UPPER SCHOOL History Courses L CONTINUED

POWER & OPPRESSION: THE CHINESE CULTURAL REVOLUTION

The course covers Communist China during Mao’s Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. Students read Nien Cheng’s autobiography, Life and Death in Shanghai, and Anchee Min’s memoir, Red Azalea. The idea of the communist state’s desire to rid the culture of capitalists and intellectuals is discussed as well as the nature of communism. The course evaluates power, oppression, communism, and Marxist ideals through the eyes of those most affected by the Cultural Revolution.

POWER & OPPRESSION: SOUTH AFRICA & APARTHEID

This course covers South Africa from the beginnings of Apartheid in the 1930s to the present. Through literature the course discovers who holds the power in South Africa and all those who were oppressed. The Power of One, by Bryce Courtenay, and Invictus, by John Carlin, are used to delve into the country’s history.

Algebra I

Algebra I is an introduction to functions and the study of linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, problem-solving using equations, operations with polynomials, quadratic equations and factoring, and introductory exponential and radical equations. Additional topics may include rational algebraic expressions and equations. Problem solving, graphing, and critical thinking are embedded throughout the course.

Geometry

This course in Euclidean geometry challenges students to think logically. Topics include congruent triangles, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, similarity, the Pythagorean Theorem, right triangle trigonometry, circles and arcs, area and volume, and probability and basic statistics. Solid and plane (2D and 3D) geometry are connected throughout. Additional topics may include transformational and coordinate geometry. Geometric proofs are an integral part of this course. Ample opportunity is provided for students to apply and maintain algebraic skills.