DSHA: Specialized Studies

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY:

In Specialized Studies, we know that learning is not compartmentalized, but spans across fields of knowledge and areas of study. Additionally, to be successful in today’s technology-based, global society, students must be able to collaborate, engage diverse perspectives, and approach problems with a positive mindset. To address this, the Specialized Studies Dept. offers courses in applied mathematics, computer science, business, philosophy, engineering, and other academic fields. We offer students the opportunity to advance their critical thinking skills, immerse themselves in complex issues, and engage in broader themes and applied problem-solving.

As a graduation requirement, each student must earn at least ½ credits in Specialized Studies.

MEET THE SPECIALIZED STUDIES DEPARTMENT FACULTY:

Connie Farrow | at DSHA since 2013 | teaching since 1987

Specialized Studies Department Chair
Mathematics and Specialized Studies Faculties
BS in Industrial Engineering, Purdue University
MS in Production Systems, Marquette University
Teaching Certification, Cardinal Stritch University
FarrowC@dsha.info

“DSHA girls are the best! They keep me smiling, and I LOVE seeing the lightbulb go on when they finally understand a concept they’ve been struggling with.”
Katie Blaufuss | at DSHA since 2013 | teaching since 2013

Mathematics and Specialized Studies Faculties
FBLA / Entrepreneurship Club Moderator
Dash-a-Thon Coordinator
BA in Management Accounting and Mathematics, Alverno College
MA in Business Administration (MBA), Mount Mary University
BlaufussK@dsha.info

“I love the all-girls environment at DSHA. This culture creates a sisterhood among students of all grades driven by common interests in academics and co-curricular activities. Teaching teenage girls in a setting where they are motivated and encouraged by one another is such a fun place to work."
Jennifer Hockenbery, Ph.D. | at DSHA since 2017 | teaching since 1998

Specialized Studies Faculty
BA in Philosophy and Classics, Bowdoin College
MA and Ph.D. in Philosophy, Boston University
DragsethJ@dsha.info

"I am excited to introduce DSHA students to the wonder and discipline that is academic philosophy. While fewer than 20 percent of American professors of philosophy are women, I know that women have much to gain from philosophical study and much to give the field. As a professor of philosophy at Mount Mary University for 19 years, I have seen how philosophical study orients students towards a love of wisdom, opens them to deeper listening and thinking, and guides them as leaders in their communities. Although I am the teacher, I know that each new class informs my own understanding, opens me to new view points, and provides me with new ways of thinking and acting in the world. I am looking forward to reading, thinking, and talking with the students at DSHA."
Andrew Lelinski | at DSHA since 2016 | teaching since 2007

English Department Chair
English and Specialized Studies Faculties
Assistant Cross Country Coach
BA in English and Secondary Education, Marquette University
MA in English, Marquette University
LelinskiA@dsha.info

“The greatest reward I can receive as an educator is to witness the awakening of my students. When a student steps away from the literature we study and the critical thinking skills we build to realize something new about herself and feels empowered to change for the better the world in which she lives, this is my reward.”
Libby Wissing, DSHA '10 | at DSHA since 2014 | teaching since 2014

Mathemetics and Specialized Studies Faculties
Track and Field Assistant Coach
BA in Mathematics Secondary Education, St. Norbert College
WissingL@dsha.info

“As an alum of DSHA, I have the immense privilege of working alongside many of the teachers who inspired me to go into the field of education. While I was a student, it was obvious to me that the teachers at DSHA were hard working individuals – as a colleague, I am shown proof of that daily. The men and women I work with are constantly striving to find the next innovative lesson, make a daring connection across curriculum, or try a new approach to a topic.”

1/5

SPECIALIZED STUDIES DEPARTMENT COURSE OFFERINGS:

List of 10 items.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE – 4160

This course provides an opportunity to explore the field of computer science, understand the impact of computers on our global society, and build a foundation in the basics of computer programming. Topics will include computer hardware, network architecture, the internet and cloud-based computing, cybersecurity, web page design, and an introduction to programming. Software used in this course is free and can be downloaded onto any Windows or iOS computer.

10th-12th grade, 1 semester
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of any Algebra 2 course
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A – 4151 and 4152

This course will teach computer programming using JAVA, an object-oriented programming language. It is equivalent to a first-semester college level course and will cover programming methodology, algorithm design, testing methods, logical reasoning, and problem solving. Topics include data structures, conditional statements, iteration, arrays, inheritance, recursion, and object-oriented design. The course follows the syllabus recommended by the College Board. Students who successfully complete the AP Computer Science A exam may receive credit for a one-semester introductory college computing course.

