Columbus School for Girls Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025
Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 1
Table of Contents US Curriculum Overview
3
College Counseling
6
Computer Science
7
English
9
Fine Arts Music Theater Visual Art
13
Health and Physical Education
22
History
25
Independent Studies
31
Mathematics
32
Publications
37
Science
38
World Languages Mandarin Chinese Latin Spanish
45
Institute for Innovation & Leadership
53
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Upper School Curriculum Overview Columbus School for Girls offers a varied selection of required and elective courses with increasing flexibility and options as students progress through their four years of Upper School. Some courses may vary from year to year as the curriculum changes in response to student interest and/or world events. All classes and seminars are designed around highly challenging academic standards. Each Upper School student collaborates with her college counselor, academic advisor, and faculty members to customize her course schedule, based on her college and career interests.
Graduation Requirements: 24 credits English
4 Credits
At least 1 credit per year
Mathematics
4 Credits
At least 1 credit per year Required: Advanced Quantitative Reasoning or Precalculus
History
3 Credits
Required: World History, US History, and one of Civics, US Government, or AP US Government
Science
3 Credits
Required: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
World Languages
3 Credits
Three years in the same language, including the third level of that language
Fine Arts
1.5 Credits
Required total of 1.5 credits in any combination of classes in the Fine Arts Department
Health & Physical Education
Varies by Track
Computer Science
0.5 Credit
Requirements vary by track or option Required by all: Health & Wellness 9, 11, and 12 Required: Introduction to Computer Science or equivalent
Public Speaking
Required: Senior Speech
Electives
As required to meet total for graduation
Non-Credit Courses
May Program
*Students are required to take a minimum of five credits of courses each semester*
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Courses are designated either graded or pass/fail:
A student who does not meet Public Speaking Requirement the stated eligibility During their senior year, requirements for an AP or students will demonstrate their Graded courses receive the honors course may request distinct potential as learners and standard grade equivalents of A, consideration with a petition. To leaders through the delivery of a B, C, D, or F. petition, a student must speech to the upper school complete and submit to the community. Working from a Pass/Fail courses are graded Upper School office a petition topic they have chosen and on a pass or fail basis and do form that includes a written letter reflecting on the CSG mission not count toward the fulfillment to explain the student’s interest for each student to know her of departmental graduation in taking the course and why power, seniors will conduct requirements except in the she thinks it is a good fit and an research, work with faculty to areas of Health and Physical appropriate challenge in which hone their delivery, and produce Education. she can be successful. Petition a speech that represents the forms are due to the Upper high level of writing, thinking, Advanced Placement Courses School office by 3:30 PM on speaking, and personal growth Columbus School for Girls offers February 28th. Departments will that students develop during many courses in the national review all petitions in the spring their time at CSG. Advanced Placement Program. and return one of three AP classes are intensive and decisions: approved, not Independent Studies accelerated and require more recommended, or denied. A “not An independent study project preparation than other courses. recommended” decision means offers students the opportunity These courses can offer several that the student may enroll in to pursue an academic interest advantages: students will study the class but should discuss in consultation with a faculty the subject with a breadth and doing so with her advisor in the advisor. Independent studies depth not found in other context of her anticipated course can be arranged in most areas courses, and some universities load. Petition approvals may of the curriculum and may be offer credit for a score of three come with stipulations to be met either a single semester or a full or better on the AP Examination. through the remainder of the -year commitment. Recent current academic year. independent study topics have been in areas of internet Admission into an AP course is The College Board AP has an security, technology, history, dependent upon meeting certain examination for each course at French, German, Greek, writing, prerequisites which are the end of the year. Families will visual arts, and genetics. See explained in the course register and pay for AP exams pg. 31 for details. descriptions. Each student in the fall, via an online enrolling in an AP course must Cum Laude obtain departmental permission registration. The cost (set by College Board) is approximately In order to be eligible for Cum in order to do so. $100 for each exam. Exam fee Laude, students must be enrolled in courses worth a total Approval for AP courses at the reductions are available for time of scheduling is provisional students who qualify for financial of at least 2.5 credits during aid. each semester of their upper and depends on continued school years. Courses taken at success in the prerequisite local colleges and universities Course Offerings courses. All AP scheduling will Courses are offered based upon receive credit; however, the be reviewed at the end of Cum Laude average is based projected enrollment. In the Semester 2 to ensure that student grades and performance event that actual enrollment for only upon averages in courses taught by a CSG faculty a specific course is insufficient are consistent with AP member. Grades in Advanced to support it, CSG reserves the standards. Students enrolled in Placement or post-Advanced right to cancel the course for the AP courses are evaluated Placement courses are academic year. Any student during the first few weeks of weighted for Cum Laude Semester 1 of the course to be affected by this may select consideration. another course to complete her sure that AP placement is schedule. appropriate.
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Schedule Changes Students' course requests determine the number of faculty hired, course materials ordered, teaching assignments and the number of course sections offered. Because scheduling requests are integral to academic planning structure for the upcoming school year, students must be committed to their requests before submitting them. Once the school year ends, no scheduling changes will be accepted until the start of the new school year and then will require written approval from a student’s faculty advisor and Division Director.
Additional Academic Options One Schoolhouse Courses Tuition for OS courses is Columbus School for Girls is an separate from CSG tuition. affiliate member of One Students who are interested in a Schoolhouse (OS) which is a course from OS must fill out a fully accredited online school registration form with CSG prior that serves independent school to June 2024. CSG will handle students in the U.S. around the the course registration through world. Online courses require an OS. Please check the website exceptional degree of selfwww.oneschoolhouse.org for motivation and time specific course descriptions and management. With approval availability, and fill out the from the Department Chair and Course Intent Form by May 1, Division Director, CSG students 2024. may take OS courses not offered at CSG for elective credit beginning in Form X. While the credit and grade for an OS course will be shown on the student’s transcript, the grade will not be included in the GPA calculation for the student.
Questions Concerning Curriculum and Scheduling: Please direct curriculum questions to: Mr. Scott Parsons, Director of Upper School sparsons@columbusschoolforgirls.org 614.252.0781, ext. 115
Please direct scheduling questions to: Mr. John Hartshorne, US Scheduler jhartshorne@columbusschoolforgirls.org 614.252.0781, ext. 298
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College Counseling
COLLEGE PREPARATION No credit, non-graded • Required of all students in Form XI (spring) and Form XII (fall) • Semester course; no credit • Meets once/rotation This course prepares students for the college search experience and application process. Topics of discussion include: college visits, interviewing, essay writing, the application process, the Common Application, and more.
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Computer Science
The primary goal of CSG’s INTRODUCTION TO AN INTRODUCTION TO WEB computer science department is COMPUTER SCIENCE DESIGN AND USER to introduce students to current Full-credit, graded course EXPERIENCE (UX) and emerging technologies and • Required of all students in Full-credit, graded course to help them develop the fluency Form IX • Open to students in Forms IX, necessary to be users of an ever • Prerequisites: None X, XI, XII -changing list of devices, • Semester course (offered • Prerequisites: Introduction to programs, and literacies. each semester), 0.5 credit Computer Science Courses are project-based and • Semester course (offered one focus on problem solving and This course is an introduction to semester per year), 0.5 credit understanding hardware, computer science programming. software, and major topics in Through the course, students In this course, students will learn computer science. will learn fundamental first-hand how websites are programming concepts and how designed and created and to apply them. This course has a explore principles of successful heavy problem-solving UX (user experience) design. emphasis allowing students to Students will learn the basics of be creative through an online, HTML, JavaScript, and graphics-based computer Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), science curriculum taught in through the creation of a website Python. for an industry client. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 7
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science • Semester course (offered one semester per year), 0.5 credit
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer Science, Algebra I • Full year, 1 credit
AP Computer Science A teaches object-oriented This course teaches students programming methodology with programming concepts that an emphasis on problem solving enable the use of Artificial and algorithm development. It Intelligence in computer science also includes the study of data and society. Students will learn structures and abstraction. AP how to incorporate Artificial Computer Science A is taught in Intelligence algorithms in their Java and is equivalent to a work, and how to consider the college-level Introduction to social and ethical implications of Computer Science course. The how Artificial Intelligence is used topics include iteration, and will be used. Students will recursion, arrays, object work on large data projects that oriented programming and illustrate the variety of ways more. Artificial Intelligence can be used to optimize, extrapolate, and predict information and processes.
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English
The English department's goals are to foster students' love of language and literature and to develop their ability to think and communicate effectively. The program emphasizes critical communication skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students continually hone their ability to read with comprehension, discrimination, sensitivity, and pleasure; to express their ideas with clarity, coherence, and fluency, and to understand the structure, complexity, and power of the English language. These skills are continually taught and reinforced at all grade levels, with the degree of development becoming more complex with each consecutive course. Upper School students take courses that follow a preset
trajectory: English IX, Form X ENGLISH IX Full-credit, graded course Survey of American Literature, • Required of all students in and Form XI Survey of British Literature (or, if they meet the Form IX stated requirements, Form XI • Full year, 1 credit AP Literature and Composition, which features the same This course will bring together readings as the British Literature three key strands: (1) a reimagining of the heroine, as course, but also prepares students for the AP presented in traditionally examination). Form XII students canonical, as well as recently choose two semester-long published texts, so students can courses. New senior electives see different models of female are periodically developed and voice, courage, resilience, and social justice; (2) literary offered by the English faculty according to their areas of “windows” and “mirrors,” which expertise, the interests of elicit self-reflection on their own students, and the evolving perspectives and lived discipline of English. Each experiences as well as those encountered both in the texts we senior elective allows students to explore specific topics within read and in class discussions one or more broad curricular with their peers; and (3) a broad threads: author/literary periods, range of writing activities and genre studies, and multicultural assignments, so students can and inclusive literature. develop foundations for Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 9
analytical and rhetorical modes of writing in preparation for college-level writing. SURVEY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form X • Prerequisites: Successful completion of English IX • Full year, 1 credit
SURVEY OF BRITISH LITERATURE Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form XI, unless enrolled in Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition. • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Form X Survey of American Literature • Full year, 1 credit
effectively use historical and literary resources and document these sources according to MLA guidelines. They will also continue to develop their skills in grammar, punctuation, listening and speaking, and source documentation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION In this course, students will read Full-credit, graded course In this course, students will major works of British literature • Open to Form XI focus on American literature, from the medieval period to our • Prerequisites: Successful with an interdisciplinary completion of Form X Survey contemporary era, with approach that complements the continued attention to the history of American Literature with a study of United States history in and development of the English final grade of A-; PSAT verbal Upper School. Students will scores may also be language throughout. The read literature from early considered. course is designed to develop America to the present, • Full year, 1 credit and refine students’ skills in including poetry, autobiography, reading literature, thinking essays, short stories, novels, critically, writing analytically and In this course, students will and plays. Students are taught imaginatively, and working with develop the reading, writing, and to read carefully, to think analytical skills necessary for and documenting secondary critically, and to demonstrate success on the Advanced sources, such as scholarly their reading and thinking skills literary criticism. In addition to Placement English Literature in a variety of writing and Composition examination. shorter analytical and creative assignments, with particular AP students will study a variety writing assignments, students emphasis on essays of literary will have multiple opportunities of short fiction, poetry, and analysis. novels, including but not limited to practice research skills and to works featured in the Survey writing: they will find and
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of British Literature course, CREATIVE WRITING social contexts out of which and tackle writing assignments Full-credit, graded course these stories arose; the helpful that push them to produce high- • Open to Form XII and harmful ways in which such level, rigorous work. Being able • Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit literature has been viewed as to read a significant amount of • Course will require a minimum ‘representative’; and what these writing quickly and to write disparate stories have in of 8 students to run and will comfortably and effectively on common thematically and also be capped at 16 timed writing is central to structurally. students, based on date of success in this course, as request. students are required to take the ADVANCED PLACEMENT AP English and Literature exam This course is for students who ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND at the end of this brisk course. COMPOSITION want to take the leap from Students will continue to Full-credit, graded course reading, interpreting, and develop their skills in analyzing poetry, fiction, and • Open to Form XII vocabulary, grammar, nonfiction to crafting it. • Prerequisites: Successful punctuation, analytical and Readings will include stories completion of Form XI English creative writing, listening and and contemporary poetry by a or AP Literature and speaking, and research writing diverse range of writers. By Composition with a final grade and documentation. studying select works, tackling of A-; PSAT verbal scores creative-writing exercises, may also be considered. CONTEMPORARY FICTION participating thoughtfully in peer • Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit Full-credit, graded course workshops, and revising • Open to Form XII carefully, students will produce, This course will introduce • Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit by semester’s end, portfolios of students to the principles and • Course will require a minimum their best original work. practice of rhetoric and of 8 students to run and will composition. Students will gain also be capped at 16 EPIC LITERATURE further exposure to the genre of students, based on date of Full-credit, graded course literary nonfiction and will refine request. their skills as close and careful • Open to Form XII readers, better able to analyze • Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit What makes a book great? • Course will require a minimum the rhetorical and stylistic What kinds of literature and choices made by a diverse of 8 students to run and will voices do we currently range of writers. The course will also be capped at 16 value? In Contemporary Fiction, students, based on date of prepare students for the we will examine these questions Advanced Placement Language request. by reading and analyzing novels and Composition examination, published in recent decades. In as well as college-level classes For millennia, cultures all over this discussion-based course, in rhetoric and composition. the world have been telling we will not only consider and discuss the novels individually, stories about grueling journeys, INTRODUCTION TO but we will also think about what physical and psychological WOMEN’S STUDIES struggle, and heroes whose they tell us about our current Full-credit, graded course names endure today. In this concerns and cultural • Open to Form XII course students will read a values. The reading list and • Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit survey of epic literature from a thematic focus of this class • Course will require a minimum variety of times and places, varies each year. of 8 students to run and will including works like Sumeria’s Assignments may include also be capped at 16 several short analytical essays Epic of Gilgamesh, Greece’s students, based on date of Iliad, West Africa’s Sundiata, and a final project that will ask request. China’s Journey to the West, students to draw connections and more contemporary takes among multiple texts. on the genre. Students will gain This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to key a deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical and concepts, issues, and debates in women’s studies. Through Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 11
readings, class discussion, MODERN POETRY: DIVERSE analytical and persuasive writing VOICES assignments, and research and Full-credit, graded course service projects, students will • Open to Form XII learn how culture and society • Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit shape gender and how gender • Course will require a minimum intersects in complicated ways of 8 students to run and will with issues of race, ethnicity, also be capped at 16 class, and nationality. The students, based on date of course will also focus on request. women’s leadership and will emphasize hands-on, projectIn this course, we will explore based learning. Texts may American poetry from the last include autobiography, hundred years, with an biography, nonfiction, fiction, emphasis on underrepresented and film and will draw from the voices. We will begin the course fields of history, science, by reviewing poetic terms and politics, economics, and the developing a critical vocabulary arts. Students will write position for talking about difference. This papers and textual analyses; will ground our later discussions they may also present their about how poetry connects to research on a variety of the creation of personal identity, historical and current, national community, and politics. In and international women’s addition to writing analytical issues. essays, students may complete an in-depth study of a poet of their choosing and try their hands at writing poems of their own.
