Berkshire School • 2017-2018
CURRICULUM GUIDE
OUR CORE VALUES Berkshire instills the following values in all members of our community:
CURIOSITY INTEGRITY PERSEVERANCE INCLU SION RESPECT RESILIENCE
Berkshire School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin and qualified handicapped students to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students. We do not discriminate in violation of any law or statute in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan program, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
GUIDED BY OUR MISSION Rooted in an inspiring natural setting, Berkshire School instills the highest standards of character and citizenship and a commitment to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Our community fosters diversity, a dedication to environmental stewardship, and an enduring love for learning.
CONTENTS 2 Academic Program 4 English 9 Fine Arts 13 History 16 Language 20 Mathematics 23 Science 26 Virtual High School
Academic Program Course of Study At the heart of Berkshire’s academic program is a rigorous and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. Five academic courses are the standard full load for most students. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue a subject to the most advanced level possible, which for many means taking courses well beyond those required for graduation. Each student’s course of study is planned by the advisor, Form Dean, and Dean of Academics. Form Deans and the Dean of Academics oversee and support the academic progress and performance of each student. Graduation Requirements Students earn one credit upon successful completion of a yearlong course and one-half credit upon successful completion of a semester course. To graduate, students must earn 18 credits and meet the following distribution requirements: English: Four years of English, including English VI
Language: Three years of the same language through level III
Fine Arts: One credit of visual and/or performing art
Mathematics: Three years of mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
History: Two years, including Modern World History and U.S. History. In addition, Third Formers must complete World History.
To pass a yearlong course, the average of the first and second semesters must be a passing grade. In addition, Sixth Formers must pass all course work undertaken during the second semester to graduate.
Science: Two core laboratory sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Advanced Courses Students who have demonstrated a strong commitment and aptitude in a particular subject may be placed in an advanced section of a course. Advanced courses are accelerated and extend the curriculum of a regular course, challenging the student to apply concepts and skills at a higher level. Placement in an advanced course is determined by the department in consultation with the Dean of Academics.
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Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Advanced Placement Courses All departments at Berkshire offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses that can help a motivated and qualified student prepare for the College Board Advanced Placement Exams. Selection for an Advanced Placement course requires the successful completion of all course prerequisites and is determined by the department. Students who score successfully on the examination may be eligible for advanced standing in many colleges and universities. All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are required to take the AP Examination for that course. Black Rock Scholars Program The goal of the Black Rock Scholars Program is to encourage students to engage fully in experiences, both curricular and extracurricular, that develop skills and attitudes that prepare them to be exemplary citizens of the global community. Black Rock Scholars engage in five areas central to our mission: • sustainability • diversity and inclusion • community service and philanthropy • sense of place • global awareness To meet curricular requirements, Black Rock Scholars must successfully complete two Black Rock focused courses. A Black Rock focused course is one in which the content is concentrated explicitly and intentionally in one of the five core areas (indicated with ): Sustainability; English VI: Built in the Berkshires and The Mountain and Me; Economics and Philanthropy; Race, Class and Gender; Global Leadership Studies. A Black Rock Scholar must also successfully complete two academic experiences in Black Rock related courses. A Black Rock related course is one that includes experiences concentrated on one of the focus areas (indicated with ). For example, English V, which includes a student-driven i-Cubed project, is a Black Rock related course, as a student may opt to concentrate on one or more of the five areas. Independent Study Motivated students who demonstrate the commitment and aptitude to work independently at an advanced level may develop an independent study project in consultation with a faculty sponsor. An independent study may be taken as a sixth course, either as a semester or yearlong course, and requires department approval.
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English The English Department emphasizes 21st century skills by building on traditional ones. We teach students to read carefully and appreciatively and to write clearly and expressively, emphasizing critical thinking and problem solving throughout our curriculum. Each Form has a course theme, which expands upon that of the year before and is developmentally consistent with the achievements and interests of our students. We use both canonical and more contemporary texts in the service of addressing these themes, scaffolding skills as our students prepare for study, work, and life in the world beyond Berkshire. Consistent with our mission we keep close watch over our students’ progress by assigning, evaluating and returning academic writing such as analytical, persuasive, and personal essays as well as original stories, poems, and scenes. Our students gain additional writing practice through frequent quizzes, short reading responses and journal entries. We teach grammar in both formal and performative sense. We have our students review etymology and vocabulary in a structured manner, and we review strategies for standardized tests. Paying attention to the traditional building blocks of communication while engaging our students in Web research, online discussion sites and interactive presentations, we prepare them for the varied demands of college and life. While reading important works of literature in a thoughtful manner, our students can develop a more informed and compassionate perspective toward the larger community, with special regard to issues of sustainability. Our fundamental assumption is that by working with language, literature and ideas in a dynamic fashion, students will develop their abilities not only to communicate but also to think and reason critically. By stressing the relationship between writers and readers, we make our students more aware of the multiple aspects of communication in a complex world.
English III: Individual as Hero Covering classic and contemporary texts in a variety of genres, such as Into the Wild, The Odyssey, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Henry IV, Part 1, the English III curriculum focuses thematically upon essential elements of the hero’s journey at a time when our students are setting forth on their own missions of selfdiscovery as readers, writers and thinkers. In English III, third
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formers receive a thorough grounding in principles of grammar and vocabulary while mastering the structures of various kinds of paragraphs and essays. Throughout the year, third-form teachers stress fundamental study skills important to all Berkshire classes, including critical reading, detailed note-taking, organization of course materials, and timely completion and submission of work.
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
English IV: Individuals in Communities (Regular and Advanced) In the English IV reading curriculum, students develop critical reading skills through the study of a variety of literary genres—fiction, drama, poetry and personal narrative—in their structural elements; representative works include Oedipus Rex, Macbeth, City of Thieves as well as numerous short stories, poems, and
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a memoir. Building on the English III theme of the hero’s journey, fourth formers broaden their focus to the role of the individual in larger communities. Students continue to review grammar and usage, but exclusively in context of strengthening and revising their own writing, and acquire knowledge of Latin and Greek etymology. English IV’s writing curriculum expands on the range of the third-form assignments, focusing on more complex and formally structured expository/ analytical essays, but also includes a personal memoir and a poetry portfolio. Students perform a Shakespearean scene as a means to understanding as well as participate in “Poetry Out Loud,” a national recitation project, in order to learn about poetry from a performance perspective. English V: American Identities (Regular and Advanced) The fifth-form year concentrates on the American identity in literature from the nineteenth century to the present day. Representative authors include Whitman, Dickinson, Thoreau, and Fitzgerald, in addition to more contemporary writers such as Toni Morrison and Tony Kushner. Expanding on the genres studied in earlier years, this course includes screenplay, film, and audio essays. Students continue to build their working vocabularies through careful
attention to course texts, especially focusing on words that regularly appear on standardized tests, and improve other skills relevant to the SAT and ACT exams. As with the fourth-form year, critical analysis is a central component of the written work, and fifth formers begin to work more extensively with secondary sources at this level. Written work includes journals and blogs, expository essays, personal reflection, screenwriting, and research papers. In the second semester, students write and record “This I Believe” essays, in preparation for personal writing critical to the college application process and beyond. Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is a yearlong course for qualified fifth formers who wish to become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and to become skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. The course emphasizes the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication, as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the ability to write in any context. In preparation for the AP English Language and Composition examination, students become acquainted with a wide variety of prose
styles from many disciplines and historical periods, and gain understanding of the connections between writing and interpretive skill in reading. Prerequisite: Permission of Department
English VI: British Literature (Regular and Advanced) English VI is divided into two semesters: a British literature course in the first semester and electives, as follows, in the second semester. Throughout the first semester, students continue to hone their critical thinking skills while focusing on various genres of British literature, be it drama, poetry, fiction, or essays. Representative authors include William Shakespeare, Aphra Behn, Thomas Hardy, T.S. Eliot, Emily Brontë, and Mary Shelly. A strong emphasis continues to be placed on various modes of written and oral expression. For “Hamlet Night,” students create and perform personal adaptations of Shakespeare’s play and write persuasive essays. As a culminating project to the semester, students craft a substantial analytical essay comparing Hamlet to a work of contemporary British literature. Mirroring writing asked of students in college literature courses, sixth formers analyze structure, style, and usage of figurative language as well as employ secondary sources to support their literary analyses.