*** From the students *** AP Computer Science is not just for the math genius or the aspiring engineer. AP Computer Science is for the student who wants to be challenged in their thought process and wants to better understand the world around them. I can confidently say taking AP Computer Science was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made at DSHA because it ignited a passion for coding that I did not know I had. Additionally, I was able to apply the skills I learned in the class, such as problem-solving, into real life situations and other academic classes. - Mary Kaupp, Class of 2020

2 semesters, grades 10-12, AP preparation materials and exam fees
Required: a computer laboratory will be used for this class. access to a computer outside of school (with administrative privileges) is highly recommended. A very limited number of laptops are available for check-out from the library.
Prerequisite: successful completion of any Algebra II class
Fee: AP preparation materials and exam fees
STATISTICS – 4030

This course gives students an overview of the fundamentals for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Topics covered include data representation, probability, probability distributions, sampling, and statistical inference. Statistics is important in understanding current events and media analysis and is applicable to a wide variety of careers and college majors.

9th-12th grade, 1 semester
Prerequisite: Algebra II OR concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
AP STATISTICS – 4021 and 4022

AP Statistics is intended for students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one semester, introductory, non-Calculus based, college course in statistics. This course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Broad conceptual themes treated in this course include exploring data by describing patterns and departures from patterns, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns using probability and simulation, and statistical inference. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP exam may receive credit, advanced placement, or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course. All students are expected to take the AP Statistics exam.

2 semesters, 10-12 grades, AP preparation material and exam fees
Prerequisite: Algebra II OR concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
Required: TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or TI-84 Plus CE
Fee: AP preparation materials and exam fee
ACCOUNTING I – 4010

Accounting is the key to opening the door to the business world, which is why it is often called the "language of business." Accounting I introduces students to basic accounting concepts, principles, and practices used in completing an accounting cycle. Understanding how accounting data are accumulated through the double-entry procedure and how to use such data are important outcomes of the course. Accounting careers and becoming a CPA will also be discussed. This course is a must for any student considering a business career. Work time will be given in class to complete course assignments, end of chapter activities, and the final simulation. Work outside of class may be needed to study for chapter tests and/or if extra time is needed for assignments beyond that given in class.

Grades 9-12, 1 semester
PERSONAL FINANCE – 4005

Credit card or debit card? Buy a car or lease one? Cash value insurance, term insurance, renters insurance or none at all? Which mutual fund for a 401(k)…what is a mutual fund? Tax liability, risk management, fraud, on-line banking, student loans, cost-benefit analysis? Overwhelmed? Personal Finance can help you learn the skills that will lead you to financial success. You can manage your own money using a budget and checkbook; make smart decisions about credit, investing, filing taxes, insurance, and much more. Learn how to be financially independent. Financial success – is it in your future? Work time will be given in class to complete course assignments/projects. Work outside of class may be needed for small homework assignments, research and/or if extra time is needed beyond that given in class.

1 semester, grades 10-12, $15 fee
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING – 4100

This course is designed for students interested in problem solving and real-world applications of engineering principles and serves as a basis for students that may consider engineering as a career. In this project-based course, students will become familiar with the engineering process as they consider the distinct phases of engineering and problem solving. Projects involve structural design, data analysis, 18 computer programming, reverse engineering, and more. Students will meet female engineers from a variety of disciplines. Course fee covers consumables used for project work.

1 semester, grades 10-12, $30 fee
PL 101: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS – 4200**

In this course, students will seek answers to various ethical questions and will learn to appreciate the complexity of ethics. Questions like these will be examined: What constitutes a good life? What is the relationship between individual and communal goods? How can we become better people through our examination of ethical issues? Essentially, this course will introduce students to the philosophical study of morality. Morality is our human concern about the rightness or wrongness of actions which involve the rights of all humans to fair and just treatment. We will begin by establishing a common or shared understanding of the philosophical terms and distinctions needed for comprehending and deciding ethical issues. This vocabulary will then be used to examine and critique the various philosophical views (more conservative, less conservative, and moderating) about ethical or moral behavior.

PLEASE NOTE: This course will NOT be offered in 2019-2020 but will be offered in 2020-2021.

11th-12th grade, 1 semester
Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Cardinal Stritch University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program. - Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit Offerings Here
ETHICS AND PERSONAL IDENTITY – 4210

This course will introduce students to the moral recognitions and choices involved in freely creating an authentic personal identity. The ethical implications of this basic human responsibility and the unconscious factors that can impede its successful outcome will be examined. We will begin by clearly establishing the philosophical vocabulary needed for our task. This vocabulary will enable us to grasp the essential steps 53 involved in identity formation and our moral responsibility for guiding this process to its rationally desired outcome (and the genuine happiness that will follow). This course will specifically look at how identity plays into the ethical decision-making of women by studying the nature and vocation of women as articulated by women philosophers. Attention will also be paid to cultural, ethnic, and religious identity as they intersect with gender identity.

11th-12th grade, 1 semester
PLEASE NOTE: This course will be offered in the Spring Semester 2019-2020 but will not be offered in 2020-2021.
COMMUNICATIONS/SPEECH – 4500

The Communications/Speech course is designed so that the student, working at her own level, will improve her ability to communicate extemporaneously in public speaking, interpersonal, and group situations. This is accomplished through extemporaneous speeches and discussions of other speeches and the many factors influencing communication success. In addition, the student will learn to organize, research, and select language for effective speech writing. She will also learn to analyze and to evaluate public speakers. Seven speeches are required; extemporaneous style is stressed.

10th-12th grade, 1 semester