Taipei American School Upper School Course Catalog | SY2022-23

Upper School Course Catalogue

Taipei American School

Mr. Andrew Lowman

Mr. Ryan Haynes Principal

Director of US Academic / Personal Counseling extension: 213 extension: 224 email: lowmana@tas.edu.tw email: haynesr@tas.edu.tw

Dr. Evelyn Chen

Ms. Melanie Brennand Hamre Associate Principal

Director of US College Counseling extension: 214 extension: 228 email: chene@tas.edu.tw email: hamrem@tas.edu.tw

Dr. Jill Fagen

Ms. Meagan Frazier Associate Principal IB/AP Coordinator extension: 214 extension: 222 email: fagenj@tas.edu.tw email: frazierm@tas.edu.tw

Mission Statement

Taipei American School’s mission is to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service. We provide a broad American-based education with a global perspective that develops students of character who are committed to making the world a better place.

Course Selection, Course Load, and the Upper School Schedule

Students select courses in consultation with their teachers, academic and personal counselors, and parents. Students take between six (minimum) and eight (maximum) courses at a time unless they have three or more AP or IBHL courses, in which case they may choose to take five courses as a minimum. The upper school schedule is on a 2-day cycle and alternates between an A day and a B day. There are five 80 min periods in a school day and a daily flex period in which advisory, class meetings, and club meetings are held. Please see the sample school schedule below.

Although a wide variety of courses are available, students are encouraged to look closely at the academic expectations and homework load for each course in order to plan for a

balanced schedule, including consideration of maintaining study across core subject areas. On the last two pages of this course catalog, students can use the Balance of Life Worksheet and the 4 Year Program Planning forms as tools to guide the decision-making process.

Courses in this catalog are offered based on demand. A drop/ add period occurs in the fall at the beginning of the school year, and students can request to drop and add courses based on their circumstances. However, it is not guaranteed that space will be available in each course after the spring registration period from which the school schedule is built.

Homework Guidelines

Each course description includes a statement about the amount of time students can expect to spend on homework. The following is a guideline for average number of minutes per class meeting during the course of a week.

Light 0 – 30 minutes

Moderate 30 – 60 minutes Heavy 60 – 90 minutes

Note that these are average amounts and may vary. Some students will be able to complete an assignment in 30 minutes, while the same assignment may take another student 90 minutes.

AP and IB courses usually require more homework than other courses. IB classes usually require projects that are done in addition to the “daily” class assignments.

Nelson Mandela

Four years of upper school attendance are required with a minimum of 22 credits to be earned in grades 9 – 12. Credits are awarded on a semester basis. The required 22 credits must include the following:

English 4 credits

Grade 9: English 9 or Honors English 9

Grade 10: English 10 or Honors English 10

Grade 11 and 12: Full-year courses each year. Note: Journalism, Writing Workshop & Seminar, and Expository Writing do NOT fulfill this requirement.

Public Speaking 1 credit

Students may satisfy the requirement by taking: Public Speaking, Rhetoric, & Debate, International Relations/ Honors International Relations/IB Global Politics, or AP Research; or, by taking Theater Arts, or Honors Theater. IB Diploma students may fulfill the requirement automatically through TOK Year 2.

Note that students may NOT satisfy both the public speaking and the performing & visual arts requirements with the same course.

Mathematics 3 credits 3 Credits

Computer Science & Robotics

0.5 credit

All courses offered in the Computer Science and Robotics Department satisfy the graduation requirement.

Science 3 credits Grade 9: Physics Grade 10: Chemistry Grade 11: Biology

Performing Arts or Visual Arts 1 credit This requirement can be fulfilled by taking visual arts and/ or performing arts courses that total 1 credit.

Note that students may NOT satisfy both the public speaking and the performing & visual arts requirements with the same course.

History & Social Studies 3 credits Grade 9: History of Asia

Grade 10: Modern World History or AP World History

Grade 11: United States History, AP United States History, IBHL 1: US History, Honors or Regular History of Minorities in America

World Languages or Classics 3rd year proficiency

Health & PE 2 credits Required for ninth and tenth grade students

The balance of the required credits will be made up of elective courses.

Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.

Confucius

English Credit

UART65H Honors Art & Literature 1

UART65S1 Art & Literature (Sem. 1) 0.5

UART65S2 Art & Literature (Sem. 2) 0.5

UENG01 English 9 1

UENG01H Honors English 9 1

UENG02 English 10 1

UENG03 Honors English 10 1

UENG04 American Literature 1

UENG04H Honors American Literature 1

UENG05 World Literature 1

UENG05H Honors World Literature 1

UENG07 Literature, Justice, & Law 1

UENG10H Honors Asian Literature 1

UENG13 AP English Language & Composition 1

UENG14 IBHL English Literature 1 1

UENG16 IBSL English Language & Literature 1 1

UENG17 IBHL English Language & Literature 1 1

UENG23 AP English Literature & Composition 1

UENG24 IBHL English Literature 2 1

UENG26 IBSL English Language & Literature 2 1

UENG27 IBHL English Language & Literature 2 1

UENG61 Writing Workshop & Seminar 1 1

UENG61H Honors Writing Workshop & Seminar 1 1

UENG62 Writing Workshop & Seminar 2 1

UENG62H Honors Writing Workshop & Seminar 2 1

UENG71 Journalism 1: The Blue & Gold 1

UENG72H Honors Journalism 2: The Blue & Gold 1

UENG73H Honors Journalism 3: The Blue & Gold 1

UENG74H Honors Journalism 4: The Blue & Gold 1

Political Science & Forensics

UPSF01 Public Speaking, Rhetoric, & Debate 1

UPSF02 International Relations 1

UPSF02H Honors International Relations 1

UPSF022 IBSL Global Politics 1

UPSF031 IBHL Global Politics 1 1

UPSF032 IBHL Global Politics 2 1

UPSF04S1 Civics and Current Political and Social Topics (Sem. 1) 0.5

UPSF04S2 Civics and Current Political and Social Topics (Sem. 2) 0.5

UPSF051 Honors Research in Social Science 1

UPSF062 AP US Government & Politics/Public Policy 1

UPSF10 AP Seminar 1

UPSF11 AP Research 1

UPSF21 AP Psychology 1

UPSF22 IBSL Psychology 1

Political Science & Forensics Credit

UPSF241 IBHL Psychology Year 1 1

UPSF242 IBHL Psychology Year 2 1

UPSF31 IB Theory of Knowledge 1 1

UPSF32 IB Theory of Knowledge 2 1

UPSF51S1 Social Entrepreneurship (Sem. 1) 0.5

UPSF51S2 Social Entrepreneurship (Sem. 2) 0.5

UPSF51HS1 Honors Social Entrepreneurship (Sem. 1) 0.5

UPSF51HS2 Honors Social Entrepreneurship (Sem. 2) 0.5

History & Social Studies

UART32 AP Art History 1

UCLS101 History of the Ancient Greek People (Sem. 1) 0.5

UCLS102 History of the Ancient Roman People (Sem. 2) 0.5 USST011 History of Asia 1

USST022 History of Europe 1

USST03 Modern World History 1

USST031 AP World History: Modern 1 USST04 AP European History 1 USST051 United States History 1 USST06 AP United States History 1 USST071 History of Minorities in America 1 USST071H Honors: History of Minorities in America 1

USST09 Seminar: World Religions 1 USST091 IBSL World Religions 1 USST09H Honors Seminar: World Religions 1 USST10 Honors: Introduction to American Law 1 USST11 AP Economics 1

USST19 IBHL 1: US History 1 USST20 IBHL 2: Modern World History 1 USST201 IBSL Modern World History 1 USST513 Business & Entrepreneurship 1 USST53 Marketing 1 USST53H Honors Marketing 1

Mathematics

UMAT01 Introduction to Algebra 1

UMAT02 Algebra 1 1

UMAT03 Geometry 1

UMAT041 Honors Geometry 1

UMAT06 Algebra 2 1

UMAT065 Modeling, Design, & Finance 1

UMAT070 Honors Algebra 2 1

Mathematics Credit

UMAT071 Honors Advanced Algebra 2 1

UMAT08 Precalculus 1

UMAT09 AP Statistics 1

UMAT12 Honors Precalculus 1

UMAT121 Calculus 1

UMAT123 Honors Precalculus & Differential Calc 1

UMAT13 AP Calculus AB 1

UMAT14 AP Calculus BC 1

UMAT22 Honors Modern Topics In Mathematics 1

UMAT31 IBSL Math: Applications & Interpretation 1 1

UMAT32 IBSL Math: Applications & Interpretation 2 1

UMAT33 IBHL Math: Applications & Interpretation 1 1

UMAT34 IBHL Math: Applications & Interpretation 2 1

UMAT41 IBSL Math: Analysis & Approaches 1 1

UMAT42 IBSL Math: Analysis & Approaches 2 1

UMAT43 IBHL Math: Analysis & Approaches 1 1

UMAT44 IBHL Math: Analysis & Approaches 2 1

Computer Science & Robotics

UCSR014 Mechanical Engineering (Sem. 1) 0.5

UCSR0151 Intro to Automation 0.5

UCSR016 Programming for Game Design (Sem. 1) 0.5

UCSR017 Robotic Engineering (Sem. 2) 0.5

UCSR0181 Intro to Kinetic Art 0.5

UCSR02 Web Design & Programming 0.5

UCSR020 Robotics Mentoring (Sem. 1, 5th period) 0.5

UCSR021 Object-Oriented Programming (Sem. 2) 0.5

UCSR022 Augmented Reality in Social Media 0.5

UCSR03 Honors Modern Topics in Computer Science 1

UCSR031H Honors Video Game Programming 1

UCSR04 AP Computer Science A 1

UCSR051H Honors Robotic Engineering 1 1

UCSR052H Honors Robotic Engineering 2 1

UCSR053H Honors Computer Science & Robotics Research 1

UCSR06 Honors High Performance & Distributed Computing 1

UCSR061 Teaching Assistant in Computer Science & Robotics 1

UCSR07 Honors Artificial Intelligence 1

Science Credit

UHPE11 IBSL Sports, Exercise & Health Science 1

USCI012 Experimental Physics 1

USCI021 Physics 1

USCI022 Honors Physics 1

Science Credit

USCI04 Biology 1

USCI041 Conceptual Biology 1

USCI05 Chemistry 1

USCI051 Experimental Chemistry 1

USCI07 Honors Biology 1 USCI08 IBSL Biology 1 1 USCI081 IBSL Biology 2 1 USCI09 IBHL Biology 1 1 USCI10 IBHL Biology 2 1

