Course Catalog 2011 – 2012 English Grade 9 Reading This course is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills to excel in reading fluency and reading comprehension. Operating as a workshop-based course, students will learn a variety of reading strategies ranging from previewing, predicting, visualizing, making inferences, and making connections between the literature and the world around them. Students are expected to work collaboratively in groups, make presentations of texts they’ve read, recite declamations, and participate in small and large group discussions.
Literature I (Introduction to Literature) This course will focus on introduction to the basic elements and components of literature across each major genre (fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and media). This first-year course pays specific attention to reading skills, listening and speaking skills, and building a foundation of literary vocabulary. Students in this course will explore the ideas of cause and effect, motivation for revenge, and the inherent evil of humankind. Students are expected to learn the basic components of leading and executing a group discussion. Students are also expected to plan and execute presentations as well as recite declamations. Honors: Students approved for the honors section must be prepared to work at an accelerated pace, with more homework, more in depth assignments, and more independently guided projects that focus on teamwork and critical thinking.
Composition I This course will focus on the introduction and development of a student’s ability to write effectively and accurately and work in direct collaboration with the Literature I course (Introduction to Literature). Special attention will be given to proper usage of grammar, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, organization of ideas, clarity in writing, and paragraph structure. Students will have extensive practice using the writing process by composing weekly multi-paragraph responses. Students will be required to write a 1-2 page term paper each marking period (6 per year) relating to the following styles: Narrative, Expository, Poetic, Imaginative, Persuasive and Research. Honors: Students approved for the honors section must be prepared to work at an accelerated pace, with more homework, more in depth assignments, and more independently guided projects that focus on teamwork and critical thinking. Grade 10 Reading This course is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills to excel in reading fluency and reading comprehension. This course builds off of Grade 9 Reading to prepare students for Literature III. Operating as a workshop-based course, students will build off their strategies of previewing, predicting, visualizing, making inferences, and making connections between the literature and the world around them. Students are expected to work collaboratively in groups, make presentations of texts they’ve read, recite declamations, and participate in small and large group discussions.
Literature II (Multi-Cultural Literature) Prerequisites: Literature I This course will build off the works of Literature I. This course will focus on the development of critical and analytical skills through the study of multicultural literature and will work in direct collaboration with the Composition II course. In this course students will examine a variety of literary genres including the short story, novel, drama, poetry, as well as fiction and non-fiction. Upon completion of the Literature II course, students will be able to identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of literary terms and techniques, make connections between the texts, and compare and contrast themes, cultural values and influences, and literary elements in multiple works of literature. Students in this course will explore the ideas of genocide, self-sacrifice, and self-realization. Students are also expected to plan, execute and analyze presentations as well as recite declamations. Honors: Students who are approved for the honors course must be prepared to more closely read the texts and deeper textual analysis. This class requires students to use their already well-developed reading skills to understand and explain a text with a thorough understanding of the historical, geographical, and literary contexts.
Composition II Prerequisites: Composition I This course will focus on the development of compositional strategies and structures introduced in Composition I and work in direct collaboration with the Literature II course (Multi-Cultural Literature). Special attention will be given to developing tone, sentence structure, precise diction, clarifying audience, and refining organization and structure. Students will have extensive practice using the writing process by weekly composing multi-paragraph responses. Students will be required to write a 2-3 page term paper each marking period (6 per year) relating to the following styles: Narrative, Expository, Poetic, Imaginative, Persuasive and Research. Honors: Students who are approved for the honors course must be prepared to work more independently on more in depth, self-structured assignments, with a focus on collaboration and refined writing products.
Grade 11 Literature III (American Literature) Prerequisites: Literature II, Composition II This course will chronicle American Literature from the early colonial period to the present, with particular emphasis on the links between American History and the literature throughout American history. Students will read six (6) primary texts throughout the course of the academic year, as well as a profusion of secondary poems, short stories, articles, speeches, and commentaries. Students will explore the ideas and inspirations of American Literature, focusing on the development of the American Voice, truth through literature and the triumphs and failures of our young nation. Students will also lead classroom discussions, execute presentations, recite declamations and evaluate themselves and their peers on each. Honors: Students who are approved for this honors course b e prepared to work more independently on more in depth, self-structured assignments, with a focus on collaboration and refined writing products.