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Fine Arts
Studies in the fine arts have been developed to instill a knowledge and appreciation of the creative process through both performance and academic study. Students should emerge from these studies with first-hand experience in self-expression and communication through artistic disciplines and with an aesthetic appreciation for the similar expressions of others. Performing arts courses enable students to explore dramatic and musical literature in situations that encourage collaborative work. Skills are developed in ensemble and rehearsal technique. Students learn how to use problem-solving strategies, take direction, and acquire the discipline necessary for high quality performances. Creativity and risk-taking are encouraged as students develop confidence in their abilities. Students have the opportunity to build and refine technique, develop analytical and critical skills, and increase their repertoire of expressive tools. Performance classes allow students to grow in their involvement and appreciation for the process of the art as well as for the final performance. Visual arts courses have a multifaceted goal of building confidence in artistic competence through practical experience and academic critique, nurturing individual expression through multi-cultural and interdisciplinary studies, and encouraging aesthetic literacy through the study of historic and modern modes. Process and product are important. Through a spiral approach, artistic growth in manipulative skills and visual perception is cultivated from early childhood to young adulthood and beyond. Note: Scheduling priority in the Fine Arts courses is given to students in Form XII. All other forms have equal priority after seniors.
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PERFORMING ARTS - MUSIC
CONCERT CHOIR VOCAL ENSEMBLE: THE events as well, including OMEA Partial-credit, graded course GRACE NOTES events such as Solo and Partial-credit, graded course Ensemble and All-State Choir. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; this course may be taken • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; STRING ENSEMBLE more than once, each time for this course may be taken credit. more than once, each time for Partial-credit, graded course • Full year; 0.5 credit credit. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; • Costs: Students are • Prerequisites: Must audition; this course may be taken responsible for covering the departmental signature more than once, each time for cost of trips and honor and allrequired; concurrent credit. state choir tuition and enrollment in Concert Choir. • Prerequisites: Intermediate or expenses, as well as official • Full year, 1 credit advanced experience on a performance attire; limited • Costs: Students purchase string instrument. need-based funding is their own outfit accessories • Full year, 0.5 credit sometimes available. and are also responsible for • Costs: Students who do not covering the cost of trips and own their own instruments Concert Choir is an intermediate honor and all-state choir may rent them through private vocal performance group. tuition and expenses; limited music companies or may use Students will sing a variety of need-based funding is a school instrument, at no styles and genres from different sometimes available. cost, when available. Students time periods. Emphasis will be are responsible for covering placed on developing sightThe Grace Notes offers the cost of trips and honor and reading, ear training, and qualifying students an all-state band tuition and musicianship skills, as well as opportunity to learn and perform expenses as well as official exploration and development of an advanced level of vocal performance attire; limited vocal production techniques and repertoire from many styles and need-based funding is skills necessary for achieving periods. Students will focus on sometimes available. excellence in performance. the skills and musicianship Major concerts per year include: required for consistent String Ensemble offers an the CSG Thanksgiving Program, excellence in performance, as opportunity for string students to Fall, Winter, and Spring well as further development of continue improving their Concerts, and District/State advanced vocal techniques. The technical and musical skills in a contest (dependent on performance commitment is performance based setting. eligibility). In order to participate essential and students will be Technical areas to be covered in the OMEA Solo and expected to represent CSG in include: advanced key Ensemble and large group many different settings, signatures, complex rhythm contests, enrollment in this including competition. Interested reading, upper position playing, course is mandatory. students may participate in other
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vocabulary, and tone development. In addition, musical skills such as phrasing, balance, intonation, and blend will be developed.
adjudicated events; limited need-based funding is sometimes available.
be covered include scales, rhythm reading, intonation, articulation, dynamics, music notation, vocabulary, and The Upper School Select String technical and tone development. Repertoire will be selected Ensemble will offer dedicated, Materials will include scales and advanced, and advancing string according to the appropriate ability level of the players. selected etudes, as well as students an opportunity for string orchestra literature increased musical challenges appropriate for the playing level within a smaller chamber music Several in-school and evening of the ensemble. Music of the setting. Students will have the performance opportunities will major stylistic periods will be opportunity to sharpen their be scheduled throughout the included in the repertoire of the musical, technical, and year. Attendance is required at ensemble. Several in-school collaborative rehearsal skills by all Concert Band events. In and evening concerts will be rehearsing and performing order to participate in the OMEA scheduled throughout the year. chamber music. Students in the Solo and Ensemble Contests, Attendance is required at all Select String Ensemble will enrollment in this course is String Ensemble events. In represent CSG by performing mandatory. order to participate in the OMEA within the school and larger events such as the Southcommunity serving as music SELECT WIND ENSEMBLE Central Region Orchestra and ambassadors for CSG. Partial-credit, graded course Solo and Ensemble Contests, • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; enrollment in this course is CONCERT BAND this course may be taken mandatory. Partial-credit, graded course more than once, each time for • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; credit SELECT STRING ENSEMBLE this course may be taken • Prerequisites: Advanced Partial-credit, graded course more than once, each time for experience on a band • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; credit. instrument; departmental this course may be taken • Prerequisites: Intermediate or signature required; concurrent more than once, each time for advanced ability on a brass, enrollment in Wind Ensemble. credit woodwind, or percussion Must audition; rising IX and • Prerequisites: Advanced instrument. new Upper School students experience on a string • Full year, 0.5 credit may audition in the spring for instrument; departmental • Costs: Students who do not the following fall, or they may signature required; concurrent own their own instruments audition at the beginning of enrollment in String may rent them through private the fall semester and add it to Ensemble. Must audition; music companies or may use their schedules during the rising IX and new Upper a school instrument, at no add/drop period. School students may audition cost, when available; students • Full year, 1 credit in the spring for the following are responsible for covering • Costs: Students who do not fall, or they may audition at the cost of trips and honor and own their own instruments the beginning of the fall all-state band tuition and may rent them through private semester and add it to their expenses as well as official music companies or may use schedules during the add/drop performance attire; limited a school instrument, at no period. need-based funding is cost, when available. Students • Full year, 1 credit sometimes available. are responsible for covering • Costs: Students who do not the cost of trips and own their own instruments Concert Band offers an adjudicated events; limited may rent them through private opportunity for intermediate and need-based funding is music companies or may use advanced level woodwind, sometimes available. a school instrument, at no brass, and percussion students cost, when available. Students to continue improving their This course is designed for are responsible for covering technical and musical skills. students who desire a smaller the cost of trips and Technical and musical areas to ensemble experience with Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 15
advanced, varying repertoire. MUSIC THEORY NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: Students will focus on aspects Full-credit, graded course of their performance and how it AP MUSIC THEORY • Open to Forms X, XI, XII relates to creating a wellFull-credit, graded course • Prerequisite: Enrolled in a blended, well-balanced CSG performance ensemble • Open to Forms XI and XII ensemble sound. The ensemble • Passing grade required to • Prerequisite: Music Essentials will perform at OMEA Solo and take AP Music Theory with a passing grade, Ensemble and may be available • Semester course; offered Advanced ability on to perform at school and both semesters; 0.5 credit instrument (instrumental or community functions as the • Offered in 2024-25; offered vocal); departmental signature opportunities arise. on odd-numbered required. graduation years. • Full year, 1 credit CLASS PIANO • Offered in 2025-26 (offered in Full-credit, graded course The Music Theory course is even-numbered graduation intended to develop a solid • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII years.) • Prerequisite: students with no foundation of music theory and musicianship skills in our Upper AP Music Theory is a course prior piano experience; does School musicians beginning at a designed to develop musical not take piano lessons skills that will lead to a thorough • Semester course; offered both basic, foundational level. Students will review each understanding of music semesters; 0.5 credit essential music element and composition and music theory. demonstrate understanding Students will receive instruction Class Piano is for students who through performance as well as in the following content areas: wish to learn to play piano in a written assessments at the basic advanced application of key group setting. Little-to-no and intermediate levels. After signatures, scales, modes, experience is required/ students demonstrate mastery chord structure and function, requested as the course starts of foundational music skills and melodic and harmonic earwith training in basic skills. concepts, a spiral curriculum of training, meter, chordal analysis, Students will learn to play applications, experiences, and secondary-dominant functions, simple melodies with left hand demonstration of multiple dictation, circle of 5ths, two-part chorded accompaniment by the counterpoint, common end of the first nine weeks and concepts will be assessed. Topics will include note names, compositional forms, and will continue studies with intermediate level music on the rhythm, time and key signatures, listening repertoire. Students will basic aural and sight-singing be prepared to take the AP piano by the end of the training, basic terminology, Music Theory Exam when they semester. Students will follow composers, and multiple genre have completed the course. Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One videos of great Course Book with teacher performances. Students added supplements. Students wishing to take AP Music will learn in a group setting, practice, and eventually move at Theory the following year must pass this course first. an independent pace with teacher guidance.
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PERFORMING ARTS - THEATER THEATER ACTING I Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: None • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit Students will explore basic acting techniques, principles of character interpretation and performance. Students will receive at least two monologues to practice and refine in class. Projects and exercises are presented to aid students in discovering more about their monologue, characters, acting techniques or the plays being worked on. Instructional methods will include research projects, exercises, rehearsals, scene work, improvisation, individual coaching and group coaching to promote physical and vocal awareness as well as self-confidence and creative problem-solving.
ACTING II Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Acting I • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit
introduced in Acting I. Participants in this course will select a play to collectively work on in class. They will analyze the script and each be assigned one role to perform from the play. Each student will follow the Designed for students who are arch of the character through the script. Students will also seriously interested in acting, receive individualized instruction this course provides the opportunity for in-depth one-on- based on the needs of the character or play such as one work on monologues and learning IPA, dialect or accent scenes. Students will coaching, and stage combat. participate in some Acting I exercises/games as refreshers. Instructional methods will include research projects, Students will also build upon exercises, rehearsals, scene skills through more in depth instruction on methods of acting work, improvisation, individual coaching and group coaching. MUSICAL THEATER Full credit, graded course • Open to IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisite: Acting I • Semester 2 course; 0.5 credit Musical Theater invites students to explore basic techniques of singing, dance and acting in a safe environment that allows for creative risk taking. We experiment with physicality, scene work, emotion, songs, and more to not only teach the student how to be a better musical theater actor, but to also promote self-awareness, Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 17
empathy and confidence. Students will explore basic techniques and principles of character, script and song analysis. Classroom presentations are for the purpose of working on particular musical theater skills and styles. Musical Theater builds upon skills and terms learned in Acting I; evolving skills that the young actor/actress needs to successfully participate in a musical production. Standards in our production process require the theater student to challenge themselves and stretch their abilities in a new direction.
VISUAL ART
opportunity to experiment with historical, contemporary and personal themes in art. Sketchbook assignments complement in-class projects and allow students to develop and research a diverse range of subject matter.