USCI11 Honors Chemistry 1 USCI12 IBHL Chemistry 1 1 USCI13 IBHL Chemistry 2 1

USCI14 IBSL Chemistry 1 1 USCI141 IBSL Chemistry 2 1 USCI18 AP Biology 1 USCI19 AP Chemistry 1 USCI201 AP Physics 1 1 USCI203 AP Physics 2 1 USCI21 AP Physics C (MECHANICS, E & M) 1 USCI22 AP Environmental Science 1 USCI231 Independent Research Internship 1 1 USCI251 Independent Research Internship 2 1 USCI26 Research in Biology (Sem. 1 or full year) 0.5 or 1 USCI26H Honors Research in Biology 1 USCI27 Research in Chemistry (Sem. 1 or full year) 0.5 or 1 USCI27H Honors Research in Chemistry 1 USCI28 Research in Physics (Sem. 1 or full year) 0.5 or 1 USCI28H Honors Research in Physics 1 USCI35 Forensic Science 0.5 USCI36 Honors Quantum Mechanics & Relativity 0.5 USCI37 Anatomy & Physiology of Movement 0.5 USCI39 Honors Computer Modeling 0.5 USCI40 Introduction to Science Research 0.5 USCI411 Honors Research: Synthetic Biology 1 USCI421 Honors Research: Nanotechnology 1

World Languages

UMAN01

UMAN02

Mandarin as a Foreign Language 1 1

Mandarin as a Foreign Language 2 1

UMAN03 Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 1

UMAN04 Mandarin as a Foreign Language 4 1

UMAN05 AP Chinese Language & Culture 1

World Languages

UMAN12 Heritage Mandarin 2 1

UMAN13 Heritage Mandarin 3 1

UMAN14 Honors Heritage Mandarin 4 1

UMAN15 Honors Heritage Mandarin 5 1

UMAN16 IBSL Chinese B 1

UMAN17 Honors Seminar: Current Mandarin Topics 1

UMAN21 Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 1 1

UMAN22 Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 2 1

UMAN23 Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 3 1

UMAN24 IBHL Chinese B 1

UMAN31 Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 1 1

UMAN32 Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 1

UMAN33 IBSL Chinese A Language & Literature 1 1

UMAN34 IBHL Chinese A Language & Literature 1 1

UMAN35 IBSL Chinese A Language & Literature 2 1

UMAN36 IBHL Chinese A Language & Literature 2 1

UMAN37 Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 3 1

UMAN38 Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 4 1

UWLD11 Spanish 1 1

UWLD12 Spanish 2 1

UWLD13 Spanish 3 1

UWLD13H Honors Spanish 3 1

UWLD14 Spanish 4 1

UWLD14H Honors Spanish 4 1

UWLD15H Honors Spanish 5 1

UWLD15 IBSL Spanish B 1

UWLD161 IBHL Spanish B 1

UWLD181 AP Spanish Language & Culture 1

UWLD191 AP Spanish Literature & Culture 1

UWLD21 Japanese 1 1

UWLD22 Japanese 2 1

UWLD23 Japanese 3 1

UWLD241 AP Japanese Language & Culture 1

UWLD261 IBSL Japanese B 1

Classics

UCLS01 Elementary Greek & Latin 1

UCLS02 Intermediate Greek & Latin 1

UCLS02H Honors Reading Greek & Latin 1

UCLS03 Reading Greek & Latin 1

UCLS04 AP Latin 1

UCLS051

Classics

UCLS061 IBHL Classical Language (Latin) 1

UCLS062 IBHL Classical Language (Greek) 1

UCLS07 Advanced Latin 1

UCLS07H Honors Advanced Latin 1

UCLS08 Advanced Ancient Greek 1

UCLS08H Honors Advanced Ancient Greek 1

UCLS09 Advanced Greek & Latin 1

UCLS09H Honors Advanced Greek & Latin 1

UCLS101 History of the Ancient Greek People (Sem. 1) 0.5 UCLS102 History of the Ancient Roman People (Sem. 2) 0.5

Performing Arts

UMUS01 Concert Choir 1

UMUS02 Honors Concert Choir 1

UMUS03 Opus: Vocal Ensemble 1

UMUS04 Honors Opus: Vocal Ensemble 1

UMUS041 Vocal Studio (Sem. 1) 0.5

UMUS05 String Orchestra 1

UMUS05A Piano Performance (Sem. 1) 0.5

UMUS05B Honors Piano Performance (Sem. 1) 0.5

UMUS06 Honors String Orchestra 1

UMUS07 Orchestra 1

UMUS08 Honors Orchestra 1

UMUS09 Upper School Beginning Band (Sem. 1) 0.5

UMUS10 Symphonic Band 1

UMUS11 Honors Symphonic Band 1

UMUS12 Wind Ensemble 1

UMUS13 Honors Wind Ensemble 1

UMUS14 Jazz Ensemble 1

UMUS15 Honors Jazz Ensemble 1

UMUS16 AP Music Theory 1

UMUS171 IBSL Music 1 1

UMUS172 IBSL Music 2 1

UMUS181 IBHL Music 1 1

UMUS182 IBHL Music 2 1

UMUS19 Musical Theater 1

UMUS19H Honors Musical Theater 1

UMUS20 Music Production & Technology 1

UMUS21 Honors Music Production & Technology 1 1

UMUS211 Honors Music Production & Technology 2 1

UMUS212 Honors Music Production & Technology 3 1

UMUS22 Chamber Repertoire Performance (Sem. 1) 0.5

IBSL Classical Language (Latin) 1

UCLS052 IBSL Classical Language (Greek) 1

UMUS22H Honors Chamber Repertoire Performance (Sem. 1) 0.5

Performing Arts Credit

UMUS23 Flute Chamber Ensemble (1 semester or full year) 0.5 or 1

UMUS23H Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble (1 sem. or full year) 0.5 or 1

UART011 Dance 1 (1 semester or full year) 0.5 or 1

UART012 Dance 2 (1 semester or full year) 0.5 or 1

UART0131H Honors Dance 3 1

UART013H Honors Dance 4 1

UART02 IBSL Dance 1 1

UART03 IBHL Dance 1 1

UART04 IBSL Dance 2 1

UART05 IBHL Dance 2 1

UART06 Theater Arts 1

UART071 Theatrical Design & Technology (Sem. 1) 0.5

UART08 Advanced Technical Theater (Sem. 2) 0.5

UART081 Stagecraft Production 0.5

UART082 Honors Stagecraft Production 0.5

UART09 IBSL Theater 1 1

UART10 IBSL Theater 2 1

UART11 IBHL Theater 1 1

UART12 IBHL Theater 2 1

UART13 Honors Theater 1 1

UART14 Honors Theater 2 1

UART141 Honors Theater 3 1

Visual Arts

UART211 Visual Arts 1

UART23 Drawing 1 (Sem. 1) 0.5

UART24 Drawing 2 (Sem. 2) 0.5

UART25 Ceramics 1 (Sem. 1) 0.5

UART26 Ceramics 2 (Sem. 2) 0.5

UART27H Honors Advanced Ceramics 1

UART28 Digital Photography 1 (Sem. 1) 0.5

UART29 Digital Photography 2 (Sem. 2) 0.5

UART29H Honors Digital Photography 1

UART30 IBSL Visual Arts 1 1

UART301 IBSL Visual Arts 2 1

UART31 IBHL Visual Arts 1 1

UART310 IBHL Visual Arts 2 1

UART32 AP Art History 1

UART330 AP Drawing 1

UART33 AP 2D Art & Design 1

UART331 AP 3D Art & Design 1

UART341 Analog Photography 1 0.5

UART342 Analog Photography 2 (Sem. 2) 0.5

Visual Arts Credit

UART40 Fashion & Costume Design 1

UART40H Honors Fashion & Costume Design 1

UART43 Computer Graphics & Design 1

UART43H Honors Computer Graphics & Design 1

UART442 3D Modeling & Character Design 1

UART442H Honors 3D Modeling & Character Design 1

UART45 Architecture 1

UART45H Honors Architecture 1

UART47 Journalism-Yearbook 1

UART47H Honors Journalism-Yearbook 1

UART50 Honors Advanced Design 1

UART51 Film Production 1 1

UART52 Honors Film Production 2 1

UART521 Honors Film Production 3 1

UART522 Honors Film Production 4 1

UART523 Honors Film Production 5 1

UART530 IB Film Studies 1 1

UART531 Film Studies 1 1

UART532 IBSL Film Studies 2 1

UART542 IBHL Film Studies 2 1

UART65H Honors Art & Literature 1

UART65S1 Art & Literature (Sem. 1) 0.5 UART65S2 Art & Literature (Sem. 2) 0.5

Health and Physical Education

Health and Physical Education Grade 9

UHPE01 Health & Physical Education Grade 9 1

Health and Physical Education Grade 10 - 12

UHPE02 Adventure & Fitness 0.5 (or 1)

UHPE03 Individual Activities & Fitness 0.5 (or 1)

UHPE04 Recreational Activities 0.5 (or 1)

UHPE05 Dance / PE 0.5 (or 1)

UHPE07 Fitness Training 0.5 (or 1)

UHPE08 Advanced Fitness Training (only for Gr. 11-12) 0.5 (or 1)

Health and Physical Education Grade 12

UHPE11 IBSL Sports, Exercise & Health Science 1

Support Services

USSS01 Academic Support Grade 9 to 12 0

USSS09 Speech / Language Therapy Services 0

Special Program

USPC05 Independent Study 0.5 or 1

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

Taipei American School offers more than thirty Advanced Placement courses in a variety of subject areas. An approved curriculum is followed, and a standardized external examination prepared and scored by The College Board is administered by TAS in May of each year. College websites usually contain an accurate description of an institution’s policy on placement and what academic credit, if any, is awarded for an Advanced Placement examination score. Additionally, only students who are enrolled in the AP course may sit the AP exam at TAS.

Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma

History & Social Studies

Political Science & Forensics

AP COURSE OFFERINGS

United States History Economics

European History World History: Modern Art History

Psychology

US Government & Politics/Public Policy Seminar Research

Math Statistics Calculus AB Calculus BC

English

English Literature & Composition English Language & Composition

Science

Chemistry Physics 1 Physics 2 Physics C (Mechanics, E & M) Environmental Science Biology

Computer Science A

Spanish Language & Culture Spanish Literature & Culture Chinese Language & Culture Japanese Language & Culture Classics Latin Visual Arts

World Languages

Art History Drawing 2D Art & Design 3D Art & Design Performing Arts Music Theory

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP)

The International Baccalaureate program is a two-year pre-university course of study that culminates with the IB Diploma. The awarding of an IB Diploma is contingent upon successful examination results in six subjects – three at Higher Level, and three at Standard Level. The six subjects must include English, a second language, individuals and societies, experimental science, mathematics, plus an additional arts, language, science, or social studies course.

IB Diploma candidates must also satisfactorily complete the Diploma Core which consists of Theory of Knowledge (a course which unifies and interconnects the other six courses through a philosophical perspective), write an Extended Essay, and participate in CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) activities.

All students who wish to pursue the IB diploma may do so, and will be advised on appropriate programs of study by the grade level academic counselor and the IB coordinator.

In all IB courses, a prescribed curriculum is followed, and a standardized external examination prepared by the IB is administered by TAS in May of each year. College websites usually contain an accurate description of an institution’s policy on placement and what academic credit, if any, is awarded for an IB examination score and/or for completing the DP. Additionally, only students who are enrolled in the IB course may sit the IB exam at TAS.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses

Students may elect to enroll in individual IB courses without pursuing the full diploma. Successful completion of the course, and the corresponding IB exam, will result in the awarding of an IB certificate.

All students who take IB courses must sit the external IB exam in order to receive IB credit and weighted grade. Group

IB COURSE OFFERINGS

Group 1 Studies in Languages & Literature (Literature Based)

Group 2 Language Acquisition (Communications

Based)

Group 3 Individuals and Society

Group 4 Experimental Sciences

Group 5 Mathematics

Group 6

the Arts

(Diploma Candidates must take either a Group 6 or a second subject from Groups 2, 3, or 4)

English Language & Literature SL, HL English Literature HL Chinese A Language & Literature SL, HL

Spanish B: SL, HL, AB Initio Japanese B: SL, AB Initio Chinese B: SL, HL, AB Initio Classics: SL, HL

History SL, HL Psychology SL, HL Global Politics SL, HL World Religion SL

Biology SL, HL Chemistry SL, HL Sports, Exercise & Health Science SL

Math: Applications & Interpretation SL, HL Math: Analysis & Approaches SL, HL

Dance SL, HL Theater SL, HL Visual Art SL, HL Film SL, HL Music SL, HL

Theory of Knowledge (Only available to diploma students in Gr. 11 and 12)

ENGLISH 9-12

English is required in each of the four years in the upper school at Taipei American School. Content includes instruction in analytical and expressive writing, the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), in-class writing, reading and analyzing literature, discussing ideas in groups, delivering oral presentations, and applying correct vocabulary, syntax, and grammar.

As students in grades 9 and 10 study literature, they will focus on genre, the varied modes of literary expression. A key goal in these grades is for students to examine how literary form influences their interpretations of the works they read. Thus, the study of genre is intended to provide students with the tools necessary to enhance their understanding of and pleasure in literature so that they may become life-long readers and life-long learners. Students are required to purchase personal copies of books in literature courses.

ENGLISH 9 (UENG01)

Required

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9

Homework: Moderate

English 9 is designed to generate critical analysis about the short story, novel, drama, poetry and nonfiction, and about the student’s own writing, while investigating the theme of identity. Identity, leadership, and the development of one’s character form the basis for English 9 literary selections. Students will work to develop effective study skills, enrich their vocabulary, gain proficiency in grammar, generate probing questions, develop research skills, learn and apply literary terms, and improve their writing. Students will receive a series of in-class and process-driven writing assignments. Also, students will have the opportunity to share their ideas

and perceptions through small and large group discussions and through oral presentations. The course work culminates in semester exams in which students analyze the characters and issues that they have encountered in their reading.

Texts may include: Coelho, The Alchemist; Ribay, Patron Saints of Nothing; Golding, Lord of the Flies; Gratz, Refugee; Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck; Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet; Card, Ender’s Game; short non-fiction narratives; a teacher-selected unit on poetry.

HONORS ENGLISH 9 (UENG01H)

Required

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

Through the study of personal essays, poetry, drama, and novels, Honors English 9 explores what it means to come of age, to have a voice, and to have agency. We ask, and attempt to answer, what it means to grow up and to read the world critically. As a foundational English course, Honors English 9 focuses on analytical writing, reading, and speaking. Close reading and passage analysis constitute the main focus for the fall semester; in the spring, students build on those skills to tackle more complex texts like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Class discussions and student-run seminars are important components of the courses. Assessments take the form of timed writing, processed essays, and creative projects, providing students with a variety of ways to demonstrate their learning. Honors English 9 requires maturity and initiative; homework load may be significant due to the difficulty of the texts assigned.

Texts may include the following: Homer/Wilson, The Odyssey; Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet; Cisneros, The House on Mango Street; selection of non-fiction, poetry, and short stories.

English Flow Chart

ENGLISH 10 (UENG02)

Required Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10 Homework: Moderate

English 10 develops essential critical thinking and language skills. The course is built upon the premise that language has power, and students will analyze how language is used as an effective and powerful tool in three important areas: reading, writing, and speaking. Literature will focus on characters and narrators that are forced to face personal or sociopolitical issues. Students will express their ideas in argument-driven, analytic essays as well as class discussions.

Texts may include: Orwell, Animal Farm; Sophocles, Oedipus Rex; Shakespeare, Macbeth; Douglass, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass; selection of Gothic short stories and poetry.

HONORS ENGLISH 10 (UENG03)

Required Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

Honors English 10 is a foundational course that builds on the students’ prior skillsets while also preparing them for future upper level courses. As such, emphasis is placed on argumentation and discernment in choosing evidence not only for written assessments but also oral presentations. Critical reading literacy in a variety of genres is a major component of the course to prepare students to showcase mastery of synthesizing higher order ideas across texts and disciplines. Students should also be able to demonstrate greater independent initiative when handling texts and when expressing ideas in class discussions. Texts for the Honors English 10 course, organized by genre, explore the extent to which language can be used in powerful ways to persuade us, to move us, and to aid us in instituting social change.

Texts may include: Orwell, 1984; Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist; Shakespeare, Othello; Alderman, The Power; Cho, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982; Selected Poetry and Prose (provided by teacher)

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION (UENG13)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

In this course students will have the opportunity to engage in a close study of a variety of nonfiction works. Students in AP English Language will become critical readers and skilled writers who are able to identify and explicate an author’s purpose and use of rhetorical strategies. One of the many goals of this college-level course is to prepare students to write effectively and compellingly about topics across all disciplines, a practice in which they will regularly engage, in both the university and professional contexts. In May, all students will take the AP Language and Composition Exam.

Texts may include: Thoreau, Walden; Alexander, The New Jim Crow; McGhee, The Sum of Us; selected essays and speeches.

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION (UENG23)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of AP English Language & Composition or permission of the Department Chair.

This course is a university-level seminar that explores important themes in literature in an intertextual context. Reading, critical thinking, seminar discussion, and writing are the essential elements of the course, all of which will be rigorously assessed. The reading load, which is typically in excess of 40 pages a night, is significantly heavier than other courses with an Honors weighting, and is assessed via daily closed-book quizzes. Major assessments almost exclusively take the form of timed in-class essays. In addition to course texts, readings will also include selections from works of critical theory. The class is for mature readers with open minds who have already demonstrated excellence in writing and critical thinking and who are eager to challenge themselves further. Students should be aware that the works studied in the course will frequently engage with emotionally challenging and politically controversial topics.

Texts may include: Brontë, Wuthering Heights; Conrad, Heart of Darkness; Achebe, Things Fall Apart; Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway; Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest; Miller, Death of a Salesman; Edson, W;t; Desai, The Inheritance of Loss; Brontë, Jane Eyre; Nottage, Sweat; Kalanithi, When

M.

IBHL ENGLISH LITERATURE 1 (UENG14)

IBHL ENGLISH LITERATURE 2 (UENG24)

Elective Duration: 2 years

Credit: 2 Grade: 11 & 12

Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

IBHL English Literature is primarily a rigorous pre-university course in literature. It is designed for students who intend to pursue a course of studies at university that places a heavy emphasis on critical reading and analytical writing. As the International Baccalaureate Organization notes, the study of literature “enables an exploration of one of the more enduring fields of human creativity and artistic ingenuity, and provides immense opportunities for encouraging independent, original, critical and clear thinking." It also promotes a healthy respect for the imagination and a perceptive approach to the understanding and interpretation of literary works. The discussion of literature is itself an art which requires the clear expression of ideas both orally and in writing. The Language A1 program encourages students to see literary works as products of art and their authors as craftsmen whose methods of production can be analyzed in a variety of ways and on a number of levels. This is achieved through the emphasis placed on exploring the means used by different authors to convey their subjects in the works studied. It is further reinforced by the comparative framework emphasized for the study of these works in all parts of the program. The flexibility of the program allows teachers to choose challenging works from their own sources to suit the particular needs and interests of their students. During the course of two years, students will be assessed in a variety of written and oral formats.

Texts may include: Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest; Garcia Marquez, Chronicle of a Death Foretold; O’ Neill; Long Day’s Journey into Night; Schlink, The Reader; Dillard, Teaching a Stone to Talk; selected poems by Emily Dickinson and other poets.

