The Possibilities of Elective Credits: Part II
/In Part 1, I offered helpful tips about finding and recording elective credits.
Perhaps that post prompted another question,
"What are some common titles for elective credit in high school?"
Before considering titling, one must understand the difference between core and elective courses. In addition, understand that these are terms used in the educational world. As home educators, it has helpful for us to understand "education-eze" as well as what is and isn't required by our state statutes. It has been equally helpful to know that colleges use "education-eze". Though some colleges and universities are hiring home education admission personnel, some admission advisers at other institutions are not always versed in the statute requirements.
Common terminology includes:
Core courses are courses which must be taken or are required for graduation. Typically, core courses are English, math, social science, and natural sciences. In addition, some schools will require additional credit--in addition to the core content areas--to be taken in world languages, the arts, computer science, and physical education.
Electives are courses students chose to take. Electives allow a learner to customize his or her education, to build on a strength or interest, or to investigate content not yet studied in other courses. It is the elective courses which often strengthen the high school transcript and round out the student while also telling employers and admissions about the interests and strengths of the learners.
Some educational entities use the term academic electives for admissions. An academic elective is a core course taken above and beyond the required academic courses in that discipline. For example, if a leaner completes the three math courses required for graduation (or admission) in the mathematics core academic area--let's say Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II--but decides to take another academic math course from the core choices--Trigonometry--the fourth course could be considered an academic elective, if the educational venue recognizes academic electives.
When I wrote the first edition (who remembers that first spiral-bound resource?) Celebrate High School I included a sample list of potential course titles--both core and elective. When I published my extensive revision in 2015, I expanded my list based on our experience and the experience of those with whom we work. For this post, I am pulling potential elective course titles from that 2015 revised list. I am NOT including courses most often considered core academics--for example, Calculus or British Literature--though those core courses could be used as electives--and often are by home educating families.
English electives (when not considered part of the core content English I, English II, English III, and English IV)
- Shakespearean Theater
- Greco-Roman Theater
- Short Stories
- Poetry (perhaps of a specific historical era)
- Writing for Print and Publication
- Creative Writing
- Yearbook
- Digital Publishing
- Ancient Languages
- Biblical Studies: Old Testament
- Biblical Studies: New Testament
Communication electives
- Speech (this course is often considered a core course for some schools but an elective for others)
- Competitive Speech
- Impromptu Speech
- Expository Speech
- Policy Debate
- Lincoln Douglas Debate
- Media Productions
Mathematics electives
- Personal Finance (this course is often considered a required course for some schools but an elective for others)
Social Science electives
- Comparative Government
- Introduction to Law
- Mock Trial
- Constitutional Law
- Independent Study: Foreign Policy
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Psychology (this course is often considered a core course for some schools but an elective for others)
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Family and Consumer Science
- Contemporary World Issues
- Ancient Civilizations
- Independent Study: The Korean War
- Medieval History
- Introduction to Social Work
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Philosophy
- World Religions
- Theology
- Church History
- Internship: Youth Ministry
Natural Science electives
- Environmental Science
- Animal and Agricultural Sciences
- Introduction to Agriscience
- Equine Science
- Equine Medicine
- Introduction to Veterinary Science
- Introduction to Forestry
- Botany
- Entomology
- Zoology
- Astronomy
- Introduction Aerospace Science
- Forensics
- Introduction to Health Sciences
Performing/Fine Arts electives
- Introduction to Drama
- Musical Theater
- Art History (perhaps add a historical era)
- Art Appreciation
- Choreography
- Dance Technique (consecutive years: Intermediate and Advanced)
- Competitive Dance
- Introduction to Ball Room Dance
- Stagecraft
- Set Design
- Theater Production
- Two-Dimensional Art
- Three-Dimensional Art
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Drawing and Painting
- Cartooning and Caricature
- Printmaking
- Pottery
- Creative Photography
- Digital Photography
- Band
- Orchestra
- Symphonic Band
- Wind Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble
- Keyboard
- Piano
- Music Theory (consecutive years: Intermediate and Advanced)
- Music History (perhaps add a historical era)
- Music Appreciation
Physical Education electives
- Personal Fitness (this course is often considered a required course for some schools but an elective for others)
- Nutrition and Wellness
- Physical Education (this course is often considered a required course for some schools but an elective for others)
- Aerobics (consecutive years: Intermediate and Advanced)
- Tennis
- Golf
- Volleyball
- Competitive Swimming
- Water Polo
- Lifesaving
- Advanced Lifesaving
- Team Sports
- Recreational Sports
- Beginning Weights (consecutive years: Intermediate and Advanced)
- Weight Training (often accompanies sports training)
- Sports Psychology
- Introduction to Sports Medicine
- Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
- Sports Rehabilitation
Business Education electives
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Advertising and Sales
- Principles of Entrepreneurship
- Banking and Finance
- Business Principles
- Foundational Principles of Small Business
- Business Technology
Computer Science electives
- Computer Fundamentals
- Programming (consecutive courses: Programming I, Programming II)
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Computer Construction and Repair
- Keyboarding
- Word Processing
- Graphic Design
- Digital Design
- Web Design
- Digital Arts
- Computer Gaming
Home Economics electives
- Fashion Design
- Textiles and Fabrics
- Clothing Construction and Textiles
- Machine Sewing
- Quilting and Applique
- Interior Design
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Nutrition
- Principles in Food Preparation
- Principles in Food Preparation: Pastry
- Principles in Food Preparation: Desserts
- Principles in Food Preparation: Main Courses
- Principles in Food Preparation: Appetizers
- Introduction to Culinary Arts
- Introduction to Pastry
- Cake Decorating
- Home and Automotive Repair
- First Aid and CPR
- Emergency Preparedness
Vocational electives
- Cosmetology
- Cabinet Making
- Carpentry
- Trim and Finish Carpentry
- Masonry
- Landscaping
- Horticulture
- Floral Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Building Design and Architecture
- Drafting
- Technical Drawing
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Auto Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics
- Small Engine Repair
- Electronics and Circuitry
When our young adults are reading, working on research, studying content, or participating in an experiential opportunity, I search for potential titles in the course codes for our state. If I can't find a title or course content in that resource which is close to what our learners are studying, I search for high school courses (or in some cases college courses) from across the nation. Those resources usually allow me to find a title--or at least give me a springboard--which accurately describes the content being learned.
Needing to know more about documenting elective credit work for college admission paperwork? Check out part 3.
This blog post is intended to offer an example of personal experience. It is in no way intended to be legal advice and should not be taken as such. Parents own the sole responsibility for the training and education of their children.