DRAWING Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit • Offered 2024-25; offered each Semester of odd-numbered ADVANCED DRAWING graduation years. Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII The beginning of the term • Prerequisites: Drawing focuses on basic drawing • Semester course (offered methods (measured drawings, each semester), 0.5 credit additive and subtractive • Offered 2024-25; offered each processes, etc.) and introduces Semester of odd-numbered the student to a variety of graduation years. traditional drawing materials (graphite, charcoal, conte, etc.); the latter portion of the term will This course is a continuation of Units in this course will include: focus on non-traditional the Drawing class. Students Musical theater history, methods and materials and will move from observational Beginning Jazz, Beginning Tap, explore more contemporary drawing to more challenging and Beginning Ballet, Acting the conceptually based subject methods of drawing. Students song, Acting for a musical, and learn to draw from life as well as matter and content with each Group work. project. Traditional drawing from source material for materials are reinforced in reference and will have the
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This course will introduce students to the world of design as seen through the eyes of engineering and applied arts, building on students’ abilities in math and science while applying fundamental principles taken from the fields of engineering and art. The design process, (i.e. the process of applying creative skills in the development of a solution to a defined problem), will be presented via project-based instruction. The approach will reflect the present interdisciplinary one used by many leading design companies. Various methodologies used in the tandem with the introduction of ADVANCED PAINTING execution of this process will be non-traditional materials. Full-credit, graded course introduced, practiced and Students learn to effectively use • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII applied to actual problems. The the medium to create the course will have an emphasis on • Prerequisites: Painting desired end result. Regular hands-on learning, allowing • Semester course (offered critiques at this level will be an students to develop critical each semester), 0.5 credit integral part of the course. • Offered 2024-25; offered each thinking and problem-solving skills. The students will learn to Semester of odd-numbered PAINTING collaborate, innovate, and graduation years. Full-credit, graded course communicate. Special emphasis • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII This course is a continuation of will be put on how to express ideas to others through both two • Prerequisites: None the principles covered in -dimensional representations • Semester course (offered Painting. More concentration (sketches, drawings) and threeeach semester), 0.5 credit and focus is directed at fewer, dimensional models. Students • Offered 2024-25; offered each longer projects. Students learn Semester of odd-numbered the importance of slowing down will create individual portfolios to graduation years. and mastering specific painting document the process, from techniques. Regular critiques at ideation phase to prototyping to This course is intended to build this level will be an integral part final product. The application of the design process to the worlds and develop an understanding of the course. of industrial design, product of color theory, drawing, and compositional skills through the DESIGN: THE INTERSECTION design, and the visual and fine arts will emphasize the use of traditional painting OF ART AND ENGINEERING interdisciplinary nature of mediums. Controlled use of Full-credit, graded course, codesign. Additional activities in color palettes and introduction to listed science and art this course will include various painting techniques will departments discussions, guest speakers, be filtered into this course. • Open to students in Forms IX, class exercises, case studies, X, XI, XII off-site field trips, and student • Semester 1 course. 0.5 credit presentations. • Offered 2024-25; offered Semester 1 of odd-numbered graduation years Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 19
PHOTOGRAPHY ADVANCED PORTFOLIO ART Sculpture, or Advanced Full-credit, graded course Full-credit, graded course Portfolio Art) or have advanced experience • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; Offered each year equivalent to combinations of class size is limited; • Open to Forms X, XI and XII; the above; a portfolio of scheduling priority is given to this course may be taken artwork made during a Form XI and XII students. more than once, each time for student’s HS career (IX, X • Semester course; offered credit. and above) is a prerequisite each semester every year, 0.5 • Prerequisites: A combination for this course; departmental credit of CSG art coursework (may recommendation required. include 2 of the following: • Full year, 1 credit This course is an introduction to Drawing, Advanced Drawing, black and white film Painting, Advanced Painting, • No April practice examination is required in this course; a photography. Fundamentals of Photography, Advanced portfolio must be submitted to manual camera operation, film Photography, Ceramics, the College Board in May. developing, and printing in the Advanced Ceramics, Students participating in the darkroom are taught. Sculpture or Advanced May program will have to Assignments specific to basic Sculpture) or have advanced submit their portfolios in April design principles and experience equivalent to prior to the College Board fundamentals in art help the combinations of the above. deadline date. student develop her own style • Full year, 1 credit and way of seeing; critiques and class discussions aid the This course is for the highly self- This course is for the highly selfmotivated art student and student in grasping the unique motivated art student and demands significant time and qualities of this medium. demands significant time and production commitment. It is Students will be evaluated by a production commitment. It is designed to provide the same final edited portfolio of designed to help students benefits to secondary school developed and printed work. create a body of work that is students as those provided by representative of their strengths ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY in 2-D and/or 3-D art. Students an introductory college course. Students will pursue special Full-credit, graded course will pursue special creative problems in depth and will have creative problems in depth and • Open to Forms IX, X, XI XII; will prepare a portfolio scheduling priority is given to a completed portfolio by the end consisting of concentration of the school year. Form XI and XII students. work; the portfolio will be • Prerequisites: Photography I submitted and will go through a ADVANCED PLACEMENT • Semester 2 course; offered rigorous national committee ART AND DESIGN: every year, 0.5 credit review by the AP College DRAWING, 2-D DESIGN, OR Board. Students work closely 3-D DESIGN Advanced Photography builds with the art teacher to select the Full-credit, graded course upon the traditional skills and top quality work and may submit techniques learned in Offered each year work in one of the following Photography from the darkroom • Open to Forms XI and XII; this areas: Drawing, 2-D Design, or experience. Students will course may be taken more 3-D Design. alternate between using film than once, each time for and digital cameras and will credit. learn how Photoshop is used in • Prerequisites: A combination a variety of industries where of CSG art coursework (may photography may exist. This is include 3 of the following: an advanced, fast paced course Drawing, Advanced Drawing, where each project builds upon Painting, Advanced Painting, the previous one in complexity Photography, Advanced and intensity. Students will be Photography, Ceramics, evaluated by a final edited Advanced Ceramics, portfolio of printed work. Sculpture, Advanced
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DESIGN: THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND ENGINEERING Full-credit, graded course, colisted science and art departments • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit • Offered in 2024-25; offered on odd-numbered graduation years
interdisciplinary nature of design. Additional activities in this course will include discussions, guest speakers, class exercises, case studies, off-site field trips, and student presentations.
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR
This course will introduce students to the world of design CERAMICS Full-credit, graded course as seen through the eyes of engineering and applied arts, • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; building on students’ abilities in class size is limited to 16 math and science while applying students. fundamental principles taken • Semester course (offered from the fields of engineering each semester), 0.5 credit and art. The design process, • Offered in 2025-26; offered (i.e. the process of applying each Semester of evencreative skills in the numbered graduation years. development of a solution to a defined problem), will be This course explores clay presented via project-based through traditional wheel instruction. The approach will throwing and handbuilding. The reflect the present beginning of the semester interdisciplinary one used by focuses on throwing on the many leading design wheel, glazing, and firing companies. Various techniques; the latter part of the methodologies used in the semester focuses on hand execution of this process will be building. introduced, practiced and applied to actual problems. The ADVANCED CERAMICS course will have an emphasis on Full-credit, graded course hands-on learning, allowing • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII, students to develop critical class size is limited to 16 thinking and problem-solving students. skills. The students will learn to • Prerequisites: Ceramics collaborate, innovate, and • Semester course (offered communicate. Special emphasis each semester), 0.5 credit will be put on how to express • Offered in 2025-26; offered ideas to others through both two each Semester of even-dimensional representations numbered graduation years. (sketches, drawings) and threedimensional models. Students This course is a continuation of will create individual portfolios to the techniques covered in document the process, from Ceramics. Development of hand ideation phase to prototyping to building and wheel throwing final product. The application of skills are further enhanced in the design process to the worlds this course. Students learn how of industrial design, product to create more complex forms design, and the visual and fine and expand their learning to arts will emphasize the
explore more conceptual ways to develop their skills and craft. Regular critiques at this level will be an integral part of the course. SCULPTURE Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit • Offered in 2025-26; offered each Semester of evennumbered graduation years.
The study and application of design principles and a variety of materials to create threedimensional works form the foundation of this course. Students explore reductive and additive sculpting methods through the use of media such as clay, cardboard, fibers, found objects, as well as nontraditional materials. Students will learn how to critique 3Dimensional works with a critical eye and understanding of art terminology. ADVANCED SCULPTURE Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Sculpture • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit • Offered in 2025-26; offered each Semester of evennumbered graduation years. This course is a continuation of the principles covered in Sculpture. Advanced sculpture students will work to further develop their skills within the medium they choose (clay, wire, found objects, etc.) and will be challenged to create more complex and conceptual works. Regular critiques at this level will be an integral part of the course.
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Health & Physical Education
HEALTH
sexuality, and certification in Health and Wellness 11 First Aid and CPR through the discusses topics of concern specific to high school and The Health curriculum provides American Red Cross. This course will also focus on college-bound women. The each student with the skills and nutrition and individual fitness. objective is to equip students knowledge to make informed with the knowledge and skills healthy choices about personal This course will increase a student’s awareness of necessary to make intelligent wellness and lifestyle. cardiovascular fitness and decisions on matters pertaining movement through a variety of to personal and community activities including, but not health. This course offers HEALTH AND WELLNESS 9 limited to yoga, strength training, multiple speakers on different Full credit, graded course and circuit training. health-related topics, human • Required of all students in sexuality, and comprehension of Form IX the law related to drugs and HEALTH AND WELLNESS 11 • Offered both semesters, 0.5 alcohol. Recertification through Full credit, graded course credit the American Red Cross, stress • Required of all students in management and depression, Form XI An introduction to personal breast cancer, growth and • Prerequisites: Successful wellness, this course development, body image and completion of Health and emphasizes responsible eating disorders, and nutrition Wellness decision-making, a life free of are also covered throughout the • Offered both semesters, 0.5 drugs, alcohol, and tobacco course. The self-defense credit abuse, cancer research, mental portion of the course focuses on health, issues relating to human the importance of self
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awareness in addition to one semester plus one other PHYSICAL physical opportunities. It will elective PE course- this EDUCATION help students develop safety course may be taken more techniques using their voices as than once, each time for credit The Upper School Physical well as physical capabilities in • Semester 1 only, 0.35 credit Education curriculum real-world situations. emphasizes understanding the The course provides a number HEALTH AND WELLNESS 12 importance of leading physically of options for students to active lifestyles and creating improve their flexibility, strength, Partial-credit, pass/fail opportunities for students to and cardiovascular fitness. • Required of all students in take ownership of their personal Possible class activities include Form XII fitness and physical activity. The yoga, circuit training, Zumba, • Semester 2 course, 0.17 overall goal of the program is to HIIT, and weight lifting. Students credit develop young women who not enrolled in the course may • Meets once/rotation have the knowledge, skills, and participate on a drop-in basis if confidence to enjoy a lifetime of their schedule and class space The objective of this course is to healthful physical activities. permit. The objective of this give students an opportunity to course is to promote lifelong discuss wellness topics within Students are required to physical fitness and wellness. the framework of their upcoming complete one of the following transition to college life. Topics options for graduation: will include relevant information • Interscholastic Athlete Option STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING that pertains to multiple aspects (see page 24) Partial-credit, pass/fail, elective of wellness; physical, social • Academic Option: Two course emotional, mental, risk semesters of physical • Open to all students reduction, safety, etc. With a education courses during • Semester 2 only, Tuesday & combination of speakers, class Upper School Thursday morning 7:00-8:00 discussions, and opportunities AM, 0.35 PE credits to ask questions in a safe CARDIO, FLEXIBILITY, & space, students will grow in their STRENGTH: WELLNESS This course provides students knowledge and understanding REVOLUTION with an opportunity to participate allowing them to make healthy Partial credit, pass/fail in physical education with a informed decisions while living • Required of all IX and/or X more specific focus on strength independently through college students in the Academic and conditioning. Each class and beyond. Physical Education Program, will include the following: one semester each year OR consistent dynamic warm up,
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class specific warm up, focus INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETE • Selection to any lift/skill/concept of the day, PROGRAM interscholastic team will No credit, non-graded workout of the day, cool down. require that student-athletes The objective for this course is (successful completion waives meet appropriate team to expose students proper lead certain PE requirements) standards in order to be a ups, technique, and cues for member of that team. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII many different skills, lifts, and • Prerequisites: None movements within Olympic • A student-athlete must attend • No credit* is awarded for Lifting, general strength, HIIT, all team practices, athletic team participation. and conditioning, how to create • One CSG US sports season competitions, and team a workout, and create a level of events, beginning with the each of 4 years understanding that is conducive sport’s official start date set by with independent weight room the Ohio High School Athletic This policy is intended to free use in their personal Association (even if this date time for additional academic lives. Strength & Conditioning is scheduling during the school is prior to the opening of a pass/fail course that meets school in the fall) and day for committed before school on Tuesdays and interscholastic sport studentcontinuing through all postThursdays from 7-8 AM during season play. This may also athletes. Student-athletes Semester 2 of the 24-25 school meeting the requirements of this include events held over year. school holidays. policy will not receive a grade or academic credit for • Each student-athlete is WATER SAFETY interscholastic athletics; responsible for remaining Partial-credit, pass/fail, elective however, grades and academic academically eligible course credit will be awarded for Health throughout the sports season. & Wellness 9 and Health & • Open to all students If at any time a student-athlete • Semester 2 only, 0.35 credits Wellness 11 . Successful does not meet the criteria set completion of the applicable forth above, they will be Interscholastic Athlete Program This course will allow students required to make up the to develop comfort in the water, option fulfills the graduation appropriate coursework. It is improve swimming strokes, and requirement regardless of the the student’s responsibility to total number of credits earned. review safety guidelines when contact the US Scheduler and involved in water activities, PE/Health Department Chair including boating safety and Participation in an to make any necessary personal safety techniques. interscholastic sports season schedule changes. Water Safety is a graded course means the following: that meets two times each sixday rotation. 2024-2025 Interscholastic *An Off-site Athlete option Sports Seasons: is available by request if certain requirements are • Fall (Golf, Cross Country, met. Interested students will Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, be required to get approval Volleyball): Thursday August from the PE & Health 1, 2024 – Postseason Department Chair during the scheduling process in order • Winter (Basketball and Swim to be considered. & Dive): Friday October 25, 2024 – Postseason • Spring (Lacrosse and Track &
Field): Monday February 24, 2025 – Postseason
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History
Our history curriculum introduces students to the breadth and depth of the human experience by a comparative study of past and contemporary societies and cultures and provides the foundation for them, as historians, to offer
complex causal explanations of human events and processes and to challenge simplistic assumptions. Secondly, we develop students’ ability to conduct research, analyze and assess conflicting information and evidence, and articulate
sound conclusions both orally and in writing. Particular attention is given to the skills necessary to develop a critical understanding of the diversity of global cultures and contemporary global issues.
