HUM 2641 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: None
Description: Drama I is a year-long course for students continuing their theatre studies beyond introductory coursework. Students continue developing performance skills while participating in the Fall District Thespian Competition, with increased expectations for preparation, performance quality, and commitment. The spring semester focuses on audition techniques, building an audition book, and supporting the school’s theatrical productions.

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: 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 hands-on course designed to strengthen students’ artistic skills and creative thinking. Students will explore a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and design while learning foundational art concepts such as elements of art, principles of design, craftsmanship, and visual storytelling. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, problem-solving, and personal expression as students develop confidence in their artistic voice.

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 2104A(.5 credit)
Grade Level: 6th
Prerequisites: This band accepts all students with an aptitude and talent for music who want to learn the language of music.
Description: 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 have the opportunity to join more advanced bands after the audition. The primary objective is to establish a solid foundation in music reading, basic instrument handling, and producing a clear, stable sound. Students are expected to acquire proper posture and technique, learn fundamental notes and rhythmic values, and be able to perform simple melodies together while following a conductor. Active listening, rehearsal discipline, and motivation to continue their musical training are also encouraged.

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 2204 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 7th

Prerequisites: Audition

Description: 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. The goal is to strengthen instrumental technique and expand tonal range, sight-reading ability, and understanding of more complex musical notation. Students work on tuning, articulation, and musical phrasing, learning to perform pieces with time signature changes, varied dynamics, and more extended structures. Sectional playing is promoted, as well as the ability to maintain cohesion and sound balance within the band.

HUM 2304 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 8th

Prerequisites: This band is designed to prepare students to participate in the Jazz Band, Orchestra, or Concert Band.

Description: The objective of this course is for students to achieve a high level of performance and musicality, preparing students for technically demanding repertoire and potential entry into higher-level bands or high school music programs. The focus is on expressiveness, sound control, execution of fast and complex passages, and the interpretation of diverse musical styles. Students take on leadership roles, supporting lower-level musicians, and develop skills in small ensemble and solo performance, always maintaining a high artistic standard.

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 an introductory theatre course that introduces students to basic theatre knowledge, theatre history, and foundational acting skills. Students explore voice, movement, improvisation, and ensemble work while building confidence onstage. Each unit includes a performance-based assessment so students regularly practice being onstage. The course culminates in a staged 2–3 person scene from a published play.

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

Prerequisites: Placement is by department approval.

Description: Pep Band is a performance-based ensemble for students with prior musical experience who want to support school spirit through music. Students rehearse and perform a varied repertoire of high-energy music at school athletic events and participate in scheduled school concerts. Emphasis is placed on ensemble skills, musical accuracy, rhythm, balance, and performance etiquette. Students are expected to come prepared, maintain their instruments, and collaborate positively with peers. Prior knowledge of music reading and basic performance skills is required.

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

Prerequisites: String Band is a performance-based ensemble for students with previous experience on a string instrument. Placement is by department approval.

Description: Students rehearse and perform a wide range of repertoire, including mass music and selections for school concerts. Instruction focuses on developing ensemble skills, tone quality, intonation, rhythm, and musical expression. Students are expected to participate in performances, come prepared for rehearsals, and demonstrate responsible practice habits. This course provides opportunities to strengthen musicianship while collaborating with peers in a supportive ensemble setting.

HUM 2610-S (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: 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: 10th -12th
Prerequisites: Band Director’s recommendation and department approval

Notes: The Belen Concert Band is an audition-based ensemble for advanced high school musicians. Students engage with high-level musical literature that emphasizes technical mastery, stylistic versatility, and superior expressive control.

Grade Level: 11th -12th
Prerequisites: Drama II Honors is an advanced theatre course for returning students seeking deeper artistic growth. Students refine acting techniques, take on leadership roles within the program, and participate in the Fall District Thespian Competition at an elevated level. Instruction is differentiated, with heightened expectations for artistic excellence, collaboration, and responsibility.

Grade Level: 10th -12th
Prerequisites: A miminum of 3 years in the music program and department approval.

Notes: Students rehearse and perform a varied repertoire of high-energy music at school athletic events and participate in scheduled school concerts. Emphasis is placed on ensemble skills, musical accuracy, rhythm, balance, and performance etiquette. Students are expected to come prepared, maintain their instruments, and collaborate positively with peers. Prior knowledge of music reading and basic performance skills is required.

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: 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 2710 DE (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 12th
Prerequisites: 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 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: 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 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: 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: Introduction to Drama introduces students to theatre as both a performance and collaborative art form. Students study acting fundamentals, theatre history, and basic production concepts through performance-based units. As part of the course, students participate in the Fall District Thespian Competition, gaining early experience in competitive performance and adjudication. This course prepares students for continued participation in the high school theatre program.

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 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 2403 (.5 credit)
Grade Level: 9th
Prerequisites: 
Description: Introduction to Studio Art is an introductory course designed to develop students’ foundational skills in visual art while encouraging creative exploration and personal expression. Students will learn essential techniques in drawing, painting, and sculpture, using a variety of traditional and mixed media. Emphasis is placed on understanding the elements of art and principles of design, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving. Throughout the course, students will engage in both observational and imaginative projects that strengthen technical ability and artistic confidence. A key component of Introduction to Studio Art is portfolio development; students will learn how to document, reflect on, and refine their work in preparation for advanced art courses and future academic or creative opportunities. Critiques, sketchbook practice, and reflective writing are incorporated to help students articulate artistic choices and growth. By the end of the course, students will have a curated portfolio that demonstrates skill development, originality, and an understanding of multiple art forms.

HUM 2505 (1 credit)
Grade Level: 10th - 12th
Prerequisites: Department approval
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.