2010-11 COurse Book by Kimball Union Academy

COURSE BOOK 2010–2011

Mission Statement The mission of Kimball Union Academy is to discover with each student the right path to academic mastery, to creativity, and to responsibility. Rooted in the traditions of a New England preparatory school, Kimball Union offers its students an education that balances a challenging, dynamic curriculum with excellent programs in athletics and the arts. We seek to develop essential values: a love of learning, a respect for oneself and others, concern for the environment, and involvement in the greater world. As a school that values diversity of background, thought, and interests, we encourage students to discover their own strengths, to celebrate the accomplishments of others, and to engage with those around them. As members of a close and supportive community, the students, faculty, and staff of the Academy are guided by principles of honesty, compassion, and mutual respect.

Course Selections Table of Contents Courses Listed by Departments

English Department Mathematics Department History Department World Language Department Science Department Arts Department Other Programs

5-8 9 - 12 13 - 17 18 - 23 24 - 28 29 - 38 39

The Curriculum The academic curriculum at Kimball Union is designed to support the mission of the Academy. Our offerings aim at providing students with the opportunity to build a strong foundation in the core subject areas while at the same time requiring diversification in the senior year. Kimball Union requires each student to take an average of five core courses per trimester. Each student must accumulate 19 credits in order to be a candidate for graduation. In addition, seniors are required to earn a passing grade in each of their courses to qualify for graduation. Specific course requirements are listed in the section directly below and constitute 16 credits of the 19 needed for graduation. Of the remaining credits, four must be earned in advanced-level courses in at least two or more departments. A credit is awarded for a one-year course meeting three times a week, or its equivalent. Credits will be granted for courses taken at other institutions if, in the judgment of the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, those courses correspond to the Kimball Union curriculum. English 4 credits Science 2 credits Math 3 credits Language 3 credits History 3 credits Art 1 credit If you have any questions about your schedule for the coming year or on a strategy that leads to a strong secondary school transcript, please do not hesitate to contact the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs.

Advanced Placement During the last trimester of the year, department heads consult with teachers in their respective departments to determine which students will be allowed to enroll in Advanced Placement courses. Selection for these lists does not obligate students to enroll in these courses, but such approval is required before returning students can register for Advanced Placement courses. On advice of the Academic Council and the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, the number of Advanced Placement courses in which a student can be enrolled may be restricted in support of a student’s overall academic progress. Individual Advanced Placement offerings are, in any given year, dependent on the availability of qualified staffing and minimum size requirements. All students enrolled in an Advanced Placement course are required to take the AP Exam in May (fee is required). The general criteria for selection include the following, though it should be understood that individual departments may emphasize different portions of the requirements and can add additional criteria. • Objective, demonstrated ability based on current course work. Normally, students must complete all prerequisites earning grades above B+ to be considered for placement in an Advanced Placement course. • Candidates must have demonstrated an ability to complete high-quality work on a timely and consistent basis. • Candidates must have demonstrated a high level of motivation and an ability to work independently. • Candidates must have demonstrated regular and effective participation in their courses. • Candidates must have demonstrated a high level of interest in the subject matter.

Running Start Kimball Union has partnered with River Valley Community College to provide the Running Start concurrent credit program for qualified students who may elect to earn Community College System of New Hampshire college credits and required Kimball Union high school credits simultaneously. These credits can then be transferred to other institutions of higher learning as needed and can, in many instances, save the family a significant amount of college tuition. Courses which are eligible are: Statistics, Calculus, US History, Philosophy, Psychology, American Government, Anthropology, and Anatomy and Physiology.

English Department Full-Year Courses

English I English II English II Honors English III English III Honors Advanced Placement Language and Composition English IV English IV Honors Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Creative Writing English I, II, III, IV

Four years of English are required. English I, II, and III are full-year courses, while English IV concludes with a one-trimester elective. Each of these courses is designed to establish and develop writing and verbal skills and logical thinking. When appropriate, certain sections of sophomore, junior, and senior English are designated Honors sections.

Honors Courses

Honors courses offer an enriched curriculum and an advanced pace. Sophomore honors courses frequently center on themes of interest to the faculty, while the junior honors class is oriented toward providing students with a firm grounding in American literature. The senior honors class, which presents such challenging literature as Hamlet, The Stranger, and Heart of Darkness, meets during the first two trimesters; those students then take senior electives during the last trimester.

Advanced Placement English

We offer a comprehensive Advanced Placement Program; these courses are designed to prepare students not only for the Advanced Placement Exams, but also for the rigors of verbally oriented courses at highly competitive colleges. The prerequisites for admission to these classes are a very strong background in English and the permission of the department.

Creative Writing (Subject to student enrollment and teacher availability)

This course is designed as a full-year major course available as an elective for those students passionate about writing. The course will concentrate on the writing of sketches, short stories, poems, memoirs, and perhaps during the third trimester even a piece of a novel for the really committed! Classes will take a workshop approach, with students encouraged to read their own work, discuss each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, and help each other edit and revise. While there will be some reading involved, primarily of exemplary works, most of the work of the course will involve writing. The course will be limited to juniors and seniors, and it must be taken in conjunction with the regular English class; it may not substitute for an English class. 5

Advanced Placement Language and Composition

This course, offered in the junior year, emphasizes the close textual analysis of a variety of prose writing. While the emphasis is on American literature (including such works as The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman, Cannery Row, Animal Dreams), Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s King Lear is also a major text, as are a variety of essays. Students write frequently; grades in the course are based primarily on the essays.

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition

This course, offered in the senior year, emphasizes the close textual analysis of a variety of works of literature: essays, poems, plays, novels. Students are expected to have very strong skills in both reading and writing, and grades are based entirely on the weekly essays. Students begin the year by reading shorter works of fiction and excerpts from such major philosophers as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Camus; then they analyze such major texts as Hamlet, Antigone, Equus, Waiting for Godot, The Sun Also Rises, Slaughterhouse-Five, Heart of Darkness, The Stranger, Invisible Man, and All the Pretty Horses.

Components of all English Classes Grammar, Punctuation, and Usage

Grammar, punctuation, and usage are taught at all levels. The assumption with freshmen and many entering sophomores is that they know very little of these, and these disciplines must be taught completely and thoroughly from scratch. Diagnostic tests are used to discover competence of juniors in these areas, and teachers proceed accordingly. Teachers of seniors work on reinforcing these skills through essay writing. A mastery of grammar reinforces basic writing skills and gives student and teacher a mutual vocabulary which is helpful in the discussion of writing.

Reading

Students at all levels are exposed to the different genres of literature: story, novel, essay, drama, and poetry. The hope is that students will develop interest and taste in good books, but the main job is to teach close, intelligent, perceptive reading. More sophisticated reading is assigned at the higher levels.Vocabulary development is emphasized to encourage more precise and effective reading and writing. The literature program affords individual teachers flexibility in selecting works that they are enthusiastic about teaching, while also establishing clear guidelines:

1. Students read from each of the major genres each year. 2. Students read at least one work by Shakespeare or another classical work each year. 3. Students read works from a variety of time periods and cultures, though juniors concentrate on American literature.

Some representative texts recently used include: 9th grade - To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie John, The Old Man and the Sea, A Midsummer Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream, Ellen Foster, The Merchant of Venice, The House on Mango Street, Introduction to Short Stories, and Of Mice and Men. 10th Grade - Ethan Frome, Autobiography of a Face, Things Fall Apart, Beowolf, Grendel, Fences, Huckleberry Finn, and short stories and poetry. 11th Grade - The Great Gatsby, The Scarlet Letter, Cannery Row, Death of a Salesman, Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, King Lear, The Glass Menagerie, An Introduction to Poetry, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Crucible, and Othello. 12th Grade - Hamlet, Slaughterhouse-Five, Waiting for Godot, Equus, Antigone, The Sun Also Rises, The Invisible Man, Siddhartha, The Stranger, All the Pretty Horses, Heart of Darkness, The Kite Runner, and One Flew Over the Cuckooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest.

