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"What are some common titles for elective credit in high school?"

Before titling a course, one must understand the difference between core and elective courses and how these terms are used in the educational world—the "education-eze". Colleges use “education-eze”.

Parents must also understand what is and isn't required by their state school law statutes. Though some colleges and universities hire home education admission personnel versed with knowledge to help homeschooled applicants, other advisors are not always familiar with state statutes, requirements, or procedures. Knowledgeable parents have the means to empower student applicants who may face questions.

Core courses are offerings in the major discipline areas of English, math, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some districts (and colleges) include foreign or world languages in core courses. All other courses are considered electives.

For this post, I am revising an elective list I created in 2015. The list does not include courses most often considered core academics--for example, Calculus or British Literature--though those core courses could also be used as electives if the core course requirements have been meet.

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 or demographic)

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 may considered a core by some schools)

Competitive Speech

Impromptu Speech

Expository Speech

Policy Debate

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Media Productions

Mathematics Electives

Business Mathematics (some schools no longer consider this a high school level course)

Personal Finance (this course is often considered a required course for some schools but an elective for others)

Social Science Electives

Comparative Government

Global Studies

International Relations

Introduction to Law

Mock Trial

Constitutional Law

Independent Study: Foreign Policy

Introduction to Criminal Justice

Psychology (this course may be considered a core course for some schools and 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, for example Asian Art History)

Art Appreciation

Choreography

Dance Technique (consecutive years add beginning, 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 add beginning, intermediate and advanced)

Music History (perhaps add a historical era or genre, for example, History of Jazz)

Music Appreciation

Physical Education Electives

Personal Fitness (this course is sometimes considered a required course for some schools but an elective for others)

Nutrition and Wellness

Aerobics

Tennis

Golf

Volleyball

Competitive Swimming

Water Polo

Lifesaving

Advanced Lifesaving

Team Sports

Recreational Sports

Beginning Weights (consecutive years add intermediate and advanced)

Weight Training (often accompanies sports training and play)

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

International Business

Global Business Studies

Computer Science Electives

Computer Fundamentals and Programming

Introduction to Computer Systems

Computer Design 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. If I can't find a title or course content close to what our learners are studying, I search for high school courses (and in some cases college courses) offered at other high schools 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.

If you want to learn more about documentation of elective credits and how to create college admission paperwork, check out this post.

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.

A real interest—one she thought about every day and one that did not go away!

She spent time studying and talking through her ideas; about what she wanted to learn. Being part of a homeschooling family gave her freedom to explore her interest as part of her day—every day—if she desired to do so.

Though I enjoy photography and have a "creative" bent, I admit I had no idea what concepts and skills would be included in a high school level photography course. But she did! Therefore, when she asked me what areas I thought would be included in a photography course, I knew I would have to join in the learning.

First, I searched the Internet for syllabi of high school level photography courses. Reading, I discovered common threads. This was a starting point.

Second, my daughter and I brainstormed additional content she wanted to learn. For example, she wanted to upgrade her camera. Researching the pros and cons of brands and features was definitely something she could include in her course.

Third, we talked about what real-life experiences could be added: job shadowing, taking pictures of family members, learning and using editing programs, and shooting seconds for a professional photographer.

Clearly, my daughter’s interest drove the learning. I simply had to be open to the ideas and be ready to encourage her progress.

Before we knew it we had accumulated not only content but resources.

Here is a snapshot of the content we developed.

We added experiential learning. Our list of considerations were

Job shadowing a photographer or interning as a photographer's assistant

Working in a camera store

Setting up a darkroom

Creating a yearbook for a school or co-op

Working with a blogger to communicate content visually

Learning mounting techniques.

YOU can come up with a list of your own…with your high schooler’s help!

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How to Create Titles for Elective Courses

"What are some common titles for elective credit in high school?"

High School Photography Elective

A real interest—one she thought about every day and one that did not go away!

Course Content

I. History of photography

II. People of Influence

III. Types of Photography

IV. Parts of a Camera

V. How Cameras Work

VI. Lighting, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Depth of field

VII. Composition, Color, Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, and Special Techniques

VIII. Photo Editing

IX. Analyzing and Critiquing Photography

X. Documentary and Photojournalism

XI. Famous Photographers and Photojournalists

XII. Mounting and Displaying Photography

XIII. Digital Photography

XIV. Photography Careers

XV. Photography Licenses

XVI. Legal, Ethical and Copyright

We added experiential learning. Our list of considerations were

For learners who appreciate the power of a story, these Living Books may be just the ingredient to bring additional life to the course.

FPEA is always a highlight of our speaking calendar. Can't wait to see you there!

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Cheryl writes