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WORLD HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Required of all Form IX students • Full year, 1 credit This course introduces Upper School students to the foundations of historical inquiry and analysis by focusing on world regional geography and world history. Discussions of primary and secondary sources lay the foundation for historical and geopolitical analysis of civilizations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The course offerings are arranged thematically with emphasis placed on analytical essays and creative exercises in logic. HONORS WORLD HISTORY DESIGNATION Full-credit, graded course • Prerequisites: Recommendation of the Middle School faculty Students may declare an Honors designation that will require them to complete a semester-long research project in addition to regular class assignments. It will require meetings with the instructor and school librarian outside of class time and will culminate in a presentation of their research at the end of the semester. Fall Offerings (0.5 credit): Science and Technology- This course explores the role of science and technology in World history. Students will study how breakthroughs in scientific knowledge and technological innovations changed how past societies understood the world around them, influenced global
politics, and affected local perspective about cultures. Themes will include contemporary events in a the production of scientific political, economic, and knowledge and its practical social framework. application, the influence of culture on the production of Comparative Government and scientific and technological Politics- This course will knowledge, and the provide students the globalization of scientific and opportunity to examine the technological authority and political institutions and practices. processes of a number of different countries, including but not limited to China, Iran, World Religion- This course Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and will provide an overview of the United Kingdom—and the major religions of the compare the ways they world, including but not address problems. Students limited to Hinduism, will be asked to analyze data Buddhism, Judaism, and readings to draw Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, conclusions about political and Jainism. Students will systems. Students will be study the historical asked to consider if certain development and core forms of government are beliefs of each religion, as more effective than others well as their impact on and how those styles of culture, politics, and society. government impact an The course will also examine individual country and how the diversity within each the countries of the world religion and the interactions interact with one another. and influences between different religious traditions. The objective of this course UNITED STATES is to promote understanding GOVERNMENT AND and appreciation of the POLITICS complexity and diversity of Full-credit, graded course religious traditions around • Required of all students in the world and its influence on Form X who do not enroll in human history. AP US Government and Politics Spring Offerings (0.5 credit): • Full year, 1 credit • Students may not earn credit The 20th and 21st Centuriesin both United States This course will focus on the Government and Politics and major turning points that AP United States Government shaped the contemporary and Politics. world from World War One to the global interdependence This course pursues a thematic of today. Topics include the approach to the political and rise of totalitarian social responsibilities required governments, the search for by residence in a nation served stability and peace, and 20th by a democratic constitution and -century cultural trends. By tradition. Emphasis is placed on the end of this course, the development of critical students should be able to thinking skills necessary for develop a historical participation in social, civic, and
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political processes, recognition and consideration of moral dilemmas and ethical awareness, an appreciation of civic involvement and constructive social criticism, and the development of interpersonal skills necessary for the resolution of social conflicts. Students will study the primary documents of our democratic heritage with special emphasis on the Constitution as it relates to everyday situations, major Supreme Court decisions and a discerning analysis of civil liberties. ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form X who do not enroll in United States Government and Politics. • Prerequisites: Successful completion of World History or Honors World History with a grade of A- or better; departmental signature required; PSAT scores may also be considered. • Full year, 1 credit • Students may not earn credit in both United States Government and Politics and AP United States Government and Politics .
political parties, interest groups, mass media, and civil rights and liberties. We will also explore a wide variety of topics through current event discussions, primarily focusing on governmental policies and their political bias, bureaucratic reform, and the relationships between citizens and government institutions. Students will be prepared to take the AP United States Government and Politics exam in May. Summer work may be required for this course. UNITED STATES HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form XI who do not enroll in AP United States History • Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States Government and Politics or AP US Government and Politics • Full year, 1 credit
reflective, independent thinking. Current events play a role in the daily life of this class. ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form XI not enrolled in United States History. • Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States Government and Politics or AP US Government and Politics with a grade of A- or better; PSAT scores may also be considered. • Full year, 1 credit
AP United States History surveys, in greater depth, the evolution of our country's history from the colonial era to the present. This course seeks to define who we are as a nation, what we believe in, and why we are as we are. The course concentrates on the following major topics: colonialism, revolution, nationalism, United States History surveys sectionalism, isolationism, the evolution of our country's imperialism, the role of women history from the colonial era to the present. This course seeks and people of color in the growth of the nation, economic to define who we are as a nation, what we believe in, and change, and political development and reform. The why we are as we are. The class is student-centered and course concentrates on the oriented toward an open following major topics: discussion of the challenges colonialism, revolution, facing the United States. nationalism, sectionalism, Independent research and isolationism, imperialism, the cooperative learning projects role of women and people of Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics color in the growth of the nation, are an integral part of the economic change, and political course. Numerous opportunities will give students an analytical are provided to encourage development and reform. The perspective on a variety of reflective, independent thinking. class is student-centered and topics, institutions, groups, Current events play a key role in beliefs, and ideas that constitute oriented toward an open the daily life of this class. political life in the United States. discussion of the challenges facing the United States. Topics of investigation include Students taking this level of Independent research and the underpinnings of United States History are cooperative learning projects constitutional government, the expected to work at a higher are an integral part of the structure of national political course. Numerous opportunities level and will be prepared to institutions, public policy, take the AP United States are provided to encourage political beliefs and behaviors, Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 27
History exam in May. Summer work may be required for this course.
Political Science is an elective ways in which movements course designed to acquaint engage with communities and students with both political governments. The course will theory and practical politics. To culminate in a research project THE PERSONAL AND THE that end, the course is divided in which students study and POLITICAL: GENDER AND into three subject areas: 1) evaluate a modern-day protest SEXUALITY IN AMERICAN Political theory 2) American movement and compare their HISTORY campaign politics 3) Foreign goals, methods, and protest Full-credit, graded course Policy formulation. Topics literature to a movement of the studied include democracy, past. • Open to Forms XI and XII • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit capitalism, Marxism, socialism, communism, fascism, liberalism ECONOMICS Full-credit, graded course This course places gender and and conservatism, revolution, imperialism, and civil sexuality at the center of • Open to Forms XI and XII disobedience. The class is historical inquiry and human • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit student-centered with experience. It examines the assignments that demand varied and changing attitudes This course aims to provide toward gender and sexuality that independent and creative students with theoretical have shaped institutions, ideas, thought. Political Science is underpinnings and functional oriented toward respectful, open and everyday interactions in a knowledge in economics, so discussion of different political range of historical settings. they may become informed Centrally, it explores the ways in experiences and viewpoints. consumers, producers, and which gender and sexuality citizens in today’s world. PROTEST AND POWER: have become so central to Economics is the study of how American identities, politics, and MAKING CHANGE IN individuals, businesses, and culture. Using both primary and AMERICA governments make decisions secondary sources, students will Full-credit, graded course about the use of scarce consider: How do gendered resources in a world of unlimited • Open to Forms XI and XII ideals for dress, appearance • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit wants and needs. This is done and behavior emerge among at both the microeconomic level different social groups and in and the macroeconomic level, In this course, students will different societies and historical grapple with one of the most both of which will be examined periods? What factors in detail. At the microeconomic prominent trends in modern contribute to the formation and history: protest. The primary level, students will investigate success of movements for and focus will be on movements for the smaller units of the economy against gender and sexual and individual firms and civil rights (beginning with equality and fluidity? In what markets. In macroeconomics, abolition), women’s rights, ways do gender and sexuality students will study the global workers’ rights, and antiwar relate to other forms of social movements in America. We pay economy and economics of difference such as class and nations and governments as particular attention to the race? Topics include gender they attempt to foster growth cultural production and ideologies, reproduction, and stability. Students will learn consumption of dissent as a censorship, sexual violence, how to think like an economist powerful voice of both queer identities, and legal individuals and movements, as and will be required to use and codes. apply tools (such as graphs, well as movements’ tables, statistics, & equations) to transnational contexts and their understanding of economic POLITICAL SCIENCE connections. Students will Full-credit, graded course examine protest literature, visual laws and principles. Finally, this sources, music, interviews with course will also require students • Open to Forms XI and XII • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit activists, and articles to engage to demonstrate understanding of the connections between with questions about what • Offered every four years economics and personal makes an effective protest during Semester 1 of oddfinancial decisions. movement, how to best make numbered graduation years change in the world, and the with presidential elections.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Open to Form XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States History or AP United States History with a grade of B+ or better, or successful completion of US Government and Politics or AP United States Government and Politics with a grade of B+ or better • Full year, 1 credit
the AP examination. Summer work may be required for this course. NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: CONTEMPORARY WORLD ISSUES Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Semester 2, 0.5 credit • Course may be capped at 18 based upon date of request; priority will be given to Form XII students.
WOMEN IN AMERICAN POLITICS Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: US Government and Politics or AP US Government and Politics • Semester course, 0.5 credit
This course examines women’s evolutionary role in American politics as citizens, activists, voters, and elected officials, from the early leaders of the Iroquois nation to suffragists like This course traces the history of Lucretia Mott to the first Black Europe from the Renaissance to This course will introduce Congresswoman Shirley the present day and builds upon students to global issues and Chisholm. Topics will include, institutions and the increased the student's knowledge of the but are not limited to: the ties between economics, narrative background politics, cultures, and societies. mobilization of women into established in World History. politics through the suffrage This class addresses the theme We will debate the benefits and movement and the modern detriments of organizations, of change in history and women’s movement; the role of emphasizes political revolutions actions, and policies. Through gender in shaping public opinion readings, class discussion, (English Civil War, French and electoral behavior; public Revolution, Revolutions of 1848, analytical and persuasive writing opinion and electoral behavior assignments, projects, and Russian Revolution, etc.), the debate, students will learn how on gender issues; women’s social impact of economic governments and organizations activities within the political conditions (Industrial parties; the experience of work together to shape Revolution), intellectual response to global issues such women candidates and movements (Humanism, officeholders; and policymaking as terrorism, poverty, Scientific Revolution, and on gender issues. Through environmental change, trade, Enlightenment), and artistic extensive readings, analysis of and more. Texts will include schools (Romantics, Cubists, primary sources, class Surrealists, etc.). Major themes scholarly articles and film and discussions, conversations with will draw from the fields of that have influenced our female politicians, and individual history, science, politics, contemporary world are research, students will learn economics, geography, and developed and historically about women’s historical sociology. traced: nationalism, liberalism, contributions as well as the conservatism, industrialism, present-day opportunities and Students will write position internationalism, imperialism, obstacles for female candidates and socialism. Emphasis in this papers and textual analyses; and female politicians. By the course is placed upon a critical they will also present their research on a variety of current end of this course, students will and sophisticated analysis of understand the visible and primary and secondary historical international issues with special invisible roles women played in sources, a personal definition of consideration to historical understanding. It is the intent of American political history, human nature, and an concepts of gender, sex, and this class to provide a appreciation of the competing power, the gendered decisions discriminating perspective to forces of history. There is international problem solving in of candidates, the roots of considerable supplementary women’s underrepresentation, hopes of promoting tolerance reading on particular themes and the structural barriers that and an appreciation of cultural that are examined in depth. prevent women and minorities diversity and interconnection. Students are prepared to take from running for office. Students Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 29
will also consider possibilities for discussion, and the written healthcare, the social position of their own engagement in the articulation of considered views. medical practitioners, and the political sphere by evaluating Assignments are meant to be importance of science and potential solutions to women’s exploratory, introspective, technology in Americans’ daily underrepresentation, applying interactive, creative, and lives. The course begins with a empirical evidence to assess motivated by or relevant to study of the evolving campaigns and elections, as students' own philosophical understandings of medical well as draw connections questions. The goal is that by theory and the between political theories and engaging with the past, each professionalization of medicine. hands-on learning experiences. other, and themselves in this It next focuses on the way, students will have a development of American public foundation for investigating the health, particularly the laws and PHILOSOPHY existential, moral, and political institutions aimed at promoting a Full-credit, graded course issues that confront them daily. healthy society and the ways in • Open to Forms XI and XII which public health intersects • Semester course, 0.5 credit with communities and FROM HUMORS TO individuals. Lastly, the course HOSPITALS: A HISTORY OF This course is an introduction to concludes with several case AMERICAN MEDICINE the discipline and tradition of studies related to medicine and philosophy. Students will study Full-credit, graded course ethics. Events such as the and discuss argumentative • Open to Forms XI and XII structure, epistemology, the • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit eighteenth-century smallpox inoculation debates, the J. good life, metaphysics, the Marion Sims gynecological existence of God, ethics, This semester-long course experiments on enslaved political justice, and bioethics. examines the evolution of the Readings come from a range of American medical system from women, the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, government and philosophers throughout world colonial times through the social reactions to the HIV/AIDS civilization (ancient and modern, present. Using a variety of western and eastern) as well as primary and secondary sources, epidemic, and the Buck v. Bell novels relevant to topics at students will explore the ways in Supreme Court case will be studied and debated in detail. hand. The course is studentwhich the overarching directed with an emphasis on transformations of American analysis, self-reflection, history affected the delivery of
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Independent Studies
Partial-credit, pass/fail course • Open to all students; this course may be taken more than once, each time for credit. • Prerequisites: Instructor’s agreement required, common time availability. • Semester (offered each semester) or full-year course, 0.2 credits per semester. • Meets 1 or 2 times a rotation based on the discretion of the instructor. • Credit earned does not satisfy departmental graduation requirements. • This course is scheduled at the beginning of the academic year with the student’s Independent
Studies advisor.