IBHL ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 1 (UENG17)

IBHL ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2 (UENG27)

IBSL ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 1 (UENG16)

IBSL ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2 (UENG26)

Elective Duration: 2 years Credit: 2 Grades: 11 & 12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation is required. Students will select either the IBHL or IBSL level of the course for both years.

The course aims for students to develop an understanding of the role of language in the world and to develop skills of textual analysis of both literary (poetry, drama, novels, and short stories) and non-literary texts (essays, cartoons, advertisements, infographics, profiles, speeches, articles, films, music videos, social media posts, etc.), including texts in translation. Students will be encouraged to question the meaning and aesthetic dimensions generated by language and texts based on content and context. Students will also explore how language and texts interact with each other across time and cultures. The course will examine the ways in which authors use formal and stylistic elements to create meaning in a text

I am what I read. All the books, all the papers, all the stories.

and consider how that meaning is shaped by circumstances of production and reception. Students will create presentations, projects, and essays in response to texts to demonstrate their critical awareness of how texts and their associated visual and audio elements work together to influence the reader/audience. Higher Level (HL) students will submit an additional written assessment to the IBO and undertake at least one extra unit of study of literary and/or non-literary texts.

Texts may include: Duffy, The World’s Wife; Euripides, Medea; Adichie, The Thing Around Your Neck; Ibsen, Hedda Gabler; George Monbiot’s essays; Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter; Kendall, Hood Feminism; Saadawi, Woman at Point Zero

AMERICAN LITERATURE (UENG04)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Homework: Moderate

Students will apply the reading and writing skills developed in the first two years of the English program to a representative study of American literature. The course syllabus will emphasize works that have earned a place in the literary tradition of the United States, while also including more recent writers whose works are expanding and redefining the American literary tradition. Instruction will be designed to help students respond to increasingly complex and challenging literary experiences. The composition component of the curriculum will include a heavy emphasis on journaling and practice in a wide range of writing modes. Work in practical grammar, academic writing, style (MLA), and vocabulary development will continue.

Texts may include: Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby; Otsuka, When the Emperor Was Divine; Melville, Moby Dick; Bradbury, The Illustrated Man; Grann, Killers of the Flower Moon; Coates, Between the World and Me.

WORLD LITERATURE (UENG05)

Elective

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Homework: Moderate

World Literature explores the interplay of class, gender, and race across cultures and time. Through the study of great works of Western and non-Western literature, students will gain greater perspective on their unique place within this rapidly globalizing world. This class promotes an understanding of the works in their cultural/historical contexts as well as the enduring values that unite humanity. This course is designed to challenge students as critical readers, writers, and thinkers.

Texts may include: Euripides, Medea; Su, Raise the Red Lantern; Esquivel, Like Water for Chocolate; Shakespeare, Othello; selected essays, poems and short stories.

Walter Dean Myers

LITERATURE, JUSTICE, & LAW (UENG07)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Homework: Moderate

What lessons can be learned about law and justice, vengeance and mercy from great literature? How does literature depict the legal and judicial system? This course focuses on the execution of justice within literature. We will seek to discover the ways in which literature enhances our understanding of morals, ethics, and justice. Participants will analyze legal themes in literary and visual texts to better understand the tension between the laws we follow and our own code of ethics. Participants will also engage in a variety of immersive activities such as debates, mock trials, and reader’s theater. The class will be formatted around open-ended discussions, case examination, as well as reflective and analytical writing. Students will attend one-onone writing conferences with the instructor to develop their analytical and argumentative writing skills. Course work culminates in an investigation essay where students are tasked with synthesizing a number of texts on a topic of their choice.

Texts may include: Camus, The Stranger; Erdich, The Round House; Headley, Beowulf: A New Translation; Larsen, Devil in the White City; Gaines, A Lesson Before Dying; Christie, And Then There Were None; teacher-selected cases and short stories.

HONORS AMERICAN LITERATURE (UENG04H)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

Honors American Literature will require a rigorous study of a representative sample of American literature with an emphasis on developing students’ critical reading and analytical writing skills. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when handling texts and when expressing ideas in class discussions as well as in frequent in-class and take-home writing assignments. Reading load and homework expectations in the Honors class are significantly higher. The course syllabus will reflect works that have earned a place in the literary tradition of the United States, while also including more recent writers whose works are expanding and redefining the American literary tradition. Instruction will be designed to help students respond to increasingly complex and challenging literary experiences. The composition component of the curriculum will include practice in a wide range of writing modes. Work in practical grammar, style, and vocabulary development will continue. Teacher recommendation is required.

Texts may include: King, The Truth About Stories; Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby; Otsuka, When the Emperor Was Divine; O’Brien, The Things They Carried; Morrison, The Bluest Eye; Coates, Between the World and Me; selections of poetry, short stories, and essays provided by the instructor.

HONORS WORLD LITERATURE (UENG05H)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11 -12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

Honors World Literature requires a rigorous study of the literary, cultural, and human significance of selected great works of classical Western and non-Western literary traditions, as well as a greater mastery of critical reading, thinking, and writing. Students should demonstrate greater independent initiative when handling texts and when expressing ideas in class discussions as well as in frequent in-class and take-home writing assignments. Reading load and homework expectations in the Honors class are significantly higher. The works studied in the course will be examined through the lens of different literary theories. An important goal of the class is to promote an understanding of the works in their cultural/ historical contexts and to reveal the enduring human values which unite the different literary traditions.

Texts may include: Sin-Leqi-Unninni, Gilgamesh; Virgil, Aeneid; Heaney, Beowulf (trans.); Cervantes, Don Quixote; Achebe, Things Fall Apart; Euripides, Medea; Ibsen, A Doll House; Narayan, The Guide; Marquez, Chronicle of a Death Foretold; She, Rickshaw Boy; selected essays, poems and short stories.

HONORS ASIAN LITERATURE (UENG10H)

Elective Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11 -12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

What does it mean to be Asian? What does it mean to be an Asian author? In this course, we will explore polyphonic voices from across the Asian continent and question what it means to be an Asian voice in the context of diaspora. The course aims to explore the diversity of cultures, concerns, and literary traditions across Asian cultures and to challenge the idea that Asian literature is monolithic. Students will conduct rigorous study of our texts through daily reading and writing homework assignments. Assessments will include analytical essays, student presentations, dramatic performances, and projects.

Texts may include: Eka Kurniawan, Man Tiger; Sayaka Murata, Convenience Store Woman; Su Tong, Raise the Red Lantern; Yiyun Li, A Thousand Years of Good Fortune; Min Jin lee, Pachinko; Shyam Selvadurai, Funny Boy; Balli Kaur Jaswal, Sugarbread; Ken Liu, The Paper Menagerie; Lysley Tenorio, Monstress; Yoko Ogawa, The Memory Police; Shawna Yang Ryan, Green Island; Souvankham Thammavongsa, How to Pronounce Knife; Mosin Hamid, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia; Duanwad Pimwana, Bright

JOURNALISM 1: THE BLUE & GOLD (UENG 71) HONORS JOURNALISM 2: THE BLUE & GOLD (UENG 72H) HONORS JOURNALISM 3: THE BLUE & GOLD (UENG 73H)

HONORS JOURNALISM 4: THE BLUE & GOLD (UENG 74H)

Elective Duration: Full year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: None for Journalism 1 Subsequent courses to be taken in sequence

Journalism is primarily a production class dedicated to creating the student newspaper, The Blue & Gold. In this class, students will gain a broad understanding of journalism by participating in the reporting, editorial, and publication processes for digital and print newspapers. Students will study and write in various journalistic genres including news, features, and opinion as well as produce photos, graphics, and designs to support their stories. They will use different technologies to create online, print, and audio-visual stories while learning to engage audiences across various platforms, including social media. Students need to work independently as well as collaborate in groups on all stages of newspaper production. They are expected to work as part of a team, show initiative, and manage their time effectively. Students and parents should be aware that students in this class are expected to spend extra time at school: they must be able to devote several evenings or weekend days each semester to the production of The Blue & Gold.

Students are encouraged to take the course for multiple years and will earn honors course credit for every year after the initial year of enrollment. Students in Honors Journalism will additionally be expected to take on mentoring and leadership responsibilities. The Blue & Gold managing and editorial roles are given to students who show exemplary expertise, commitment, and leadership.

Required Texts: Kovach and Rosenstiel, The Elements of Journalism; The Associated Press Stylebook

WRITING WORKSHOP & SEMINAR 1 (UENG 61) HONORS WRITING WORKSHOP & SEMINAR 1 (UENG 61H) WRITING WORKSHOP & SEMINAR 2 (UENG62) HONORS WRITING WORKSHOP & SEMINAR 2 (UENG62H)

Elective Duration: Full year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors) Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required for Honors. Subsequent courses to be taken in sequence

In this creative writing course, students will examine different forms of storytelling from a writer’s perspective and produce original work in various genres – creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and graphic narrative. As members of a college-style workshop, students will share works-in-progress in a relaxed and supportive environment, while developing both the skills and sensitivity necessary to give/receive feedback to/from their peers. This course is designed for students who have a passion for and independent rigor towards their creative work. Through these discussions, the collective goal is to first identify and subsequently refine one’s own habits that shape artistic choices and abilities as writers in order to establish one’s voice. Assessments will include: the creation of a portfolio of work in a variety of genres, the maintenance of a daily journal, and at least three submissions of their creative work to competitions, publications, and literary journals, as an exercise in sending personal, creative work out into the world.

Suggested texts may include work by Alexander Chee, Chang-Rae Lee, Jhumpa Lahiri, Lorrie Moore, Susan Choi, Cathy Park Hong, Elizabeth Alexander, Ken Liu, Gene Luen Yang

ART & LITERATURE (SEM. 1) (UART65S1)

Elective

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Homework: Light Prerequisite: None

This course is dual-listed under both the English and Visual Art departments and fulfills the Visual Art credit but does not fulfill the English credit. The course is designed for students to explore in greater depth the collaborative potential for visual art and literature, providing them the platform to appreciate the interconnectedness of the world of words and the world of colors. Students will express their appreciation for and understanding of literature in their artistic interpretations. They will learn and experiment with a variety of tools, mediums, and techniques such as drawing, painting, and mixed media as we read and discuss different genres of literature, with a focus on poetry and prose. We will examine the texts for themes, symbolism, imagery, characterization, narrative perspective and structure, and learn to use visual art as a tool to communicate our interpretation of these authorial choices. In the course of the semester, students will also examine works of art and interpret the story behind these artworks through individual and collaborative creative writing. Students are assigned readings for homework, and are expected to record their observations and ideas in their sketchbook so that they are prepared to come into class to share and discuss. Most assignments are completed in class, though they might need to work on their art and/or creative writing pieces beyond regular class time. At the end of the semester, students will develop a body of work and produce a final portfolio along with written reflections of their creative choices.