AP English Language and Composition An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.
Grade 12 Literature IV Prerequisites: Literature III This course is designed to prepare students to make the transition from high school to college by familiarizing them with the standards for academic writing and reading they will encounter throughout their educational and professional careers. It is designed to offer students structured, sustained, and highly articulated practice in the recursive processes entailed in reading, critical analysis, and composing. In like manner, the course affords students guided practice through the stages involved in creating research papers incorporated with student Senior Projects. The course will provide a range of classical and modern texts to emphasize the understanding of the deeper meanings of texts throughout the ages. Honors: Students approved for an honors course must be prepared to work more independently on a college level with a focus on working independently in a classroom with collegiate expectations and requirements.
AP English Literature and Composition An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone.
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra Pre-Algebra bridges the gap between elementary math, focused on numbers and operations, and high school math, which emphasizes algebra and functions. Students will master a broad array of skills and content, including integers, algebraic concepts, exponent rules, similarity, data analysis, inequalities, and probability. Students must concurrently enroll in Math Concepts.
Math Concepts A transition math course for students placed in Pre-Algebra. The objective is to build strong foundation skills that provide students access to mastery in Algebra 1 and Geometry. This course will fill the conceptual and skill gaps by addressing misconceptions in fundamental topics. Concepts include number families, fractions, ratios rate and proportions, measurement, 2- and 3-dimensional geometry and measurement, geometric principles.
Algebra I Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra or placement test Algebra is the study of relationships. In this course, students will learn how to model and describe real-world phenomena, using tools as basic as ratios and as intricate as quadratic and nonlinear equations. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable with the following relationships and their practical applications: linear equations; inequalities; and systems of equations and inequalities. Honors: Students who apply for Honors courses must be ready to work at an accelerated pace and complete a unit of quadratic functions in the spring. Students must concurrently enroll in Math Reasoning.
Math Reasoning Applied mathematics that supports students at Algebra I level and prepares them with the fundamentals of geometry. Students will get to engage with the skills learned in a way that makes the data relevant and useful. This course builds on algebraic and geometric concepts that allow students an opportunity to explore connections to real-world problems. This course will focus on analysis, construction and application across familiar topics. It incorporates project-based learning goals. Concepts include equations and inequalities, probability and statistics, proportional reasoning, and geometry.
Geometry Prerequisites: Algebra I or placement test Geometry is the development of logical reasoning within a spatial framework. In this course, students will explore the properties of two- and three-dimensional figures, with special emphasis on right triangles and circles. In addition, students will use their understanding of these properties to complete mathematical proofs for geometric and algebraic concepts, using inductive and deductive reasoning. Honors: Students who apply for Honors courses must be ready to work at an accelerated pace, with considerably more daily homework, and to complete independent projects that demonstrate their mastery of course content. Algebra II Prerequisite: Geometry Algebra 2 is the study of functions in general including evaluating functions, composition of functions, and transformations of functions. Descriptions of functions will be taught so students can explain the domain and range of a function, maximum and minimums of a function, x-intercepts and y intercepts. Students will explore different families of functions including linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Students will learn to represent functions in algebraic, numeric, and graphic form and understand how to convert between the three representations of functions. Honors: Students who apply for Honors courses must be ready to work at an accelerated pace, with considerably more daily homework, and to complete independent projects that demonstrate their mastery of course content.