An independent study offers the student an opportunity to design a project in an area of interest to her. Upon the start of the academic year (or Semester 2 if the work is limited to that semester), the student must complete an Independent Study Contract. The student meets with a teacher on a regular basis for guidance and evaluation, but the majority of the time is spent in independent work. Meeting times will be arranged between the student and the faculty member once the school year begins. Students should plan to spend the equivalent of three periods per rotation on an independent study project. At least one period per rotation will be formally scheduled with the independent study teacher. The final project is generated by the student and requires approval by the teacher. Independent projects are graded on a pass/fail basis and earn 0.2 credit per semester. Credit earned does not satisfy any departmental graduation requirement. Neither required courses nor curricular requirements will be displaced by an independent study project.
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Mathematics
The mathematics department is committed to a core college preparatory curriculum that reflects the mandates set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for Teaching Mathematics." Mathematics must be ever-developing so that students continually expand their understanding of mathematical concepts in both breadth and depth as they progress through middle school and upper school. We strive to maintain a balance between skills and concepts, the concrete and the abstract, intuition and formalism, structure and problem solving, and induction and deduction. The goals of the mathematics department are that all students learn to value mathematics; to apply mathematical techniques confidently, skillfully, and accurately; to reason mathematically; to become effective mathematical problem-solvers; to communicate mathematically; and to become efficient users of modern technology. Students are encouraged to seek out and to accept appropriate challenges as they pursue their mathematics education.
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ALGEBRA I Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form IX who did not complete Algebra I in Middle School. • Prerequisites: successful completion of Foundations in Algebra IA or equivalent course at another school • Full year, 1 credit • Technology required: TI-84+
dimensional geometry are integrated with plane geometry throughout the course.
Honors Algebra II is an in-depth course in which the student continues the study of algebra. The course content commences with a review of Algebra I topics HONORS GEOMETRY and progresses to include a Full-credit, graded course study of the irrational and • Open to Forms IX and X complex numbers, quadratic • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I with a equations and functions, equations and numerical grade of A- or better; PSAT methods, polynomial functions, scores may also be rational expressions and considered. equations, probability, and Algebra 1 is the critical element • Full year, 1 credit trigonometry. Students in in secondary mathematics • Technology required: TI-84+ Honors Algebra II spend education. Topics introduced in significant time investigating the Algebra 1 provide the foundation The content of Honors students require for future Geometry is similar to Geometry graphs of functions and transformation of functions. success in high school but emphasizes formal proofs Graphing technology plays an mathematics, critical thinking, and constructions. integral role in the learning of and problem solving. The mathematics in this course. primary goal in Algebra 1 is to ALGEBRA II help students transfer their Full-credit, graded course ADVANCED STATISTICS • Open to Forms X and XI Full-credit, graded course concrete mathematical • Prerequisites: Completion of knowledge to more abstract • Open to Forms X, XI, XII Geometry or concurrent algebraic generalizations. • Prerequisites: Successful enrollment in Geometry with Topics include: functions, linear completion of Algebra II. If a teacher recommendation equations and inequalities, student is planning on taking • Full year, 1 credit systems of equations and Precalculus, this course can • Technology required: TI-84+ inequalities, exponents and only be taken concurrently radicals, polynomials, and with or after Precalculus; this Algebra II is a continuation of quadratic functions and course cannot be taken before the study of algebra. Topics equations. or instead of Precalculus. covered are a review of Algebra • Full year, 1 credit I, linear equations, quadratic GEOMETRY • Technology required: TI-84+ equations, factoring, polynomial Full-credit, graded course functions, graphing using Advanced Statistics provides • Open to Forms IX and X transformations, irrational and students opportunities to • Prerequisites: Successful complex numbers, probability, understand, collect, and completion of Algebra I trigonometry, and rational interpret data in order to • Full year, 1 credit expressions and equations. address globally and locally • Technology required: TI-84+ relevant issues. After HONORS ALGEBRA II establishing a basic The content of Geometry Full-credit, graded course understanding of randomness includes a strong emphasis on and probability, students will use the basic concepts of Euclidean • Open to Forms IX, X, XI various inferential statistical • Prerequisites: Successful Geometry and the development tests, graphing techniques, and completion of Geometry with a of logical reasoning, including numerical methods to analyze grade of A- or concurrent the formal method of proof. data sets and predict future enrollment in Geometry with Students study triangles and trends. Students will teacher recommendation; triangle relationships, demonstrate their skills and PSAT scores may also be quadrilaterals, similarity, right growth through multiple projects considered. triangle trigonometry, circles, throughout the year, including • Full year, 1 credit area and volume. Concepts of opportunities to engage with • Technology required: TI-84+ coordinate geometry and threeUpper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 33
large publicly available data sets quizzes. Students who enroll in course culminates in a rigorous (such as from the U.S. Census this course will traditionally enter introduction to limits, continuity, or World Health Organization) into Advanced Statistics, Linear and derivatives. and chances to use Algebra, or Discrete experimental design to properly Mathematics. ADVANCED PLACEMENT gather their own data to make CALCULUS AB conclusions. The course will HONORS PRECALCULUS AB Full-credit, graded course culminate with students taking a Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII deep dive into an issue, • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful problem, or phenomenon of • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Precalculus and interest by developing the completion of Honors Algebra the recommendation of the methodology and statistical II with a grade of B- or Upper School faculty. analyses necessary to answer successful completion of • Full year, 1 credit their questions and provide Algebra II with a grade of A- or • Technology required: TI-84+ mathematically grounded completion of Advanced conclusions and solutions. Quantitative Reasoning; PSAT This course consists of a full Students will present the results scores may also be academic year of work in of their research to peers and considered. calculus that is comparable to faculty at the annual CSG STEM • Full year, 1 credit courses in colleges and Research Symposium and/or via • Technology required: TI-84+ universities and prepares publication in Sisters in STEM. students for the AP Calculus AB In addition to the topics covered examination. Centered on the PRECALCULUS in Precalculus, this course more themes of derivatives, integrals, Full-credit, graded course deeply investigates limits, approximation, and trigonometric identities and applications and modeling, this • Open to Forms X, XI, XII applications of trigonometric course is primarily concerned • Prerequisites: Successful functions. Additional topics with developing the students’ completion of Algebra II include vectors, parametric understanding of the concepts • Full year, 1 credit functions, and polar coordinates of calculus and providing • Technology required: TI-84+ and graphs. The course experience with its methods and various interdisciplinary This course takes a conceptual includes an introduction to the study of limits in preparation for applications. It emphasizes a and analytical approach to AP Calculus AB. multi-representational approach concepts in precalculus to calculus, with concepts, necessary for the study of HONORS PRECALCULUS BC results, and problems expressed college-level mathematics Full-credit, graded course geometrically, numerically, courses. The study of analytically, and verbally. precalculus builds and deepens • Open to Forms X, XI, XII students' conceptual • Prerequisites: Completion of understanding of function. Honors Algebra II with a grade ADVANCED PLACEMENT Particular emphasis is placed on of A-; PSAT scores may also CALCULUS BC polynomial, rational, Full-credit, graded course be considered. exponential, logarithmic, • Full year, 1 credit • Open to Forms X, XI, XII trigonometric, inverse, absolute • Technology required: TI-84+ • Prerequisites: Successful value, and piecewise functions, completion of Precalculus/ each of which is explored in a In addition to the topics covered Calculus A or AP Calculus AB variety of ways: graphical, in Precalculus, this course more and the recommendation of analytical, and using technology. deeply investigates the Upper School faculty. Additional topics include an trigonometric identities and • Full year, 1 credit introduction to sequences, applications of trigonometric • Technology required: TI-84+ series, trigonometric identities, functions. Additional topics and equations. A variety of include vectors, parametric Through a multi-representational assessment methods are used functions, and polar coordinates approach to calculus, with to capture understanding such and graphs. In preparation to concepts, results, and as projects, tests, and take AP Calculus BC, this problems expressed in
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geometric, tabular, numerical, DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: analytic and verbal form, this A SURVEY COURSE course prepares students for the Full-credit, graded course AP Calculus BC examination. • Open to Forms XI and XII Students are expected to work • Prerequisites: Successful both together and independently completion of AP Calculus BC to apply, to synthesize and to • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit articulate their understanding of • Technology required: TI-84+ the interconnectedness of the • Offered in 2024-25; offered on various mathematical topics to odd-numbered graduation which they have been years. introduced over the years. Students begin by This course is a study of the exploring the concepts of basic concepts and methods for derivatives of functions and solving ordinary differential relations; including parametric, equations. Topics include slope vector-defined and polar fields; separable, linear, exact, functions; and their applications, Bernoulli, and homogeneous and proceed to working with first order equations; definite and indefinite integrals homogeneous and (including improper integrals) nonhomogeneous second and with applications, differential higher order linear equations; equations and mathematical Laplace transforms; series modeling, and concludes with a solutions; and numerical study of sequences and methods. Applications to series. physical sciences and
ABSTRACT ALGEBRA THEORY Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit • Offered in 2024-25; offered on odd-numbered graduation years.
engineering are highlighted.
DISCRETE MATHEMATICS Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II. • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit • Technology required: TI-84+ • Offered in 2024-25; offered on odd-numbered graduation years.
Looking to study topics such as logical reasoning, graph theory, tree diagrams, as well as combinatorics and probability, discrete math focuses on the integers and their applications. This class is designed to challenge students to think mathematically and apply their logical reasoning to real world problems. This elective is open to all students who have finished Algebra II or equivalent.
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS: A SURVEY COURSE Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP Calculus BC • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit • Technology required: TI-84+ • Offered in 2025-2026, offered on even-numbered graduation years
This semester course follows AP Calculus BC and is an introduction to multivariable calculus. It is designed to be a college level course in terms of both its content and rigor. Applications to science and engineering will be highlighted Topics covered in this course Have you ever wondered how to throughout the course, and include basic number theory, find the shortest route from point computer technology will be congruence and congruence A to point B on a map? What is used to help students visualize classes, modular arithmetic, ring the least amount of colors the three-dimensional problems. theory, arithmetic in F[X], needed to color a map? How The course content includes congruence in F[X], and group does a post really go viral? vector-valued functions, theory. Possible additional Looked into how many different functions of several variables, topics include public-key ways you can deal 5 cards out partial derivatives, directional cryptography, geometric of a standard 52 card deck? derivatives, gradients, extrema, construction, algebraic coding Discrete Mathematics provides multiple integrals, line integrals, theory, and field extensions. an opportunity to dive deeper Green’s Theorem, parametric into the logic and problem surfaces, Divergence Theorem, solving of our traditional and Stokes Theorem. mathematics curriculum. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 35
MATHEMATICS’ GREAT THEOREMS Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit • Technology required: TI-84+ • Offered in 2025-2026, offered on even-numbered graduation years
infighting, jealousy, and This semester course is a sabotage that nearly undid rigorous introduction to the many of them. Through this study of linear systems through exploration of the major the use of matrix algebra. It theorems of math, students will provides the mathematical grow to appreciate the content necessary for foundation upon which their application to college-level study of math has been built, as science and engineering well as understand that their classes. The course content own mathematical thinking includes systems of linear exists in a social context of other equations, matrices, contemporary thinkers and that determinants, vector space, there are many mathematical coordinate systems and bases, questions that remain linear transformations, In this course, students will eigenvalues, eigenvectors, inner spend time exploring, critiquing, unanswered. Students will use the theorems studied as product and orthogonality, and interpreting the evidence to explore the orthogonal matrices, geometric mathematical arguments used unanswered question of whether and real-world applications. to prove the great theorems that mathematics is created or have guided mathematical thinking for thousands of years. discovered. Focusing on algebraic proofs LINEAR ALGEBRA and using only the math available to the original authors CONCEPTS at the time they were written, we Full-credit, graded course will learn the impact of those • Open to Forms XI and XII theorems on mathematics, • Prerequisites: Successful science, society, and politics. completion of or concurrent This course will also expose enrollment in Precalculus students to a diverse group of • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit individuals who developed the • Technology required: TI-84+ proofs of the theorems and the • Offered in 2025-2026, offered social milieu in which they lived on even-numbered graduation and worked, including the years
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Publications
NEWSPAPER (Silhouette) Newspaper Workshop (Editors) Partial-credit, graded • Requires submission of an application, writing and pagelayout samples, and approval and signature of the faculty advisor. • Open to XI and XII • Full year, 0.4 credits
using InDesign to lay out pages. Each student will have an active role in the publication along with instruction in journalistic writing.
Topknot. Activities include digital layout design online, digital photo editing and cropping, and copywriting to prepare materials for use by a publishing company. Students interested in taking pictures for YEARBOOK (Topknot) the yearbook are encouraged to Yearbook Workshop (Editors) sign up for the class but may still contribute to the publication if Partial-credit, graded this class will not fit into their • Prerequisites: Approval and schedules. signature of faculty advisor. Completion of at least one semester as Staff. • Open to XI and XII • Full year, 0.4 credits
Newspaper Workshop (Staff) Partial-credit, pass/fail • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; this course may be taken more than once, each time for Yearbook Workshop (Staff) Partial-credit, pass/fail credit. • May be taken one or two • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; semesters, 0.2 credits per this course may be taken semester more than once, each time for credit. This workshop gives students • Full year, 0.4 credits an opportunity to participate in the publication of the Columbus This workshop affords students School for Girls newspaper, an opportunity to participate in Silhouette. Activities include the publication of the Columbus writing and editing articles and School for Girls yearbook,
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Science
We believe that science is everywhere and for everyone. We want all students to discover that they are scientists: confident, curious, and capable of analytical and critical thinking.
We offer students the opportunity to explore a wide range of scientific disciplines and time to engage in the practices of scientists and engineers. We guide students of all ages to approach the world with wonder and curiosity. Students will develop the confidence to analyze and solve real-world problems, and present evidence for their thinking.