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English VI: Second Semester Electives (Italicized offerings below may vary each year) Built in the Berkshires (Semester 2) The novellas of Edith Wharton, the poems of Hilary Russell and Art Chase, the sociological studies of W.E.B. DuBois, the personal essays of Hannah Van Sickle Barrett, the cookbooks of Alana Chernila, and the magnum opus of Herman Melville: all of these texts were “built in the Berkshires.” Students in the course explore the impact of geography on culture (and vice versa), and they also find out about the literary history of their own hometowns. Finally, having determined the core elements of a “Berkshire book,” students attempt to plan and execute a text of their own, in a genre of their choosing. Empower the People (Semester 2) Alice Walker wrote that, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” In this course, students examine the way people empower and disempower themselves, and how others empower and disempower them, based on aspects of their social identity. Social identity is frequently broken down into eight different categories; our investigation focuses through the lens of two:
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gender and sexual orientation. What does it take to nurture self-love in a society that inherently fears “otherness”? How can everyone, marginalized or not, see different identities as rich and powerful rather than threatening? Students are introduced to characters who, across several decades, explore these questions in different ways and who rewrote the stories of what it means to be authentic, proud, and strong. Utilizing a variety of genres including the novel, essay, poetry, and film, students engage in discussion and writing in hopes of challenging biases, inspiring self-reflection, and encouraging respect. Possible writers may include Alice Walker, David Sedaris, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Audre Lorde, and Tarell Alvin McCraney. Harlem Renaissance (circa 1917-1934) (Semester 2) Through a close look at the literary and performing arts, e.g., poetry, essays, short stories, film and fiction, students analyze and examine the interdisciplinary connections of the arts acknowledged to be central in the development of the African-American voice in literature. Students write several analytical papers along with a culminating individual project. In addition to various essays, articles, speeches, the following texts are among our literary resources: The Souls of Black
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
Folk, by W.E.B. Du Bois, There is Confusion by Jessie Fauset, and Harlem Renaissance Reader edited by David Levering Lewis. Introduction to Film (Semester 2) This course introduces the fundamental elements of film artistry and production. Topics include film styles, history, and production techniques as well as content issues of humanity, psychology, and philosophy. Through course readings and class discussions, students analyze major textual elements of cinema (narrative, characterization, plot, and symbolism), technical elements of cinema (mise en scene, cinematography, sound, and editing) and major cultural elements of cinema. Student reflections, be it historical, critical or personal, on film take form in weekly essays and presentations. Upon completion, students are able to analyze critically cinematographic elements in relation to respective thematic and historical contexts. The Mountain and Me (Semester 2) This course is designed to take a literary look at the relationship between the out-of-doors, specifically our local landscape, and the individual. Students read fiction and non-fiction related to the outdoors. Authors may include John Muir, Annie Dillard,
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Jack London, Jon Krakauer, Rachel Carson, Edna St. Vincent Millay and Henry David Thoreau. Writing assignments ask students to engage with class texts through analytical, persuasive and personal writing. In addition, the culminating writing assignment asks students to write about their own interactions with the natural world as those interactions relate to their experience under the Mountain. In keeping with the focus of the class, students spend some time outside of class engaging with the Mountain in various ways. The Short Story (Semester 2) “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. While spoken between two quibbling characters, these lines could just as easily been referring to the form of the short story and all of its tightly packed potential. Popularized in the 19th century, the short story form has been explored by nearly every major writer, from Hemingway to Alice Walker, Raymond Carver to Lorrie Moore. In this course, students engage in a focused study of the genre, learning about the conventions and how various authors have utilized them—and also broken them. Students complete an independent, in-depth exploration of a short story writer and will also have an opportunity to try their hand at
composing their own short story during the semester. College Writing I, II (Semester 1 and/or 2) Modeled after an introductory composition course at the college level, this course prepares students to write effectively in the four predominant rhetorical modes: expository, analytical, narrative and persuasive. Students propose, draft, revise and submit one major paper in each of these modes, augmenting their writing skills by reading sample texts that demonstrate a skillful use of language and argumentation. By the end of the semester, each student leaves with the tools to succeed as a writer in the college classroom. This elective course may only be taken in addition to the student’s Form-appropriate English course. Open to Forms V and VI. Creative Writing I, II (Semester 1 and/or 2) This course is designed for students who, already experienced with writing poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction on their own, believe they would benefit from the structure and guidance provided by a workshop environment. Drafting, revision, and peer critique are emphasized as students develop a portfolio of their own writing across the entire semester. This elective course may only be taken in addition to
the student’s Form-appropriate English course. Open to Forms IV, V and VI. Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition This college-level course is designed for qualified sixth formers who wish to undertake a rigorous and intensive study of British and Postcolonial literature in preparation for the AP English Literature and Composition exam. Students engage in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, and drama) through the study of each work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing is an integral part of the course since the exam is weighted toward student writing about literature. In order to preserve the sense of common experience among the sixth-form students as a class, most aspects of English VI are also included: timed writing in preparation for standardized tests, college application essay practice, and “Hamlet Night.” Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Advanced Humanities Research Advanced Humanities Research is a full-year course for talented students who have a desire to pursue guided, but independent, research in the humanities. The first half of the course is a seminar on critical theory
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introducing students to the theoretical framework that shapes the work of humanities scholars. The first semester also includes an introduction to qualitative research methods to help students master the tools required for advanced research in the humanities. The second half of the course is more studentdirected, with each student working on an intensive piece of research, along with an identified expert in their chosen field, with the goal being to submit their research for publication. This course may only be taken in addition to the student’s Formappropriate English course. Prerequisite: Selection by Department Chairs
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Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
Fine Arts Visual arts students may pursue a wide range of artistic disciplines, including studio art, ceramics, photography and digital art. They may study a particular medium in depth or sample several from a broad offering of courses. While a strong technical foundation is stressed, equal emphasis is placed upon creative self-expression and developing the artist’s unique voice. Advanced studies include a strong emphasis on critical and creative thinking, as well as portfolio preparation. Performing arts courses offer students the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines through both active participation in group ensembles and through classroom study. Courses of study are available for every level of student, from the beginner to the most advanced artist, in music, theater, and film. The programs emphasize technical proficiency, collaboration, creative expression and stage presence, with the opportunity to perform in a variety of concerts, recitals and performances throughout the year. One credit of fine arts is required for graduation.
VISUAL ART
student’s understanding of the
with the instructor to build their
elements of art and principles of
breadth portfolios and develop
Studio Art I, II
design. Intermediate studio art
a concentrated body of work
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
courses encourage self-discovery
with a theme and technique(s)
Studio Art I and II are semester-
through individual assignments
of their own. Advanced studio
long courses that introduce
based on each student’s
art students may also seek
students to a variety of fine
unique interests and talents.
recommendations to the
art-making processes. Students
Students continue to build their
Advanced Placement Studio Art
develop conceptual and technical
portfolios by examining their
program in Drawing, 2-D Design,
skills while studying drawing,
own strengths and weaknesses
or 3-D Design.
painting, sculpture and mixed
on a regular basis. Studio work
media. Studio Art I and II are
is supplemented with critiques,
Ceramics I, II
survey courses that teach an
field trips to museums and local
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
understanding of the elements
artist studios, and group public
Ceramics I and II introduce the
of art and principles of design.
art projects.
student to the many aspects
Studio work is supplemented with
of clay work. Students explore
critiques, field trips to museums
Advanced Studio Art V, VI
texture, form, and function
and local artist studios, as well as
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
through a variety of hand-built
group public art projects.