Writing

The basic standard is one significant piece of writing a week at all levels. Teachers assign a variety of topics, some based on the student’s own experiences, some based on literature under study. In general, the writing program is closely coordinated with the study of literature, though we recognize the importance of helping students to discover their own voices. In the freshman year, the subject of student writing is often personal experience, but as students develop stronger skills, they are more frequently asked to write more analytical essays, developing and supporting their own interpretations of the reading. We recognize that students must be able to write solid, straightforward, coherent prose in order to succeed at the college level, but we also strive to encourage creativity and therefore offer a creative writing elective. Larger papers, including research topics, are assigned at higher levels, but all students become acquainted with the research process. Students also write regularly on quizzes and examinations.

KUA Writing Center

In conjunction with KUA’s Center for the Advancement of Learning, the English Department supports a Writing Center where students may come for help with all stages of the writing process: brainstorming, organization, development, sentence structure, revision. Located in upstairs Miller, the Writing Center is staffed by volunteers from the junior and senior AP and Honors classes; there is one volunteer available during virtually every period of the academic day. The Writing Center is aptly emblematic of the schoolwide commitment to writing at Kimball Union.

Writing Across the Curriculum

The Junior Writing Portfolio program is part of Kimball Union’s effort to encourage and promote student writing. At the beginning of the third trimester, juniors are required to submit a portfolio of their best graded writing from different academic departments, together with a one-page cover letter describing those choices. The Writing Across the Curriculum Committee evaluates the portfolios and designates them as Honors, Pass, or Fail. These designations will affect neither the student’s grade point average nor their promotability to senior year, but they will be noted on the student’s transcript. As more colleges move away from standardized testing toward graded papers, this portfolio may prove to be a valuable resource in the college application process.

Mathematics Department Full-Year Courses

Algebra I Geometry Geometry Honors Algebra II Algebra II Honors Algebra II Honors and Precalculus Precalculus Precalculus Honors Calculus Probability and Statistics Mathematical Modeling Advanced Placement Statistics Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) Advanced Placement Calculus (BC) Multivariable Calculus The mathematics curriculum prepares students both for rigorous college mathematics and for college work requiring mathematical computation, analysis, and presentation. Throughout, emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills, understanding rather than memorizing, and use of the calculator as a tool and not a crutch. The use of graphing calculators begins in Algebra I, and graphing calculator skills are an essential part of the content of each course. Development of analytical and computational skills independent of calculators is still the core of our mission, so students at all levels are assessed both without calculators and with. Organization, neatness, accountability, and time management are all fostered through the required use of Mathematics Notebooks and Student Plan Books. After completing the introductory algebra and geometry courses, students may pursue a precalculus and calculus curriculum or a statistics curriculum, or both. Preparation and review for standardized tests such as the SAT and SAT II is built in to the upper-level courses. In order to satisfy the requirements for graduation, students must take one year of mathematics beyond Algebra II. However, all students are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics course each year at Kimball Union. The TI-84+ is required of all new students for all courses.

Algebra I (1 credit)

This course prepares students to use algebraic equations, tables, and graphs to model problems they will encounter in a wide range of fields. They also review and complete any training they require in prealgebra mathematics and are required to pass a Basic Skills (non-calculator-based) test. An emphasis is placed on linear equations and inequalities, linear modeling, statistics, and graphing. Other topics include factoring, polynomials, and exponents. High priority is given to developing problem-solving skills as well as improving each studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning process.

Geometry (1 credit; prerequisite: Algebra I)

This course is designed to help the student understand the basic structure of geometry and to develop spatial visualization. It comprehensively covers traditional geometric concepts. Problem-solving strategies are presented and extended from the level begun in Algebra I.

Geometry Honors (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra I and approval of the department head)

This section of geometry is intended for those students who have well-developed spatial and abstract reasoning skills. The course syllabus follows that of regular geometry, but involves a more formal emphasis on deductive logic and proof.

Algebra II (1 credit; prerequisite: Geometry or approval of the department head)

The Algebra II course builds on Algebra I and Geometry with a traditional study of number systems through the complex numbers. Major topics include polynomials and factoring, functions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations, systems of equations, inequalities, probability theory and statistics, triangle trigonometry, and an introduction to transcendental functions. Considerable attention is given to problem solving. Skills learned in Algebra I and Geometry are maintained and extended through word problems dealing with â&#x20AC;&#x153;real worldâ&#x20AC;? applications of mathematics.

Algebra II Honors (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and approval of the department head) This course provides the capable student with the opportunity to prepare for Precalculus Honors. In addition to the topics covered in Algebra II, students study circular functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, the nature of functions, and their graphs and inequalities.

Algebra II Honors and Precalculus (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and approval of the department head) This is an accelerated honors course, combining the curriculum of both Algebra II and Precalculus, preparing highly motivated and advanced students for Advanced Placement Calculus. Topics include quadratic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, and limits. Challenging problem sets emphasize both procedural fluency and analytical thinking skills. Only students who have demonstrated success in honors-level mathematics courses as well as demonstrated high math aptitude will be admitted. 10

Precalculus (1 credit; prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II)

Precalculus develops skills dealing with numerical, algebraic, and non-algebraic (e.g., exponential and trigonometric) expressions in preparation for the study of calculus. Major topics include probability and data analysis, coordinate geometry, polynomials, inequalities, functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytic geometry, complex numbers, sequences and series, and introduction to limits. These mathematical concepts are used to model and solve word problems.

Precalculus Honors (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra II and approval of the department head)

Precalculus Honors is a more rigorous examination of essential topics leading to Calculus as described above, with the addition of polar and parametric functions, the area problem, and the tangent line problem.

Calculus (1 credit; prerequisites: Precalculus and approval of the department head)

Calculus is intended for students who have completed Precalculus prior to their senior year but are not yet ready for the rigor and pace of the AP Calculus curriculum. This course is a thorough introduction to single-variable calculus, generally following the Advanced Placement curriculum, but focusing more time on selected topics and covering others with less rigor.

Probability and Statistics (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra II and approval of the department head)

Probability and Statistics is an upper-level course for students who intend to pursue a major in college such as business, finance, environmental science, or a social science. This course contains material dealing with techniques of data gathering, methods of measuring dispersion and clustering about the mean, evaluating univariate, bivariate and multivariate data, correlation, and specific tests of data such as the P-test and the Chi-square test. Modeling real-world problems, statistical programming on the graphing calculator, and the use of a statistical tool kit will be emphasized.

Mathematical Modeling (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra II and approval of the department head)

In this course, students will develop models of complex social and natural systems. Examples include global energy resources and aspects of the global economy. This project-based course will examine these issues from a rigorous systems engineering perspective, and employ the construction of computer simulations. Mathematical skills and topics developed include regression analysis, comparative functions (such as exponential and logarithmic), rates of change, and differential equations. Students will use their models to examine various policy options, usually employed by governments, to address these issues. Much of the work will be transdisciplinary, and may require substantial research.

Advanced Placement Statistics (1 credit; prerequisites: Algebra II and approval of the department head)

The intent of this course is to offer a modern introduction to statistics which is on par with college courses in intellectual content and in alignment with the contemporary practice of statistics. The curriculum follows the College Board–recommended curriculum and is designed to cover the topics most often covered in introductory courses taught in departments of statistics or mathematics. Modeling real-world problems, statistical programming on the graphing calculator, and the use of a statistical tool kit will be emphasized.

Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) (1 credit; prerequisites: Precalculus Honors or Algebra II Honors and Precalculus and approval of the department head)

This course is a modern introduction to Calculus which is on par with college courses in intellectual content, pace, and expectations on students with respect to workload and grading. It follows the College Board–suggested curriculum and covers the topics most often covered in introductory college calculus; major topics include elementary functions, differential calculus, and integral calculus. All students are required to take the AB Calculus Advanced Placement Examination. (Examination fee is required.)

Advanced Placement Calculus (BC) (1 credit; prerequisites: AB Calculus and approval of the department head)

BC Calculus is intended for those students who have successfully completed AB Calculus or an equivalent course at another school. The course reviews and extends the content of AB Calculus through what is typically covered in two college semesters of calculus. It is taught to the College Board–suggested curriculum. Students taking this course are required to take the BC Calculus Advanced Placement Examination. (Examination fee is required.)