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BIOLOGY Full-credit, graded course • Required of Form IX students • Full year, 1 credit
asked to show mastery of additional precision, accuracy and methodology writing components for each completed laboratory experience in the Biology This course is designed to coursework each semester. develop understanding of the essentials of living systems at a These skills will be specifically assessed in the chosen variety of scales, from measurement tools used in biochemical reactions and investigations and the reporting cellular metabolism to evolutionary biology and global of data collected in order to ecology. Emphasis is placed on confidently support a claim in an investigation. Finally, students connecting new knowledge to who earn an Honors credit will past work in science classes also need to complete a and on connecting biology to their own lives. Classwork takes separate and additional midterm and final assessment in addition many forms, including lecture, to showing proficiency in their video, student presentations, independent work and modeling, and laboratory experiments and simulations. All laboratory methodology writing. It is important to note that laboratory work includes safe use of materials and appropriate students choosing to participate laboratory techniques. Students in this pathway will need to earn will also use the course content, proficiency in Honors Biology assessments in the fall experiences, and textbook to develop study and organization semester in order to continue into the spring semester. skills essential to academic success in science and beyond. ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY HONORS BIOLOGY Full-credit, graded course DESIGNATION Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: Successful • Prerequisites: completion of Biology or Recommendation of Middle Honors Biology (grade School faculty average of B+ or better) and Chemistry or Honors All students who are enrolled in Chemistry; PSAT verbal Biology have an opportunity to scores may be considered. earn an honors designation in • Full year, 1 credit Biology. Students choosing this • A final graded assessment is option desire to master required; taken during an individual presentation skills, academic day, it will count as and gain deeper understanding a CSG Semester 2 exam or a of course content by conducting major portion of the student’s independent research partnered semester grade. with a full class presentation This is a college-level survey each semester. Additionally, students in the Honors Biology course that prepares students for the AP Biology examination. pathway are curious, creative and detailed thinkers who enjoy Major areas of study are centered around four Big Ideas: and thrive in the laboratory 1) the process of evolution setting. Those choosing the drives diversity and unity of life; Honors Biology option will be
2) biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis; 3) living systems receive, transmit, and respond to information; and 4) biological systems interact. This fast-paced course has a significant laboratory component with long- and short-term experiments, allowing students to develop scientific research skills and present their results through papers, poster sessions, and discussion. Students will also be guided as they read professional scientific papers and relate them to their own experimental work. Summer work may be required. CHEMISTRY Full-credit, graded course • Required of Form X students not enrolled in Honors Chemistry • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology or Honors Biology • Full year, 1 credit Chemistry is a laboratory and inquiry-based course. This course covers the major concepts of chemistry, placing more emphasis on the fundamentals of chemistry and how they impact our daily lives and less emphasis on the mathematics of chemistry that is taught in Honors Chemistry. In addition, students master scientific skills including observation, data collection, hypotheses and predictions, and synthesis skills to make and support scientific claims. Each unit in Chemistry includes laboratory exercises, problembased group activities, assessments and regular class checks for understanding. Students will learn through class lectures, labs, activities and
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independent work that includes ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I explored through application of digital and print media, Full-credit, graded course thermodynamics and kinetics. interactive digital media giving The predominance of • Prerequisites: Successful students the ability to explore substitution vs. elimination completion of Chemistry or different styles of learning. This mechanics in certain reactions Honors Chemistry course fulfills the prerequisite for • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit will be investigated. Basic AP Biology and Organic discussions around alkanes will Chemistry. expand to include alkenes and This course provides a conceptually-based treatment of alkynes and addition reactions in which they are involved. HONORS CHEMISTRY the fundamentals of organic Full-credit, graded course chemistry and serves as a good General reactions with functional groups will also be introduction to basic principles • Required of Form X students covered. for students interested in the not enrolled in Chemistry medical, dental, and • Prerequisites: pharmaceutical fields. Students ADVANCED PLACEMENT Recommendation of Biology CHEMISTRY will cover concepts of naming teacher; PSAT math scores Full-credit, graded course compounds, basic molecular may also be considered. structure and geometry, organic • Full year, 1 credit • Prerequisites: Successful functional groups, structural and completion of Honors stereoisomers, and basic The emphasis of this course is Chemistry with a grade organic chemical reactions. We on the experimental approach average of A- or better; PSAT will also discuss analysis of and the development of unifying math scores may also be organic compounds by concepts. Understanding and considered. interpreting infrared and nuclear • Full year, 1 credit application of chemical magnetic resonance principles is stressed while • A final assessment is spectroscopy as well as mass memorization of factual material required; taken during an spectrometry. The laboratory is minimized. Concepts academic day in April, it will discussed are generally related component will look at count as a major portion of the separation and analysis of to laboratory experiences or to student’s semester grade organic compounds in a demonstrations. Topics include: mixture. Students who have laboratory techniques, This is a college-level course taken any general chemistry quantitative problem-solving that follows the Advanced course will be prepared, though strategies, chemical formulas Placement curriculum set forth a strong knowledge of structures by the College Board. Major and equations, stoichiometry of compounds and 3and the mole concept, atomic topics covered in the course are structure, the periodic law, bond dimensional geometries is the electromagnetic spectrum, essential. formation and molecular chemical bonding and geometry, kinetic theory and gas geometries, intermolecular laws, enthalpy and entropy, ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II attraction, stoichiometric chemical kinetics, solutions, relationships, chemical reactions Full-credit, graded course equilibria, acid- base theories, and trends, gas laws, solutions, • Prerequisites: Successful oxidation-reduction, chemical equilibria, solubility, completion of Organic electrochemistry, and the chemical kinetics, acid-base Chemistry I important role of chemistry in • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit chemistry, oxidation-reduction, our society. Classroom methods electrochemistry, and basic include demonstrations, organic chemistry. An emphasis This course provides a discussions, small group conceptually-based treatment of is placed on critical analysis, problem-solving exercises, and the fundamentals of organic laboratory procedures, and lectures. Online computer links chemistry and builds off of basic technology in science. are available for drill and principles presented in Organic Laboratory material reinforces enrichment. Students enrolling Chemistry I. Continuing with the the principles and concepts in this class should have a high concepts introduced and covered in the lecture class. comfort level with Algebra I. developed in the first semester, Textbook and laboratory mechanisms of reactions will be examples will be covered in
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preparation for the Advanced Placement Chemistry examination. The course is a “gradeless” course that emphasizes skill-building and understanding of concepts over accumulation of points. A student/teacher meeting at the end of each semester will be held in order to determine the grade that is submitted for the student’s transcript.
HONORS PHYSICS Full-credit, graded course • Required of Form XI students not enrolled in Physics • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry; concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of Precalculus; PSAT math scores may be considered. • Full year, 1 credit
PHYSICS MEETS ENGINEERING: ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM, AND CIRCUITS Full-credit, graded course • Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of Precalculus • Semester course, offered in both semesters, 0.5 credit
In this course students will embark on an exploration of electricity, magnetism, and PHYSICS Honors Physics challenges the circuits, and how they are Full-credit, graded course student both to conceptualize applied in electromagnetic • Required of Form XI students and to resolve problems in devices to improve our everyday not enrolled in Honors Physics Newtonian mechanics and lives. The course offers a • Prerequisites: Successful dynamics. Topics include: comprehensive understanding completion of Chemistry or 1D/2D motion, forces and of essential principles of Honors Chemistry Newton’s Laws, circular motion, electricity and magnetism, while • Full year, 1 credit rotational motion, torque, rolling giving students the knowledge motion, momentum and and skills to design and execute This course provides a collisions as well as energy and a wide range of projects. The conceptually-based treatment of work, and as time allows, students will examine the the fundamental principles and oscillations, sound and basic influence of electromagnetic processes of the physical world. circuits. Lectures, discussions devices on various aspects of With the use of basic algebra and laboratory exercises are our modern world. The course skills, topics such as motion, used to explore these topics. will start by providing a solid forces, energy, sound, light, The course is supplemented foundation in the basic electricity and magnetism will be with films, demonstrations, and principles of electricity and covered. Upon completion, computer simulations. In magnetism, including electric students should be able to addition to providing students fields and forces, electric describe the principles studied with a clearer understanding of potential, current and with the use of examples and their physical world, this course resistance, circuits, magnetic applications. Laboratory seeks to enhance their natural fields and forces. With this investigations, films and curiosity and strengthen their knowledge, and as part of the computer-based models will be ability to reason clearly and course’s laboratory component, used to strengthen the effectively. the students will design, build understanding of concepts. In addition to providing students with a clearer understanding of their physical world, this course seeks to enhance their natural curiosity and strengthen their ability to reason clearly and effectively.
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and test circuits, explore the topics not included on the AP principles, concepts, and fundamentals of voltage, Physics C Mechanics test such methodologies required to current, and resistance, and as waves, sound, optics and understand the gain insight into the intricate electrostatics, and electric interrelationships of the natural world of electromagnetism. circuits might also be covered. world and the human impact on Throughout the course, students The laboratory component will the environment. This course will apply scientific concepts to have a strong emphasis on includes inquiry-based projects, real-world scenarios involving “open-ended” labs in which the laboratories, and field electrical circuits, examining the student makes careful investigations. These will weigh applications of electromagnetic observations of physical significantly throughout the year, devices in industries, phenomena. The course is and it is expected that students transportation, and everyday supplemented with films, participate in all projects, labs, appliances. This course is demonstrations and computer and field work presented meant for any student looking to modeling. In addition to throughout the course. Students understand the physical world providing students with a clearer will be required to identify and around them, and is especially understanding of their physical analyze environmental relevant for students intending world, this course seeks to problems, evaluate the relative to major in a STEM field. enhance their natural curiosity risks associated with these and strengthen their ability to problems, and examine reason clearly and effectively. alternative, sustainable solutions ADVANCED PLACEMENT Textbook and laboratory for resolving or preventing PHYSICS C: MECHANICS examples will be covered in them. Students will have the Full-credit, graded course preparation for the Advanced opportunity to think creatively on • Open to Form XII Placement Physics C: a project, perform experiments, • Prerequisites: Successful Mechanics examination. and analyze data involving the completion of Honors Physics study of air, water, as well as with a grade average of A- or projects that explore modeling AP ENVIRONMENTAL better; concurrent enrollment complex systems, recycling, SCIENCE in or successful completion of composting, biodiversity, and Full-credit, graded course AP Calculus; PSAT math the urban environment. scores may also be • Open to Forms XI and XII considered. • Prerequisites: Successful DESIGN: THE INTERSECTION • Full year, 1 credit completion of Biology or OF ART AND ENGINEERING • A final graded assessment is Honors Biology (grade Full-credit, graded course, corequired; taken during an average of B+ or better) and listed science and art academic day in April, it will Chemistry or Honors departments count as a CSG Semester 2 Chemistry • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII examination or a major portion • Full year, 1 credit • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit of the student’s semester • A final graded assessment is • Offered in 2024-25; offered on grade required; taken during an academic day in April, it will odd-numbered graduation The AP Physics C – Mechanics count as a CSG Semester 2 years course is calculus-based and examination or a major portion follows the AP course This course will introduce of the student’s semester description as provided by the students to the world of design grade. College Board. This collegeas seen through the eyes of level physics course challenges This is a college-level survey engineering and applied arts, the student both to course that prepares students building on students’ abilities in conceptualize and to resolve for the AP Environmental math and science while applying problems in kinematics, fundamental principles taken Science examination. This Newton’s laws of motion, work, course will focus on the issues from the fields of engineering energy and power, impulse and that not only threaten the natural and art. The design process, momentum, circular motion and world, but our civilization. (i.e. the process of applying rotation, oscillations and Students will be expected to creative skills in the gravitation. If time permits, some engage with the scientific development of a solution to a
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defined problem), will be issues of the day are addressed chemistry, and physics. While presented via project-based by legislative, administrative and not math-intensive, this course instruction. The approach will judicial decision makers. will use mathematical equations reflect the present Students will discover how to describe observed interdisciplinary one used by policy decisions by governments phenomena where appropriate. many leading design and other political actors in the Class work is supplemented by companies. Various form of laws, regulations and laboratory activities and methodologies used in the funding priorities affect the research projects. execution of this process will be everyday lives of not only CSG introduced, practiced and students, but of people all over ASTRONOMY: OUR SOLAR applied to actual problems. The the world. Through group SYSTEM course will have an emphasis on discussions, case studies of Full-credit, graded course hands-on learning, allowing contemporary events, lectures, • Open to Forms XI and XII students to develop critical and especially, via guest • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit thinking and problem-solving speakers from the world of • Offered in 2024-25; offered on skills. The students will learn to public policy, students will odd-numbered graduation collaborate, innovate, and develop a critical understanding years. communicate. Special emphasis of how science and technology will be put on how to express public policy is made on the Astronomy: Our Solar System is ideas to others through both two local, state and federal levels. a descriptive introduction to the -dimensional representations Recent topics covered include: foundational principles of (sketches, drawings) and three- Artificial Intelligence, threats to astronomy with a focus on our dimensional models. Students the electric grid, train safety, astronomical neighborhood, the will create individual portfolios to global warming, plastic pollution, Solar System. Topics covered document the process, from and autonomous vehicles. include the history of astronomy, ideation phase to prototyping to ancient and modern final product. The application of COSMOLOGY: ORIGIN AND astronomical tools, interactions the design process to the worlds DEVELOPMENT OF THE of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, of industrial design, product UNIVERSE gravitation and the motion of the design, and the visual and fine Full-credit, graded course planets, the formation of the arts will emphasize the • Open to Forms XI and XII Solar System, and comparative interdisciplinary nature of • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit planetology. The history and design. Additional activities in • Offered in 2024-25; offered on future of human travel within the this course will include odd-numbered graduation Solar System is also discussed. discussions, guest speakers, years The course reviews some basic class exercises, case studies, concepts from biology, Cosmology: Origin and off-site field trips, and student chemistry, and physics. While Development of the Universe presentations. not math-intensive, this course focuses on the study of the will use mathematical equations CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN origin of the universe and the (density, velocity, momentum, largest objects in it. Topics SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, etc.) to describe observed covered include the life and AND TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC phenomena where appropriate. death of stars, special relativity Class work is supplemented by POLICY and black holes, the formation Full-credit, graded course laboratory activities and and types of galaxies, and the research projects. • Open to Forms X, XI, XII Big Bang Theory. Students in • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit • Offered in 2024-25; offered on the course will use what we know about the universe today odd-numbered graduation to predict its ultimate fate. We years will also look at how popular media portrays these scientific This course will focus on events and concepts. This science and technology public course reviews some basic policy and how challenging concepts from biology, Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 43
NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: be discussed in order to HUMAN ANATOMY AND PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY ENGINEERING AND DESIGN emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of engineering and Full-credit, graded course Full-credit, graded course design. Additional activities in • Open to Forms XI and XII • Open to Forms X, XI, XII this course could include • Prerequisites: Successful • Semester 1 or 2 course, 0.5 discussions, guest speakers, completion of Biology or credit class exercises, case studies, Honors Biology and • Offered in 2025-2026: Offered labs, and student Chemistry or Honors during even-numbered presentations. As a final project Chemistry graduation years for this course, the students will • Full year, 1 credit apply the tools and techniques • Offered in 2025-2026: Offered This course will expose learned during the semester. during even-numbered students to the engineering graduation years design process including team The final project will be studentspecific and will relate to the development, brainstorming, Human Anatomy and drawing and modeling, reverse student’s own interests. Physiology is a course that engineering, research and investigates the structure and analysis, communication function of the human body. methods, technical Topics covered will include the documentation, and basic organization of the body, manufacturing. A component of its biochemical composition, this course will be learning the and the major body systems, basics of a state-of-the-art 3D along with the impact of solid modeling design software diseases on certain systems. (such as Autodesk Inventor, From biochemistry and SOLIDWORKS, or TinkerCAD). anatomical terminology to the In addition to learning the large-scale details of each of basics of solid modeling and the major body systems, computer-aided-design, students will learn through print students will be introduced to and digital reading materials, rapid prototyping via the use of digital and kinesthetic activities, three-dimensional printers, the group work, projects, and labs. Glowforge laser cutter and Students will reinforce their engraver, and will work with study using Anatomy in Clay Arduino Uno microcontroller MANIKEN models throughout units, providing a platform for the year to sculpt the muscles, prototyping electromechanical organs, nerves, blood vessels, devices. The application of the and other structures of the design process to the worlds of human body in clay. robotics, product design, theater set design, and visual arts will
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World Languages
The World Languages Department strives to provide every student with meaningful study of languages and cultures. Our course offerings are in Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. We guide our students in the development of communication and multicultural skills to become confident leaders and lifelong learners in an interconnected world. Our students undertake a journey of discovery and pursue their language studies to their highest potential, resulting in deeper cultural understanding and an enriched life experience. Developing the skills to become an effective language learner requires continuity and frequency. In the Upper School, The first three levels of a language form a foundation upon which significant oral proficiency and cultural understanding can be achieved. The process of language acquisition as an academic and natural endeavor is both valuable and necessary for the 21st century student. For this reason, satisfactory completion of a world language through Level III is required for graduation. Beyond the graduation requirement, it is encouraged that students take a language through their senior year. Upper School World Language classes highlight, practice and assess three approaches to language production and communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Students read, listen, speak and write on authentic and relevant topics of the target language. Upper School students are given the opportunity to participate in travel experiences to Think Globally and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of differences.