Studio Art V and VI are advanced
techniques such as pinch, coil
courses designed for the highly
and slab. Students gain an
Studio Art III, IV
motivated artist. A commitment
understanding of the many stages
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
to independent work and a high
of clay from plastic to leatherhard,
These intermediate-level art
level of technical competence
bone-dry, bisqueware and
courses expand upon each
are expected as students work
glazeware. They explore a
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FINE ARTS
variety of glazing and finishing
Placement Studio Art program
digital photography, online
techniques used in electric kiln
in 3-D Design. Projects are very
investigations into the work of
firing. In Ceramics II, students
open-ended and demand a high
cutting edge digital artists, and
begin to explore throwing
degree of critical and creative
field trips to museums and local
techniques on the wheel. With an
thinking, problem-solving and
design firms.
eye toward ethnic, historic, and
time to succeed. Advanced Digital Art V, VI
contemporary considerations, classroom assignments challenge
Digital Art I, II
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
the blossoming potter/sculptor to
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
Digital Art V and VI are advanced
embrace creative thinking while
Digital Art I introduces students
courses for the dedicated artist.
developing basic skills.
to techniques for making fine art
A commitment to independent
through technological processes.
work and a high level of technical
Ceramics III, IV
Digital cameras, scanners, stylus
competence are expected
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
and tablets, and professional
as students work with the
These intermediate-level courses
software including Adobe
instructor to complete their
allow time for the dedicated
Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash
breadth portfolios and develop
potter/sculptor to further develop
are used to create both still and
a concentrated body of work
and refine the skills begun in
animated work. Student work is
with a theme and technique(s)
previous levels. These courses
printed on large-format printers,
of their own. Advanced digital
also provide an opportunity for
including an Epson 9890 with
art students may also seek
students to take part in studio
a 44-inch span. The digital art
recommendations to the
management through loading the
curriculum is supplemented
Advanced Placement Studio Art
kiln, pugging clay and making
with exploratory lessons, field
program in 2-D Design.
glaze test tiles. At this level,
trips to museums and local
students begin developing more
design firms, and a graphic
Photography I, II
conceptual art, as well as refining
design competition. Digital
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
their technique. The creative
Art II builds on the foundation
Photography I is an introduction
process is emphasized and
gained at the beginning level.
to basic photography, exploring
expanded as each student risks
Students develop their portfolios
both digital and traditional
failure to find success.
while learning more advanced
darkroom techniques. Utilizing
techniques.
digital SLR cameras, iMac
Advanced Ceramics V, VI
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computers and Photoshop
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
Digital Art III, IV
software, students explore
Ceramics V and VI are advanced
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
basic camera operation, editing
courses for the especially
Students continue to build
techniques and aesthetic
motivated artist. A commitment
upon their foundations in the
concerns. Students are introduced
to independent work and a high
elements of art and principles of
to the darkroom through pinhole
level of technical competence
design in Digital Art III and IV.
camera projects. In Photography
are expected, as students work
Exploration and experimentation
II, students build upon their
with the instructor to develop
are emphasized through projects
earlier introduction, exploring a
and complete a series of original
that encourage independent
variety of projects in both black/
projects. We encourage students
research and original concept
white and color. Digital and
at this level to begin developing
development. Digital Art III
35mm film cameras are provided
a portfolio, if they’re interested
and IV are also supplemented
to students during the course.
in pursuing the Advanced
with critiques, field studies in
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
FINE ARTS
Photography III, IV
laser cutters, Arduino boards,
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
projection) to integrate light,
PERFORMING ART
These intermediate-level courses
sound and movement into
Improvisation
explore representation and visual
their work.
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
interpretation through black/
This course teaches the rudiments
white and color photography.
Advanced Placement
of improvisation in a low-pressure,
Through a series of short-term
Studio Art I (Drawing, 2-D
inclusive environment. Focused
assignments, students develop
Design, 3-D Design)
mostly on sketch comedy (a la
their photographic “eye” and
Advanced Placement Studio
“Whose Line is it Anyway?”),
build their portfolios of work.
Art I is a yearlong course for
students learn exactly how the
Coursework is supplemented
committed students with a
pros make it look so easy. Through
with field trips to museums
strong interest in developing
unique games and exercises,
and galleries, as well as onsite
as artists and creative thinkers.
participants learn the guiding
shooting trips. Cameras are
Students concentrate on
principles behind good improv
provided, but students are
either two-dimensional media
and develop valuable acting
strongly encouraged to have their
(drawing, painting, printmaking,
skills through simple warm-up
own digital SLR camera.
photography) or three-
games and performance improv
dimensional work (ceramics,
structures. Perfect for the beginner
Advanced Photography V, VI
sculpture), with the goal of
as well as the seasoned performer,
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
preparing and submitting a strong
students may take improvisation
Photography V and VI are
final AP portfolio. Recommended
for more than one semester.
advanced courses for the
for Form V or VI
dedicated photographer.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Sophisticated techniques and
Chamber Music, Advanced Chamber Music
thematic assignments are
Advanced Placement
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
emphasized, and a commitment
Studio Art II (Drawing, 2-D
Chamber Music emphasizes
to independent work is expected.
Design, 3-D Design)
small ensemble skills including
Students continue developing
Advanced Placement Studio
musicianship, intonation,
their unique artistic vision, with
Art II is a yearlong course for
interpretation, and performance
an eye toward enrolling in the
students who complete Advanced
practice. Students are
Advanced Placement Studio Art
Placement Studio Art I in their
encouraged to practice as an
program in 2-D Design. A digital
fifth-form year and wish to
ensemble. The course is open
SLR camera is required.
continue developing their skills
to all string, brass, woodwind,
for a second year of artistic
keyboard and pitched percussion
Sculpture and 3-D Design I, II
growth. The dedicated art student
instrumentalists. The Chamber
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
can further explore and expand
Music Ensemble performs
In this course, students
his or her portfolio with an eye
regularly throughout the year.
explore artistic expression and
towards majoring in art in college.
Prerequisite: Two-year study of an instrument or
problem solving through three-
Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Studio Art I
permission of instructor
dimensional form and space. In
and permission of Department
addition to traditional materials,
Digital Music I, II, III, IV
such as wood, metal, plaster and
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
recyclables, students also work
Using keyboard synthesizers
with our STEAM program and
and computers, students work
high tech tools (3-D printers,
independently to create original
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musical compositions. Each
Africa, music from the Balkans,
course covers the study of MIDI
shape-note hymns of North
(Musical Instrument Digital
America and much, much more.
Interface), as well as digital
Students learn basic musicianship
audio techniques including live
skills including intonation,
recordings and digital wave
vocal blending, diction, vocal
editing. Students create a CD of
production, breath control, and
their own compositions by the
phrasing. The course emphasizes
end of each semester. No musical
singing in a cappella style,
experience is required.
as well as with instrumental accompaniment. Berkshire Chorus
Music Theory I
performs regularly throughout the
(Semester 1)
year, both on and off campus. No
Music Theory allows students
musical experience is required.
to explore music outside of our
Placement in Advanced Chorus is
performing ensemble groups.
by audition only.
This course is an introduction to the study of functional harmony
Jazz Ensemble, Advanced Jazz
including scales, intervals,
Ensemble
chord constructions, harmonic
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
progression, counterpoint,
Students develop musicianship
and ear-training. No musical
and ensemble performance skills
experience is required. Open to
working with fellow musicians on
Forms IV, V and VI
a wide range of music, ranging from concert band arrangements
Advanced Music Theory II
to jazz and rock standards. The
(Semester 2)
ensemble performs regularly
This second semester of Music
throughout the year. Placement
Theory continues the study
in Advanced Jazz Ensemble is by
of functional harmony with an
audition only.
introduction to twentieth century
Prerequisite: Two-year study of an instrument or
music theory. Students analyze
permission of instructor
chorales, sonatas, symphonies and other works, and they begin
Private Voice, Instrumental and
creating simple compositions
Dance Lessons
including chorales and solo piano
Private non-credit lessons may
compositions.
be arranged through the Music
Prerequisite: Music Theory I or permission of
Director or Art Department Chair.
instructor
An additional fee will be charged.