Multivariable Calculus (1 credit; prerequisites: BC Calculus and approval of the department head; this course may be offered as an online course)

Multivariable Calculus represents the next step after AP BC Calculus for an advanced student of mathematics. Students will review vectors and investigate functions of two or more variables. Derivatives of functions of many variables, including applications of the derivative such as finding extrema, gradient, divergence, and curl of vector functions, and the method of Lagrange multipliers, will be considered. The course will also cover multiple integration and applications, and integral theorems such as Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem. Applications in physical sciences and engineering will be used throughout to enrich and enliven the formalism.

History Department Full-Year Courses

World History (Fr.) European History (So.) European History Honors (So.) US History (Jr. & Sr.) US History Honors (Jr. & Sr.) American Government Anthropology Economics Human Geography International Relations Introduction to Psychology Moral Philosophy & Applied Ethics Advanced Placement Art History Advanced Placement European History Advanced Placement US History Advanced Placement World History

The study of history provides a significant element in the liberal arts education. As a discipline, it promotes a critical appreciation of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary civilization through the study of its historical development. The History Department seeks to encourage this appreciation by combining required survey courses in American and modern world history with a wide range of comprehensive elective courses. Furthermore, the study of history emphasizes the refinement of various study and analytical skills useful in other academic disciplines. Students are not only required to master the material presented in lectures and reading assignments, but they are also expected to develop and present their own ideas in paper assignments and classroom discussion. In order to satisfy the Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduation requirements, students must earn at least three credits in the study of history. Sophomores must take (or have taken) European History in addition to the two required history credits. Juniors must take (or have taken) American History. Students entering as freshmen take World History.

Survey Courses (1 credit each) World History (freshmen)

World History is a freshman history class that introduces students to the rise of major civilizations in Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Students will explore the themes of political organization, human and physical geography, and cultural diversity. Critical skills practice will include proactive reading, expository writing, research, and document analysis. 13

European History (sophomores)

The European History course is designed to help students gain knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present. Students will develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence, and an ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing.

European History Honors (sophomores)

The goals of the European History Honors course are for students to gain knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, and to develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history. Through the practice of analysis of historical evidence, and an ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing, students will develop a profound knowledge of Western civilization. Although as rigorous as the Advanced Placement course, the honors level does not prepare for the AP exam and provides more in-depth study of particular events.

United States History (juniors and seniors)

Students in this course follow a chronological approach to American history starting with the arrival of British colonists in North America and ending in the postâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;World War II era. Students will be assigned a variety of supplemental readings, including primary source documents, for analysis and discussion. Working on the development of note-taking and study skills, students will also be expected to be active participants in class discussions. All students will be asked to complete a short research paper during the year.

United States History Honors (juniors and seniors)

The United States History Honors course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary for an in-depth understanding of American culture and history. Participants will encounter introductory Advanced Placement work with emphasis on analysis of historical documents and written expression. Students will be exposed to various interpretations of historical events and learn to weigh the evidence presented in historical scholarship. A significant amount of reading and writing is required. Although as rigorous as the Advanced Placement course, the honors level does not prepare for the AP exam and provides more in-depth study of particular events.

American Government (primarily senior elective; approval of the department head required)

The Broadening of Horizons: This is a team-taught senior elective. Students will not only have the opportunity to study American Government in depth and breadth, but also experience the passion and diversity of their teachers.The current government of the United States is responsible for a scope of projects well beyond the simple creation, enforcement, and interpretation of law. This course seeks to explain the current government of the United States and its impact both inside and outside the borders of the United States. Each of the five units looks at the government and how the action of government affects people and other institutions in different ways. Unit I: History, the Constitution, and Structure of the United States Government Unit II: Interpreting the Document â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Supreme Court Unit III: The US Economy Unit IV: Outside Our Borders Unit V: Inside Our Borders

Anthropology (primarily senior elective)

This course is a comparative study of a wide range of human societies and cultures. The aim of anthropology is to describe, analyze, and explain human lifestyles, cultures, and environments. This analysis includes other fields as wellâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sociology, environmental studies, psychology, history, law, economics, and political science. The students begin with the framework of a discipline that hails back to the 1800s. The study of anthropology itself is essentially multiple topics that inform scholars of what humans do, how humans do, and, possibly, why humans do. After tackling the question of why study anthropology, the class will explore anthropological theory versus practice-fieldwork, culture, primates, flora, fauna, and archaeology. The main thrust of this class will be the actual practice of ethnography, by which students are expected to engage in qualitative research for the course final project. Students will read studies of cultures as well as train in and employ the methods of natural observation in their own field research as their final projects.

Economics (primarily senior elective)

This senior elective is a yearlong course that includes both microeconomics and macroeconomics, addressing the general concepts that define each as well as the interdependency of each on the other. Microeconomics, the study of decisions that people and businesses make regarding the allocation of resources and prices of goods and services, focuses on supply and demand and other forces that determine the price levels seen in the economy. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, is the field of economics that studies the behavior of the economy as a whole and not just specific companies, but entire industries and economies. This looks at economy-wide phenomena, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and how it is affected by changes in unemployment, national income, rate of growth, and price levels. Students will study these concepts through both the lens of historic trends and the current financial situation facing the world today. They will undertake active research and analysis in real situations in order to acquire the fundamental tools to fully understand how companies operate and earn revenues, and thus how an entire economy is managed and sustained.

Human Geography (primarily senior elective)

The many ways in which human societies create, alter, and interact with their cultural and physical environments is the main focus of those studying geography. With that in mind, the purpose of this course is to introduce students to a wide range of topics studied in the expanding field of geography. Exploring a number of important themes, students will investigate in-depth case studies that show how geography shapes the political, social, and economic processes of the world. Recognizing how natural and man-made landscapes reflect and determine human habits, activities, and relations will lead to insights on overuse of ecosystems. The purpose of this class is to draw on these insights, combine them with new ideas, and structure them in such a way that students may further develop a coherent perspective on the contemporary and changing world.

International Relations (primarily senior elective)

The goal of the International Relations course is to expose students to the diversity of the peoples and cultures in the world and their current political and social situation in order to foster a better understanding of the interconnectedness of world events. Classes will explore such topics as the New World Order, Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national interests, and the role of the United States in various regions of the world. 15

Introduction to Psychology (juniors and seniors)

This elective is designed to introduce students to the field of modern psychology. Particular attention will be paid to development in the field of personality theory. The course will begin by looking at early psychodynamic models, including but not limited to the work of Freud and Jung, among others. Moreover, behavioral models resulting from the work of Skinner, Watson, and Pavlov will be explored while comparing and contrasting the most recent models. Students will investigate the impact of humanistic psychology while learning about the growing relationship between psychodynamic and biological branches within the field. The course will culminate with students performing a psychological profile of their own. Readings will be drawn from both primary and secondary resources.

Moral Philosophy & Applied Ethics (primarily senior elective)

This class will involve a comprehensive study of ethics and morality as presented by various philosophers such as Plato, John Stuart Mill, and Immanuel Kant. Students will develop an understanding of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the philosophic processâ&#x20AC;? in general as well as specific theories of ethics and morality. These theories will be discussed in conjunction with contemporary issues such as racism, sexism, right to life, genetic engineering, modern warfare, and more. In-class discussions, journal entries, and several two-page papers will provide students with the opportunity to put their knowledge and personal opinions to the test as they develop their abilities to think critically and argue effectively. One longer paper will also be required.

Advanced Placement Art History (history and/or arts; prerequisite: average grade of B or better in English and history)

This course examines the art and architecture of the world from prehistoric times to the present with a focus on the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts within their different cultural contexts. Classes use a slide/lecture/discussion format as well as some hands-on projects. Grades are based on quizzes, tests, presentations, and writing assignments. Students have the opportunity to see some of the art in person through visits to major Boston and Hanover museums. This course is for upper-class students, and all students will take the AP exam at the end of the year. (Examination fee is required.)