MANDARIN CHINESE MANDARIN CHINESE I Chinese I is taught through a Full-credit, graded course method called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII (scheduling priority is given to and Storytelling). The class students in Form IX); seniors focuses on providing students may take a first-year language with compelling and comprehensible input (like an only as a sixth course. immersion setting) of Chinese • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, language and culture before and XI, none; Form XII, the requiring students to produce student must be enrolled in the language on their own. five other full-credit courses Class activities include each semester. discussing relatable topics, • Full year, 1 credit watching clips from Chinese TV
shows, reading lots of patterned stories, asking and answering personalized questions, sampling Chinese food and drinks, playing language games and celebrating Chinese holidays. The topics for Chinese I include: greetings, self-introduction, family and friend relationships, preferences in food and beverages, the date and weather, Chinese New Year,
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birthday celebrations and experiences on learning Chinese. By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves on familiar topics using learned material and memorized phrases.
school life in China and the U.S., going shopping, taking public transportation, asking for directions, making and eating Chinese food, describing the various Chinese cuisines, and visiting other people’s homes.
MANDARIN CHINESE II Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX,X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese I • Full year, 1 credit
MANDARIN CHINESE III Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese II • Full year, 1 credit
Chinese II continues through a Chinese III is taught through a method called TPRS (Teaching method called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). The class and Storytelling). The class focuses on providing students focuses on providing students with compelling and with compelling and comprehensible input (like an comprehensible input (like an immersion setting), building on immersion setting), building on what the students have what the students have mastered in Chinese I. Teaching mastered in Chinese I and II. content includes funny videos, Teaching content (in Chinese) clips from selected Chinese includes funny videos, soap soap operas, songs, reality operas, movies, songs, reality television shows, and longer television shows, and longer stories and Chinese novels than stories and Chinese novels than in Chinese I. Students engage in in Chinese II. Students engage more sophisticated in more sophisticated conversations and discussions, conversations and discussions, using connected sentences. producing strings of sentences and expressing their opinions Students in Chinese II continue regarding a large range of to develop their skills in topics. listening, speaking, reading, writing, and typing Chinese. The Students in Chinese III continue focus is using Chinese in realto develop their skills in life contexts, combining the listening, speaking, reading, study of both Chinese language writing, and typing Chinese. and culture. Additional class Class activities focus on using activities include taking field the language in real-life trips and interviewing native contexts, combining the study of Chinese speakers. both Chinese language and culture. In addition, students participate in scavenger hunts, At the end of this course, take field trips, have group students will be able to form their own sentences in order to discussions, write their own stories, and interview native handle a number of Chinese speakers. uncomplicated communicative tasks. These include comparing
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The topics include describing locations and places, introducing the home and community environment, Chinese folk stories, the history of Chinese food, Chinese geography, traveling andtransportation in various regions in China, physical features, and the philosophy of aesthetics in Asian cultures. At the end of this course, students will be able to handle a wide range of uncomplicated communicative tasks by creating their own sentences. MANDARIN CHINESE IV Full-credit, graded course • Open to Form XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese III • Full year, 1 credit Chinese IV continues to be taught through a method called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). Also, students continue to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and typing Chinese. Chinese IV focuses on providing students with lots of compelling and comprehensible input (like an immersion setting), building on what the students have mastered in Chinese I, II, and III. However, more emphasis is placed on student language output in real-life simulated situations than in the earlier levels. For example, students engage in more sophisticated conversations and discussions both among themselves and with native Chinese speakers. In addition, students read an entire Chinese novel (The Monkey’s Paw) and write paragraphs in Chinese, expressing their opinions in detail.
The topics covered include MANDARIN CHINESE V parental influences and living traditional Chinese housing, the Full-credit, graded course environments on education) and concept of Feng Shui, traditional • Open to Form XII the Chinese documentary film Chinese gardens, China’s Please Vote for Me (concerning • Prerequisites: Successful geography and landscapes, student elections in a Chinese completion of Mandarin Chinese literature, doing school). In addition, students Chinese IV business in China and read an entire Chinese novel • Full year, 1 credit (Great Expectations). environmental protection. There This course challenges students are field trips to Columbus’ Asian market and to a Chinese to develop their conversational Field trips, hands-on projects, fluency in formal and informal restaurant. Outside speakers pen-pal projects and speakers will be invited to share with the discussions based on topics will all be incorporated in this related to themselves, familiar students their expertise in class. Through extensive issues in their community, and Chinese. reading, writing and discussion, issues around the world (such students will achieve the At the end of this course, as political events, historical “Intermediate Mid” proficiency students will be able to handle a stories, and contemporary level designated by the news). An additional topic will be American Council on the wide range of uncomplicated communicative tasks by creating a historical study of doing Teaching of Foreign Languages. business in China, beginning their own detailed sentences. with the ancient Silk Road. Thus, students will be at the “Intermediate Low to Mid” proficiency level designated by Readings include the Chinese the American Council on the folk story Meng Mu San Qian Teaching of Foreign Languages. (concerning the effect of
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LATIN LATIN I LATIN II addition, an appreciation of Full-credit, graded course classical literature is Full-credit, graded course encouraged through reading • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII various works of Greek and (scheduling priority is given to • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Latin I; for rising Roman literature. students in Form IX); seniors Form IX CSG students, may take a first-year language successful completion of Latin LATIN IV only as a sixth course and are in Form VIII with a grade of B- Full-credit, graded course given last priority in or better and departmental • Open to Forms XI, XII scheduling. signature. • Prerequisites: Successful • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, completion of Latin III and XI - none; Form XII - the • Full year, 1 credit • Full year, 1 credit student must be enrolled in Students continue with the five other full-credit courses This course is a survey of Latin reading-approach in Lingua each semester. literature. In the fall, students Latina textbook series. More • Full year, 1 credit complex grammar is introduced, focus on prose with Cicero, Formal introduction to the including the subjunctive mood, Caesar, and historians like classical language is participles, gerunds, gerundives, Sallust & Tacitus. In the spring, accomplished through a blend of and all varieties of subordinate they turn to Augustan poetry and authors like Ovid, Horace, the reading and grammar clauses. Students are further approaches using Lingua Latina. exposed to Roman culture and and Vergil. Scansion of dactylic hexameter and elegiac couplets The textbook is supplemented history through a variety of with Latin readings from readings in English and lectures are studied in depth, with the student attaining mastery in this Colloquia Personarum. The provided by the instructor. focus of the course is on Introductory skills in Latin prose area by the end of the course. developing reading proficiency composition are acquired. ADVANCED PLACEMENT and mastery of fundamental LATIN Latin vocabulary and grammar. LATIN III Full-credit, graded course Systematic expansion of English Full-credit, graded course vocabulary occurs through • Open to Forms XI, XII • Open to Forms X, XI, XII detailed study of Latin stems • Prerequisites: Successful • Prerequisites: Successful and modern root derivation. completion of Latin IV with a completion of Latin II Students learn about Roman grade of A- or better or • Full year, 1 credit history and culture through a instructor approval; a strong variety of English readings and In the student’s third year, work ethic and exceptional creative projects. coursework transitions from talent in listening, reading, slightly adapted Latin to real speaking, or writing. Latin with readings drawn from • Full year, 1 credit authors such as Cicero, Livy, • A final graded assessment is and Catullus. Grammar is required; taken during an renewed in depth with academic day in April, it will concentration on those forms count as a CSG Semester 2 and grammatical constructions examination or a major portion found in standard prose authors of the student’s semester and culminates in more grade. advanced prose compositions The AP Latin course is designed based on the style of Cicero. to prepare students for Rhetorical devices, stylistic elements and literary tropes are undergraduate Latin translation and Classics courses as well as discussed in depth as each the Advanced Placement author is encountered. In examination in Latin. Some
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class time will be spent ADVANCED READINGS IN discussing the format of the LATIN LITERATURE exam, its scoring, and Full-credit, graded course successful test-taking strategies. • Open to Forms XI, XII Students will work on numerous • Prerequisites: Successful practice exercises from practice completion of AP Latin with a AP Exams to become as familiar grade of B or better; a with the test as possible. In the consistently strong work ethic course, students and exceptional ability to comprehensively read, discuss, analyze, comprehend, and and interpret Virgil and Caesar translate Latin. in preparation for the AP Latin • Full year, 1 credit exam, but also a variety of canonical prose authors such as The Advanced Readings in Latin Literature course provides Cicero, Livy, Sallust, and Seneca and canonical poets students who have completed such as Ovid, Catullus, Horace, AP Latin an opportunity to and Propertius. Students study translate and analyze particular scansion of dactylic hexameter Latin authors not covered by the and elegiac couplets through in- AP Latin curriculum. The course depth, accelerated study of the focuses on the genres of major poets. Students will read biography & philosophy. Students read and analyze the relevant biographical and authors like Cornelius Nepos, stylistic information for each author from Gian Biagio Conte’s Suetonius, Seneca, Lucretius, Latin Literature. and Apuleius.
There is also a significant research writing component to the course that emphasizes breadth of preparation and analysis.