Chorus, Advanced Chorus (Semester 1 and/or 2) The Berkshire Chorus sings madrigals, motets, popular arrangements, folk music of
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Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
History The goal of the History Department is to introduce students to the rich cultural variety of the human community, to acquaint them with the development of the major traditions underlying civilization, and to provide them with an opportunity to read history in depth. Topics studied include the recent development of societies around the globe as well as the organization and dynamics of social, economic, religious, and political institutions that shape the world today. The students learn through multimedia presentations which include the use of Smartboards and tablets that help to spark debate and discussions. Our students progress each year through a planned curriculum focused on maximizing reading and writing levels, while developing both the critical and creative thinking skills needed to meet the challenge of collegiate academics. Two years, including Modern World History and U.S. History, are required for graduation. In addition, third formers must complete World History.
World History
Modern World History
research essay on a topic in world
(Regular and Advanced)
(Regular and Advanced)
history as a culmination of their
This third-form course helps
Modern World History acquaints
studies. A portion of class each
students understand how five
students with the major events,
week is dedicated to studying
major world religions have
concepts, and trends that have
current events, thus encouraging
shaped past, current, and
developed around the world from
them to relate historical
future historical events on a
the Scientific Revolution to the
topics to the issues facing
global scale. More specifically,
modern day. The course examines
the post 9-11 world. Through
students study the basic tenets
themes and events in Europe,
demanding readings, group
of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism,
Africa, the Middle East, the
discussions, research projects
Christianity, and Islam in relation
Americas, and Asia. The primary
and presentations, students come
to historical examples and more
themes of the course include
to learn about their roles in the
contemporary events. While
political and social systems,
larger global community.
content plays an important role
global interactions, religious and
in this course, a great deal of
ethical systems, and scientific
focus is put on the development
and technological innovations.
(Regular and Advanced)
and utilization of the following
Students develop the skills
Required for graduation and
core skills: effective note-taking,
to read critically and research
usually taken during the fifth-
critical reading and writing,
effectively through the use of
form year, this course is a
primary and secondary source
primary and secondary sources;
chronological survey of U.S.
analysis, cogent public speaking,
they also become comfortable
history from the colonial period
and basic research methods.
with presentation technology and
to the present. Topics studied
public speaking. Students master
include the colonization of
thesis-based essays and write a
British America, the American
United States History
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
13
HISTORY
Revolution, the establishment of
be applied, thus gaining real-
formally direct much of the class
the Federal Republic, territorial
world experience that can make
during the final quarter of the
expansion and the growth of
an actual difference in the lives of
course by selecting, researching,
sectionalism, the Civil War, the
around us.
and leading a debate about a
development of the United
Prerequisite: U.S. History or permission of
controversial ethical topic.
States as an industrial and
Department
Prerequisite: Modern World History or permission of Department
world power, and the Cold War. Although the course focuses on
Advanced Economics
political development, students
Advanced Economics blends
Islam, Christianity, and
also examine the key economic
a traditional, theory-based
Judaism
and social developments in
approach to economics with
(Semester 1)
U.S. history. Students develop
the practical applications
This course introduces students
research skills and the ability
of business management
to the three Abrahamic religions
to use documentary evidence
and planning. In addition to
through the study of each
in developing a thesis and are
discussing and debating micro-
religion’s Holy Scriptures:
required to write essays, short
and macroeconomic concepts,
the Hebrew Bible, the New
papers and a significant, college-
students form groups to devise
Testament, and the Qur’an. The
level research project.
and write a business plan for a
course includes a discussion
product or service of their own
of the history of each religion
Economics and Philanthropy
choosing. Groups compete for
and text, as well as themes and
The class begins in the first
the Sabin Entrepreneurial Prize,
issues that arise from each.
semester by providing students
to be awarded in the spring.
Students visit a service for each
with a foundation in micro and
Business plans are evaluated by
of the religions and engage in
macro-economic principles:
a team of judges on the basis of
discussion and debate via video
supply, demand, market
their ingenuity, soundness, and
conference with a school in the
equilibrium, subjective value
sustainability.
Middle East.
theory, theory of production,
Prerequisite: U.S. History and permission of
Prerequisite: Modern World History or
Department
permission of Department
Ethics
Race, Class, and Gender
This yearlong course encourages
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
students to contemplate the
During the first semester, students
nature of morally right behavior.
focus on identity, and how race,
After initial discussion and debate
class and gender personally
of the central ethical theories
impact their lives. Students look
(including cultural relativism,
at each identifier separately, then
utilitarianism, and Kantianism),
study their various intersections.
students examine several
Shifting focus slightly, the second
applied topics. Controversial
semester addresses how race,
issues considered previously
class and gender have impacted
in the course have included
the world throughout history.
abortion, euthanasia, animal
Students explore the various ways
rights, cloning, the ethics of war,
these identifiers’ intersectionality
world hunger, and the death
differs in various parts of the
penalty. Students are expected to
United States and in the global
theory of cost, and different forms of industrial organization. The second semester turns toward a project-based curriculum focusing on the non-profit sector and the needs of our local community. Through field trips, visiting speakers, and exchanges with Berkshire alumni, students gain a better understanding of the important social role that charitable organizations play. Students, working with a Berkshire donor who has established an endowment for philanthropy, invite local organizations to apply for the funds. Students ultimately determine where the funds will
14
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
HISTORY
society. In both semesters, using
to that terrible day. It continues
the AP examination as well as
historic news pieces as well as
with America’s response,
intermediate and advanced level
current events, students examine
including the wars in Afghanistan
college courses. Emphasis is
how these social identifiers shape
and Iraq, the killing of Osama bin
on determining the relevance,
society, individual life chances,
Laden, Islamophobia in America
reliability, and importance of
and daily social interactions.
and Europe, Guantanamo Bay
evidence used in historical
By focusing on the inequities
and enhanced integration
scholarship. Students develop
throughout the world, students
techniques, U.S. drone attacks,
the skills necessary to develop
are motivated to work to make
and the formation of ISIS. Finally,
an informed judgment and to
society a better place for all.
students debate current events
present reasons and evidence
Prerequisite: Modern World History or
and contemplate America’s future
clearly and persuasively in an
permission of Department
policies.
essay format.
Prerequisite: Modern World History or
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Slave Narratives
permission of Department
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
Advanced Placement United
In this course students study
Advanced Placement
States Government
both black and white writers’
European History
and Politics
responses to the “peculiar
This yearlong, college-level
This course gives students
institution” of chattel slavery.
course traces the development
a critical perspective on
Students work across genres to
of European history from 1450
government and politics in the
understand how and by whom
to the present day. It introduces
United States. Students begin
the written word was deployed
the cultural, political, economic,
by briefly studying the history
in pursuit of freedom and racial
and social factors that shaped
that led to the formation of the
and socioeconomic justice. The
the history of Europe. The course
republic and the vision that the
course provides a historical
emphasizes the skills required
framers of the Constitution had
understanding of the institution
to succeed both on the AP
for the United States. During the
of slavery and its effects (past
examination and in college-level
remainder of the course, students
and present) on American
history classes. Students critically
are expected to become familiar
society. In the first semester,
examine historical texts and
with the various institutions,
students draw upon the primary
primary source material, analyze
groups, beliefs, and ideas that
source texts of Harriet Jacobs,
evidence, debate historical
constitute the American political
Solomon Northup, and Frederick
interpretations, and learn to
process. There is a focus on the
Douglass. The second semester
express their own historical
three branches of the federal
takes on a more contemporary
perspective through writing.
government, the relationship
lens, studying modern, fictional
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
between the federal government
portrayals of the institution.
and the states, and how actors
Prerequisite: Modern World History or
Advanced Placement United
in government and among the
permission of Department
States History
citizenry shape public policy.
