CiHS Course Descriptions
CiHS Course Descriptions
Pacific Crest Innovation Academy uses curriculum aligned with partner college courses and Washington State learning standards. As the host district for PCIA, Mill A School District works closely with Lower Columbia College (LCC), Eastern Washington University, and Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) to ensure that our core sophomore, junior, and senior year courses qualify for College in the High School (CiHS) credit. Freshmen are also eligible for CiHS courses.
High school and CiHS classes are integrated, enabling every qualifying student an opportunity to earn dual high school and college credit based on achievement. By giving students agency and ownership over their learning, guided by a coherent and rigorous set of educational goals, we help students learn to maximize the use of their time to accelerate learning and increase their success.
Each CiHS class uses the same objectives and textbook(s) as its corresponding LCC or CGCC course. While LCC and CGCC classes cover their material on a quarterly basis, PCIA classes cover the same material over the course of a full semester, which provides students with additional time and support to master the material.
PCIA also offers critical technology skills education, like Microsoft Imagine Academy, through which students can earn official Microsoft Certifications, giving them a competitive employment advantage over their peers when they graduate. We also offer an international, student-designed robotics program (FTC) that is aligned with state standards. Student teams may partner with regional business engineers for mentorship to support development of technical and interpersonal skills.
Courses descriptions are sourced from the LCC, EWU, and CGCC course catalog. See below for the extensive list of CiHS courses we offer:
STEM Course Descriptions
Science
Biology 100 (5 credits): Survey of Biology
Examines major concepts in biology — the science of life– and the nature of science itself and includes a survey of fundamental life processes by which organisms live, grow, reproduce, and interact with their environment. Laboratory is included.
Prerequisite: None
Environmental Science 100 (5 credits): Introduction to Environmental Science
This course is an introductory exploration of environmental science that emphasizes a scientific approach toward understanding contemporary human interaction with the natural environment. The structure, function and interrelationships of terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric systems are treated through the application of biological, chemical and geological principles.
Prerequisites: None
OCEA 101 (5 credits): Intro to Oceanography
Emphasizes principles and processes governing the ocean and its interactions with the surrounding physical environment. Covers topics from physical, chemical, biological and geological oceanography, including origin and evolution of the ocean basins, seafloor sediments, seawater, currents, waves, tides, marine life, and human impacts. Laboratory involves use of globes, charts, and graphs, sediment and biological samples. A field trip may be required.
Prerequisites: None
Technology & Engineering
CSCD 110 (5 credits): Introduction to Programming
Students learn fundamental programming concepts, programming environment topics and current technologies in computing. Programming concepts include structure and design using pseudo-code, basic syntax, variables, arithmetic, decisions, repetition, input and output. Programming environment topics include editor use, saving, compiling, running and debugging. Programming projects are required.
CSCD 210 (5 credits): Programming Principles I
Notes: Concurrent registration in MATH 141 or higher, highly recommended. Transcript evidence of a previous programming course at the high school or college level will be accepted for CSCD 110.
Pre-requisites: MATH 114 with grade ≥C and CSCD 110.
This course covers the concepts and practices of information representation, computer algorithms, hardware organization and computer program design and implementation. Students write, run, debug, analyze and evaluate computer programs. Topics include primitive data types, number systems, file I/O classes, control structures, method design and usage, array–sorting and searching algorithms. Programming projects are required.
Mathematics
MTH 121 (5 credits): Introductory Statistics
This course develops statistical literacy and the ability to think statistically, and understand how probability plays a role in statistical inference. Descriptive statistics and their graphical representations are used to summarize real and simulated data sets. Students understand how the variation present in a population affects the precision of estimates of population attributes. Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing are introduced with an emphasis on understanding their use in context.
Prerequisites: Intermediate Algebra or a satisfactory score on a mathematics placement test.
Satisfies: Completion of this course with a C grade or better satisfies the university proficiencies in mathematics.
MTH 141 (5 credits): Pre-Calculus I
Reviews basic algebraic operations, equations, inequalities, and operations on functions. Analyzes and graphs polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. This is the first course in a two course sequence leading to calculus.
Prerequisites: Math placement test or Algebra II with a C grade or better.
MTH 142 (5 credits): Pre-Calculus II
This course includes an in-depth treatment of trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, identifies, complex numbers, sequences, series, conic sections and mathematical induction. Polar coordinates, parametric equations and vectors are introduced. Problem solving, use of graphing tools, and quantitative and abstract reasoning are emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisites: MTH 141 or equivalent.
Satisfies: Completion of this course with a C grade or better satisfies the university proficiencies in mathematics.
MTH 161 (5 credits): Calculus I
This course introduces the concepts of mathematical limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, and of real-valued functions of a single real variable, with applications.