Math Analysis Math Analysis is a supplement to the Algebra 2 course that focus on
topics necessary for test preparation leading to college admissions and the
state assessments. Topics covered
included probability and counting techniques, measures of central tendency,
data analysis and linear regression, and sequences and series. An intensive review of the core learning
anchors from algebra 1, geometry, and Algebra 2 are revisited to solidify
student understanding and ensure they are prepared for state assessments in
mathematics. Finally, students explore
applications of linear, quadratic, exponential, and polynomial functions. These applications focus on project based
learning with forays into physics, modeling, design and finance. Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry Prerequisites: Algebra II Advanced Algebra is a course to prepare students for College level algebra. Applications of functions including linear functions, quadratic functions and exponential functions that focus on real world models will be explored. Numeric concepts including measures of central tendency, probability, data analysis, and sequences will be used to support real world applications regarding finance, games of chance, and math skills for life. The foundations of algebra will be reinforced throughout the year, but will be applied in open-ended problems that seek to give the concepts of math meaning in the world around us. Pre-Calculus Prerequisites: Algebra II with a B or higher. Teacher recommendation required. Precalculus is the study of concepts that will prepare students to take a college level calculus course. Trigonometry and period functions will be explored in detail and real world modeling of periodic functions will be explored. Higher order functions including polynomial functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and rational functions. The concepts of limit and end behavior will be discussed in detail so students are ready to comprehend the fundamental theorem of Calculus. Honors: Students who apply for Honors courses must be ready to work at an accelerated pace, with considerably more daily homework, and to complete independent projects that demonstrate their mastery of course content. Science
Biological and Chemical Science Prerequisites: Physical Science Biological and Chemical Science is designed to introduce major principles of biology and chemistry in an integrated and problem-based course. The course will include the study of life science topics from a systems and large-scale perspective and will include the study of ecosystems, classification of organisms, and diversity of life. In addition, students will consider major topics in chemistry that inform our understandings of life on Earth. Students will learn what it means to be a scientist, will explore how to conduct background research in science, and will be introduced to data collection and analysis.
Honors Prerequisites: Students must be taking Geometry concurrently with Honors Biological and Chemical Science and must have the approval of a science teacher. Honors Biological and Chemical Science uses the same approach and covers the same topics as College Prep Biological and Chemical Science, but emphases more student-driven investigation, data collection, and evaluation of experiments. The course moves at a faster pace and will include projects and presentations beyond those required for the College Prep course. Students can also expect a greater emphasis on quantitative measurements and analysis.
Chemistry Prerequisites: Biology College Prep Chemistry is a fast paced introductory laboratory oriented course for the college bound student. The course will be geared to those students who need a good science background for college. It will offer the student a background in the area of inorganic chemistry with some references being made to organic chemistry and qualitative analysis.
Honors Prerequisites: Biology with a B or higher. Students must be taking Algebra II concurrently with Chemistry and must have the approval of a science teacher. Chemistry Honors uses the same approach as College Prep Chemistry, but includes more depth, a faster pace, and more intricate mathematical problems. There are some units not found in College Prep Chemistry, which may be covered because of the faster pace. The course will be geared to those students who plan to major in a scientific field in college. It will offer the student a background in the area of inorganic chemistry with some references being made to organic chemistry and qualitative analysis.
Prerequisites: Chemistry.
Prerequisites: Chemistry. Pre-Calculus is recommended as a
prerequisite or to be taken concurrently. History Civics/Geography Geography and Civics is designed to give incoming freshman a strong foundation in Social Studies skills and content. The course will cover each of these subject matters by concentrating them intensively into a trimester where they will be divided and given individual attention. The Geography portion will focus on reading and interpreting maps as well as the five themes of geography. Students will be instructed on the form and function U.S. government as well learn the beginnings of U.S. history, starting with Native America and following through to the inception of Colonial America. *
World History Prerequisites: Civics/Geography This is a survey course covering pre-historic to modern times, both western and non-western worlds. Topics include: the rise of civilization; political, social, and economic developments of the Middle Ages; the Renaissance and the era of discovery; the growth of democracy and nationalism; the Industrial Revolution; the two world wars; the postwar problems; and current events. The development and influence of various religions, philosophies, and political, social and economic systems are also examined in context. Honors: Students who apply for honors courses must have a B or better in previous Literature classes and be ready to work at an accelerated pace, with more daily homework. Honors class will put extra emphasis on critical thinking skills and synthesizing information throughout the history curriculum.
U.S. History (Reconstruction to Present) Prerequisites: World History This course is a survey of United States history beginning with the time period of Reconstruction, following the Civil War and carrying through to present times, including the roaring twenties, the two world wars, Vietnam, and the War on Terror. An emphasis will be placed on analyzing political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics that developed in the period following the Civil War and how they have influence and impacted us today in the twenty-first century. Honors: Students who apply for honors courses must have a B or better in previous English classes and be ready to work at an accelerated pace, with more daily homework. Honors class will put extra emphasis on critical thinking skills and synthesizing information throughout the history curriculum.