Advanced Placement European History (sophomores)

The goals of the AP European History course are for students to gain knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, and to develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence, and an ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing.Through a practice of critical skills in document analysis, synthesis of information, and expository writing, students will explore some of the major themes of European history in order to prepare for the AP exam in May. (Examination fee is required.)

Advanced Placement United States History (juniors and seniors; approval of the department head required)

The AP United States History course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary for an in-depth understanding of American culture and history. Participants will encounter introductory college-level work, with emphasis on analysis of historical documents and written expression in preparation for the AP exam. Students will be exposed to various interpretations of historical events and learn to weigh the evidence presented in historical scholarship. A significant amount of reading and writing is required. (Examination fee is required.)

Advanced Placement World History (senior elective; approval of the department head required)

This course requires a level of commitment and organization that would be expected in any college class. The purpose of AP World History is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences as well as comparisons among major societies. AP World History also builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. A significant amount of reading and writing is required. (Examination fee is required.)

History Concentration Couplets Although traditionally students choose courses according to graduation requirements for the first three years, in the senior year of history at Kimball Union students have the privilege of choosing concentrated areas of interest. In preparation for college where concentration is expected, this preliminary process exposes students to the interdisciplinary nature of all knowledge and encourages the critical skills of making broader connections through scholarship. These concentration areas can intersect with other disciplines, and we strongly encourage this content coupling in order to give students a breadth of information and understanding that no longer compartmentalizes information but rather commands essential understandings that reach beyond the syllabus of any one course. History cannot stand alone and must be understood in terms of connections made through literature, art, sciences, and mathematics. The History Department encourages students to pursue similar interdisciplinary study through the Senior Capstone or Independent Study process for commendation. Some recommended concentration couplets are: AP Art History—Anthropology and Human Geography International Relations—Anthropology, Senior English, and Human Geography AP Human Geography—Environmental Studies, Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics Anthropology—Anatomy and Physiology and Wildlife Biology If interested in exploring more, please see a member of the History Department for guidance. 17

World Language Department Full-Year Courses

French I French II French III French IV/V French IV Honors Advanced Placement French Latin I Latin II Latin III Latin IV/Advancement Placement Latin Mandarin Chinese I Mandarin Chinese I1 Mandarin Chinese I1I Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Spanish III Honors Spanish IV/V Spanish IV Honors Advanced Placement Spanish All upper-level courses are dependent on enrollment. The Language Department offers courses in French, Spanish, Chinese, and Latin. In order to satisfy the requirements for graduation, students must pass the third level of a foreign language course. New juniors who cannot fulfill the requirement due to placement or who have taken a different language than offered at the Academy must pass as many yearsof language study as possible in one language. Language courses for new seniors, postgraduates, and international students will be arranged individually in consultation with the Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs. The goal of the French, Chinese, and Spanish courses is twofold: to foster an appreciation and knowledge of other languages and cultures, and to develop proficiency in the four language skillsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Our modern language offerings target students for whom French, Chinese, or Spanish is a second language. We therefore require native speakers of French, Chinese, or Spanish to study a new language while at Kimball Union. The department uses an interactive, communication-based approach, incorporating text, classroom practice, literature, video, and computer laboratory work. The goals of the Latin courses are to develop proficiency in reading, translating, and interpreting the Latin language; to build English vocabulary through the analysis of Latin roots; and to foster a knowledge and appreciation 18

of the culture of the Greeks and Romans and their legacy to the modern world. Our computer laboratories offer all students additional practice with listening comprehension, speaking skills, and vocabulary acquisition. Teacher-chaperoned trips are offered to provide students the opportunity to experience different cultures firsthand. Students are encouraged to participate in homestay and foreign exchange programs.

French I and II (1 credit each)

The objective of these introductory courses is to help students attain a fundamental degree of proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In French I, basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are presented through a thematic approach designed to engage the students in communication. Students also consider the representative cultures and how they relate to their own. Class participation is emphasized through drills and interactive exercises to strengthen studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; understanding of and proficiency in fundamental French. French I is conducted primarily in French. French II continues the thematic approach of French I and presents more complex structures while expanding the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vocabulary. Students also develop their writing skills at the second level, culminating in a two-page autobiography or similar piece. French II is conducted in French. The prerequisite for French II is satisfactory completion of French I; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in French I either repeat French I or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

French III (1 credit)

This course is designed to improve the reading and speaking of French. A variety of readings are introduced to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary, while giving practice in writing and conversation. More complex grammatical structures and vocabulary are reviewed, but the main objective is to enable students to use French for communication and self-expression. Students also explore topics such as French history, art, music, and film, as well as the cultures of other French-speaking regions of the world. Class is conducted in French. The prerequisite for French III is satisfactory completion of French II; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in French II either repeat French II or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

French IV/V (I credit each )Â

This advanced French course is a two-year cycle that examines different aspects of francophone culture through literature, film, and art. Recent themes include creating our own wiki on the Isabella Stewart Gardener museum in Boston and the Saint Gaudens National Historical site in Cornish, NH, and a survey of French cinema, which includes writing regular film analyses and creating a feature film in French. Whatever the cultural or literary focus, this class includes an advanced grammar and vocabulary review, and is conducted entirely in French. Students are evaluated on class participation, presentations, tests, quizzes, and essays. The prerequisite for this course is satisfactory completion of French III or higher.

French IV Honors and AP French Language (1 credit each)

This sequence of upper-level courses is designed to provide students with intermediate proficiency in the language, and is geared toward the Advanced Placement Language Exam. An advanced grammar review is completed and oral expression takes on an even greater role in this cycle. Frequent essays, prepared both in class and at home, help students improve their writing skills. Past reading lists in this cycle have included various plays by Molière, Jean de Florette by Pagnol, L’étranger by Camus, Thérèse Desqueyroux by Mauriac, Candide by Voltaire, and L’homme qui plantait des arbres by Giono. Historical events and cultural phenomena are discussed in the context of the works read. (Examination fee is required.)

Latin I (1 credit)

Latin words and classical culture are all around us, and this course serves as an introduction to the eloquent and powerful language of the ancient Romans. Students master the fundamental concepts of beginning Latin, such as noun cases and syntax, the various verb tenses, and sentence structure. Along the way we expand on our knowledge of English words and word roots through the acquisition of Latin vocabulary. Finally, students venture into the world of Latin literature, through small selections of prose and poetry from ancient Roman authors.

Latin II (1 credit)

This course continues with the presentation and reinforcement of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary begun in Latin I. Students learn all the forms of noun and verb systems, and master more involved syntax, such as participle use, indirect statement, and the subjunctive mood. Throughout the course, we read ever-increasing passages from ancient Roman historians, poets, and orators in the original and begin to construct an understanding of the values and ideals of the classical world. The prerequisites for Latin II are satisfactory completion of Latin I and the approval of the Latin instructor; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in Latin I either repeat Latin I or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

Latin III (1 credit)

In Latin III, students begin to read and translate extended passages of authentic Latin for the first time. Students develop their translation skills by contending with passages of gradually increasing difficulty and sophistication, and also experience firsthand a variety of authors and literary genres. Among the authors likely to be read in any given year are Caesar, Cicero, Sallust, Catullus, and Horace. As they read the works of these writers and immerse themselves in their culture and thought, students systematically review linguistic material learned in the first two years, and learn more advanced grammar and syntax as well. The prerequisite for Latin III is satisfactory completion of Latin II; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in Latin II either repeat Latin II or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

Latin IV/Advanced Placement Latin (1 credit each)

This course provides students with the opportunity to read, translate, and interpret one or two of the great Latin authors in depth. Students focus not only on the language and thought of these authors, but also on the social, political, and literary background of their works. Students who wish may, with the instructorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission, follow the AP syllabus in preparation for the AP exam. Other students will follow an attenuated version of the same syllabus. Depending on the year, students will read either Vergilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aeneid or Catullus combined with Cicero, Horace, or Ovid. (Examination fee is required.)

Mandarin Chinese I (1 credit)

This introduction to Mandarin Chinese is intended for students with no prior knowledge of any Chinese dialect or written Chinese. Mandarin Chinese is based on the Beijing dialect and is the national standard language of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan). This course will concentrate on pronunciation and the mastery of the four tones through learning Pinyin, the phonetic system, which includes tones, rules of phonetic spelling, and pronunciation drill and fundamental sentence structures. The study of Chinese characters includes stroke order, structure, and calligraphic techniques. Basic Chinese word processing and basic sentence pattern analysis are also introduced in this course. Computer-based material will be used to strengthen the curriculum, and will also serve as a means for emphasizing technology in language acquisition. By the end of the year, students should understand the basic pronunciation and grammar rules of Mandarin. Students will learn approximately 300 characters and will have a working vocabulary of about 600 words. Students will construct sentences and orally convey them in standard format. In addition, students should become conversant with Mandarin-speaking Chinese people.

Mandarin Chinese II (1 credit)

This course is a sequel to Mandarin Chinese I. It will continue to focus on oral proficiency as well as on further development of reading, writing, and listening skills. In addition, students will develop competency with Chinese idiomatic expressions and more advanced grammatical structures. By the end of the second trimester, students are expected to be able to communicate proficiently in Chinese in common social situations such as talking about weather, ordering food, and shopping. Students should also be able to present well-organized personal information regarding their families, friends, and school or work environments. By the end of the year, students are expected to develop a basic grasp of more complex Chinese syntax through committed daily practice of grammar and common idiomatic expressions. Chinese II students should be able to read and write approximately 800 single and compound Chinese words. Throughout the class, students will increase their familiarity with Chinese culture, which is an inseparable part of the Chinese language. The prerequisites for Mandarin Chinese II are satisfactory completion of Mandarin Chinese I and the approval of the Chinese instructor; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in Mandarin Chinese I either repeat Mandarin Chinese I or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

Mandarin Chinese III (1 credit)

Mandarin III is the continuation of the development of basic components of the language, with focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This class is designed to develop reading proficiency by emphasizing the vocabulary and grammar of standard written Chinese. Mandarin III students will go beyond the textbook and start reading authentic materials. In addition, students will develop their conversational skills to an intermediate level. Students will have an in-depth review of Chinese grammar and syntax, and they will further develop their calligraphy skills. The course will emphasize the fundamental difficulties and points of interference between English and Chinese. Students will be introduced to the cultures and histories of Chinese-speaking regions through documentaries, presentations, and traditional celebrations. The prerequisites for Mandarin III are satisfactory completion of Mandarin II and the approval of the Chinese instructor; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in Mandarin II either repeat Mandarin II or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

Spanish I and II (1 credit each)

The objective of these introductory courses is to help students attain a fundamental degree of proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In Spanish I, basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are presented through a thematic approach designed to engage the students in communication. Students also consider the representative cultures and how they relate to their own. Class participation is emphasized through drills and interactive exercises to strengthen studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; understanding of and proficiency in fundamental Spanish. Spanish I is conducted primarily in Spanish. Spanish II continues the thematic approach of Spanish I and presents more complex structures while expanding the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vocabulary. Students also develop their writing skills at the second level, culminating in a two-page autobiography or similar piece. Spanish II is conducted in Spanish. The prerequisite for Spanish II is satisfactory completion of Spanish I; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in Spanish I either repeat Spanish I or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

Spanish III (1 credit)

This course is designed to improve the reading and speaking of Spanish. A variety of short stories and readings are introduced to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary, while giving practice in writing and conversation. More complex grammatical structures and vocabulary are reviewed, but the main objective is to enable students to use Spanish for communication and self-expression. This class is conducted in Spanish. The prerequisite for Spanish III is satisfactory completion of Spanish II; however, we recommend that students with a grade of D+ or lower in Spanish II either repeat Spanish II or do summer work and demonstrate their progress on a placement test the following fall.

Spanish IV/V (1 credit each)

This advanced Spanish course is a two-year cycle that examines different aspects of Hispanic culture through literature, film, and art. Recent themes include an exploration of Central America through historical readings, literature, and modern media, and a survey of Hispanic cinema, which includes writing regular film analyses and creating short original films in Spanish. Whatever the cultural or literary focus, this class includes an advanced grammar and vocabulary review, and is conducted entirely in Spanish. Students are evaluated on class participation, presentations, tests, quizzes, and essays. The prerequisite for this course is Spanish III or higher.

Spanish III Honors, Spanish IV Honors, and Advanced Placement Spanish (1 credit each)

This sequence of upper-level courses is designed to provide students with intermediate proficiency in the language, and is geared toward the Advanced Placement exam. By the end of this sequence, students will complete a comprehensive study of the structures of the Spanish language that is both abstract in nature and detail oriented. A representative reading list for any of the courses might include the short stories of Borges, the plays of Lorca, and the works of Mรกrquez. Historical events and cultural phenomena are discussed in the context of the works read. The students will work toward intermediate to advanced speaking and writing skills as well as advanced comprehension skills. Qualified Spanish IV Honors students may take the AP Language Exam with the permission of the department head. (Examination fee is required.)

Science Department Full-Year Courses

Inquiry in Science Biology Biology Honors Anatomy and Physiology Wildlife Biology Advanced Placement Biology Chemistry Chemistry Honors Environmental Chemistry Advanced Placement Chemistry Physics Physics Honors Physics for Sustainability Advanced Placement Physics Environmental Studies Advanced Placement Environmental Science The Kimball Union Academy Science Department believes that science education is fundamental and essential for the total development of all of our students. The diverse areas of study within the sciences work together to develop a practical knowledge of our world, and also to introduce students to methods of critical analysis and problem solving. These skills are invaluable as students face the process of informed and mature decision-making in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technological society. Study of the traditional science subjects of biology, chemistry and physics, is complemented by additional courses, many of which are related to the environment. This allows students to explore more specific interests, and provides them with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; critical thinking and problem-solving skills are sharpened as they unravel the complexities of the world around them. In order to satisfy graduation requirements, students must take Biology plus an additional full year of upper-level laboratory science. All courses listed receive laboratory credit. Most recent graduates from Kimball Union have taken three or four science courses, which meets the admissions recommendations of more competitive colleges.

Full-Year Courses (1 credit each) Inquiry in Science (freshmen)

This science course has been designed with a twofold purpose: first, to expose students to a diverse array of science concepts and theories; second, to help students gain an understanding and an appreciation of the physical world. In addition, students will learn proper lab-writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and questioning skills that are essential for any burgeoning scientist. An inquiry-based curriculum is the defining structure of this course. Students are presented with carefully constructed real-life problems and are encouraged to ask questions and analyze each situation. The course will focus on topics in the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics, providing a student with the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in future science courses at Kimball Union.

Biology (sophomores)

This course encourages our students not only to see how structure and function interrelate across the spectrum of various biological systems but also to begin to understand how biological science affects the world they experience. Curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking are encouraged regularly. This yearlong course follows a natural progression starting with the smallest living thing, the cell, and finishing by looking at patterns in the biosphere. We will cover a variety of topics, including cell reproduction, genetics, evolution, and human anatomy. Regular laboratory work reinforces skills necessary to be successful in science; students are encouraged to ask probing questions and look for ways to answer them in a controlled setting.

Biology Honors (freshmen and sophomores; prerequisite: Algebra I; approval required)

This accelerated course is designed to give a more in-depth coverage with a molecular emphasis of biological processes with the goal of preparing students for success on the SAT II biology test. Topics covered will include the organic compound makeup of living organisms, genetics, taxonomy, and organismsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; physiological systems. The lab portion of the course will require students to interpret, analyze, and graph the data collected.

Anatomy and Physiology (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry)

This course is an honors-level biology course that begins with an overview of all the organ systems that comprise the human body. It follows with an in-depth explanation of these complex systems. The course is complemented with lab work investigating the physiological effects of exercise on the body in addition to required dissections. Local medical facilities are utilized as learning resources. Students leave the course with an appreciation for and understanding of their complex body and how it functions.

Wildlife Biology (juniors and seniors; prerequisite: Biology)

This course will offer students a fresh and engaging perspective on the natural world. During the year, students will delve into the various classes of vertebrate animals on both local and global levels, studying anatomy, conservation, evolutionary history, human impacts, and habitat management. All aspects of the animals in our world are explored, with a significant emphasis placed on direct and indirect human/animal interactions. Students can expect to work outdoors, be introduced to various live animals, participate in 25

dissections, and use various forms of scientific and computer technology. This course further offers a significant reflective writing component designed to help students explore within themselves how we fit into a world in which many wild animals are in need of our help. The end goal of the course is greater global awareness and a broad level of expertise that encompasses all classes of animals within the subphylum vertebrata.

Advanced Placement Biology (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry; approval required)

The goal of this course is to provide juniors and seniors with the opportunity to continue the study of biology. The course uses a college text and will follow a collegelevel curriculum. The accelerated format is presented to students in such a way as to develop knowledge of the material covered by the Advanced Placement Exam, which is given in late spring. Textbook readings will be supplemented with current articles from scientific journals. Summer reading is required. (Examination fee is required.)

Chemistry (sophomores and juniors; prerequisites: Inquiry in Science and Algebra I)

Introductory Chemistry develops fundamental principles of the structure of matter with primary emphasis on problem solving. Students are asked to think independently and apply patterns of reasoning to a variety of situations. The roles of matter and energy in atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and states of matter will be discussed. Basic concepts of measurement and calculation are covered. Regular laboratory experience is used to emphasize material covered in class as well as to hone analytical skills.

Chemistry Honors (sophomores and juniors; prerequisite: Algebra I; approval required)

This course will provide an introduction to a number of fundamental chemical principles using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Major topics addressed will include atomic structure, bonding, thermochemistry, stoichiometry, pure substances, equilibrium, acids and bases, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Students will complete a number of experiments using traditional and small scale techniques. The syllabus of this course is designed with the SAT II exam in mind. Students enrolled in the honors section will be encouraged to take the SAT II exam at the completion of the course.

Environmental Chemistry (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: one year of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) This course is concerned with the effect of chemistry on the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamic systems and the implications of human action on the environment. Current issues, such as climate change, ozone depletion, air and water pollution, use of pesticides in the food supply, and alternative sources of energy, are discussed. Chemical theories and principles are introduced as needed, recognizing that before we can evaluate the changes to our environment we must understand how natural chemical systems and cycles work. Students will study the chemistry of the natural environment from soil to sky, from the geologic history of the earth to the greenhouse effects of carbon dioxide and other gases.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry; approval required)

The primary goal of this course is to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary for college-level work in chemistry. The course will follow the Advanced Placement syllabus and will allow for in-depth study of laboratory concepts using advanced laboratory techniques. The student will need to have demonstrated a thorough degree of competence in a full year of general chemistry. Students will take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam in the spring. (Examination fee is required.)

Physics (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: Chemistry and Algebra II)

This class introduces basic concepts in physics. A goal of the course is to have students gain a greater understanding of the processes driving the physical world around them. Major components of the course include the principles governing the motion of objects, forces, and momentum, as well as the concepts of work and energy, electricity and magnetism. Practical applications to the everyday world will be emphasized. Laboratory exercises are designed both to reinforce important concepts and to foster analytical thinking. It is expected that students are familiar with algebraic and geometric operations, and also have an understanding of trigonometry.

Physics Honors (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: Chemistry and Algebra II; approval required)

Physics Honors covers essentially the same topics as Physics, but in greater depth. Connections to the real world will also be made throughout the course, but theoretical development of concepts will be more rigorous than what is done in Physics. Problems are generally more difficult, require integration of two or more physical concepts, and are more mathematically challenging than those found in Physics. To be successful in this course, students must be competent in solving equations involving trigonometric functions and identities, systems of equations, and quadratic functions, and be proficient with a graphing calculator.

Physics for Sustainability (primarily junior and senior elective; prerequisites: Algebra II and Chemistry)

The topics covered in this course could vary from year to year, but regardless of the emphasis, students will learn concepts essential to understanding renewable energy technologies. Sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric, fuel cell, and nuclear will be investigated. By acquiring a working understanding of each power source, students will understand topics in electricity and magnetism, mechanics, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics. The course will be primarily experiential in nature, so understanding will develop from the performance and analysis of many experiments. Construction of a working power supply using sustainable methods and materials will be a culminating project to demonstrate mastery of concepts. Students will be able to describe attributes and drawbacks of their power supply and where and why a larger-scale version could be a viable source of power.

Advanced Placement Physics (seniors; prerequisite: completion of AB Calculus or completion of Physics and currently enrolled in AB Calculus; approval required) This course provides students with a more advanced mathematical treatment of classical mechanics. The emphasis is on acquiring college-level problem-solving skills for the study of science or engineering. Topics include the equations of motion, forces, momentum, energy, rotational dynamics, vibrations, and gravitation. The course uses a college text and follows the Advanced Placement curriculum. Students should have demonstrated competence in a full year of general physics and precalculus. Students will take the AP exam in the spring. (Examination fee is required.)

Environmental Studies (sophomores, juniors, and seniors)

This is a course intended for students who have completed Biology and who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the environment through problem solving. Specific issues such as ecology, population dynamics, air and water pollution, atmospheric change, natural resource management, biodiversity, and energy sources will be covered using a variety of learning techniques. A major portion of the course will be devoted to a student-designed and driven project tied to the school community and local environment. Intensive fieldwork in the Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor classroom will help aid the students in their ongoing development of a sense of place and respect for the world around them. All of these components of the course will be combined to improve laboratory, research, public speaking, writing, and critical-thinking skills.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (juniors and seniors; prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry; approval required)

This yearlong elective course, which utilizes a college-level text, details the environmental constraints that humankind confronts and describes actions that can be taken in order to cope successfully with them. A deeper understanding of and appreciation for nature is developed through discussions regarding ecological principles, population, conservation, pollution, natural resources, and other issues.The class utilizes a college-seminar approach in which students discuss and answer questions in class from assigned out-of-class reading or research. The laboratory section of the course is geared to each student developing problem-solving skills and working as part of a research team.The class is complemented by local field trips and prepares students for college courses on environmental issues. Students will take the AP exam in the spring.There is a summer reading requirement for the course that is assigned by the director of environmental education. (Examination fee is required.) 28

Arts Department It is important for all students to have exposure to the arts. Students will leave Kimball Union with a basic knowledge of the aesthetics, history, criticism, and production of an art. One credit of art is required for graduation. Freshmen and new sophomores must take at least one trimester of either a visual art or music course and one trimester of either a theatre or dance course during their first two years at the Academy. The remaining one-trimester graduation requirement can be satisfied by taking any arts course at any time prior to graduation. Each new junior or senior must have one full year of arts credit for graduation with at least one trimester in either visual art or music and one trimester in either theatre or dance. At least one trimester credit course must be taken while enrolled at the Academy. Postgraduate students must enroll in at least one arts course during the year. Arts courses are listed separately below under the categories of visual art, dance, music, and theatre.

Visual Art Courses Full-Year Courses Advanced Studio Art/Advanced Placement Studio Art Advanced Placement Art History Trimester One

Trimester Two

Trimester Three

Life Drawing Foundation Drawing Painting Sculpture Digital Photography Digital Photography Photoshop Intro to Ceramics Intro to Ceramics & Ceramics Intro to Digital Video

Foundation Drawing Painting Woodworking Photoshop Intro to Ceramics & Ceramics Intro to Digital Video

Full-Year Courses Advanced Studio Art/Advanced Placement Studio Art (1 credit each; prerequisites: advanced standing and approval of the teacher)

This full-year course offers an intensive study in the visual arts and is offered to juniors and seniors who have met the prerequisites. Class projects are designed to help students develop their technical competence and to enhance their breadth of artistic knowledge as well as to provide opportunities for creative self-expression. Students work in a wide variety of media from traditional drawing and painting to computer-generated design. Senior art students may create portfolios for college admissions and AP students may design a long-term project for inclusion into their AP portfolio submission. (Examination fee is required.)

Advanced Placement Art History (1 credit; arts or history; prerequisites: average grade of B or better in English and history and approval of the teacher)

This course examines the art and architecture of the world from prehistoric times to the present with a focus on the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts within their different cultural contexts. Classes use a slide/lecture/discussion format as well as some hands-on projects. Grades are based on quizzes, tests, presentations, and writing assignments. Students have the opportunity to see some of the art in person through visits to major Boston and Hanover museums. This course is for upper-class students and all students will take the AP exam at the end of the year. (Examination fee is required.)

Trimester Courses Ceramics (1/3 credit; trimesters1and 3; prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics or teacher permission)

In this course, students explore a wide range of creative ceramic endeavors, becoming more critical in their work as they develop these challenging forms, and strive to attain higher levels of refinement. Students learn techniques for lidded and closed forms, for plates, and for working in a series, as well as how to throw from the mound. They also learn about clay reclamation, glazing, and firing cycles as they become familiar with the process. Students are expected to assume responsibility for the working environment of the studio.

Digital Photography (1/3 credit; trimesters 1 and 2)

This course is an introduction to digital photography. Using a digital camera, students will shoot a variety of “assignments,” including portraits, action images, close-ups, and panoramas. Through these projects, students will learn how to better use their cameras for the best results. They will also be taught about composition, lighting, and formatting, as well as how to make the most of their raw images using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop on the computer. By the end of the term, students will produce a portfolio of digitally enhanced photographs.

Foundation Drawing (1/3 credit; trimesters 2 and 3)

This introductory drawing course explores the elements of art and design. Using a variety of drawing media, students learn to draw accurately from observation. Students are also encouraged to find their own creative voice through the exploration of various expressive styles. This course or an equivalent is a prerequisite for all other studio art courses.

Introduction to Ceramics (1/3 credit; trimesters 1, 2, and 3)

This is a course designed for students having little or no prior experience with clay work. Students will become familiar with the unique properties of clay by forming pieces using a variety of hand building techniques such as pinch, coil, slab, and drape mold. They will also have exposure to the “throwing method” using the potter’s wheel. Students will learn to shape and trim their work and discover a variety of techniques for glazing. The importance of form, function, and aesthetics will be emphasized, as well as how the studio operates and is maintained.

Introduction to Digital Video (1/3 credit; trimesters1and 3)

Students in this course create video using digital media, cameras, and Vegas,Windows Movie Maker and IMovie software. The course focuses on capturing video, editing, writing storyboards, and creating short original movies. Developing original sound tracks and scores may be part of the projects as well.

Life Drawing (1/3 credit; trimester1)

Drawing is the underpinning behind the vast majority of visual art, and this class will focus on work with a live model—a training method that has been used for centuries by fine artists the world over. There is no more fascinating topic for human beings than people themselves, and attempting to capture their expressions, thoughts, and feelings as expressed by the body and face is considered perhaps the most essential training for an artist. Although the acquisition of this skill is a difficult task, the class is a joyous and relaxed experience. 31

Painting (1/3 credit; trimesters 1 and 3)

This course focuses on the element of color. Through painting and design projects, students learn how to use color to achieve a variety of results, including effective design, personal expression, and the exploration of the world around us. Students also learn technical skills for working in acrylic, oil, watercolor, and other media.

Photoshop Design (1/3 credit; trimesters I and 3)

Through a step-by-step process, this course will familiarize students in with the Photoshop CS4 program, its tools, features and processes. Students will learn to use the program as they design several different pieces of original artwork using photographs, images acquired from the Web, type, and drawings created electronically. Students will become confident users of this complex program as they create graphics for Web design, digital illustration, and other forms of visual communication.

Sculpture (1/3 credit; trimester 2)

Students will be introduced to the process, methods, and concepts of sculpture in this course. Historic and contemporary sculptural artworks will provide a context for individual artistic expression. Exploration of the basic materials and techniques of 3-D design will be undertaken in a studio setting, with projects including construction, modeling, carving, installation, found objects, and environmental shaping.

Woodworking (1/3 credit; trimester 3)

This course is a hands-on introduction to woodworking based on an old-world approach to basic woodworking skills. Lecture demonstration provides instruction on the elements of design, shop drawings, wood science, and tool use.Topics covered include care and use of hand tools, shop safety, and the introduction of power equipment. Basic joinery and fundamental techniques of wood fabrication are explored through a series of assigned projects.

Dance Full-Year Courses

Dance Composition and History (offered 2010–2011) Dance II: Technique and Composition (offered 2011–2012) Advanced Dance Trimester One

Trimester Two

Dance I Dance Ensemble Advanced Dance

Trimester Three

Dance 1 Dance Ensemble Advanced Dance

Full-Year Courses

Dance Composition and History (1 credit; prerequisite: Dance I or permission of the instructor; offered alternate years, offered in 2010–2011) The class focuses on composition and improvisation and is offered to a student of any ability interested in the choreographic process. Through the use of history and critical text, film, and live performance, students will study a variety of choreographers to better understand different compositional techniques. Improvisation is used to develop varied movement vocabulary and understand complex spatial relationships. The class will be creating dances for presentation at the fall and spring concerts. Attendance at specified performances is required.

Dance II:Technique and Composition (1 credit for full year or 1/3 credit per trimester; prerequisite: Dance I or permission of the instructor; offered alternate years, offered in 2011–2012)

Focusing primarily on advanced dance techniques, this course further extends the knowledge and skills learned in Dance I. Using modern and ballet techniques, students improve their physical expression. Students will learn to develop and perform complicated movement and rhythm sequencing as well as explore partner work and weight sharing. Composition and improvisation techniques will be examined in a class as students build toward a final performance. Dance II can be taken for one or all three trimesters for credit.

Advanced Dance (1 credit for full year or 1/3 credit per trimester; prerequisites: Dance II and Dance Composition and History) This course is intended for the most motivated dance student who has completed all lower-level dance courses. It will allow the student to continue the work already begun in Dance II and History and Composition, further developing their technical and choreographic skills. The challenge will be for the student to find greater depth in his or her performance abilities and choreograph larger and more complex projects. Advanced Dance can be taken for either one or all three trimesters for credit.

Trimester Courses Dance I (1/3 credit; trimesters 1, 2, and 3)

This course is a practical introduction to dance and aims to expose students to a variety of dance techniques and styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and social dance forms. Students will increase their physical awareness and projection as well as understand the similarities and differences between the various styles. While primarily a technique class, students will have some opportunity to investigate elementary dance composition as well. Students will attend dance concerts and performances and gain experience in artistic criticism.

Dance Ensemble (1/6 credit per trimester; trimesters 1, 2, and 3; prerequisite: dance activity or permission of the instructor)

The dance ensemble will work year-round to create works for the fall and spring concerts and other selected events. Students may choose to choreograph these dances, but it is not a requirement of the course. However, students must have some prior dance experience and be interested in creating works for presentation. As part of the preparation of works, there will be some instruction in basic dance technique, but this will not be a focus of the course. Classes will meet three to four times a week during the H period slot. This class may be repeated for credit.

Music Courses Full-Year Courses

Classical Ensemble Concordians Rock & Jazz Collaborative

Trimester One

Trimester Two

Trimester Three

Beatles and Their Time Music Theory I Introduction to Guitar*

Studio Music I Music Theory I (cont.) Introduction to Guitar*

Studio Music I Music Theory II Introduction to Guitar*

Full-Year Courses The Classical Ensemble (1/2 credit per year; trimesters 1, 2, and 3; by audition) The Classical Ensemble is for instrumentalists who are of at least intermediate ability. Repertoire ranges from Baroque music to New music. This ensemble meets during the class day, not during H periods. The group performs at least twice per year. Admission is by audition and permission of the director.

Concordians (1/2 credit per year; trimesters 1, 2, and 3)

Kimball Union’s a cappella vocal ensemble performs at the fall and spring concerts and informal events on and off campus. The group maintains a mixed repertoire of contemporary and classical pieces and serves as the core musical group for such community events as the Baccalaureate Service and graduation. From within the large group a smaller “Select” group is auditioned. The large group rehearses once per week with interested local adults in an ensemble known as the “KUA and Community Chorus.” This combined group numbers around 50. The “Select” group meets two additional times per week in sectional and full group rehearsals during H periods. Emphasis is placed on ensemble singing skills: musicianship, vocal technique, breath control, and diction. Solo opportunities exist for advanced students.

Rock & Jazz Collaborative (1/2 credit per year; trimesters 1, 2, and 3; by audition)

KUA’s Rock & Jazz is a collaborative association of over 20 players and singers. Repertoire for performances is generated primarily out of student interest through “show and tell” sessions. Students present recordings of pieces they would like to play and like-minded musicians agree to join the project. Sheet music, tablature, or lyrics and chords are gathered (typically via the Internet) and prepared for rehearsal, and practice begins. We also perform a variety of jazz selections from “combo”-sized arrangements and groupings to larger 35

“big band” arrangements, with or without vocalists. Various combos from within the group have the opportunity to meet four times per week during H periods. Performance opportunities include all school meetings, informal coffeehouses, and community occasions such as the Meriden Senior Citizen Luncheon and Candlelight Service. Concerts are presented twice yearly and usually feature 15 to 20 selections. The fall concert is known as “KUAid” and is a benefit performance that typically raises in excess of $1,500 for worthy causes ranging from local soup kitchens to schools in Africa.

One- and Two-Trimester Courses Introduction to Guitar (1/3 credit; trimesters 1, 2, and 3) Fees assessed.*

Introduction to Guitar presents students with the rudiments of guitar playing as preparation for study with a private teacher. Topics include basic chords, picking and strumming techniques, clefs, staffs, meter, and note reading. Students must have their own guitars—help finding rentals is available.

Music Theory I (2/3 credit; trimesters 1 and 2)

Music Theory students learn the structures and logic behind music. Topics include major and minor scales, key signatures, intervals, harmony, and notation. Students acquire aural skills, learn to identify chord color and intervals, and develop the ability to accurately notate a melody by ear. This course is strongly recommended for those who intend to participate in vocal or instrumental music at the college level.

Music Theory II (1/3 credit; trimester 3)

Continuing from Music Theory I to Music Theory II allows for guided preparation for the AP Music Theory Exam, which is highly recommended for those considering majoring in music at the college level. Other theory-related projects such as songwriting and composition may also be pursued. (Examination fee is required.)

The Beatles and Their Time (1/3 credit; trimester 1)

This course provides an in-depth study of the music and lives of the Beatles in the context of the Sixties, including the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, Transcendental Meditation, youth culture, and the burgeoning music “industry.”

Studio Music I (1/3 credit; trimester 2 and 3)

Using the Music Department’s digital recording facility, students learn MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) and digital audio recording techniques focusing on composition. Projects include creating original pieces of music in various styles. Topics include use of studio hardware such as MIDI keyboards, microphones, mixing boards, and audio interfaces, as well as use of audio sequencing and notation software such as Garageband Cubase and Sibelius. This class may be repeated for credit.

Theatre Courses Trimester One Trimester Two Trimester Three Acting 1 Acting 1 Acting and Directing Workshop/Advanced Stagecraft Stagecraft Acting I Script Development Playwriting Through Improvisation Public Speaking Public Speaking

Acting I (1/3 credit; trimesters 1 and 2; students are strongly encouraged, though not required, to immediately follow up with Acting II)

This course concentrates on improvisational acting. Concentration, relaxation, projection, and characterization, along with other improvisational techniques are stressed. Attendance at specified performances is required.

Acting II (1/3 credit; trimester 3; students are strongly encouraged, though not required, to immediately follow up with Acting and Directing Workshop)

Acting II is a natural extension of Acting I, offering students the chance to continue their quest of honest, organically fueled characters, supported by appropriate physical technique. As the teaching practices required to foster these skills do not change substantially as the artist progresses, this class can be taught simultaneously with Acting I. Students may receive more challenging texts from the point of view of both character analysis and character development. (Shakespeare and/or Greek texts will likely be included.)

Acting and Directing Workshop/ Advanced Theatre (1/3 credit; trimester 3; prerequisite: Acting)

The Acting and Directing Workshop is a hands-on class in both disciplines, with students working from the first day on actual acting and directing challenges. Students will create a variety of their own short works, presenting them for the class and occasionally for the school. The course will begin with the simplest forms of theatrical expression and add complexity, culminating in short scripted play performances. Along the way, students will learn blocking techniques, patterns, acting methodologies, and conceptual development. This course is designed as a tutorial for the most motivated theatre students and is tailored around their individual needs/desires. Students may elect to do advanced work in acting, directing theory and technique, directing projects, play attendance and critique, textual analysis and criticism, theatre history, makeup, costuming, design, or any other area of established theatrical practice. Evaluation of the work in class will be decided by a teacher/ student conference once the areas of study are decided.

Playwriting (1/3 credit; trimester 2)

A more standard playwriting course, students write original material on a regular basis and read the work of a wide variety of playwrights for inspiration and discussion. There will be a variety of shorter assignments, and all students will be required to complete a 10-minute original play.

Public Speaking (1/3 credit; trimesters 1 and 2)

Students in this class learn how to stand before a group of people in a poised and concentrated manner and speak clearly and intelligently. Primarily, these skills are acquired by researching, preparing, and presenting a series of speeches, including informative, demonstrative, persuasive, after-dinner, announcements, and storytelling.

Script Development Through Improvisation (1/3 credit; trimester 1)

This class will thoroughly integrate performance and script creation, utilizing improvisation in textual development. We will also look at plays generated in this fashion, including works of Joseph Chaikinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Open Theatre,â&#x20AC;? and others by Sam Shephard and Jean-Claude van Italie. Students will all engage in improvisation to create scenes together and then adapt them into their own works, which will then be critiqued by the class.

Stagecraft (1/3 credit; trimesters 1 and 2)

This class will explore the myriad techniques and tools with which scenic artists and theatre crafts people create their designs. Students will learn aspects of scenic painting, construction, sculpting, lighting, and basic sound. Credit will be given for assignments related to main stage production as well, if they are above and beyond standard tasks in complexity and/or commitment. If a student has a specific interest in the field, every attempt will be made to allow him or her to pursue that interest.

Other Programs Study Skills Seminar (enrollment arranged through the Director of Studies; extra fee required)

The Study Skills Seminar will be offered as a series of workshop classes. The main purpose of the seminar is to help students become more active learners through instruction in the following skill areas: learning styles, materials organization, time management, memory functioning, note-taking, the five-paragraph essay, proper citation, reading comprehension, and test preparation.

Writing Center (drop-in basis)

The Center for the Advancement of Learning hosts the Kimball Union Writing Center. Writing tutors, who are volunteers from the junior and senior honors and Advanced Placement English classes, staff the Writing Center nearly every class period of the day. Students are welcome to visit the Writing Center for assistance with any aspect or phase of the writing process.

Peer Tutoring (by arrangement with the Director of Studies)

Students who have excelled in a particular course or academic field volunteer to serve as peer tutors for other students who desire additional support in that area of course work. A peer tutor meets with his or her student on a weekly basis; additional time is able to be scheduled on an as-needed basis, depending on the availability of the tutor.

Tutoring (by arrangement with the Director of Studies; extra fee required)

Kimball Union maintains a relationship with a limited number of adult tutors from outside the KUA teaching community who, schedule permitting, offer one-on-one assistance to students. Scheduling is dependent on student and tutor availability and can be tailored in terms of frequency each week and the number of weeks.

Structured Study Tutorial (by arrangement with the Director of Studies; extra fee required)

This tutorial aims at providing individualized support to students in a small group (maximum of four students) who are in need of temporary assistance with organization or general academic skills. The tutorial meets during a class period (three times per week) in a small teacher-led group to h elp students develop the skills necessary to complete the regularly-assigned work of the classroom. Assignment is for a trimester, but can be extended beyond this upon agreement among student, parent, and advisor.

Notes

P.O. Box 188 Meriden, New Hampshire 03770-0188