Academic Departments
Academic excellence is a hallmark of the Marquette University High School experience.
Faculty and administration work to ensure that each student has an opportunity to meet his learning needs and interests. Following in the tradition of Jesuit education, the academic environment establishes a foundation for future study with its liberal arts curriculum. At the same time, an MUHS education encourages a sense of critical thought as students develop leadership skills in a classroom setting. MUHS offers a wide variety of courses designed to give students a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
The focus of the academic program is the college-bound student, fortified by Accelerated Courses and the Advanced Placement Program (A.P.), which offers college credit options.
Each year typically 99 percent of MUHS graduates enroll in a college or university of their choice, with many receiving scholarships and academic recognition. Over the past five years, MUHS students have enrolled in more than 150 different colleges and universities in the United States and abroad.
Departments
- English
- Fine Arts
- Health and Fitness
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Science
- Social Studies and Economics
- Theology
- World Languages
English
English
The comprehensive purpose of the English Program is to develop students’ critical ability to analyze the quality and purpose of the printed page, to appreciate the human values woven into the fabric of enduring literature, and to cultivate students’ power of expression, both spoken and written, so that he may communicate his insights clearly and imaginatively.
Every MUHS student must take four years of English. The freshman program introduces the student to basic skills and understandings he will need in order to pursue a college preparatory program successfully. Along with the traditional investigation of literature, study of grammar and writing of paragraphs and essays, the student builds vocabulary, practices efficient study habits and enhances reading comprehension.
The sophomore curriculum is a continuation of the freshman program with the added expectation of greater depth of literary analysis through the study of multiple critical thinking strategies. Course reading includes both foundational and contemporary works of American literature that prepare students for reading at the university level. Additionally, students gain extensive experience in writing academic essays and preparing presentations.
In his junior and senior years, the student chooses a total of four semester-length courses which include Advanced Placement options, a variety of literature-based courses as well as writing course options. All junior and senior classes require the student to demonstrate critical thinking skills, close literary examination and organized, clear and insightful academic writing.
English Courses
- English 1
- American Lit/Composition
- American Studies – English
- AP English Literature & Comp
- AP English Language & Comp
- Myth & Culture
- Expository Writing
- Advanced Writing Seminar
- Plays of Shakespeare*
- Perspectives in Science Fiction
- World Literature
- Literature of Great Britain*
- Vice & Virtue in Literature
- Literature & Social Justice
* Dual Credit Available Through Saint Louis University
Faculty
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
The goals of the Fine Arts Department are to stimulate an interest in the Fine Arts, to give students a positive creative experience, and to provide an enjoyable and challenging variation in the student's academic program.
The fine arts promote personal growth as well as appreciation for the aesthetic environment. As such, experience of the fine arts is valuable for everyone and has lasting significance in the student's enjoyment of the world around us. These courses fulfill the objectives of the school's mission and philosophy statement.
All students must complete one-half credit in Fine Arts in order to graduate from Marquette University High School; however, those students with an aptitude in the arts typically take a Fine Arts course each semester throughout their four years.
Fine Arts Courses
- Photography
- Painting
- 2D Design
- 3D Design
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Advanced Drawing
- AP Studio Art
- Computer Assisted Music
- Jazz Lab 1-4
- Chorus & Select Chorus
Faculty
Health and Fitness
Health & Fitness
The health and fitness program is designed for freshmen and sophomores and focuses on the areas of personal health care, nutrition, fitness and strength training. Classified as a user driven course, Health and Wellness is designed to meet the needs of the individual participant. Through hands on experiences each student has the opportunity to improve his health through structured physical activities such as aerobic conditioning and strength training. Also, major health topics such as stress reduction, chemical dependency and nutrition are discussed. The goal of the Health and Wellness program is to help each student improve his health and develop his fitness level in a non-threatening, personal manner.
Health and Wellness Courses
- Physical Fitness & Wellness
Mathematics & Computer Science
Mathematics & Computer Science
As a college preparatory school, we offer a strong, fundamental college preparatory program in mathematics. The Math Department’s goal is to lay a solid foundation in each course so that the student is well prepared for the next course he will take. Since 97% of all students take four years of math, this is critical.
Freshmen are placed in the appropriate algebra or geometry course based on previous experience, entrance test scores, and a math placement test given in June. Both the accelerated track and the college prep track provide strong math preparation for college, however the accelerated courses cover material at a more challenging level and pace. Successful students may earn college credit in calculus, statistics and/or computer science through the Advanced Placement program.
At a minimum, Marquette High requires all students to successfully complete Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 for graduation. All students should be aware of the math requirements of the college or university they hope to attend and the requirements for their particular field of interest.
Mathematics & Computer Science Courses
-
Algebra 1
- Honors Algebra 1 & 2
- Geometry
- Advanced Geometry
- Honors Geometry/Algebra 2
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 2 with Trigonometry
- Honors Precalculus
- Precalculus
- Advanced Precalculus
- AP AB Calculus
- AP BC Calculus*
- AP Statistics
- Multivariable Calculus*
- Computer Programming
- AP Computer Science A*
* Dual Credit Available
Science
Science
The Science Department has a history of an extremely sound program of college preparatory courses. In addition to the college prep track, the Department also offers an accelerated track of courses for those more gifted and motivated in the sciences. Determination of placement in any given course will be made through the advisement of the Science Department. Students wishing to take two science courses in the same year must secure approval from the Science Department prior to submission of the Course Request Worksheet by their advisors.
