FACS Course Descriptions

When Can I Take FACS Courses?

Course

Grade

9th

10th

11th

12th

Foods and Human Development

x

x

x

x

Foods and Nutrition

x

x

Baking and Pastry Arts**

x

x

COLLEGE Culinary Creations ** +

x

x

International Foods **

x

x

x

Teen Living

x

x

Human Relations

x

x

x

x

Early Childhood I

x

x

x

Early Childhood II **

x

x

x

Family Life

x

x

x

Fashion

x

x

x

x

COLLEGE Fashion Studio ** +

x

x

x

Fashion Industry **

x

x

x

Interior Decorating

x

x

COLLEGE Interior Design +

x

x

Child Psychology

x

x

** Prerequisites required. Please see your guidance counselor or the district website for details. These courses can be taken second semester Freshman year if prerequisite is met first semester.

+ College credit available through SUNY Oneonta

Baking and Pastry Arts

1/2 Credit

This hands-on course introduces students to the art and science of pastry making. Students will explore fundamental pastry techniques, from dough preparation to advanced finishing and plating methods. Emphasis is placed on precision, creativity, and developing foundational skills in baking. Through a blend of theory and practical application, students will learn to craft various pastries, including puff pastry, choux, tarts, and laminated doughs, while mastering key concepts in flavor profiles, textures, and presentation.

By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of pastries showcasing their acquired skills, as well as an understanding of ingredients, tools, and techniques crucial for success in the world of pastry. This course is ideal for beginners interested in baking or culinary arts, as well as aspiring pastry chefs seeking foundational skills.

Open to juniors and seniors.

PREREQUISITE:
Foods and Nutrition and either College Culinary Creations or International Foods

Child Psychology

1/2 Credit

The Child Psychology course will provide students with a broad foundation of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to promote quality growth and development of children in family, school, community, and workplace settings. Students will also explore the personal characteristics necessary for successful careers in the child development and psychology field. This course invites students to apply the process skills of communication, leadership, management, and thinking.

Open to Sophomores and Juniors

Early Childhood Education I

1/2 Credit

This course will provide students with the skills, abilities, and attitudes to interact effectively with preschool children. The course will cover the role of the Child Care professional, the basic principles of development, safe and appropriate environments, preschool schedules and routines, positive approaches to discipline, and curriculum development. While coordinating and participating in the operation of “Little Miracles,” the student will have the opportunity to apply all the principles learned.

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

PREREQUISITE:
Students’ discipline records may be reviewed before being approved to take the course.

Early Childhood Education II

1/2 Credit

This course will provide the student with an opportunity to build on the skills acquired in Early Childhood Education I. The student will continue to explore the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual foundations necessary for optimal growth of the preschool child. Discipline with dignity, child abuse, working with children with special needs and observation techniques are among the topics included in this course. While participating in the management of “Little Miracles,” the student will continue to work with and study the preschool child.

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

PREREQUISITE:
Early Childhood Education I; students’ discipline records may be reviewed before being approved to take the course.

SUNY Orange College Credit

*Completion of Early Childhood I and II will replace ED105 at SUNY Orange for students who enroll in the Early Childhood certificate program at SUNY Orange.

Fashion

1/2 Credit

The main focus of this introductory level class is on basic clothing construction skills, including the selection of patterns, fabrics, and notions. This course will cover fabric identification, fabric and pattern layout, fashion history, and basic hand stitching. In addition, the student will have an opportunity to explore the role of fashion in everyday life, develop a sense of personal style, and explore careers in the Fashion Industry. Students will have the unique opportunity to showcase their garments in a photo shoot. This semester course may be offered alternate days for the full year.

PLEASE NOTE: Satisfactory completion of this course and Interior Decorating satisfies one credit of Art/Music needed for graduation.

COLLEGE Fashion Studio

(FASH 1300 - Apparel Construction; SUNY Oneonta

1/2 Credit (3 college credits)

This course will provide the student with an opportunity to build on the skills acquired in Fashion. The students will improve their abilities and skills in garment selection and construction. The main focus of the course will be clothing construction, including the selection of patterns and fabrics, pattern alterations, fitting, organization of work, and details of construction. Students will have the unique opportunity to showcase their clothing in a fashion shoot.

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

*The student may receive three college credits through College Credit in the High School Program at SUNY Oneonta. In order to receive the credits, all course requirements must be successfully completed.  Students are responsible for all SUNY Oneonta course fees.

Fees: $150 for 3 college credits

PREREQUISITE:
Fashion

Fashion Industry

1/2 Credit

The Fashion Industry course invites students to take an in-depth look at the development of fashion.  Students will learn to appreciate ways fashion reflects historical, social, cultural, political, economic, and technological influences. Students will focus on careers in the fashion industry including: textile science, fashion design and illustration, fashion marketing and merchandising, and apparel construction.  Students will also research the global fashion industry and its impacts on people worldwide. Throughout the course, students will have multiple opportunities to identify the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the fashion industry and assess their suitability for a fashion career.

