At a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples “Who do you say that I am?” The confusion that ensues among his followers is emblematic of the struggle that Christians and non-Christians alike have had throughout history to answer that very question. In this course, students will be challenged to offer their own unique contributions to the discourse on the identity of Jesus. They will grapple directly with the question Jesus posed to his disciples by developing responses based on multiple and intersecting paradigms: the personal, the historical, the theological, and the anthropological to name just a few. Effectively engaging with the course will lead to greater skills in the areas of critical thinking, cultural competency, and religious imagination, among others.
English 200
English 200 continues the course of study begun in the freshman year. Skills learned the previous year are refined, expanded, and enhanced. Basic grammar is reviewed and new material introduced throughout the year. The lower division writing sequence continues with a review of paragraph writing, which leads into the year’s emphasis on descriptive, narrative, and expository essay writing. Students will write approximately 10-12 papers in a variety of rhetorical modes. The writing becomes not only more formal, but increased in length as well with students writing multi-paragraph expository essays by the end of the first quarter. The reading of literature includes all the major genres: novel, drama, poetry, short story, and essay; however, the study of literature shifts from an organization by form to an organization by themes that reveal an insight into the human condition.
English 300
English 300 covers the literature of the United States from the Puritan Era to the present. All the forms of literature which have been studied specifically in themselves during the first two years are now studied as they emerge historically through the imaginative lives of major U.S. authors. This course complements the study of American History, which is also taken during the junior year. The students’ writing aims at greater and greater control over the expository essay and specifically at developing analytical theses on literature. Students will write at least twelve papers during the year in various rhetorical modes including the personal narrative (at least 1), the expository essay (5-7), the synthesis essay, the timed quick-write, and the creative composition. After consulting with their teachers, students taking this course may opt to take the AP Language and Composition examination. Both this course and the honors course prepare students to pass the Junior Writing Exam taken in the second semester. Students who do not pass this exam with an acceptable score must take Literature and Composition: Non-fiction during the senior year.
English 100
The purpose of freshman English is three-fold: 1) to master certain grammatical material that will aid in the discussion of composition, 2) to begin a systematic approach to writing, and 3) to identify certain literary concepts in a variety of literary genres. To achieve these goals, English 100 presents the incoming students with a course of study that exposes them to the forms of literature: the short story, non-fiction essay, poem, drama, and novel. Freshman English also presents the students with various writing assignments that will start them on the process of building a personal writing style. The subjects for these assignments move from the students’ own experiences to topics related to their reading, and the movement during the course of the year is from narrative and descriptive writing to writing that is more expository in nature. Writing assignments generally will progress from one-page papers at the beginning of the year to longer essays at the end of the year. By the end of the course, the student will have written approximately 10-12 papers in a variety of rhetorical modes including creative, descriptive, narrative, expository, and literary analysis writing. The student will also have completed at least one multi-paragraph expository essay.
English 450: Mythology
In this single semester course, students will investigate the patterns and archetypes of world mythology by reading a variety of ancient myths, in addition to plays, short stories, poems, and novels that utilize the themes and characters inspired by myth. Students will consider different theories concerning the origin of myths and the function that this genre serves in the development of the individual and society. Units of study will include creation myths from around the world, Mesopotamian myths, classical myths, the Hero’s Journey pattern, Norse mythology and modern works inspired by mythology. In addition to enjoying the irresistible charm of fantasy, students will also analyze the “truths” or the myths by discussing the relevance of mythological themes in the modern world. Students will purchase core texts; however, we will study numerous excerpts from on-line sources, particularly the Perseus Project. Another component of this class will be working on writing skills, including the expository essay and creative writing.
Studio Art A
This course is a “hands-on” class designed to develop skills in design and composition, a variety of drawing styles, and acrylic painting. Students will receive instruction in a variety of media and will be required to use each of them in the creation of original work. The study of historical examples will be a springboard for the student’s creative expression. No previous drawing skills are required to take this class; just come with an open mind!
Art and Architecture 1A
Designed to offer students the chance to learn about the art of architectural design in society and its effect on our sense of culture. Particularly interesting for students who plan to major in architecture and/or design of any kind, the class will provide field trips, involvement with our rich cultural environment, and an introduction to “hands-on” skills involving design and composition. Coursework will include short papers, a non-written final project, and opportunity for original creative expression. Students do not need to have experience in drawing in order to take this course.
Art and Nature Intensive
Instructor: Katie Wolf
This semester-long evening class meets once a week from 5:45 pm-7:30 pm and is designed to explore the value of developing a personal and deep connection to Nature and creativity as part of educating the whole person. Our study of architects, artists, scientists, contemporary movements in sustainable choices and indeginous cultures will be a springboard for a variety of art-making studio assignments. Your research, class discussion and art projects will be the basis for your grade. A final portfolio of your work will summarize your understanding of the course work.
All students are welcome to join us in Studio 108 and your grade will be averaged into your semester’s transcript as Art and Architecture 1B, Sculpture B or Studio Art B. The Art and Nature Intensive can fulfill the 2nd level of Art and Architecture 1A, Sculpture A or Studio Art A -OR- you may take the class as an elective for credit, because you are interested in Nature, building community and exploring the creative process.
*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
**This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day.
Alternate Course Titles for this course (it fulfills all of these):
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- Art and Nature Intensive: Art and Architecture 1B (8W) [6106]
- Art and Nature Intensive: Studio Art B (8W) [6126]
- Art and Nature Intensive: Sculpture B (8W) [6156]
Mandarin 2
Mandarin 2 is a two-semester course that continues the study and development of Mandarin. This course will have combination of acquiring elementary to low intermediate level of Mandarin language use along with Chinese culture information. Students will continue developing skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and expanding knowledge of grammatical structures. Instruction in written Chinese will be a combination of simplified and traditional characters. The transcription of Mandarin sounds will be in Hanyu Pinyin.
Mandarin 1
Mandarin 1 is a two-semester course designed for beginners. No background in Mandarin is presumed or required. Mandarin 1 introduces students to the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese. As students gain knowledge, understanding and fluency, the communication in class will be conducted in Mandarin only. By the end of the year, students are expected to pronounce the sound of Mandarin with reasonable accuracy, and to understand and sustain simple conversations in Chinese. Students will be exposed to Chinese culture in order to develop an understanding of and appreciation for different cultures and people, customs, behavior and traditions.