This yearlong course provides The War on Terror
Analysis of general concepts used
students with the analytical skills
(Semester 2)
to interpret American politics is
and enduring understandings
America and the world changed
complemented by examination of
necessary to deal critically with
after September 11, 2001. This
specific case studies.
the problems and materials in
course begins by examining Al-
Prerequisite: U.S. History and permission
United States history. Students
Qaeda and the events that led up
of Department
are prepared for success on
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
15
Language The Language Department prepares its students to live in a fast moving, global society. The Department’s goal is to encourage each student to become a multifaceted cultural person and to communicate and relate effectively with a different linguistic community. The Department not only provides the opportunity for a language student to become fluent, but focuses on developing cultural sensitivity by studying each civilization. Modern languages are taught in the target language and the Department encourages each student to participate in immersion outlets such as clubs, language-based trips and exchange programs. The Language Department offers Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish. To support our students and to help them achieve their academic goals, we use a range of audiovisual materials that include French, Spanish, and Chinese satellite TV broadcasts. Students read for content, meaning and discussion. Exercises in grammar, structure and composition provide writing experience. We believe that an important aspect of all our courses is the preparation for lifelong learning experience. Three years of the same language (through level III) are required for graduation.
Chinese I
centered activities. Chinese
Chinese IV
Chinese I is an introductory
word-processing is introduced.
Chinese IV promotes mastery
Mandarin Chinese course
Students further explore
of the language beyond the
designed for students with
Chinese culture through various
three-year language requirement
no Chinese background. This
multimedia projects (posters,
and prepares students for
course provides basic training in
Chinese language films, etc.) and
further language studies in
listening, speaking, reading and
continue to build the foundation
college. All the reading is in
writing Mandarin Chinese. The
for more advanced study.
Chinese characters with more
goal of this course is to lay a solid
16
sophisticated grammar and
foundation for further Chinese
Chinese III
syntax. The goal is to further
language study and to strive
Chinese III aims to continue
enhance students’ linguistic skills
for well-rounded development
to develop the students’
as well as their appreciation for
of communicative skills in
communicative skills in listening,
Mandarin Chinese language
listening, speaking, reading and
speaking, reading and writing in
and culture. Modern prose is
writing as well as developing an
Mandarin Chinese through task-
introduced. Since the course is
understanding of Chinese culture.
based activities. Students start
conducted entirely in Chinese,
to read Chinese without Pinyin
students are required to speak
Chinese II
except for new words. Common
only the target language for the
Students continue to develop
idioms and ancient stories
duration of the class.
their communication skills in
behind them are introduced and
listening, speaking, reading
students continue to gain a better
Chinese V
and writing via student-
understanding of Chinese culture.
The Chinese V course focuses
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
LANGUAGE
on further developing students’
Course themes are presented and
as cooking, fashion, sports, and
full range of language skills and
discussed through a variety of
art. Students watch films and
interweaves appropriate cultural
media, including online learning
newscasts, analyze authentic
content. The wide variety of
platforms. Teaching methods
texts, and articulate themselves
cultural topics includes school,
include reading and discussing
clearly and expressively during
family, food, sports, holidays
cultural documents in class as well
debates and presentations.
and customs, travel, famous
as practicing vocabulary and new
Themes alternate from year to
people, history, literature, and
grammatical structures in context,
year so as to allow students the
arts. Students explore both
all of which enables students to
opportunity to pursue a fifth year
contemporary and historical
further understand and express
of study.
Chinese culture via the Mandarin
themselves in French. The course
Chinese language in order to
is conducted entirely in French.
Advanced Placement French Language and Culture
prepare them for college-level studies in Chinese. Since the
French III
The AP French course is
course is conducted entirely in
(Regular and Advanced)
designed to elevate the
Chinese, students are required to
French III students continue to
students’ communicative and
speak only the target language
increase students’ proficiency
analytical skills, improve their
for the duration of the class.
in listening, speaking, reading
cultural awareness, and prepare
and writing. Project-based, the
them for the interpersonal,
French I
course encourages students
interpretive and presentational
French I is designed to introduce
to further express themselves
modes of communication
students to the French language
using all of the tenses and a rich
demanded by the AP exam.
and Francophone cultures as
vocabulary. Teaching methods
Students are immersed in the
well as help students to develop
include reading and discussing
French language during class,
the ability to speak, read, write,
cultural documents in class as well
and they engage in many
and listen to French. Course
as practicing vocabulary and new
activities designed to improve
themes are presented and
grammatical structures in context,
their oral fluency. French, as an
discussed through a variety of
all of which enables students to
expression of the Francophone
media, including online learning
further understand and express
cultures in this interconnected
platforms. Teaching methods
themselves in French. The course
world, creates a bond with
include reading and discussing
is conducted entirely in French.
those diverse communities for students along the way. The
cultural documents in class as well as practicing vocabulary
French IV, V (Regular and
speaking, reading and written
and new grammatical structures
Advanced, IV only)
elements of the AP course
in context, all of which enables
French IV and V students
center around global challenges,
students to begin to understand
continue to develop the skills
science and technology,
French and express themselves
and knowledge necessary to
contemporary life, personal and
in the language. The course is
speak French clearly and to read
public identities, families and
conducted entirely in French.
and write it critically, taking into
communities, and finally, beauty
consideration the interpersonal,
and aesthetics. Since the course
French II (Regular and Advanced)
interpretive, and presentational
is conducted entirely in French,
French II builds upon French
modes of communication. The
students are required to speak
I, emphasizing the four core
course centers around student-
only the target language for the
language skills and improving the
driven projects addressing French
duration of the class.
language proficiency of students.
and Francophone themes such
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
17
LANGUAGE
Latin I
primarily a translation course
and visual materials in class
Latin I is designed for students
that focuses on Latin poetry
encourages conversation in the
who have had no previous
and Roman comedy. The course
target language. Spanish culture,
instruction in Latin. Students
alternates from year to year
art history and literature are
receive a thorough grounding
in material covered, allowing
incorporated extensively through
in basic grammatical forms,
students the opportunity to
supplementary readings and
including the five noun
pursue a fifth year of study if they
multimedia activities. The course
declensions and agreement of
so choose.
is taught entirely in Spanish.
and the six verb tenses in the
Spanish I
Spanish III
active and passive voice as
This introductory course is
(Regular and Advanced)
well as elementary vocabulary.
designed for students who have
Spanish III students continue
Students also learn about Roman
had no previous instruction in
to develop strong listening,
civilization and the importance
Spanish or for those in need of
oral, reading and writing skills
of the Latin language in Western
additional study before meeting
by intensive immersion in a
culture.
the demands of Spanish II.
language classroom conducted
The course emphasizes the
completely in Spanish. After a
Latin II
acquisition of basic oral and
comprehensive review during
Students in Latin II complete their
literacy skills by teaching the use
the first few weeks, emphasis is
study of basic Latin grammar and
of Spanish in daily situations such
placed on a systematic review
syntax, as well as expanding their
as meeting people, telling time,
of Spanish grammar and the
vocabulary. Students begin to
expressing likes and dislikes, and
acquisition of the subjunctive.
read extended prose passages to
going shopping. Students are
Emphasis is also placed on
prepare them for reading classical
expected to participate actively
studying Hispanic culture and
Latin prose in their third year.
in class and to be adventurous in
society through short films,
the usage of simple expressions
reading and discussion, and
Latin III
and verbs. The course is taught
online learning platforms. The
Students in Latin III undertake a
entirely in Spanish.
course is taught entirely in
nouns and adjectives; pronouns;
Spanish.
comprehensive review of basic
18
Latin grammar and vocabulary
Spanish II
in the first semester. Students
(Regular and Advanced)
also read and translate modified
Spanish II continues to develop
(Regular and Advanced)
passages in the first semester in
oral and listening proficiency,
Spanish IV students continue to
preparation for translating true
literacy skills and cultural
develop the skills and knowledge
prose during the second half of
knowledge through a variety of
necessary to speak Spanish
the year. These works include,
activities. The course focuses
clearly and to read and write it
but are not limited to, Caesar,
on the continued acquisition
critically, taking into consideration
Eutropius, and Cicero.