AP Art History Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation The AP Art History course should engage students at the same level as an introductory college art history survey. Such a course involves critical thinking and should develop an understanding and knowledge of diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other media. It also provides an opportunity for schools to strengthen an area neglected in most curricula. In the course, students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, art history emphasizes understanding how and why works of art function in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. Many colleges and universities offer advanced placement and/or credit to students who have performed successfully on the AP Art History Exam.
Latin
Latin I This is a first year Latin class for those with no previous instruction in the Latin language. We will study the essentials of Latin grammar, paying attention to the intersection of Latin and English. We will translate from Latin to English as well as English to Latin as a means to build our knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will learn first, second, and third declensions and all four conjugations, active voice, indicative and imperative moods. We will translate adapted passages of Latin in a culturally authentic setting, paying close attention to syntax and vocabulary. We will study the culture of Ancient Rome, including daily life, family, naming system, and dress. We will study an overview of Roman history from founding of Rome through the Roman Empire. We will learn about mythology and the major Olympian characters. We will also study Latin abbreviations, mottoes, and phrases that the English language has borrowed. Students are responsible for six major projects throughout the year: an illustrated phrase or motto, an illustrated or constructed Roman villa, a mythology brochure, a mythology story/modern myth, a vocabulary synthesis, and a historical or mythological board game.
Honors This is an accelerated first year Latin class for those with no previous instruction in the Latin language. We will study the essentials of Latin grammar, paying attention to the intersection of Latin and English. We will translate from Latin to English as well as English to Latin as a means to build up our knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will learn all five declensions and four conjugations, active and passive voices. We will translate adapted and short unadapted passages of Latin in a culturally authentic setting, paying close attention to syntax and construction. We will study the culture of Ancient Rome, including daily life, family, calendar, naming system, and dress. We will study an overview of Roman history from founding of Rome through the Roman Empire. We will learn about mythology and the major Olympian characters from reading and simple translating of Ovid and other sources. We will also study Latin abbreviations, mottoes, and phrases that the English language has borrowed. Students are responsible for eight major projects throughout the year: an illustrated phrase or motto, a mosaic, an illustrated or constructed Roman villa, a mythology brochure, a history paper, a mythology story/modern myth, a vocabulary synthesis, and a mythological or historical board game.
Latin II Prerequisites: Latin I This is a second year Latin class for those who have completed Honors Latin I or College Prep Latin I. We will continue our study of the essentials of Latin grammar, paying more attention to the intersection of Latin and English. We will translate from Latin to English and from English to Latin to build up more knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will focus on the fourth and fifth declension, passive voice, pronouns, participles, infinitives, and indirect statements. We will read translation sections from Ecce Romani II and from Latin via Ovid, as well as adapted passages from Julius Caesar’s Commentary on the Gallic War, focusing on constructions, vocabulary, and accuracy. We will learn further about the culture of ancient Rome, focusing on Roman recreational events such as gladiatorial contests and chariot racing. We will continue our study of Roman history, focusing on the Republic period and the Punic Wars. We will also continue our study mythology, learning about heroes, monsters, and the Underworld as we read selections from Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts in Latin. Students will be responsible for several major projects assigned throughout the year. Honors Prerequisites: Latin I with a C- or better. Student must have the ability to translate. Teacher recommendation required. This is an accelerated second year Latin class for those who have completed Honors Latin I. We will continue our study of the essentials of Latin grammar, paying more attention to the intersection of Latin and English. We will translate from Latin to English and from English to Latin to build up more knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will focus on the passive voice, pronouns, participles, gerunds, gerundives, infinitives, and indirect statements. We will read adapted and longer unadapted passages from Julius Caesar’s Commentary on the Gallic War and from other authors, focusing on constructions, vocabulary, and accuracy. We will learn further about the culture of ancient Rome, focusing on Roman recreational events such as gladiatorial contests and chariot racing. We will continue our study of Roman history, focusing on the Republic period as we read Caesar and the Punic Wars. We will study the Roman army and Roman government through this reading. We will also continue our study mythology, learning about heroes, monsters, and the Underworld as we read Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts in Latin. Students will be responsible for a 15 page research paper on the causes for the collapse of the Republic. Students will also be responsible for other projects assigned throughout the year.