ART & LITERATURE (SEM. 2) (UART65S2)

Elective Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Homework: Light Prerequisite: None

This course is dual-listed under both the English and Visual Art departments and fulfills the Visual Art credit but does not fulfill the English credit. Students can take this course without having taken it in the first semester. Course

content, expectations, and outcomes are similar to that of the first semester. Students will explore the collaborative potential for visual art and literature, and are provided the platform to appreciate the interconnectedness of the world of words and the world of colors in their artistic interpretations. They will learn and experiment with a variety of tools, mediums, and techniques such as drawing, painting, and mixed media as we read and discuss different genres of literature, with a focus on poetry, prose and plays. We will examine the texts for themes, symbolism, imagery, characterization, narrative perspective and structure, and learn to use visual art as a tool to communicate our interpretation of these authorial choices. In the course of the semester, students will also examine works of art and interpret the story behind these artworks through creative writing. Students are assigned readings for homework, and are expected to record their observations and ideas in their sketchbook so that they are prepared to come into class to share and discuss. Most assignments are completed in class, though they might need to work on their art and/or creative writing pieces beyond regular class time. At the end of the semester, students will develop a body of work and produce a final portfolio along with written reflections of their creative choices.

HONORS ART & LITERATURE (UART65H)

Elective Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Homework: Moderate to Heavy Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is required.

This course is dual-listed under both the English and Visual Art departments and fulfills the Visual Art credit but does not fulfill the English credit. At the Honors level, workload and expectations are higher; it is likely that students will need to work on their art/creative writing pieces beyond regular class time. Throughout the year, students develop their oral, written and visual presentations skills as they visually interpret the literature and creatively write about the art. They are exposed to a variety of tools, mediums, and techniques as we read and interpret different literary genres such as poetry, prose and plays. Students are assigned readings for homework, and are expected to record their observations and ideas in their sketchbook so that they are prepared to come into class to share and discuss. We will engage in individual and collaborative work in our conceptualization and execution of art making during class time. In the second semester, students work towards developing a personalized portfolio by focusing on a theme, medium, or literary genre of their choosing. By the end of both semesters, students are expected to have a portfolio of work that they can select from to submit to the Scholastic Art Awards and the school magazines. The course will also conclude with student exhibitions as they “read”, reflect and interpret the aesthetics of each other’s works of art.

Books are the mirrors of the soul.

Virginia Woolf

Graduation Requirement:

Public Speaking: 1 credit

Students may satisfy the requirement by taking: Public Speaking, Rhetoric, & Debate, International Relations/Honors International Relations/IB Global Politics, or AP Research; or, by taking Theater Arts, or Honors Theater. IB Diploma students may fulfill the requirement automatically through TOK Year 2.

Note that students may NOT satisfy both the public speaking and the performing & visual arts requirements with the same course.

PUBLIC SPEAKING, RHETORIC, & DEBATE (UPSF01)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

*Satisfies Public Speaking requirement

Homework: Light to Moderate

The ability to express, defend, and compare ideas is critical regardless of one’s profession or field of study. Yet, most students do not receive extended, formal training in effective public speaking and sound argumentation. This course fills that gap in many courses of study, introducing students to the skills necessary to successfully both express themselves and defend their ideas. Students will be taught how to properly organize speeches, how to make effective rhetorical choices, and how to have exceptional poise and fluid delivery. They will also be introduced to the structure of arguments and taught how to effectively construct, refute, and compare between them. Using NSDA Speech & Debate events as a vehicle, students will get extensive experience in a variety of formats including informative and persuasive speaking, public forum and world schools debate, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, and other activities.

CIVICS AND CURRENT POLITICAL AND SOCIAL TOPICS (SEM. 1) (UPSF04S1)

CIVICS AND CURRENT POLITICAL AND SOCIAL TOPICS (SEM. 2) (UPSF04S2)

Duration: Students may take the class as a 1 semester or full year course. Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 9-12 Pre-req: None Homework: Light

The world around us is rapidly evolving and keeping up with current events can be challenging, even for the most committed news junkies. This new course strives to provide students with a place to explore those news developments, engage in meaningful conversations about the hot topics of the day, and prepare to engage in the political and social systems that will impact their lives. While the specific topics for each semester will be determined by current events and student input, some examples may include: elections around the world, activism in sports, the rise of misinformation and authoritarianism, criminal justice reform and other social justice movements, global responses to climate change and health crises, and more. This course does not require previous understanding or awareness of the news, instead, its goal is to inform students about what is happening in the world around them and empower all students to be active participants in that world. Come be a part of the discussion!

AP SEMINAR (UPSF10)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-11

Prerequisite: For Sophomores - English/History teacher recommendation, or Political Science and Forensics Department approval. For Grade 12Department approval.

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

AP Seminar will instruct students in the practice of research methodology, presentation skills and oral defense of argument while giving them the tools to apply those skills to real-world problems. Students will understand and think critically about social difference and social injustice, both in an individual and in a group setting. Specifically, the course will examine the role of classism and gender issues. AP Seminar will allow students to improve their argumentation, presentation skills, and research skills. Over the course of the year, students will have to complete several team research projects and presentations, a research-based essay and presentation, and take a written exam similar to other AP courses. Students should be able to act as agents of knowledge and change within and outside of their school communities. Successful completion of this course will allow students to qualify for AP Research.

AP RESEARCH (UPSF11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

*Satisfies Public Speaking requirement

AP Research only Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed the AP Seminar course. No Prerequisite for the Research in Social Science course. Homework: Heavy

AP Research is the second year of the 2-year AP Capstone series. In this course, students further their skills from AP Seminar by independently designing, planning, and conducting a year-long, research-based investigation related to an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Students explore their skill development, document their research processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an externally-graded, academic paper of approximately 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense of approximately 15-20 minutes.

HONORS RESEARCH IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (UPSF051)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Completion of AP Seminar or Political Science & Forensics Department approval.

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

This course will give students the opportunity to design and carry out a viable research project in the social sciences. Topics of inquiry may include, but are not limited to, subjects such as: psychology, political science, social policy, social movements, cross-cultural studies, and social change. Through the completion of their research project, students will: 1) develop their understanding of social science inquiry methods; 2) build their understanding of how to apply academic and ethical standards in research; and 3) be given the opportunity to defend and present their research. Those with especially promising projects may have the option to publish their findings in a journal or present at an academic conference. This course is ideal for students wishing to have a strong foundation in academic research and is designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: Students may use their Research in Social Science project to complete the requirements for AP Research. Students pursuing this option should enroll in both courses.

SOCIAL

ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SEM. 1) (UPSF51S1)

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SEM. 2) (UPSF51S2)

HONORS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SEM. 1) (UPSF51HS1)

HONORS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SEM. 2) (UPSF51HS2)

Duration: Students may take the class as 1 semester or full year course. Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light (Heavy for Honors)

Just as entrepreneurs change the face of business, social entrepreneurs act as change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss to improve systems and invent new approaches to improving our communities and society. Through this course, students will learn how business tools and techniques, including opportunity recognition, creativity, innovation, product/service development, marketing, entrepreneurial finance, and organizational leadership, are used to create new solutions to social problems by analyzing case studies of social entrepreneurs and social enterprises. Students will also learn by doing; they will take on the role of social entrepreneurs and identify a problem in our community, design an innovative solution, and implement their solution to make a short or longterm impact on our community.

20 Political Science & Forensics

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (UPSF02) HONORS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (UPSF02H) IBSL GLOBAL POLITICS (UPSF022)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 (11-12 for IBSL)

*Satisfies Public Speaking requirement Homework: Moderate for International Relations (Heavy for Honors and IBSL)

IBHL GLOBAL POLITICS 1 (UPSF031) IBHL GLOBAL POLITICS 2 (UPSF032)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 2 Grades: 11-12

*Satisfies Public Speaking requirement

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

Developing international mindedness is essential in our increasingly global and interdependent world. This course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, human rights, and conflict in a global context. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international, and global dimensions of political activity, and explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course will explore four core units: Power, Sovereignty, and International Relations; Human Rights; Development; and Peace & Conflict, helping students understand abstract political concepts with real-world examples and case studies. Moreover, students will develop conflict resolution and negotiation skills, emphasizing consensus-building exercises.

Honors students will be expected to complete an academic research paper and engagement activity project each semester. IBSL students will undertake an engagement activity through which they study a political issue of interest experientially. IBHL year 2 students must complete an in-depth research presentation from two themes studied.

AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS/PUBLIC POLICY (UPSF062)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12

Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The AP U.S. Government & Politics course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course introduces key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. The course is designed to equip students with the tools they need to be active participants in the American political system as they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for civic engagement.

Once provided with that foundational knowledge and conceptual framework, students will engage in more nuanced evaluation of some of the policy questions currently dominating politics in the United States. While specific topics will be dictated by current events, students can expect at least some discussion of federal spending issues, the social safety net, and social issues that are featured in contemporary news coverage.

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 1 (UPSF31)

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 2 (UPSF32)

Required for all IB Diploma candidates

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grade: 11-12 *Satisfies Public Speaking requirement (in Year 2) Prerequisite: IB Diploma Student Homework: Moderate

TOK examines how knowledge is acquired and how it is utilized in areas such as mathematics, the natural sciences, the social sciences, history, and the arts. This two-year course places a heavy emphasis on class discussion, analytical writing and oral presentation skills. Students will explore knowledge questions in Year 1, and complete their required core IB diploma assessments in Year 2. These assessments include the TOK Oral Exhibition, the TOK Essay, the CAS Portfolio, and the Extended Essay. IB diploma candidates may fulfill the public speaking requirement with this course in year two.

