Specialized Studies

Credit card or debit card? Buy a car or lease one? Cash value insurance, term insurance, renter's insurance or none at all? Which mutual fund for a 401(k)…what is a mutual fund? Tax liability, risk management, fraud, online banking, student loans, cost-benefit analysis, time value of money? 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.  
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $15
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator 

The course is an introduction to the foundation of economics and the economic way of thinking. The focus will be on the concepts, principles, and models of micro-economics and the application to real world events. Microeconomics is concerned with the analysis of economic phenomena from the perspective of the individual. This course covers the concepts and tools needed to undertake the analysis of such problems that are created by the law of scarcity. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics of a free market system, supply and demand, competition, and markets. The students will be expected to apply these concepts, principles, and models in problem-solving activities. Activities include lectures, discussion, and problem-solving real-world events and challenges. If time permits, macro-economic topics will also be explored.

Prerequisites: Cultures & Civilizations and U.S. History; or AP U.S. History or AP Government and Politics
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1

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.

Semesters: 1
Other requirements: TI-84 + Silver Edition or TI-84 + CE calculator

This course is designed for students interested in problem-solving and real-world applications of engineering principles and serves as a basis for students who may be considering 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 computer programming, reverse engineering, and more. Students will meet female engineers from a variety of disciplines. The course fee covers consumables used for project work.

Offered every other academic year; is running in 2024-2025. 

Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $30

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, the internet, cloud-based computing, cyber-security, web page design, and an introduction to programming. The software used in this course is free and can be downloaded onto any Windows or iOS computer. A laptop using Windows or MacOS is required. A Chromebook is not sufficient for this course. 

Offered every other academic year; will run next in 2024-2025. This course is run opposite years of AP Computer Science which will be offered in 2023-2024. 

Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Other requirements: Internet access is highly recommended. A laptop using Windows or MacOS is required. A Chromebook is not sufficient for this course. 

This course introduces students to the principles of journalism through the publication of our student newspaper: The Word. Participants will learn how to write for a variety of purposes and for our DSHA community as they engage in the exciting world of online media. In addition to learning about the laws and ethics of journalistic writing, students will engage in reporting, writing, editing, photography, advertising, management, and teamwork. This course encompasses both traditional, individualized learning and project-based learning. Not only can participants hone their writing skills, but they can also empower their voices as distinctive members of our community with a designated platform for expression. Skills developed in this course support careers in journalism, marketing, project management, and business.

Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1

This course will introduce students to the philosophical study of ethical reasoning and how it affects our ability to make decisions about whether an act is morally right or wrong. This is done through an investigative study of various philosophical theories advanced by philosophers from Plato to the present day, with a particular emphasis on ethics and the fields of business, medicine, the environment, and other industries all in the context of our Catholic Christian worldview. The course introduces students to several areas of philosophy and helps to develop students' analytic skills and the ability to express their views and thoughts clearly. Readings may include historical, well-known philosophers and some current articles or resources to help engage students and further perspective-taking. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the course outcomes through various learning activities which may include essays, personal reflections, presentations, tests, or other assessments.  

Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1

In this course focused on developing leadership, students will learn how to lead so they can step forward into the future with vitality, hope, and courage. Character-Driven Leadership is deliberately and intentionally focused on helping each student grow and develop into an articulate, confident, and capable leader. Based on the most current and relevant learnings on leadership, the course will allow students to graduate with the confidence to lead themselves and others. The course will explore four principal areas of leadership: leading yourself, identifying your leadership mindset, allowing yourself to be led, and leading by example. Furthermore, this course is purposefully designed to develop the “Leader” Quality of the DSHA Graduate.

Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1

Speech Communications is designed to prepare students for the speaking tasks they will face in future academic coursework and in professional experiences beyond high school and college. The course will primarily focus on developing and enhancing students’ public speaking skills and individual speaking style. Students will learn to organize, research, and select language for effective speech writing, and will work with a variety of technologies including various visual and audio presentation software. To this end, students will write and deliver a variety of formal and impromptu speeches. Students will also evaluate professional public speakers and in doing so will gain an understanding of speech communication theory and rhetorical analysis. Students will demonstrate this analysis and evaluation through formal written analyses.

Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1

The Marian Scholars Program is a student-centered, inclusive education program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This is an elective class that will prepare you to successfully support a DSHA Marian Scholar and counts towards your Specialized Studies requirement. The Marian Scholar Peer Mentor course is designed to provide the skills necessary to be an effective learning facilitator and guide to a Marian Scholar in an inclusive class setting. Focus on exceptional needs students in a K-12 environment. Exploration of historical perspectives; societal expectations; state and federal laws pertaining to exceptionality; examination of the causes and classification of various types of exceptionality; and characteristics and needs of learners with particular exceptionalities; consideration of procedures used for identifying, assessing, and providing educational programming for children with disabilities, including the roles and responsibilities of regular and special education providers and curriculum modifications. Includes study of effective strategies for inclusion, least restrictive environment, and the use of assistive technology. The number of credits earned will be based on the number of contact hours with a Marian Scholar. 

Prerequisites: Participation in DSHA's Best Buddies Co-Curricular and Topics in Psychology (if considering enrolling in the dual-credit program)
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Other requirements: Dual-credit program participants will meet at Mount Mary University during a DSHA school day as part of the course to collaborate with Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy and/or the Education Department to develop additional strategies for supporting Exceptional Learners/Marian Scholars.

**Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Mount Mary University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.

Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings.