The History of Race & Science (s) 38482 History + Science 22

38482 Grade Level: 10th – 12th (10th graders must take concurrently with core science course) Placement preference will be given to rising Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisite: None

Why has science been used to justify racial thinking? How does your racial identity develop during adolescence? How can reexamining history help us to eliminate interpersonal and systemic racism? The History of Race and Science explores the construct of race as a social and historical phenomenon. Beginning with the historical evolution of race, students will explore the role that science has played in perpetuating race, considering both the biological myth and social reality in context of the historical time period. In order to understand these concepts more fully, we will engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of eugenics, racial conflicts, intergroup behavior, identity development, and contemporary social justice issues. We will explore the construction of the racial-ethnic-cultural identities in the United States, incorporating multidisciplinary readings and activities. Along the way, students will discuss the historical events and patterns that have influenced the construction of race and resulting manifestation in society, working to develop a stronger understanding of the world today.

In the modern language classroom, emphasis is placed on developing communication skills and cultural competence. In accordance with national standards, all classes are conducted primarily in the target language; use of English is kept to a minimum. Students learn to interact linguistically and culturally in real-world situations and contexts. Additionally, we provide our students with a strong foundation so that they can pursue their study of language in college and beyond.

Students learn to listen, speak, read, and write by exploring thematic units and interacting with authentic materials. Multimedia resources are used frequently in the classroom throughout the program to strengthen students’ language skills, to provide them with practical experiences, and to promote cultural understanding. Classes are intended to provide optimal learning experiences for all students.

Upon completion of Level III or III honors as required at GA or three years of Upper School study as required at BWK, students are encouraged to pursue their language studies through more advanced courses. Students may elect to study more than one language on either campus. Students who wish to advance to an honors-level course must earn an A at end of year, have the recommendation of the teacher, and complete summer work with the approval of the department. The department makes the final decision about the placement of students.

Brunswick School and Greenwich Academy sponsor a variety of study abroad options, which give students the opportunity to discover new cultures and, in most cases, speak the foreign language they study in full immersion with homestay programs. The Brunswick Summer School is also an option for those wishing to gauge their interest in a new language. Please consult the schools' websites for more information on these exciting educational opportunities.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement classes in the modern languages are highly demanding. Admission to these courses is dependent upon approval of both the Greenwich Academy and Brunswick Language Departments.

Minimum grade requirements are as follows:

Current Level IV Honors students, maintaining at least a B+, may proceed to the AP level.

Students enrolled in Level III Honors, maintaining grades of at least A or above, may petition to enter the AP language course by completing an application and sitting for a formal assessment, which is administered in the spring.

For these students, a committee evaluates these forms, analyzing both their quantitative and qualitative merits. The criteria for acceptance include the following: the recommendation of the student’s most recent language teacher and their language grades over the past two years. The student’s total academic and co-curricular commitments will also be taken into consideration. The final decision to admit is contingent upon continued success in the student’s current language course. Department chairs communicate with the students at the end of the process. Some summer work may be required.