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SPANISH SPANISH I and improve their Spanish perform skits in groups, and Full-credit, graded course listening, speaking, reading, and engage in conversation with the writing skills, as well as build teacher on a daily basis. The • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII their vocabulary. This class is class is conducted primarily in students who did not take conducted primarily in Spanish. Spanish. Honors Spanish II Spanish in Middle School covers the same content, but (scheduling priority is given to challenges proficient Spanish SPANISH II / HONORS Form IX); seniors may take a students with a faster paced and Full-credit, graded course first-year language only as a a more immersive classroom sixth course and are given last • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII experience. priority in scheduling. • Prerequisites: Successful • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, completion of Spanish I, with SPANISH III / HONORS and XI, none; Form XII, the department approval for Full-credit, graded course student must be enrolled in Spanish II Honors section. five other full-credit courses • Full year, 1 credit • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII each semester. • Prerequisites: Successful This course reviews and builds • Full year, 1 credit completion of Spanish II/II on the basics of Spanish Honors, with department This course teaches the basics grammar learned in Spanish I. It approval for Honors Spanish of Spanish grammar. Emphasis includes a detailed study of new III is placed not only on written grammar, including the • Full year; 1 credit expression and correct grammar imperfect and preterite tenses, usage, but also on proper oral commands, and the future and This course provides an expression and pronunciation. conditional tenses, as well as intensive review of the grammar Students are encouraged to be other grammatical topics. learned in Spanish II, while also creative with the language and Reading and writing skills are introducing new grammatical speak it as much as possible in practiced through daily topics. It also focuses on the class. Daily assignments and in- assignments and board work. history and culture of the class activities, such as written There is an increased emphasis Spanish-speaking world, exercises, board work, question- on speaking and listening skills including the Latinx population answer routines, mini-plays, in level II, and thus many inof the United States, by use of listening exercises, and Spanish class activities are geared literature, videos, art, and so on. language videos, challenge toward working on those skills. These sources serve to drive students to continually practice Students speak with partners, class discussion and class assignments, including papers, skits, projects, etc. Given that the course is taught entirely in Spanish, great emphasis is always placed on speaking Spanish in class, and students are encouraged to be creative with the language. At the end of this course, students will be able to handle a range of uncomplicated communicative tasks by creating their own detailed responses, and should be able to express some familiarity with cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Honors Spanish III covers the same content, but challenges proficient Spanish students with
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a faster paced and a more immersive classroom experience.
SPANISH V Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish IV. • Full year, 1 credit
This course challenges students to develop a high level of fluency in spoken language, to acquire a command of SPANISH IV / HONORS vocabulary and language Full-credit, graded course structure similar to that of an advanced non-native speaker, • Open to Forms X, XI, XII This course is open to all and to understand complex • Prerequisites: Successful students who wish to study literary and non-literary prose completion of Spanish III/III Spanish literature and review written by Spanish and Latin Honors, with department grammar. Emphasis is placed American authors. Class approval for Honors Spanish on readings from a variety of discussion will be conducted IV. sources, including: short stories, entirely in Spanish. Designed as • Full year, 1 credit articles, and plays, as well as a college-level class, this course This course reviews the more the application of key also prepares students for the challenging grammatical grammatical points to both Advanced Placement Spanish concepts of Spanish II and III, written and oral language. Class Language examination. Some of while placing a far greater discussions will be conducted in the class time will be spent emphasis on the cultures of the Spanish to grow student discussing the format of the test, Spanish-speaking world. Given communicative confidence. its scoring, and successful testthat students in Spanish IV Given that this may be the final taking strategies. Students will normally are familiar with Spanish course that many work on numerous practice language basics, we instead students take at CSG, it is exercises from each section of focus on strengthening those designed to prepare them to the test to improve their skills basics and delving into pursue the study of Spanish and to become as familiar and exceptions to grow their literature and language at the comfortable with the test as language competency. To college level. At the end of this possible. All students enrolled in accomplish this, we use a wide course, students will be this course are required to take array of cultural artifacts, comfortable holding basic the AP Spanish Language including short readings, audios, conversations in Spanish, be examination. At the end of this videos, and literature, to put able to handle many basic and course, students will be their language competency to some complex communicative comfortable holding extensive use. Given that the class is tasks, and should be able to conversations in Spanish, be taught entirely in Spanish, express deep familiarity with the able to handle many basic and strong emphasis is placed on cultures of the Spanish speaking complex communicative tasks, speaking Spanish in class. At world. and should be able to express the end of this course, students deep familiarity with the cultures will be able to handle some of the Spanish speaking world. ADVANCED PLACEMENT more complex communicative SPANISH LANGUAGE AND tasks by creating their own CULTURE detailed responses, and should Full-credit, graded course be able to express familiarity • Open to Forms XI and XII with cultures of the Spanish • Prerequisites: Successful speaking world. Honors Spanish completion of Spanish IV/IV IV covers the same content, but Honors with department challenges proficient Spanish approval. students with a faster paced and • Full year, 1 credit a more immersive classroom • A final graded assessment is experience. required; taken during an academic day in April, it will count as a CSG Semester 2 examination or a major portion of the student’s semester grade. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 51
POST AP SPANISH Texts may include longer short LANGUAGE AND CULTURE stories (such as those by Jorge Full-credit, graded course Luis Borges and Rosario Castellanos), young adult • Open to Form XII literature (including Esperanza • Prerequisites: Successful Renace by Pam Muñoz Ryan completion of AP Spanish and El teatro de los monstruos Language and Culture and by Viviana Cordero), movies departmental approval. (Bajo la misma luna), and plays • Full year, 1 credit performed in class (such as La • A final graded assessment is casa de Bernarda Alba by required; taken during an Federico García Lorca). academic day in April, it will Strengthening language count as a CSG Semester 2 examination or a major portion competency may include work with the past tenses, of the student’s semester prepositions, and the grade. subjunctive, among others. The This course is designed to course structure will allow accommodate our students who flexibility to identify where have completed all possible students need improvement, Spanish courses at CSG up to and specifically target those and including AP Spanish areas. At the end of this course, Language and Culture. The students will be comfortable focus of this course will be to holding extensive conversations improve students’ fluency and in Spanish, be able to handle linguistic accuracy. Students will many basic and complex read and discuss various texts, communicative tasks, and engage in conversation, and should be able to express deep write compositions while familiarity with the cultures of exploring Hispanic/Latinx the Spanish speaking world. cultures.
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This course is taught entirely in Spanish and all submitted work is in Spanish. Grading is based on participation, completion of reading selections, oral and written quizzes, submission of critical analyses, and oral project presentations. At the end of this course, students will be able to handle a wide range of communicative tasks by creating their own detailed sentences. Thus, students will be at the “Intermediate Mid to Advanced Low” proficiency level designated by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Institute for Innovation & Leadership From foundational curricula to cutting-edge technology to global experiences, this premier program will not only offer students the chance to develop talents in a variety of disciplines, but it will also prepare them for life after they graduate from CSG. With exceptional foundational knowledge, advanced studies, and real-world experiences, they will be prepared to stand out in their work after CSG and succeed in the next steps toward their future. Each Center is designed to empower our students in each of the respective fields of study. From leading in the classroom to performing on the stage to competing in a robotics tournament and more, the Institute offers every girl a chance to discover her distinct potential as a learner and leader.
GLOBAL SEMINAR I Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets once/rotation)
GLOBAL SEMINAR II LEADERSHIP SEMINAR Partial credit, pass/fail course Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; • Prerequisite: Global Seminar I this course may be taken • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets more than once, each time for once/rotation) credit. Global Seminar examines the • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets concept of global citizenship and Global Seminar II continues to once/rotation) develops students’ level of develop students' global global competence by competence by extending their Leadership Seminar is a lecture examining local, global, and knowledge and experience with and discussion-based class that intercultural issues while investigating the world, examines the question: “How do understanding and appreciating understanding and appreciating I lead myself?” Students will the perspectives and world different perspectives, read scholarly articles, hear views of others. Students will communicating across cultures, from guest speakers, take hear from guest speakers, and taking meaningful action in personality and leadership engage in discussion-based their world . Students will take assessments, and engage in classes, follow the global news an active role in building their deep self-reflection as they cycle, and work towards global competence through develop the skills to express geographical mastery. engaging in discussion-based their authentic self with clear classes, researching current communication, practice issues, hearing from guest balance in school and personal speakers, and engaging with life to achieve wellness, and their local and global engage in courageous and community. healthy risk taking. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 53
STEM SEMINAR Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII; this course may be taken more than once, each time for credit. • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets once/rotation)
new students bring in new ideas, interests, and perspectives. THE HOLOCAUST, GENOCIDE, AND MODERN HUMANITY Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets once/rotation)
an understanding of the origins and virulence of genocide challenge societies to be more tolerant, pluralistic, and open? This course will cover the topics of identity, the Holocaust, resistance to persecution, justice after genocide, case studies in genocide, and modern human rights issues.
This seminar class helps the students to apply and expand upon the skills they have RESEARCH CAPSTONE: THE developed in their core science The course “Holocaust, ART OF HISTORICAL Genocide, and Modern classes and/or used in offDETECTION Humanity” will introduce the campus research placements Partial-credit, graded course history of the European over the summer (and Holocaust and address the potentially during the school • Open to Form XII wider questions of genocide in year). It also provides the • Prerequisites: While there are the modern world. Examination collaborative environment and no formal prerequisites, we of these events in comparative support needed for students recommend students have a who decide to engage in outside context (including such events strong interest in research, as Armenian, Stalinist, and research to be successful in writing, and discussion of Cambodian massacres and the their labs year-round. Content historical topics. Rwandan and Darfur genocides) • Full year, 0.66 credit (meets will fluctuate depending on the and discussion of their impact field(s) that students are twice/rotation) on modern cultural, political, and engaged/interested in and intellectual developments will be This research seminar will offer where they need support, but explored. Students would be can include: how to search for students the opportunity to exposed to some of the greatest conduct work similar to that of and read primary literature, moral and ethical dilemmas in writing/editing help for papers professional historians. It will modern history to examine the and/or posters, discussion of build advanced skills in the notion of humanity. How does challenges faced by high school methods of historical research, students in a research lab or industry setting, collaborative problem solving around those challenges, and understanding the technical background research in their field that their placement is focused on. Note that students will not be conducting research as part of this course and taking this course is not guarantee of a placement with a research group outside of CSG; however, the skills developed in this class will help students apply for and succeed in these endeavors. This course can be taken by students multiple times throughout their high school career; veteran students will be encouraged to help and engage students new to the class, while
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including the framing of research questions; the location, analysis, and evaluation of sources; the construction of argument and counterargument; and the presentation of results. Throughout the year, students will immerse themselves in the research, writing, and revision process as they thoroughly investigate particular historical issues or problems. To start, students will generate research questions through their interest in current events or issues. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit archives such as the OSU Special Collections and Local History Room at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and conduct hands-on archival research. Ultimately, the research will culminate in an article-length original research paper (20-25 pages) and a defense of their findings to a faculty panel. Regardless of field, students will be grounded in the form and substance of research paper writing. DEIB SEMINAR Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets once/rotation)
understand themselves and the CFO: CHIEF FINANCIAL lenses that inform their OFFICER This course is designed to engagement with their Partial credit, pass/fail course provide students with the community and the world. introductory and foundational • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII knowledge necessary to better Previous leadership or diversity • Full Year, 0.33 credit (meets training is not required. Students understand identity, diversity, once/rotation) need to come to each class with multiculturalism, and social justice. Students participating in an open mind and a willingness Fewer than 12 percent of girls consider themselves very to embrace new perspectives. this course will embark on a confident in making financial journey of identity development. This is a dialogue-based class decisions. And, almost half of where enjoyable activities We will begin by exploring should be expected along with a teenage girls assume that debt various cultural identifiers and is a normal part of life. deep dive into culture, identity, will engage in a number of Emphasizing the "M" in STEM, and multiculturalism. exercises and activities that help this course positions you to be build a community of trust while the Chief Financial Officer of also equipping students with the your own life. Taught by tools necessary to better Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 55
financial advisors from Budros, Ruhlin, and Roe, this introductory personal finance course explores budgeting, credit cards, credit scores, interest rates, taxes, and insurance policies as well as an introduction to careers in finance.
MATH-MAKING FUSION: DESIGNING WITH MATHEMATICAL INSPIRATION Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geometry • One semester, 0.17 credit (meets once/rotation)
WRITING COMMUNITY Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • One semester, repeatable, 0.17 credit (meets once/ rotation)
In this course, students will explore writing in a supportive and creative community environment. The class will PEER TUTOR PEDAGOGY In this cross-disciplinary Institute meet once a rotation to engage Partial credit, pass/fail course elective, "Math-Making Fusion: in ongoing creative writing • Open Forms X, XI, XII Designing with Mathematical exercises designed to explore a • Prerequisites: Successful wide range of genres and craft. completion of one semester of Inspiration", students will embark on a creative journey In a supportive workshop-style tutor training under the that harmonizes the beauty of environment, students will supervision of the Writing mathematics with hands-on expand their writing skills, Center Coordinator maker space projects. Students develop confidence, and work • One semester, repeatable, will become architects of their together to build a vibrant 0.17 credit (meets once/ imagination, infusing culture of writers. rotation) mathematical concepts into their inventive designs, which they In this course, students will be introduced to the principles and ultimately bring to life within our STEAM Lab. This course practices of tutoring while they are working in the Upper School inspires students to explore, question, and experiment as Writing Center. In addition to they bridge the gap between tutoring every week, students abstract mathematical theory will convene once a rotation to and tangible creations. By discuss current issues, ideas, and solutions related to tutoring. engaging in a diverse array of Students will also gain exposure mathematical topics, such as fractals or recursion, this course to texts relevant to tutor pedagogy and learn more about empowers students to foster innovative thinking and employ the Writing Center discipline in secondary and post-secondary math as a vital tool for design and problem-solving. Through settings. Students also contribute to an annual Writing projects and explorations, they will learn to ask inquisitive Center publication that is published every Spring. Overall, questions, apply mathematical concepts, iterate their solutions, this course helps promote strong literacy skills in the Upper and draw inspiration from multiple disciplines to produce School and supports the broader community of writers at unique, innovative outcomes. CSG.
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Upper School Curriculum Guide 2024-2025 - Page 57
Columbus School for Girls Upper School Course Catalog 2024-2025 65 S. Drexel Ave. Columbus, OH 43082 614.252.0781
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