PREREQUISITE:
Fashion

Foods and Human Development

Former Course Name: Foods and Human Relations

1/2 Credit

This course examines the intricate relationship between nutrition, food choices, and human development across the lifespan, integrating key concepts from food science, agriculture, and health. Students will explore topics such as organic foods, non-GMO practices, the impact of food dyes, and the challenges of food insecurity. The course also delves into the science of food production, including sustainable farming and agricultural practices, while emphasizing how these factors influence physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

Through engaging discussions, hands-on cooking labs, research projects, and collaborative activities, students will develop practical skills in meal preparation and critically analyze the global and local food systems that shape dietary habits. This course is ideal for students interested in health sciences, nutrition, agriculture, culinary arts, and social advocacy.

Foods and Nutrition

1/2 Credit

The focus of this class will be based on the nutritional needs of the human body to fuel itself effectively.  Students will be educated on basic nutrition through the government website ChooseMyPlate. General understanding of each category of MyPlate (fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy) will aid students in preparing themselves healthy  whole food alternatives as opposed to eating processed foods. Additional focus of the class will include and not be limited to basic cooking skills (measurements and knife skills), following recipes to create various products, safe kitchen practices (avoiding cross contamination and proper equipment use and care), and employment opportunities in the field of culinary study and trade work.

*This class serves as a viable prerequisite to taking higher level food courses

CTE (Career Technical Education) Foods and Nutrition

This approved NYSED program in the field of Foods and Nutrition meets the 4+1 pathway for graduation. Program requirements include coursework completion, a possible work-based learning internship, and a 3 part technical assessment (written, practical and portfolio). Students can begin the process as early as Freshman year. Guidance counselors and FACS teachers can provide additional information to interested students. Students completing the program receive a New York State CTE Endorsement on their diploma.

COLLEGE Culinary Creations

(FOOD 1300 - Introductory Foods; SUNY Oneonta)

1/2 Credit (3 college credits)

This course will provide the students with an opportunity to plan and prepare meals that are nutritionally and economically sound. Students focus on meal development with consideration to nutrition, appeal, cost and availability of food. Topics will include: food safety and sanitation, food service, table settings, appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and accompaniments. Field trips, career opportunities and skills for employment are possible course components, as well as operating in-class and take-out restaurants.

Open to juniors and seniors ONLY.

The student may receive three college credits through SUNY Oneonta (College Credit in High School Program). In order to receive the credits, all course requirements must be successfully completed.  Students are responsible for all SUNY Oneonta course fees. There is a nationwide ServSafe Exam that will be administered as part of the college course requirement. 

Fees: $150 for 3 college credits. ServSafe exam additional fee.

PREREQUISITE:
Foods and Nutrition or Foods and Huma
n Development

International Foods

1/2 Credit

This course will explore the food, culture, customs and history from various countries. Projects include researching a country of the students choice to teach the class, holidays from different cultures, recipe creations, and culinary competitions. Students will build on the food preparation skills developed in Foods & Nutrition and/or Foods and Human Relations and explore the more complicated procedures of preparing fine cuisine.

Offered to sophomores, juniors and seniors.

PREREQUISITE:

Foods and Nutrition or Foods and Human Development

Human Relations

1/2 Credit

Human Relations is a course available to every student . Along with the unique style of learning and the relatable, as well as life applicable, topics covered in one semester, the distinct social setting provides a necessary learning style that develops appropriate social skills.  Topics include: conflict resolution, anti-bullying strategies, personality development, self-concept, citizenship, social etiquette, personal safety, and stress management.

Interior Decorating

1/2 Credit

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of interior design. Students will explore the elements and principles of design. Using these elements students will create room illustrations. Furniture arrangement, selection of accessories, and color schemes will be explored. Students will complete several projects that will expand their knowledge and imagination and at the same time create interesting details and accessories for the home.

PLEASE NOTE: Satisfactory completion of this course and Fashion, satisfies one credit of Art/Music needed for graduation.

COLLEGE Interior Design

(FASH 3110 - Interior Design; SUNY Oneonta)

1/2 Credit (3 college credits)

This course explores the theoretical/technical knowledge of interior design. Students will review the elements and principles of design and study the art of designing space and all of its aspects. Topics will include floor plans, architectural understanding, elevations, furniture arrangements, etc.  Students will work with a budget to create a space (new or remodel) for a client to work with the client's design style, wants and needs.

Open to: juniors and seniors ONLY

The student may receive three college credits through College Credit in the High School Program at SUNY Oneonta. In order to receive the credits, all course requirements must be successfully completed.  Students are responsible for all SUNY Oneonta course fees.

Fees: $150 for 3 college credits

PREREQUISITE:
Studio Art I or Interior Decorating

Family Life

1/2 Credit

This course is designed to prepare the student for the potential future role of parent. The course will address many topics necessary to make informed decisions about this lifelong commitment. Topics will include: the need to care for one’s personal health, identifying parenting roles and responsibilities, exploring different parenting styles, and current trends in the family structure. In addition, the “Empathy Belly” and “Real Care Babies” simulators will be utilized.

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Teen Living

1/2 Credit

This exploratory course introduces the student to the Family and Consumer Science Department while highlighting the different course offerings and curriculums within the department. Teen Living is a required baseline course for the three CTE programs offered in the Family and Consumer Science Department. Topics include: teen issues, development, nutrition, food preparation, fashion/textiles, consumerism, financial literacy, civic responsibilities, early childhood development and stress reduction strategies. Strongly suggested for 9th grade students.

Offered to freshmen and sophomores.