Latin III Prerequisites: Latin II This is a third year Latin class for those who have completed College Prep Latin I and College Prep Latin II. We will continue our study of Latin grammar, paying attention to the intersection of Latin and English. We will continue to translate from Latin to English as well as English to Latin as a means to augment our knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will focus on accurate grammatical translation including focus on pronouns, participles, ablative absolutes, and deponent verbs. We will focus on accurate translations as we read adapted passages from authentic Roman authors. We will inquire more about the culture of Rome, learning about the Roman calendar and dating system and Roman architecture. We will continue to deepen our understanding of Roman history, learning more about the collapse of the Republic as we read Cicero in English. We will also learn more about Roman political institutions and their efficacy as we read Cicero and other authors of the Republic. Students will be responsible for several projects assigned throughout the year.
Honors Prerequisites: Latin II with a B or higher. Student must have the ability to translate. Teacher recommendation. This is an accelerated third year Latin class for those who have completed Honors Latin I and Honors Latin II. We will continue our study of Latin grammar, paying attention to the intersection of Latin and English. We will continue to translate from Latin to English as well as English to Latin as a means to augment our knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will focus on the formation and translation of the subjunctive in all four tenses, indefinite pronouns, locative case, ablative absolutes, and deponent verbs. We will learn to identify more constructions as we read adapted and long unadapted passages from Eusebius, Ovid, and Cicero’s Catilinarian Conspiracy. We will inquire more about the culture of Rome, learning about the Roman calendar and dating system, Roman comedy and drama, and Roman architecture. We will continue to deepen our understanding of Roman history, learning more about the collapse of the Republic. We will learn about Roman oratory and analyze rhetorical techniques as we read Cicero. We will also learn more about Roman political institutions and their efficacy as we read Cicero and other authors of the Republic. Students will be responsible for the creation of a speech (in English) using the various rhetorical techniques they have learned throughout the year. Students will also be responsible for several projects assigned throughout the year, in addition to the memorization of the Latin pledge. Latin IV Prerequisites: Latin III Classical Literatures: This is a fourth year course designed to explore the history and culture of the ancient world through literary texts. In this course, we will read and analyze works of ancient literature, including: the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Dialogues of Plato, and the Aeneid. Through these works we will focus on the foundations, culture and heritage of the western civilization. Students will be responsible for a week’s readings as well as completing assignments and projects designed to deepen their awareness and understanding of the impact of classical literature on the modern world.
Honors Prerequisites: Latin III with a B or higher. Student must have the ability to translate. Teacher recommendation required. This is an accelerated fourth year Latin class for those who have completed Honors Latin I, II and III. We will continue our study of Latin grammar, paying even more attention to the intersection of English and Latin. We will continue to translate from Latin to English and from English to Latin as a means to supplement our knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. We will focus on poetic syncopated forms of verbs and rhetorical devices as we read authentic selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Vergil’s Aeneid. We will read in Latin and English from Books I-VI. We will explore more parts of Roman culture, learning about Roman cults and religious beliefs, Roman philosophy and ethics, and Roman values and perspectives. We will deepen our knowledge of Roman history, focusing on the Empire and Rome’s fall as we read Vergil and other Golden Age authors. We will learn about Roman poetry, analyze texts for rhetorical devices, and develop an understanding of meter and scansion. We will also analyze a text to determine to which historical period it belongs as we focus on characteristics of the Golden Age. Students will be responsible for the creation of a modern epic poem or story using all the rhetorical devices they have studied.
Electives
Introduction to Art Duration: One Trimester. Prerequisite: None. Introduction to Art is a Freshman-only course that challenges students to draw, paint, sculpt, and design using many different media and methods. Students will be expected to work on art projects that simulate the work of various professions in the visual arts. Projects will incorporate Art History and Aesthetics.
Studio Art Duration: One Trimester. Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. Studio Art is a course for students that want to delve deeper into the world of art. Students will be expected to complete art projects in a fast-paced environment and critique each other’s work. One major component of the course will be the Independent Exploration Project, where students will develop and execute their own large scale project.