of grammar structures and
the interpersonal, interpretive,
vocabulary and covers the
and presentational modes of
Latin IV, V
following topics: imperfect,
communication. The course
Students electing Latin IV, V
imperfect/preterite contrast,
centers around level readers,
are committed to developing
subjunctive, perfect tenses,
engaging students in stories using
a mastery of the language
future, and conditional. Thematic
Spanish in authentic and cultural
beyond the three-year language
vocabulary is integrated into
contexts. Students analyze
requirement. Latin IV, V is
each lesson. The use of audio
video, newscasts, songs and
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
Spanish IV
LANGUAGE
supplementary texts, and learn
awareness, and prepare them for
winter learning about cultural,
to better articulate themselves
the interpersonal, interpretive
economic and environmental
clearly and expressively in the
and presentational modes of
issues in Southeast Asia and have
target language.
communication demanded by the
the option of going on a Pro
AP exam. Students are immersed
Vita Trip to Thailand. Students
Spanish V
in the Spanish language during
learn cultural self-awareness,
Spanish V focuses on the dual
class, and they engage in many
gain knowledge of global issues,
themes of our place in society
activities designed to improve
and grow in their leadership and
and how external factors influence
their oral fluency. The acquisition
communication skills. Open to
our development as human
of cross-cultural awareness is an
Forms V and VI.
beings. Students read from works
important objective since there
such as El Ingeniosos Hidalgo
is great diversity in the Spanish
Don Quijote de la Mancha by
speaking world as seen in the
Miguel de Cervantes, Doña
organization of the
Perfecta by Benito Pérez Galdós,
Course, which is divided into
Romancero Gitano by Federico
six thematic units. Each unit is
García Lorca, Canto General
developed using authentic written
by Pablo Neruda as well as
sources, news segments and
selections from Jorge Luis Borges,
class activities, including radio
Julio Cortázar, Jose Donoso,
segments broadcast throughout
Gabriel García Márquez, and
campus. Discussion is an
others. Students also watch and
important requirement in class,
discuss films and study current
and spontaneous participation
world events. Writing essays and
is encouraged. Grammar is
giving oral presentations about
reviewed briefly in context. Since
the topics covered in class allow
the course is conducted entirely
students to continue improving
in Spanish, students are required
their writing and speaking skills.
to speak only Spanish for the
Since the course is conducted
duration of the class.
entirely in Spanish, students are
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
required to speak only the target language for the duration of the
Global Leadership Studies
class. Qualified students may take
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
the AP Spanish Language and
Global Leadership Studies
Culture exam with permission
focuses on developing the
of the instructor. The course is
skills, knowledge, and attitudes
taught entirely in Spanish.
necessary to understand and appreciate the complex issues
Advanced Placement Spanish
that face our world. Students
Language and Culture
focus their energies on one
The Advanced Placement Spanish
region and partner with a Pro
Language and Culture course is
Vita trip offering in the spring so
designed to elevate the students’
that students have the option to
communicative and analytical
visit that region. For example,
skills, improve their cultural
students might spend the fall and
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
19
Mathematics The mathematics curriculum is designed to provide a rigorous foundation in the basics of mathematics and the tools to foster logical thought and analysis. We want students to appreciate the nature, beauty, and scope of mathematics and to understand its potential in dealing with the world’s increasing technological complex-ities. Critical thinking, collaboration and mathematical modeling are emphasized at all levels. In all mathe-matics courses, faculty help students develop successful study skills and effective test-preparation techniques. For students whose backgrounds and aptitudes are strong, there are advanced sections of courses in our core curriculum. These include Advanced Placement Calculus BC, Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations, and Advanced Math/ Science Research. Each of these courses allow students who are passionate about mathematics to pursue excellence in the subject at the highest level. Three years of mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, are required for graduation. A TI-Nspire CX CAS graphing calculator is required in all courses.
Algebra I
methods to the solution of
Algebra II
This course provides a thorough
practical problems.
This course begins with a brief review of Algebra I and extends
introduction to the language of algebra, including its symbols
Geometry
to include number systems,
and the axioms and laws which
(Regular and Advanced)
polynomials, rational expressions,
govern its structure. Emphasis
Devoted to plane Euclidian
linear equations and inequalities,
is given to the understanding
geometry, this course also
systems of equations, elementary
and manipulation of all manner
extends into solid geometry. The
exponential and logarithmic
of algebraic expressions, from
subject is treated as a structured
functions, right-triangle
performing standard operations
system and emphasizes deductive
trigonometry, and elementary
to factoring polynomials and
reasoning and mathematical
probability and statistics.
simplifying radical expressions.
proofs, whereby intuition and
Among the primary goals are
proofs are blended. Topics such
Advanced Algebra II and
competence in solving linear
as congruence, perpendicular-
Trigonometry
equations and inequalities in
ity, geometric inequalities,
Advanced Algebra II and
one variable, systems of linear
parallelism, quadrilaterals,
Trigonometry includes all the
equations in two variables, and
geometric proportions and
topics in Algebra II as well as
simple quadratic equations.
similarity, circles, spheres, and
binomial theorem, trigonometric
Experience is provided in
surface areas and volumes of
functions, analytic trigonometry,
graphing in the Cartesian plane
solids are studied.
the concept of function, and
and in applying algebraic
20
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
a detailed examination of the
M AT H E M AT I C S
logarithmic and exponential
of calculus. The first semester
in both distributions and
functions.
consists of a review of analytic
proportions and employ modern
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
geometry and trigonometry,
technology to achieve these ends.
and the study of the derivative,
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Precalculus
continuity and limits, and
(Regular and Advanced)
differentials. The second semester
Advanced Placement Statistics
This course reviews the concepts
includes a study of integration,
The AP Statistics course is
from Algebra II that are central
logarithmic and exponential
built around four main topics:
to calculus and explores
functions, techniques of
exploring data, planning a study,
several discrete math topics.
integration, and applications of
probability as a foundation for
Calculus topics focus on the
integration.
the procedures of statistics, and
study of functions: polynomial,
Prerequisite: Precalculus
inferential reasoning. These
trigonometric, logarithmic, and
four broad conceptual themes
exponential. Discrete topics
Discrete Mathematics
are studied in depth to prepare
include polar coordinates,
This course offers an introduction
students for the Advanced
sequences and series,
to four branches of discrete
Placement exam given by the
permutations and combinations,
mathematics: combinatorics,
College Board. Students use the
the Binomial Theorem, and conic
sequences, symbolic logic, and
computer and a TI-Nspire CX CAS
sections. Throughout the course,
graph theory. Students practice
graphing calculator to examine
students are expected to use
applied mathematics through
distributions, to plan studies,
the graphing calculator to solve
group projects on election theory,
to make conjectures, to study
problems in each topic area. The
fair division, population growth,
random behaviors, and to analyze
advanced section extends the
supply chain optimization,
and draw conclusions from data.
curriculum and explores topics
recursion, game theory, and the
This course is more theoretical,
in greater depth. An additional
Monte Carlo method. Students
more demanding, and requires
study of vectors and probability
explore the intersection of
a higher level of conceptual
is included.
discrete mathematics and
understanding than the Statistics
computer science. Throughout
course. This course may be taken
Advanced Precalculus
the course, students utilize
concurrently with any of the
Accelerated
several software packages along
calculus courses.
The course is intended for
with the Ti-Nspire calculator to
Prerequisite: Advanced Precalculus and
students who have demonstrated
assist in finding solutions.
permission of Department
an exceptional commitment
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Advanced Placement
and aptitude in mathematics. Topics are explored more rapidly,
Statistics
Calculus AB
challenging students to apply
Topics for study in this course
This is a college-level course
concepts and skills at the highest
include the organization of
that follows the syllabus of
level. The first three chapters of
data into patterns and the
the College Board and is for
the AP Calculus BC curriculum are
interpretation of them using
students who intend to take
covered in the fourth quarter.
regression and correlation.
the Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Emphasis is on designing
examination in Calculus AB.
experiments and utilizing
Included are the rate of change
Calculus
probability and randomness to
of a function, limits, derivatives,
This course is an introduction
establish inference. Students
integration, applications of the
to the fundamental concepts
explore confidence testing
definite integral, transcendental
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
21
M AT H E M AT I C S
functions and their derivatives
independence, eigenvectors,
and integrals, further methods of
and linear transformations. The
integration, and applications.
course includes applications to
Prerequisite: Advanced Precalculus and
linear programming, differential
permission of Department
equations, and computer graphics, and students explore
Advanced Placement
the overlap between computer
Calculus BC
science and mathematics.