AP PSYCHOLOGY (UPSF21)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Recommendation from current history teacher OR current Political Science & Forensics Department teacher, OR completion of or concurrent enrollment in the following courses: AP History, AP Biology, or AP Environmental Science. Homework: Moderate to Heavy

AP Psychology is an academically challenging introduction to the study of human behavior and mental processes. The course offers a broad and varied survey of psychological concepts and theorists, including: research methods, biopsychology, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, development, personality, abnormality, and social psychology. As such, it offers a oneyear introduction to Psychology as a discipline at the college/university level. Students are required to take the external AP exam upon completion of the course.

IBSL PSYCHOLOGY (UPSF22)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisite: IB Diploma Candidate. Non-diploma candidates: Recommendation from current history or science teacher, OR Political Science & Forensics department approval. Homework: Heavy

IBHL PSYCHOLOGY YEAR 1 (UPSF241)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11 Prerequisite: IB Diploma Student, History/Science teacher recommendation or Political Science & Forensics Department approval Homework: Heavy

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Students are required to take the IBSL Psychology external examination upon completion of the course.

* NOTE: IBHL Psychology Year 1 is part of the two-year sequence; students take the external exam during the second year.

IBHL PSYCHOLOGY YEAR 2 (UPSF242)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of IBSL Psychology or IBHL Psychology Year 1 Homework: Heavy

This course is a continuation of IBSL Psychology. The core units from the prior year are elaborated upon to study the role of animal research in understanding human behavior, cognitive processing in a digital world, and the influence of globalization on individual behaviors. Students will also investigate the psychology of human relationships, including topics like altruism, bystanderism, attraction, prejudice, and violence, and will embark on an extended study into topics from abnormal psychology. As a secondyear course, IBHL Psychology will be student driven with an emphasis on project-based learning and seminar-style discussion. Students are required to take the IBHL Psychology external examination upon completion of the course.

History & Social Studies

HISTORY OF ASIA (USST011)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9 Homework: Moderate

This course presents students with an overview of Asian history through an examination of society, politics, culture, geography, and economics. This course will follow a chronological path with a focus on regions such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Students should expect to be engaged in the following activities throughout the year: writing in assorted styles, reading, a multitude of perspectives, refining research skills, debating controversial issues, reenacting key historical moments through simulations, annotating, and actively reading primary and secondary documents, watching, and analyzing documentaries and films, and authoring a persuasive research essay.

MODERN WORLD HISTORY (USST03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10 Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to take students on a thematic and chronological journey of the world from the foundation of the modern world to the 21st century. The students will explore ideological social political economic cultural and technological developments. With a focus on the how interaction between the “Global South” (Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia) and European powers has created our modern world. In emphasizing these places and developments, the goal is to gain a greater understanding of when, how, and why this history shapes our lives today.

AP WORLD HISTORY: MODERN (USST031)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10 Homework: Heavy *Satisfies World History requirement Prerequisite: History and Social Studies Department recommendation.

The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and interaction between 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 and patterns of the changes in global communities along with their causes and effects by examining historical time periods from 1200 C.E. to the present. Students are required to take the external AP exam in May.

UNITED STATES HISTORY (USST051)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11 Homework: Moderate

Who was in America before the Europeans came? How did America become America? How does that history shape and impact our future? What role do the people play in the development of the nation? These questions and more are answered in U.S. History, a thematic study of United States History. The year begins with the development of colonies, the quest for independence, forming of the new nation and its efforts to redefine that identity after the Civil War. Second semester covers the development of the United States as a global superpower through World Wars I and II, the turbulence of the Cold War era and the quest for minority equality from the Civil Rights movement to the end of Barack Obama’s historic presidency. Students are assessed based on written work, various oral presentations or projects, daily discussions, and a year-long research paper.

History & Social Studies Flow Chart

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY (USST06)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11

*Satisfies US History requirement

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an AP History course or History and Social Studies Department recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The Advanced Placement US History program is designed to be a rigorous fast-paced course that explores in-depth the major events in American History from the Pre-Columbian Era to the 21st Century with a focus on historical thinking skills. AP US History students use primary and secondary sources to learn about, critically analyze, and develop historical understanding of the major, social, political, cultural, and economic movements and events of American history. This class requires that students read widely and carry out individual and small group research projects. As well, students must write an in-depth analytical research essay. Students are required to take the external AP exam in May.

HISTORY OF MINORITIES IN AMERICA (USST071) HONORS: HISTORY OF MINORITIES IN AMERICA (USST071H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12

*Satisfies US History requirement

Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors)

This course examines the history of marginalized communities from their perspective as opposed to the white male perspective through which history is generally taught. Students will study the ways in which women, Black Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, Indigenous/ Native Americans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community have shaped American history. Students consider the ways these groups impacted the forming of America, helped write our collective history, and how they are impacted by current events in the U.S. Students routinely place current events into historical context to figure out solutions to problems, such as systemic racism, while developing a deeper understanding of the interconnected history of marginalized communities in the U.S. Students will be assessed on homework, case study presentations, class discussions and other projects. Students who are taking the class to fulfill the U.S. History requirement will complete a research paper.

IBHL 1: US HISTORY (USST19)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11

*Satisfies U.S. History requirement Prerequisite: IB Diploma Student or History and Social Studies Department recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

This course, which is the first year of the HL History curriculum, is designed to teach students about thematic topics crucial to understanding the American past and present while also developing skills to comprehend, evaluate, and critically analyze primary and secondary sources. Students will study the founding of the USA (United States of America), slavery, the causes of the civil war and the reasons the Union won the war, the Reconstruction Era, and the 20th century Civil Rights Movement. Heavy emphasis is placed on understanding the perspectives of historians and on writing persuasive essays that will prepare students for college-level writing expectations. Students will also complete a major research essay as part of the curriculum. Students will take the corresponding external IB exam at the conclusion of the two-year curriculum.

IBSL MODERN WORLD HISTORY (USST201)

IBHL 2: MODERN WORLD HISTORY (USST20)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of History of the Americas 1 or IB Diploma Student or History and Social Studies Department recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The course, which is the 2nd year of the HL History curriculum or instead can be taken as an SL History class, is designed to teach students about important events throughout the world to better understand the 20th century while also developing skills to comprehend, evaluate, and critically analyze both the past and present. This class examines major themes of twentieth century world history: the rise and rule of authoritarian states; the rise of the Cold War, its critical crises, and its end; and the comparison of protest movements in different areas of the world. Heavy emphasis is placed on understanding the perspectives of historians and on writing persuasive essays that will prepare students for college-level writing expectations. Students will complete a major research essay and are expected to take the corresponding external IB exam in May.

HISTORY OF EUROPE (USST022)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11 12

Homework: Moderate

How did the Western world come to be the way it is? How did Western ideas and tradition develop?” The 10th Grade History of Europe program is constructed around the development of essential critical thinking within a chronological study of Europe since 800 CE. Students interact with and write about a variety of texts from the areas of history, literature, fine arts, and philosophy in the Western tradition. Students will explore various key themes of history in the context of the growth of the major European powers. Assessment is based on unit tests, written assignments, oral presentations, and formal research papers.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (USST04)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10* 11-12

*Class of 2025 students who took AP World History may take this course. To satisfy their 10th grade history requirement

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an AP History course, or History and Social Studies Department recommendation.

Homework: Heavy

The Advanced Placement European History program provides students with the analytic skills and content knowledge necessary to deal critically with the interpretive problems of European societies. The course encompasses the social, political, economic, religious, technological, intellectual, and cultural developments of European society from 1450 to the present. The primary aim of the course is to present a history of European societies, institutions and ideals based upon a close reading of secondary source materials and analysis of primary documents. Students are required to take the external AP exam in May.

People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.

James Baldwin

AP ECONOMICS (USST11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Completion of an AP History or AP Calc AB or History and Social Studies Department recommendation. Homework: Heavy

This course covers Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and International Economics, including the decision-making of companies, international trade, exchange rates, and current world-wide economic events. Students will participate in a business case study from Harvard Business School that applies principles learned in the course to a real-life business. Students will be prepared to take the AP Micro and Macro Exams in May.

HONORS: INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN LAW (USST10)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Moderate

Introduction to American Law and the Western Legal Tradition is a semester long social studies elective that offers an overview of the fundamentals of the law in the U.S., including the philosophical foundation of the American legal system. The course will include the basics of U.S. Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and the Criminal Justice Process, and Civil Law (such as Torts, Contracts and Corporate Law). This course is not meant to duplicate the rigor of a law school level course; instead, it is a survey meant to give students a basic understanding of the law and how it works, and to encourage them to be active, engaged citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully participate and create change in their communities. We will use case studies, individual research, group discussion/legal arguments, and mock proceedings throughout the course in order to reach our goal.

SEMINAR: WORLD RELIGIONS (USST09) HONORS SEMINAR: WORLD RELIGIONS (USST09H) IBSL WORLD RELIGIONS (USST091)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors and IBSL)

For individuals to navigate and positively impact today’s multicultural world, one needs a deeper and meaningful understanding of the world’s major religions. In this course students will explore beliefs, practices, and modern debates around the major religions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, and Christianity. We will also explore a variety of belief systems, such as Native American Sioux, Haitian Vodun, Wiccan Goddess, and Taiwan Ami. Honors students have the opportunity to research any topic related to religion or philosophy such as Eastern Medicine, yoga, atheism, etc. Through this class students will learn about different religions and philosophies, experience some of their practices through activities, guests, and field trips, and ultimately debate current issues around these topics.

Students who chose to take the IBSL World Religions option are required to complete an investigative study and take the IB exam in May.