Ceramics Duration: Three Trimesters Prerequisite: Approval from Mr. Carlisle. Ceramics is a course that will continue exploring the possibilities of artworks made in clay. Students will be required to learn about the physical properties of clay, ceramic art throughout history, and advanced techniques used to create unique and intricate art pieces in clay.
Advanced Studio Art Duration: Three Trimesters. Prerequisite: Approval from Mr. Carlisle. Advanced Studio Art is for talented and dedicated students who are interested in developing and executing their own large scale projects. Students will be expected to complete challenging projects with the utmost dedication and maturity. The focus of this course is to build an interesting and professional portfolio in preparation for a career in art.
Computer Technology I: Computer Concepts IC3 Prerequisite: Approval from Mr. Hasty.
Computer Technology II: Online technology IC3 Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Technology I or Approval from Mr. Hasty. In this course, all students will learn about networks, different ways to communicate and collaborate, internet and the World Wide Web, maintenance and protection, how to evaluate web content, and how technology is viewed in the societies. Computer Technology III: Office Application Software Duration: Three Trimesters Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Technology I or Approval from Mr. Hasty. This is a course in which all students will explore different types of Office Application Software. Among these types of software are as follows: Microsoft 2007 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access; Open Office Writer, Calc, Impress, Base; Googles Document, Spreadsheet, and Presentation. The students will create, save, edit, format, present, and collaborate information used in each of these applications individually and collectively.
Computer Technology IV: Presentation Software Duration: Three Trimesters Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Technology I or Approval from Mr. Hasty. In this course we will collectively learn and use different presentation software applications; e.g. Prezi, Microsoft PowerPoint, Open Office Impress, etc (some of these are subject to change due to emerging technologies).
Keyboarding I: Basics Duration: One Trimester Prerequisite: None.
Keyboarding II: Intermediate Prerequisite: Completion of Keyboarding I
or Approval from Mr. Hasty.
Music Appreciation Duration: One Trimester Prerequisite: None This course will introduce students to American music, styles, and terminology using a variety of technology and instruments. Students will learn about the American music styles of jazz, blues, rock, R&B through observation, performance, and creation.
The Studio Musician Duration: One Trimester Prerequisite: None This course is designed as a tutorial to instrumental music, studio, and live sound techniques. Students are introduced to a variety of instruments. Students will learn notation, styles, and strive to gain basic competency in an instrument of their choosing. Students will also get a experience using technology associated with recorded music. Music Major Duration: Three Trimesters. Prerequisite: Music Appreciation, approval from Mr. Davidson and proficiency on a “major instrument” Music Major is a course for students that want to delve deeper into the world of music. Students will be expected to complete individual music performance, creation, and ensemble projects. Students will also learn about live performance techniques and technologies available to musicians. The focus of the course is to prepare professional audition and performance repertoire for a career in music.
Acting I Duration: One Trimester Prerequisite: None This course introduces students to the principles of play construction, the process of reading and conceiving plays for production, and to the basic vocabulary of artistic styles through which plays are produced. This class will focus on the principles and techniques of creating believable characters through action, improvisation, analysis, movement, physicalization, and vocal control through scene work. Scenes may be presented formally during Student Summit.
Presentation Skills Duration: One Trimester. Prerequisite: None. This course will secure students with the skill base to speak before groups of any size with poise and confidence. Students learn to deliver content with techniques that both inspire and entertain. There will be three areas of focus: Physical and Vocal elements of Delivery, Speechwriting using Emotional Appeal, and Presentation Design.
Theater Practicum Duration: Three Trimesters. Prerequisite: Audition with Theatre Department. In the Trimester 1 Theatre Practicum, students will develop a full length theatrical script for production during Trimester 2. Students will begin with ensemble building, principles of play writing, and principles of character creation. Students will also analyze several inspirational sources ranging from film, theatre, art, music, and dance. Working both independently and in groups, student will construct a coherent and thematically powerful theatrical work. Trimester 1 will end with analysis of production concerns and strategies, casting, and design.
Athletics Duration: One Trimester for each sport. Prerequisite: Approval from the Coach or Mr. Dunn First Trimester: Football, Cross Country, Soccer, Fitness Training Second Trimester: Basketball, Indoor Track, Fitness Training Third Trimester: Track, Baseball, Crew, Fitness Training |