Prerequisites: MTH 142
Satisfies: Completion of this course with a C grade or better satisfies the university proficiencies in mathematics.
Arts & Humanities Course Descriptions
Art
Art 231 (3 credits): Drawing I
Covers basic perceptual drawing techniques and tools as well as the understanding of the language of drawing in historical and contemporary contexts. Develops critical skills for sighting, measuring, designing and constructing in drawing.
Art 252 (3 credits): Ceramics I
Introduces ceramic processes, techniques and concepts through demonstrations and hands-on studio experience. Develops strategies for creative problem solving in the creation of original work. Establishes critical skills necessary to evaluate personal and formal ceramic works, explore artistic intent, examine aesthetic and structural solutions, and expand perceptual awareness. Explores historical and contemporary issues related to materials and form.
Art 254 (3 credits): Ceramics II
Coming Spring 2025!
Provides semi-directed studio time to deepen understanding of basic ceramics processes, techniques and concepts introduced in ART 252. Encourages the development of individual style, character and self-identity while strengthening the ability to self-critique.
Prerequisite: Art 252
Art 269 (3 credits): Printmaking I
Explores printmaking processes, techniques, and concepts while addressing historical and contemporary issues. Develops creative problem solving by utilizing monoprints, relief and basic intaglio processes. Includes critiques, discussions, and presentations to establish critical skills necessary to evaluate prints, explore artistic intent, examine aesthetic and structural solutions, and expand perceptual awareness.
Art 280 (3 credits): Painting Basics
Introduces basic perceptual painting techniques and tools as well as the understanding of the language of painting in historical and contemporary contexts. Draws on the rich cultural diversity that exists in the field as a vehicle for developing personal self-expression. Develops critical skills for composing and synchronizing both tonal and color temperature scales to achieve a successful painting.
Communications
Communications Studies 201 (5 credits): Public Speaking
This course is the study of the basic principles of public communication. This is a course in design, delivery, organization, and presentation of speeches for public groups with an emphasis on informative and persuasive speeches, message delivery, and presentation of visual aids.
College Prep
College & Career Guidance 101 (1 credit): College Survival & Success
Provides information and techniques for personal responsibility as a means for creating college success. Introduces developing skills for navigating a culturally diverse learning environment and utilizing college resources and services.
English
ENGL 101 (5 credits): College Composition: Exposition and Argumentation
Pre-requisites: Writing Placement Test or General Advising.
Satisfies: university competencies, writing.
Provides opportunities for students to develop and enhance their written communication skills. Stresses the organization, development and support of ideas and perspective in exposition and argumentation as public discourse, familiarization with library resources and application of the rules and conventions of standard American English.
ENGL 170 (5 credits): Introduction to Literature
An examination of literary approaches in human experience including short fiction, poetry and drama. Principal attention to the elements that make up literature, with supporting discussion of ideas, attitudes, problems and values.
ENGL 201 (5 credits): College Composition: Analysis, Research and Documentation
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101, Writing Placement Test or general advising.
Stresses research skills, analytical writing, logic and other skills necessary to comprehend, synthesize and respond intelligently to academic discourse. Practices source evaluation and documentation across the disciplines. A special study unit emphasizing effective use of library resources is included.
History & Government
History 127 (5 credits): World Civilizations II
Examines the dramatic changes in world history in the pre-modern and early modern period (1500-1800), a time of profound and unprecedented transformations in many societies around the world. Historical topics include: the development of new economic systems such as mercantile capitalism; large-scale interactions such as the Columbian exchange; scientific, philosophical, and political revolutions; and new global relationships such as colonialism. Attention will be payed to the increasing interdependence of Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.
Prerequisite: None
History 136 (5 credits): US History I
Focuses on the causes and effects of social, cultural, political, intellectual and economic change, from the colonial period to the end of the Civil War. Attention will also be given to the events outside North America that contributed to the emergence of the United States.
Prerequisite: None
History 137 (5 credits): US History II
Focuses on the causes and effects of social, cultural, political, intellectual and economic change, from Reconstruction to the present. Attention will also be given to the events (e.g., immigration) outside North America that contributed to the emergence of the U.S. as well as the effects (e.g., imperialism) of its emergence on the rest of the world.
POLSCI 202 (5 credits): American Government
Studies the structure practices and interactions of the political and governmental institutions of the United States, evaluating them from multiple theoretical perspectives.
Prerequisite: ENG 101
POLSCI 220 (5 credits): Law and Social Issues
Examines the interrelationships between law and social structures, processes, evolution and changes in society and laws. Explores lines drawn by democracies in the attempt to reconcile individual freedoms with the rights of the community. Analyzes and evaluates issues with basic rights and liberties, freedom of expression, due process of law, and political, social and racial equality.