AP ART HISTORY (UART32)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Heavy

In the AP Art History course, students are invited to discover the diversity of and connections among global artistic traditions. Students interact with different types of art, observing and analyzing relationships of form, function, content, and context through their reading, discussion, research, and writing. Using 250 representative works of art spanning prehistory to the present comprise the course content, students will study functions and effects of art and consider influential forces like belief, class, gender, ethnicity, patronage, and politics in their critical analyses of art forms. They will investigate how humans respond to the world and communicate their experiences through art making by examining chronology, styles, techniques, and themes to compare, contrast, and interpret art forms from varied perspectives and cultures. Students should be proficient in reading and writing. The AP Art History course is an elective credit class, meaning that it does not meet the graduation requirement for fine arts.

HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT GREEK PEOPLE (UCLS101)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

An introduction to the history of the ancient Greek world to the end of the Hellenistic Period, this course is based on reading ancient authors and documents in translation. Examining ancient artifacts, including architecture and infrastructure, and tracing the cultural and artistic development of Greek civilization. The focus of the course is on examining the emergence and development of a Panhellenic Greek cultural identity. In addition, students will study the history of Mediterranean archaeology and learn about the most recent developments in that field as they pertain to the ancient Greek peoples.

HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT ROMAN PEOPLE (UCLS102)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

An introduction to the history of the ancient Roman world to the age of Constantine, this course is based on reading ancient authors and documents in translation, examining ancient artifacts, including architecture and infrastructure, and tracing the cultural and artistic development of Roman civilization. The focus of the course is on the problems that attended the development and spread of a shared Roman cultural identity in the disparate places that were governed from Rome. In addition, students study the history of Mediterranean archaeology and learn about the most recent developments in that field as they pertain to the history of Rome.

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP (USST513)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

Advancing in today’s competitive and continually changing environment requires business insight. This course equips students with the fundamental business and entrepreneurial principles that allow them to navigate the business landscape of today and the future. Divided into five separate modules, this course covers: basic economic theory, business structure and organization, the role of marketing in developing business strategy, accounting and finance, and entrepreneurship. Students are introduced to the concepts through discussions of the textbook reading and observations of current events, and deepen their comprehension by applying the principles to case studies and simulations. This course further develops students’ critical thinking skills as they analyze and resolve real-world business issues. This survey course is good for students with an interest in business, entrepreneurship, and economics who may not be ready or have time for the college level AP Economics course.

MARKETING (USST53) HONORS MARKETING (USST53H)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors)

Marketing goes beyond just advertising – it involves understanding how changing customer perceptions and preferences become central determinants of an organization’s strategy and long-run success. This course introduces students to fundamental principles and analyses involved with managing marketing activities, as well as to methods used to assess and solve marketing issues. Study modules include: determining marketing strategy, identifying trends in the marketplace, customer behavior and market segmentation, market research, product management, pricing, channels of distribution, and the promotional mix. Students learn concepts through classroom discussions of textbook reading and current events and deepen their understanding through case studies, group projects, and a marketing simulation program developed by an INSEAD marketing professor. Students also complete and present a research-based marketing plan for a company of their choice.

Honors students read additional books to extend their knowledge and comprehension of marketing topics covered. This course is good for students who have an interest in business and economics who may not be ready or have time for the college level AP Economics course.

You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time.... The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time.

Congressman John Lewis

MATH CALCULATOR/TECHNOLOGY USAGE POLICY

A TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator is required for all Upper School math courses. Students should not purchase other models. Some other models have a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and IB does not allow CAS calculators to be used. Please do not purchase other TI models (or other brands), as they are not appropriate for our classes and may not have similar capabilities as the models we use. The SAT, ACT, AP, and IB will allow use of the TI-84 Plus CE model on its exams. Calculators are available in the Tiger Shop and may also be purchased through online retail sites.

Understanding that a comprehensive mathematics curriculum should help students learn to use calculators, computers, and other tools of technology as a part of learning mathematics, the US Mathematics Department promotes the use of technology as an integral part of our mathematics program. This position is supported by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) that states: “…instructional programs should use technology to help all students understand mathematics and should prepare them to use mathematics in an increasingly technological world.”

“…Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics, it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning.”

The NCTM makes it clear that such tools do not replace the need to learn basic math skills, to compute mentally, or to do reasonable paper and pencil computation. In fact, the NCTM Standards suggest that when used appropriately, calculators and computers enable students to explore new areas of mathematics and to tackle challenging mathematical problems that would not be possible without the help of such tools. In line with this philosophy, we offer the following policy on the use of technology.

We require the appropriate use of technology in the classroom. Games are not to be played during class. Students need to consider when use of mental mathematics, paper & pencil, or a calculator is appropriate. Calculator dependency, as evidenced by the use of a calculator for multiplying single or double digit numbers, often should be avoided. (Keep in mind that over one-half of the AP Calculus exam does not allow calculator use. Also note that a portion of the SAT test does not allow calculator use as well.)

We recognize that calculators left unattended may be targets for theft. To help combat theft, the US Mathematics Department has purchased an engraver that students may use at any time that classes are not in session for engraving their name on their calculator. We strongly encourage students to engrave their calculators! Engraving can be done in the math office before school, during breaks, and after school.

Students will be required to show all work in their solutions and may have to explain how they arrived at their solution as a demonstration of their understanding. This applies to homework, quizzes, and tests, whether a calculator is used or not. The calculator should not replace the understanding of fundamental concepts of mathematics. Therefore, a reasonable emphasis will be placed on teaching with mental computation and paper & pencil calculation.

IB AND AP MATH COURSES

The AP Calculus AB and BC courses are designed to mirror typical undergraduate college Calculus 1 and 2 courses for students heading into math-focused majors and careers. The focus is purely on differential and integral calculus with a mostly analytical approach. AP exams may be taken at any grade level. The IB math curriculum has two branches: Analysis & Approaches and Applications & Interpretation. Both branches include calculus and statistics and are equivalent in difficulty. IB Diploma students should plan on taking the SL external exam in grade 11 or 12. The HL external exam is offered in grade 12 only.

The Analysis & Approaches branch focuses more on calculus than statistics, and on a deep understanding of mathematics. Students will be asked to prove, investigate, etc. An analytical approach is encouraged. This branch is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects with substantial mathematics content such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or economics for example. Analysis & Approaches will be offered at the SL and HL level.

The Applications & Interpretation branch focuses more on statistics than calculus, and on the role of mathematics and technology in a diverse array of contexts. Using tech is the norm with an emphasis on interpreting

those results. This branch is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, some economics, psychology, and design, for example. Applications & Interpretation will be offered at the SL and HL level.

COURSES OFFERED THROUGH GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY

Students who complete AP Calculus BC can choose to take a math course online through Global Online Academy. Course selection varies each year and the latest information can be found at https://globalonlineacademy.org/ Please discuss with your math teacher and academic counselor about how to sign up.

INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA (UMAT01)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Homework: Moderate

This course is for students who need additional work solidifying basic concepts before they can be successful in Algebra I. It is a bridge course that reviews pre-algebra topics while introducing algebraic concepts. Application problems are emphasized throughout the course.

Text: Algebra (McDougal/Littell)

ALGEBRA 1 (UMAT02)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra or Introduction to Algebra

Homework: Moderate

Included in this course is the real number system, linear equations and their graphs, inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, quadratic equations, relations and functions.

Text: Beginning Algebra, 9th edition, 978-0-13-418779-2

GEOMETRY (UMAT03)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or recommendation of math department Homework: Moderate

While this course does not require proofs as Honors Geometry does, it examines many of the same concepts through constructions, drawings, and explorations. These concepts include points; lines and planes; congruence and similarity of triangles and other polygons; angles; circles; perimeter; area and volume; Pythagorean Theorem; and an introduction to trigonometry.

Text: Geometry 978-0-13-350041-7

HONORS GEOMETRY (UMAT041)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1; recommendation of the department Homework: Heavy

Students study the basic definitions used in deductive reasoning, basic principles of logic, properties of different polygons, perpendicularity, congruence, similarity of triangles, properties of circles, constructions, areas, and volumes. Proofs will be studied, but not emphasized.

Text: Geometry 978-0-13-350041-7

ALGEBRA 2 (UMAT06)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry or Honors Geometry; recommendation of the department Homework: Moderate

This course is a standard college prep class. Algebra 2 provides a thorough review of the topics covered in Algebra 1 and develops concepts in complex numbers, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, probability, and sequences and series.

Text: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, 6th edition 978-0-13-419309-0

MODELING, DESIGN, & FINANCE (UMAT065)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2; recommendation of the department Homework: Light

This course is designed to give students access and experience to a wide range of mathematical models and techniques used for solving problems in many contexts of human endeavor. These contexts include business, probability, and research focused from the individual and community perspective. Students will work on developing proficiency with mathematical skills and strategies in problem-solving through topics such as applied geometry, financial literacy, and statistics.

In mathematics, the art of proposing a question must be held of higher value than solving it.

George Cantor

HONORS ALGEBRA 2 (UMAT070)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry, Honors Geometry, or Honors Advanced Geometry, or recommendation of the department Homework: Heavy

This course extends the topics covered in Algebra 1 and develops concepts in complex numbers, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, probability, and sequences and series.

Text: Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition 978-0-13-455580-5

HONORS ADVANCED ALGEBRA 2 (UMAT071)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Honors Geometry or Honors Advanced Geometry; recommendation of math department Homework: Heavy

This course is a high-powered honors class that is both fast-paced and indepth. It considers such topics as linear equations, systems of equations, determinants, polynomials, sequences, series, probability, complex numbers, quadratic relations, logarithms, and trigonometry. This class prepares students for Honors Precalculus & Differential Calc.

Text: College Algebra, 4th edition 978-0-13-447002-3

PRECALCULUS (UMAT08)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 Homework: Moderate

This course covers essentially the same curriculum as Honors Precalculus, but several topics of study are not covered at the same depth as the Honors course. The course consists of such topics as trigonometry, polynomial

functions, logarithms and exponents, and complex numbers. Successful completion of this course should prepare a student for first term introductory to calculus in a typical U.S. college.

Text: Announced Spring 2022

HONORS PRECALCULUS (UMAT12)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2, or Honors Advanced Algebra 2 Homework: Heavy

This course includes trigonometry, polynomial functions, logarithms and exponents, and complex numbers. Successful completion of this course should prepare a student for AP Calculus AB or first term calculus in a typical U.S. college.