This is a college-level course that
Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Calculus AB or
prepares students to take the
BC and permission of Department
Advanced Placement examination in Calculus BC. It follows the
Multivariable Calculus and
syllabus of the College Board
Differential Equations
and is for students who have
Offered in alternate years in
successfully completed the
relation to Linear Algebra, this
first year of Calculus, Calculus
course in advanced mathematics
AB, or who have completed
includes core components
Precalculus and have their
of multivariable calculus,
instructor’s approval. Topics
linear algebra, differential
covered include a review of
equations, and statistics. The
basic integral and differential
use of mathematical software
calculus and techniques of
(Matlab), as well as TI-Nspire
integration, applications of
CX CAS graphing calculators,
the definite integral, polar
is emphasized. Satisfactory
coordinates, indeterminate forms
completion of an assigned final
and improper integrals, Taylor
project is required. The course
polynomials, approximation and
is also designed to complement
interpolation, sequences and
the Advanced Math/Science
series, vectors, differentiation and
Research course; for those
integration of vector functions,
students enrolled in both, the two
and ordinary differential
courses can be interdisciplinary,
equations.
if so desired, focusing on
Prerequisite: Advanced Placement
the area of mathematics that
Calculus AB or permission of
students often encounter in
Department
their research projects. The most common area is statistics,
Linear Algebra
but other mathematical strands
Offered in alternate years
can be developed as needed.
in relation to Multivariable
Completion of an individualized
Calculus, this course in advanced
curriculum satisfies the project
mathematics includes the core
requirement of this course.
components of linear algebra.
Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Calculus
Topics covered include matrices,
BC and permission of Department
rank, determinants, linear equations, vector spaces, linear
22
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
Science Scientific knowledge has grown so quickly in the last century that no single individual can be in command of all of the facts of even a single scientific discipline. At the same time, citizens must be able to make sense of science to be able to make informed decisions concerning technology, environmental concerns and medical questions, to name but a few. The overarching mission of the Science Department is to teach students the skills of logical and critical thinking, problem solving, research, and clear communication and to prepare students to find patterns underlying collections of facts. No matter what course or what level, students not only see presentations from their teachers, but make presentations to their peers. They learn how to use an array of instruments, both in and out of the laboratory, to collect and analyze data and to present their results in professional scientific formats. Once students have completed their basic requirements in science, they can choose to pursue another year of biology, chemistry or physics; take a course in environmental science; or choose an elective that focuses more narrowly on a specific aspect of scientific inquiry. Two core laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry or physics) are required for graduation.
Biology
Laboratory exercises cover
systems, students should have
(Regular and Advanced)
stoichiometry, measurement,
an adequate background in
This survey of biology includes
empirical formulas, chemical
mathematics.
investigations of the campus
reactions, heats of reaction,
Prerequisite: Algebra II (may be taken
and mountain ecosystems, cell
quantitative studies of reactions,
concurrently)
structure and function, genetics,
gas laws, molecular reactions,
evolution, and human anatomy
rates, acid-base reactions,
Environmental Science
and physiology. In addition
electrochemical cells, oxidation-
The scientific concepts learned
to classroom presentations,
reduction reactions, and
in this course provide the
demonstrations and laboratory
qualitative chemistry.
student with the principles
experiments, students carry out
Prerequisite: Algebra I
required to understand the relationships in the natural
research on a study plot in the Physics
world and the environmental
(Regular and Advanced)
problems facing the biosphere.
Chemistry
Physics is designed for the
The course includes a strong
(Regular and Advanced)
student who desires a deeper
laboratory component allowing
Topics covered in the course
understanding of the physical
students to learn through
include chemical formulas and
world. Topics include linear
hands-on observation. Much
equations, physical states of
mechanics, heat, light, sound,
of the laboratory work involves
matter, solutions and suspensions,
electromagnetism and selected
PowerPoint presentations and
carbon and its compounds,
concepts of twentieth-century
the use of modern scientific
chemical reactions, the periodic
physics. Because the course
technologies such as GIS
chart, and nuclear reactions.
applies mathematics to physical
(Geographical Information
forest on the slopes of Mt. Everett.
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
23
SCIENCE
Systems) and GPS (Global
of aerodynamics, meteorology,
the skills learned in Engineering
Positioning System) to show
navigation, radio communication,
to the next level. Students use
students how ecologists gather
and instrumentation as they
their knowledge of mechanics,
and utilize information.
all relate to flying an airplane.
computer programming, circuits
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses
Students use in-class flight
and microcontrollers, and apply
simulators to gain experience
them to solving team design
Advanced Math/Science
with the controls and instruments
problems. Students encounter
Research
used in flying. In addition to the
complex challenges and learn to
This yearlong course offers
academic work for the course,
break them into solvable pieces.
students seeking an independent
each student completes 6-10
Platforms to build and work with
laboratory experience an
hours of flight training with
may include quadcopters and
opportunity to design and execute
flying instructors at the Great
underwater remotely operated
an original research project of
Barrington Airport.
vehicles (ROVs). This is a hands
their choice in the biological,
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses
on course that requires students
physical, or social sciences. Each
to be independent as well as
student works in collaboration
Engineering
team players.
with a faculty mentor and a
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
Prerequisite: Engineering or permission of
professional research scientist in a
This course teaches students
Department
format determined by the student,
how to independently and
the mentor, and the instructor.
creatively solve real problems
Psychology
Students are required to work
through the engineering design
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
two weeks during the summer
cycle, an iterative process of
In first semester, students
preceding their enrollment in the
designing, building and testing
explore topics in neuroscience,
class. Students write a critical
solutions. The engineering
child development, sensation,
review paper and a research
design cycle fosters curiosity
and perception. By semester’s
paper, both in scientific journal
and perseverance, and the
end, students recognize the
format, and present the results of
engineering process fosters in
parts of the brain associated
their year’s research to members
students the confidence to tackle
with everyday functions such
of the department and others
and solve a variety of problems
as eating and sleeping, and
in the Berkshire community.
through troubleshooting and
understand why children cannot
Enrollment in the class is limited.
design thinking. The course
lie or recognize race and gender
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses,
is project-based and topics
until a certain age. Students
Precalculus, and permission of Department
covered may include electrical,
also examine illusions and
mechanical, aeronautical
discuss theories on how we see
Aviation Science
and structural engineering.
color and experience pain. In
(Semester 2)
Computer-aided-design and
second semester, students study
This course prepares students
fabrication techniques such as
topics in learning, memory,
to pass the FAA Ground School
wiring, soldering and small-scale
personality, social and abnormal
Certification Exam, an initial
construction are taught.
psychology. Students engage
requirement for earning a pilot’s
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (may be
with famous psychologists such
license. Students in the course
taken concurrently)
as Pavlov and Skinner, look
sit for the 100-question multiple-
24
into the controversial studies
choice examination in late May
Advanced Engineering
of Zimbarbo and Milgram, and
in hopes of earning certification.
