CURRICULUM 2015-2016 ENGLISH PERFORMING ARTS MATHEMATICS VISUAL ARTS COMPUTER SCIENCE HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION SCIENCE EXTRACURRICULAR SOCIAL SCIENCE COLLEGE COUNSELING FOREIGN LANGUAGE TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM GUIDE Online courses are available in grades 11-12. All online courses are available through Global Online Academy (GOA) and are listed at the end of this document. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ENGLISH: 4 Years (Most classes offered at Honors level) 9th Grade - Introduction to Literature and 11th Grade - English Literature and Composition (Honors or AP) Composition This course studies selected works of English literature from Beowulf to The first part of this course focuses on genre studies (poetry, the twentieth century, introducing students to the canonical works of the drama, short fiction) as students learn the jargon of literary English-speaking culture, including the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and analysis. The second part introduces students to the origins Milton, as well as the Romantics, the Victorians, and the Modernists. AP of Western literature, including world mythology, Homer’s sections prepare for the English Literature exam. Odyssey, and Dante’s Inferno. 12th Grade - English Language and Composition (AP) 10th Grade - American Literature and Composition This course emphasizes writing and prepares students for the AP English This course traces the evolution of the American literary Language Examination. Readings focus on world literature from the Greeks tradition from the colonial period to the present, examining to the twentieth century. In addition to the required reading, students write major authors and the movements to which they belong. extensively both in the timed-essay format used on the AP Examination and The component units emphasize close critical reading and in analytical essays and research papers. analysis, as well as the process of writing a research paper — OR — using Modern Language Association Style. 12th Grade - Two Literature Seminars as described under “Electives” below Electives Literature Seminars These semester-long, seminar-style courses offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of a major author, literary movement, genre, or time period selected for the semester by the instructor. Through extensive class discussion and frequent writing assignments, students are encouraged to explore the essential issues of the human condition. (See The Meadows School Upper School Course Catalog for specific information about each seminar.) Publications I: Journalism Publications II: Yearbook wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The Meadows School Upper School Curriculum 2015-2016 Page 1 of 5 MATHEMATICS: 4 Years (Most classes offered at Honors level) Geometry Precalculus (BC) Multivariable Calculus Students study the development of logic This course is designed for students slated This college-level course is and formal proofs, angles, parallel and to take Calculus BC (AP) the following a continuation of the study of perpendicular lines, polygons, congruence year. Advanced Precalculus topics are functions begun in Calculus AB and similarity, constructions, circles, explored during the first semester, followed (AP) and Calculus BC (AP). area, perimeter, volume problems, and by an introduction to the AP curriculum. transformations. This course includes a Calculus comprehensive review of algebraic concepts This class emphasizes theoretical and and some trigonometry. practical applications of calculus. Topics Computer Science Algebra II -or- Algebra II/ covered include properties of analytical Electives Trigonometry geometry, transcendental functions, limits, Computer Science A (AP) Algebra II includes a review of Algebra I derivatives, anti-derivatives, and definite This is a course that is concepts and covers topics such as field integrals. equivalent to a one-semester, college-level introductory properties of complex numbers; relations Calculus AB (AP) Computer Science course. and functions, including linear and quadratic Students study the fundamental technique systems and their applications; polynomial, This course is offered and theory of differential and integral alternate years. exponential, and logarithmic functions; calculus, with a rigorous study of limit matrix methods; sequences and series; theory and continuity, continuing with the Computer Programming/ and elementary probability. Trigonometry theory and application of differentiation Robotics includes the study of trigonometric and and integration of elementary functions. This is an introductory course circular functions and their inverses, polar Elementary differential equations are in Computer Programming representation, and solution of right and introduced. and Robotics Engineering. oblique triangles. Students are not required to Calculus BC (AP) have any prior experience or Trigonometry This college-level course presents a Trigonometry includes the study of knowledge of programming or thorough treatment of the differentiation robotics. trigonometric and circular functions and their and integration of functions of a single inverses, polar representation, and solution of variable as well as an introduction to the right and oblique triangles. differentiation and integration of vector- Precalculus (AB) based functions. In addition to a thorough review of Algebra II/Trigonometry topics, polar coordinates, Statistics (Honors or AP) vectors, linear programming, parametric Students learn the major concepts and equations; translation and rotation of tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing graphs, exponential functions, matrix conclusions from data. algebra, probability, and limits are studied. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww SCIENCE: 3 Years (Most classes offered at Honors level) Biology I Chemistry I Physics I This course is intended to be an This course serves as an introduction Areas of study include kinematics, introduction to the basic concepts to the major topics in chemistry and dynamics, wave theory, atomic and principles of modern biology. requires the ability to perceive abstract theory, and an introduction to Among the topics covered are and mathematical relationships. Studies the theories of modern physics. scientific methodology, cytobiology, include atomic structure, the Periodic Laboratory investigation illustrates molecular biology, taxonomic Table, the nomenclature of compounds, the nature of experimental work in diversity, genetics, evolution, and chemical bonding, chemical reactions, physics and supplies necessary bioecology. chemical equations, molecular structure, empirical information. behavior of gases, theory of oxidation- reduction, and electrochemistry. Electives Biology II (AP) Physics II (AP) Genetics Chemistry II (AP) Physics C (AP) Health Science Applications Physics I (AP) Biodiversity and Survey of Organisms Human Anatomy and Physiology wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The Meadows School Upper School Curriculum 2015-2016 Page 2 of 5 SOCIAL SCIENCE: 4 Years (Most classes offered at Honors level) 9th Grade - World History 11th Grade - European History (Honors or AP) This survey course traces the evolution of political, social, This course focuses on European history since 1450. It introduces religious, technological, and economic institutions from students to the cultural, social, and political developments that have prehistoric to modern times and is also a study of world history significantly shaped the world in which they live. through all the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the 12th Grade - U.S. Government (Honors or AP) arts, architecture, philosophy, literature, theater, and music. This course examines the nature of the American political system, its 10th Grade - U.S. History (Honors or AP) development over the past 200 years, and how it functions today. The This course examines the significant events, trends, issues, principles, processes, and institutions through which the political system and problems encountered in the American experience. operates are examined. Politics, economics, and an examination of the development of — OR — American culture are key facets of the course. 12th Grade - Social Studies Elective as described below Electives Economics (AP) Cultural Anthropology Money, Banking, and Financial Markets History of Art (AP) International Relations and International Religion and Philosophy Psychology (AP) Issues Social Injustice World History (AP) Introduction to Economics Terrorism and Policy Cities and Buildings of the World Modern Military History Trial Problems Workshop Constitutional Law wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww WORLD LANGUAGES: 3 Years (Most classes offered at Honors level) ANCIENT GREEK LATIN SPANISH Ancient Greek: A language Latin I: Introduction to basic Spanish I: Beginning conversation and course focusing on the grammar, grammar and vocabulary, pronunciation, beginning grammar and morphology, and vocabulary of the derivatives, Roman history, culture. ancient Greeks. culture, and mythology. Spanish II: Continue oral-aural approach, FRENCH Latin II: Reading of longer reading, grammar, and rapid vocabulary French I: Beginning conversation, passages of connected prose; building, conversation; grammar, including oral proficiency of basic concepts, advanced grammar: the introduction to Golden Age Literature. aural comprehension, mastery of passive voice, deponent verbs, Spanish III: Increase vocabulary and basic grammar, introduction to participles, gerundives, and reading, original writing, begin literature, culture. gerunds. conversation, advanced grammar mastery; French II: Expands