Laboratory work is integral to each science course. Methods of gathering and collating data, interpreting data, and forming logical and justifiable scientific conclusions are emphasized as the cornerstone of scientific investigation. Use of videos, computers, demonstrations, and independent research projects supplement laboratory work and class discussion.
Active Science Olympiad, SMART Team (molecular engineering), Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Environmental Science clubs and teams provide the highly interested student an additional opportunity to pursue independent research projects, to participate at interscholastic competitions, and to present educational programs to the community.
The science program emphasizes thorough study of the three primary laboratory science courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The majority of students complete all three courses in the college preparatory track. Others elect, through guidance and qualification, to pursue the courses in the accelerated track and follow an area of interest in an Advanced Placement course. Although three years of science are required, the majority of students opt for a four year science experience. All students taking a fourth year of science must take a Physics course if they have not done so during their junior year. Exceptions to the Physics course requirement may be granted by the Assistant Principal for Academics.
These science offerings are interesting, challenging, and demanding of an investment of time and effort by the student. With such a commitment, however, he will be rewarded with a solid preparation for college-level study along with a growing understanding of and curiosity about the complex world. A degree of scientific literacy is essential if one is to function maturely in today’s increasingly technological society. All students are reminded that three credits in science are required for graduation.
Science Courses
- Biology
- Honors Biology
- AP Biology
- Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- AP Chemistry*
- Environmental Science
- Physical Geology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Physics
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics C
Social Studies and Economics
Social Studies & Economics
The Social Studies Department prepares students to become informed, active citizens with knowledge of and a respect for their own cultural and historical heritage and an understanding of and respect for other cultures. Courses explore issues of diversity, global awareness and social justice. Given the MUHS urban environment, students are encouraged to become involved in school and community affairs.
The Social Studies Department merges a variety of disciplines and methodologies. The roots of the department are grounded in history, yet the curriculum introduces a variety of subject areas: cultural studies, economics, geography, political science, psychology and sociology. All of these subjects feature the basic tenets of St. Ignatius: reverence, awareness, responsibility, action and recognition.
Marquette High requires that all graduates complete three years of course work in social studies. Most colleges recommend that students complete four years. The three required years of course work must include World History and United States History. To satisfy the third credit required for graduation, students are free to choose from a myriad of electives.
Social Studies Courses
- World History
- United States History
- American Studies - Social Studies
- AP US History
- AP Human Geography
- AP European History*
- Introduction to Sociology
- American Government
- History of Milwaukee
- International Relations (offered 2023-24)
- AP Psychology
- Comparative Cultures
- Topics in History: 50’s & 60’s (offered 2022-23)
- Topics in History: Civil Wars (offered 2023-24)
- Topics in History: World Wars (offered 2022-23)
- Introduction to Economics
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Macroeconomics
Theology
Theology
The purpose of the Theology program at Marquette University High School is to acquaint students with the Catholic/Christian tradition. While the pastoral programs (retreats, liturgies, Shared Life Project, etc.) are more experiential in nature, theology courses focus on a knowledge of the main elements of Catholic Christian tradition. Theology courses also attempt to help students reflect upon and grow in their religious and moral values and beliefs in light of that tradition.
The first three credits of theology are specified. Theology 1 is Biblical Literature. Theology 2 is composed of Moral Decision Making and Sacraments + the Catholic Church, each a semester course. Theology 3 is composed of Church History and Christian Discipleship, each a semester course. Seniors must enroll in Theological Seminar and select one senior elective.
Theology Courses
- Introduction to Catholic Christianity
- Salvation History and the Hebrew
- Scriptures
- Moral Decision Making
- Christian Scriptures
- Church History
- Christian Discipleship
- Theological Seminar
- Faith & Reason*
- Catholicism & World Religions
- The Call of Christ
* Dual Credit Available
World Languages
World Languages
Each student must complete two years (2 credits) of the same foreign language in order to graduate from Marquette University High School. He has a choice of German, Latin, or Spanish. The World Language Department develops a systematic approach to the acquisition of cultural and second-language skills and encourages four years of a second language. The Modern Languages focus on communicative competence and have adapted the Proficiency Guideline Descriptors of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages): Novice (Level One); Intermediate-Low (Level Two); Intermediate-Mid (Level Three); and Intermediate-High (Level Four). Latin stresses reading comprehension, Greco-Roman culture, scholastic exchanges and competition, and development of English vocabulary. A student may elect to take two foreign languages at the same time.
A student's initial placement -- usually for freshman year -- will be made through the Department. A placement test is given in Spanish and German. Successful completion of each course is the prerequisite for continuing to the next level.
World Languages Courses
- Latin 1-3
- Honors Latin 4-5*
- German 1-3
- Honors German 4-5
- Honors Spanish for Heritage Speakers 1-2
- Spanish 1-3
- Honors Spanish 1-4*
- AP Spanish Language & Culture*
- AP Spanish Literature & Culture*
* Dual Credit Available