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
explore the ideas of Freud
The course focuses on the study
Advanced Engineering takes
and Jung. Throughout the
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
SCIENCE
semester, students consider how
include biochemistry, cell
in environmental science and
advertisers use the information
structure and function, genetics,
prepares students for the
psychologists have discovered
botany, evolution, ethology,
Advanced Placement exam
to sell products and analyze
ecology, and human physiology
in Environmental Science.
the effectiveness of eyewitness
and anatomy. To afford extra
Students undertake a more
testimonies. Students conclude
time to meet AP curriculum
advanced study of topics in
the semester by working
requirements and to prepare for
ecology and environmental
to understand the cause of
the examination, the class also
science by exploring the
disorders such as schizophrenia
meets one night each week.
scientific principles, concepts,
and obsessive compulsive
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and permission
and methodologies required to
disorder.
of Department
understand the relationships of
Sustainability
Advanced Placement Chemistry
includes a strong laboratory and
(Semester 1 and/or 2)
This course prepares students
field investigation component,
Students in this course are
to succeed on the Advanced
allowing students to understand
committed to making Berkshire
Placement exam in Chemistry.
the environment through
School more environmentally
Topics covered are the same as
firsthand observation. Topics
sustainable. Students work
in the introductory course, but
include ecosystem concepts,
directly with the day-to-day
the approach is more formal
the biosphere, the atmosphere,
operations of the physical
and in greater detail. Strong
human population dynamics, air,
plant to support effective and
performances in previous
water and soil pollution, global
ethical decision-making in
math and science courses are
climate changes, soil science,
sustainability and to develop
essential for success. Laboratory
and choices for the future.
steps toward implementing
exercises are modeled on those
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses
the school’s sustainability plan.
designed for college freshmen;
(one must be Chemistry) and permission of
Success is monitored through
the mathematical skill level is
Department
an ongoing emissions inventory,
appropriate for engineering and
waste and water management
physical science majors. Topics
Advanced Placement Physics C:
databases, and life cycle analysis.
include stoichiometry, acid-base
Mechanics
Students develop and construct
equilibria, spectroscopy, and
This course is a preparation for
major research projects, write
redox equilibria. A premium is
the C-level Advanced Placement
position papers, and make
placed on accuracy, precision and
exam in Physics. The course
formal presentations to different
reproducibility in measurement
offers a broad foundation in
constituencies of the Berkshire
and data analysis as such
physics and is designed for those
community.
emphasis is essential for a
with interest in majoring in the
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses
heightened level of quantitative
physical sciences or engineering.
chemical analysis.
Classical mechanics (kinematics
Advanced Placement Biology
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses (one
through rotational motion and
Designed for second-year
must be Chemistry), Advanced Algebra II and
oscillations) are covered. Time
Trigonometry, and permission of Department
permitting, electricity and
the natural world. The course
biology students with a strong interest in biological science, this college-level offering prepares students to succeed on the Advanced Placement exam in Biology. Topics covered
magnetism are also studied. Advanced Placement
Prerequisite: Two core laboratory courses
Environmental Science
(one must be Physics), Calculus and
This yearlong course is the
permission of Department
equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
25
Virtual High School Berkshire School has joined forces with Virtual High School (VHS), one of the nation’s longest running, and most successful online learning communities. The VHS Collaborative has found that VHS classes offer more time to be reflective about discussions. Students have the opportunity to work with other students in a virtual classroom space, and VHS students (and teachers) are from a variety of other states, other countries, and other cultures. VHS classes also help students better prepare for college and careers. Many students take a VHS course and find their passion for careers or college majors. VHS students say that they feel better prepared for college because through VHS they learn to advocate for themselves, work independently and manage their time and learning. Many colleges are now using online courses to enhance face-to-face college courses, and VHS students have a head start because they are already accustomed to learning in an online environment. VHS offers a terrific way for students to broaden their educational horizons and take classes that would otherwise be unavailable to them, in an environment that is safe, challenging, and fun. Below are some examples of courses taken by Berkshire students from the 150+ options available through VHS.
Anatomy and Physiology
muscular, respiratory, circulatory,
emphasizing universal language
Honors
digestive, urinary, reproductive,
techniques like syntax, semantics
(Semester 1 or 2)
immune, endocrine and nervous.
and readability. Students gain
How can the results of an ECG
The course culminates with a
mastery in programming concepts
(EKG) indicate heart pathology?
look at how the systems work
by using a subset of Java features
How does a bone grow? What
together to ensure homeostasis
that are covered when needed
are the latest developments in
for the body and what happens
throughout the course content.
reproductive medicine? How
when one or more of these
This allows the student to
does the histology of a normal
systems don’t function correctly.
understand and master important
lung compare to that with
Prerequisite: Biology
concepts that will apply to programming problems in many
emphysema? These are among
26
the questions that are addressed
Advanced Placement
additional languages.
in Anatomy and Physiology.
Computer Science A
Prerequisite: Algebra II
This is an honors level course
Advanced Placement Computer
that is designed to investigate
Science A is designed to prepare
CAD: Computer Aided Design
the anatomy and physiology
students for the College Board’s
(Semester 1 or 2)
of the 11 major body systems.
AP Computer Science A Exam.
CAD introduces students to the
This course begins with a quick
The course curriculum covers the
world of engineering drawings.
review of biological levels of
topics and activities of a first-
The focus of CAD is to create
organization and microscopy and
year computer science course
3D drawings of mechanical
then focuses on both structure
at the undergraduate level.
objects, layered with dimensions
and function of the following
The course introduces the Java
and annotations. All drawings
systems: skeletal system,
programming language while
are prepared to the standards
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL
of the industry. Students will
genes, our genetic material, are
Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.
create 3D models, assemblies,
responsible for an estimated
Readings include works by Thich
and formal 3-view drawings with
3,000-4,000 hereditary diseases,
Nhat Hanh, Martin Luther King,
dimensions. Each week, students
including Huntington disease,
The 14th Dalai Lama, Mohandas
will be introduced to a new set of
cystic fibrosis, and Duchenne
Gandhi, Simon Wiesenthal and
drawing skills. Students will use
muscular dystrophy. What’s
others.
the free educational version of
more, altered genes are now
Autodesk Inventor, a respected
known to play a part in cancer,
Video Game Design Using
industry-level CAD software
heart disease, diabetes and
GameMaker
platform.
many other common diseases.
(Semester 1 or 2)
Genetic flaws increase a person’s
This course provides an
Computer Science Honors
risk of developing these more
opportunity for students to
(Semester 1 or 2)
common and complex disorders.
immerse themselves in the
This course is an introduction to
The diseases themselves
world of video game design and
computer science, covering the
stem from interactions of
development. Participants learn
basic concepts and elements of
genetic predispositions and
key programming constructs
the Java programming language
environmental factors, including
using GameMaker software (a
and introducing object-oriented
diet and lifestyle.
robust, yet easy-to-use game
programming. Students gain
Prerequisite: Biology
creation tool). In addition, students learn to use software
experience writing programs that are well documented
Peacemaking
to create original graphics and
according to industry standards
(Semester 1 or 2)
sound engineering software to
and have the opportunity
Peacemaking is about power. It is
create and edit sounds for their
to create Java Applets and
about realizing and utilizing your
games. By the end of the course,
learn about Graphical User
personal power, by recognizing
students will have created a wide
Interface programming with
that there are alternatives to
variety of video games. Each class
Swing. Additionally, the
violence and to a “win-lose”
celebrates their accomplishments
students are encouraged to
philosophy of life. Peacemaking
regularly, by sharing games
work both independently
is an active process, not a
with their peers for feedback
and collaboratively to solve
passive exercise. This is an
and enjoyment. This course is
practical problems that illustrate
interdisciplinary course exploring
an introductory-level class that
application-building techniques.
Peace and Peacemaking in four
does not require a background in
Prerequisite: Algebra I
interrelated ways - the personal,
computer programming.
interpersonal, communal and Genes and Disease Honors
global. Through exploration,
(Semester 1 or 2)
evaluation, reflection and
Buried in the cells of each
discussion students will better
newborn is a unique set of
understand their own roles and
genetic instructions. These
responsibilities as peacemakers.
molecular blueprints not only
Topics covered will include:
shape how the child will grow
service for the sake of peace,
and develop and whether it will
forgiveness, understanding,
have brown eyes or blue, but
contemplation, philosophies of
what sort of medical problems
non-violence, and peacemakers
it might encounter. Errors in our
past and present among the
Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
27
Notes
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Berkshire School Curriculum Guide 2017-2018
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