development of the fundamental ideas that that have made the Western World develop in its present form. Ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary philosophers will be presented to the students according to their influence on Western culture. This course requires increased reading, writing, studying, and self-reliance compared to the Philosophy course (HUM 2700).

HUM 2610 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in American Literature or 85 in the previous year’s Honors American Literature, and departmental approval.

Description: Honors Western Civilization and Art History is a chronological survey of visual arts and architecture from Prehistory to the 21st Century.  Each unit is prefaced by an introduction covering historical, geographical and cultural aspects of the time period and culture. This honor course requires a level of commitment that demands writing, studying, and profound analytical thinking which differentiates it from Western Civilization and Art History course (HUM 2600) 

HUM 2610 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in American Literature or 85 in the previous year’s Honors American Literature, and departmental approval.

Description: Honors Western Civilization and Art History is a chronological survey of visual arts and architecture from Prehistory to the 21st Century.  Each unit is prefaced by an introduction covering historical, geographical and cultural aspects of the time period and culture. This honor course requires a level of commitment that demands writing, studying, and profound analytical thinking which differentiates it from Western Civilization and Art History course (HUM 2600) 

HUM 2610 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in American Literature or 85 in the previous year’s Honors American Literature, and departmental approval.

Description: Honors Western Civilization and Art History is a chronological survey of visual arts and architecture from Prehistory to the 21st Century.  Each unit is prefaced by an introduction covering historical, geographical and cultural aspects of the time period and culture. This honor course requires a level of commitment that demands writing, studying, and profound analytical thinking which differentiates it from Western Civilization and Art History course (HUM 2600) 

HUM 2610DE (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: A minimum 3.25 unweighted cumulative GPA, final grade of 92 in American Literature or 85 in the previous year’s Honors American Literature, and departmental approval.
Notes: This is offered as a dual enrollment course.  Students must commit to dual enrollment for both semesters.

Description: Honors Western Civilization and Art History is a chronological survey of visual arts and architecture from Prehistory to the 21st Century.  Each unit is prefaced by an introduction covering historical, geographical and cultural aspects of the time period and culture. This honor course requires a level of commitment that demands writing, studying, and profound analytical thinking which differentiates it from Western Civilization and Art History course (HUM 2600) 

Prerequisites: None

Description: This course, designed as a workshop, introduces students to the study, practice, and use of acting skills, and developing their use of the human body as a means of expression. Students will engage in methods of relaxation and concentration, develop vocal production techniques, such as breath control, projection, phrasing, and diction. Students will apply improvisational techniques to ensemble acting and scene study, using emotional recall and movement as a means of expressing emotion and characterization in developing a role. 

Grade Level: 9th

Prerequisites: None

Description: Photography I is a course for the student/artist interested in exploring and furthering their artistic skills in the medium of photography. The major concept of this course is to expose the student/artist to the history and processes of photography, concentrating specifically on art photography, the principles of design and the elements of art.  Students will complete a variety of photographic exercises and will encounter photographs and artist photographers from different cultures, helping to further their knowledge and understanding of photography, photographic art history, photographic criticism and cultural awareness. The student/artist is expected to produce photographs that show specific intent, expressive qualities and aesthetic merit. A digital camera or a cellphone with a good camera is required for this course.

HUM 2625 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 9th - 12th 

Prerequisites: Audition

Description: The Belen Jazz Band is the top performing group in the school. Students are exposed to a wide variety of music that encompasses all styles of jazz, Latin, rock, funk, and other forms of popular music. Repertoire is consistent with that of high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles. The Jazz Band features guest artists and also performs in a variety of festivals and community events.

HUM 2307 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 6th - 8th 

Prerequisites: Audition

Description: The Belen Band program is an ongoing, growing and developing plan of studies. It is not limited to a single year of musical experience or training. Ideally, a student should continue in the band once he is accepted and a commitment is made, but the student always has the freedom to change that commitment at the end of a school year. Experience playing an instrument is convenient unless there is an outstanding natural ability for it. An interview with the band director and the teacher of the instrument, supplemented by an audition, is required. A student who is already in the band has the opportunity to pass to a higher band level after an audition has taken place. The Band Program consists of Band 6, Band 7, Band 8, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band and Drum Line. Band is integrated into the curriculum of the school and is treated as a subject; a student receives credit and a grade. There are two major annual concerts for all the bands. Students are taught in very small groups by a teacher specializing in the instrument of choice. Seven teachers/professional performers, work on the band curriculum representing the following groups of instruments: brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion/drums, keyboard/piano, guitar/bass, and oboe/bassoon.

HUM 2103 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 6th
Prerequisites: None
Description: Music 6 is an introductory course in music. It explores the many facets of the world of music, and it nurtures the ability to hear, feel, understand and physically express music. Students will trace the development of music through time and explore traditional, popular, and classical music cultures. Additionally, students will consider how they experience and critique music. Through listening, composing and performing, alone and with others, students will learn the basic elements of music including music notation: identification of the staff, notes, pitch, and note values (rhythm), as well as the use and function of time signatures, key signatures, tempo, flats and sharps, and how the notes relate to each other in pitch (half steps and whole steps) and rhythm (note values).

HUM 2203 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 7th
Prerequisites: Did not take Music 6
Description: Music 7 is an introductory course in music. It explores the many facets of the world of music, and it nurtures the ability to hear, feel, understand and physically express music. Students will trace the development of music through time and explore traditional, popular, and classical music cultures. Additionally, students will consider how they experience and critique music. Through listening, composing and performing, alone and with others, students will learn the basic elements of music including music notation: identification of the staff, notes, pitch, and note values (rhythm), as well as the use and function of time signatures, key signatures, tempo, flats and sharps, and how the notes relate to each other in pitch (half steps and whole steps) and rhythm (note values).

HUM 2700 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: This one semester course introduces the students to the basic ideas of Western philosophy. It deals with the development of the fundamental ideas that have influenced our Western culture. It is a historical course about the thoughts and ideas that have made the Western World develop in its present form. Ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary philosophers will be presented to the students according to their influence on Western culture.

HUM 2505 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: Studio Art I is a beginning level course. The major concept of this course is for students to gain personal knowledge of the creative process, the art making process, aesthetics and criticism. The course is designed to foster familiarity with 2-dimensional visual art medias. Exposing the students to a variety of 2 dimensional exercises will aid, the student, in experiencing and understanding, the principles of design and the elements of art in their own 2-dimensional artwork and the artworks of other artists. The student/artist will encounter art works from different cultures and artists furthering their knowledge of art, art history, art criticism and cultural awareness. Exposure to other artist will give the student/artist the ability to deal with the entire idea or concept of an artwork as well as parts enhancing the student’s critical thinking analysis. The student/artist are expected to produce artworks that show specific intent, expressive qualities and aesthetic merit, by using skills they acquire through experimentation within class.

HUM 2600 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: None
Description: Western Civilization and Art History is a chronological survey of the visual arts and architecture from Prehistory to the 21st Century.  The styles and periods in the history of Western art will be examined within the context of geography, politics, socioeconomics, religious, and cultural perspectives.