Text: Announced Spring 2022

HONORS PRECALCULUS & DIFFERENTIAL CALC (UMAT123)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Advanced Algebra 2; recommendation of math department Homework: Heavy

This fast-paced, comprehensive course covers the Honors Precalculus curriculum including trigonometry, analytic geometry, logarithms, conics, and vectors. In addition, limits and differential calculus is studied in depth.

Text: Precalculus text announced Spring 2022, and Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (ISBN: 978-0-13-331161-7)

CALCULUS (UMAT121)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Precalculus or Honors Precalculus, and recommendation of math department Homework: Moderate

This course includes a review of polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, followed by discussion of limits, derivatives, and applications of differential calculus to real-world problem areas. An introduction to integration concludes the course.

Text: Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (ISBN: 978-0-13-3311617)

Algebra is nothing more than Geometry, in words. Geometry is nothing more than Algebra, in pictures.

Sophie Germain (1776-1831)

AP CALCULUS AB (UMAT13)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Precalculus and recommendation of math department Homework: Heavy

This course is similar to first semester calculus as taught in most U.S. colleges and universities. Topics include differentiation of polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions as well as integration techniques and theory. Students are required to take the AP exam at the completion of the course.

Text: Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic (ISBN: 978-0-13-3311617)

AP CALCULUS BC (UMAT14)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Precalculus & Differential Calc and recommendation of math department Homework: Heavy

This course is intended for those students who have advanced mathematical ability. The curriculum is similar to the first two semesters of college calculus as taught in most United States colleges and universities. The Calculus topics covered include integration techniques, polar coordinates, vectors, parametric equations, sequences and series, differential equations and slope fields. Projects that extend the course content will be an integral component of the course. Students are required to take the AP Calculus BC exam upon completion of the course.

Text: Calculus (ISBN: 978-0-618-50304-9)

AP STATISTICS (UMAT09)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Precalculus or concurrent with Honors Precalculus / Honors Precalculus & Differential Calc; recommendation of math department Homework: Heavy

This course is similar to a first semester statistics course as taught in most U.S. colleges. Students are introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. An external exam at the end of the year can provide students with college credit. Students are required to take the AP exam.

Text: The Practice of Statistics for AP (ISBN: 978-1-4641-0873-0)

HONORS MODERN TOPICS IN MATHEMATICS (UMAT22)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus BC or IBHL Year 2 Math and recommendation of math department Homework: Heavy

This is a university-level course for advanced students who have a passion for mathematics. Topics studied will include Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Multi-Variable Calculus, and other advanced math topics.

IBSL MATH: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION 1 (UMAT31)

IBSL MATH: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION 2 (UMAT32)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 and recommendation of the department Homework: Heavy

The IB Application & Interpretation Syllabus is followed in this two-year course. Five main topics are studied: Algebra, Functions, Geometry & Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability, and Calculus. The course culminates in an external IBSL Math Exam at the end of Year 2. Taking the IB exam is required of all Year 2 students. A Mathematics Exploration is also required of all students, which is an independent written paper into a mathematics topic that each student prepares, typically during Year 2. This paper is

internally assessed as part of the IB score. This course focuses more on statistics than calculus, and on the role of mathematics and technology in a diverse array of contexts. Using tech is the norm with an emphasis on interpreting those results. This course is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, some economics, psychology, and design, for example.

Text: Haese Mathematics Core Topics SL Book 1 (ISBN: 978-1-92548955-2) and Book 2 (ISBN: 978-1-925489-57-6)

IBHL MATH: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION 1 (UMAT33)

IBHL MATH: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION 2 (UMAT34)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Advanced Algebra 2 or Honors Precalculus and recommendation of the department Homework: Heavy

This course includes the curriculum of UMAT31 and UMAT32, with an additional 90 hours of study in the five topic areas listed in the SL course description. Year 2 students also complete a written paper assessed internally and sit for the external exam during grade 12.

Text: Haese Mathematics Core Topics HL Book 1 (ISBN: 978-1-92548958-3) and Book 2 (ISBN: 978-1-925489-60-6)

IBSL MATH: ANALYSIS & APPROACHES 1 (UMAT41)

IBSL MATH: ANALYSIS & APPROACHES 2 (UMAT42)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2 and recommendation of the department Homework: Heavy

The IB Analysis & Approaches Syllabus is followed in this two-year course. Five main topics are studied: Algebra, Functions, Geometry & Trigonometry, Statistics & Probability, and Calculus. The course culminates in an external IBSL Math Exam at the end of Year 2. Taking the IB exam is required of all Year 2 students. A Mathematics Exploration is also required of all students, which is an independent written paper into a mathematics topic that each student prepares, typically during Year 2. This paper is internally assessed as part of the IB score. This course focuses more on calculus than statistics, and on a deep understanding of mathematics. Students will be asked to prove, investigate, etc. An analytical approach is encouraged. This branch is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects with substantial mathematics content such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or economics for example.

Text: Haese Mathematics Core Topics SL Book 1 (ISBN: 978-1-92548955-2) and Book 2 (ISBN: 978-1-925489-56-9)

IBHL MATH: ANALYSIS & APPROACHES 1 (UMAT43)

IBHL MATH: ANALYSIS & APPROACHES 2 (UMAT44)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Advanced Algebra 2 or Honors Precalculus and recommendation of the department Homework: Heavy

This course includes the curriculum of UMAT41 and UMAT42, with an additional 90 hours of study in the five topic areas listed in the SL course description. Year 2 students also complete a written paper assessed internally and sit for the external exam during grade 12.

Text: Haese Mathematics Core Topics HL Book 1 (ISBN: 978-1-92548958-3) and Book 2 (ISBN: 978-1-925489-59-0)

Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.

Katherine Johnson

Computer Science & Robotics

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ROBOTICS DEPARTMENT

The Computer Science and Robotics department seeks to encourage students to become creative, team-oriented, and technologically skilled lifelong learners. We believe this is best done through a combination of skill acquisition and team-based projects, in an environment which encourages exploration, self-advocacy, and internationally competitive standards.

All students starting out in the CS/Robotics department are required to take a Level 1 course as an introduction to the program. This will give students new to CS/Robotics a skill set specialization in either Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Programming. If you are already experienced in your preferred specialization, take this opportunity to add a new skill or specialization that you are not as familiar with. All courses offered by the Computer Science and Robotics Department fulfill the graduation requirement for Computer Science and Robotics.

Students who plan to continue on in CS/Robotics will then select a second Level 1 project course: such as Robotic Engineering, Media Arts, or ObjectOriented Programming. In these courses, students will have the opportunity to use their new skill specializations as part of a project team. Students will be grouped into teams with diverse skill specializations and work together on several large scope projects for the semester. These project courses emphasize teamwork and interdependence and provide first year CS/ Robotics students with the experience realizing large scale projects that they will need to be successful in our more advanced course offerings. Successful completion of any combination of two Level 1 courses will qualify students for our Level 2 course offerings.

In Level 2 courses and beyond, students will be challenged to continually stretch their technical ability and understanding with topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Robotic Engineering, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Video Game Design, and Control System Dynamics. Students who pursue Computer Science and Robotics at Taipei American School will find themselves exceptionally well prepared to study Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering at the college level, and will leave the program with useful lifelong skills in programing, design, and fabrication.

TAS students must satisfy a 1/2 credit CS/Robotics requirement. This requirement may be satisfied by any semester-long or year-long course listed in the CS/Robotics Dept. catalog of courses.

For certain courses, there are software demands that require a system that is robust and utilizes a 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM.

INTRO TO AUTOMATION (UCSR0151)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

Interested in automating things around your home using Raspbery Pi? Learn how to control devices in your world remotely over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Use python and other languages to control motors, LEDs, and remote switches. Read sensors and send information over the internet to your phone. Use your phone as a controller to automate technology in the world around you. Introductory level course. No previous experience required. Satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

The department also sponsors a variety of extracurricular teams with a significant programming and engineering elements, including: FIRST FRC, VEX Robotics Competition, the International Rube Goldberg Competition, and the Computer Science Team, and VR club.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (UCSR014)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: A laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Light

This course is an introduction to Mechanical Engineering. Students will learn to use CAD software to study the principles of mechanical engineering and learn to build their designs using our lab’s state of the art CNC (Computer Numeric Control) fabrication capabilities. Students will study, design, and build many common mechanisms as well as study gear design and gear ratios, pulley and sprocket systems, lift mechanisms, projectile launchers, and mechanical arms. Students will learn about transmission of power in a mechanical system including motors, servos, lever arms, springs, and pneumatic systems. Students in this class will be trained to operate and maintain all of the equipment in the lab and learn state of the art fabrication methods, including water jet cutting, aluminum TIG welding, multi axis CNC milling, 3D printing, and lathe operations. This course requires no prior knowledge of robotics or programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

PROGRAMMING FOR GAME DESIGN (UCSR016)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Moderate

This course is an introduction to computer programming where students primarily focus on creating user interactive 2D games using Java and the Processing programming environment. Students learn about variables, strings, arrays, Boolean algebra, text processing, regular expressions,

loops, control statements, methods, parameters, return values, classes, constructors, creating and animating game objects, incorporating event listeners, and using various Java libraries. The course culminates in a project where students can create a new interactive game of their own design. This course requires no prior knowledge of programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

WEB DESIGN & PROGRAMMING (UCSR02)

Duration: 1 semester Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This is an introductory, project based course in computer programming where students learn to design and code interactive websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and Processing. Special emphasis is given to developing student algorithmic thinking, logic, design best practices, and problem solving skills. This course requires no prior knowledge of programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

AUGMENTED REALITY IN SOCIAL MEDIA (UCSR022)

Duration: 1 semester Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite:

provides a basic introduction to reactive programming and visual scripting through Javascript. The course will also include discussions on the ethics of augmented reality, filters, facial recognition, and social media. This course requires no prior knowledge of programing or robotics. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

ROBOTICS MENTORING (UCSR020)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1, 5th period only.

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This introductory course is a mix of mechanical design, programming, and mentorship. Along with learning the basics of robotic engineering and programming, students will mentor Lower School students to help them prepare for an in-house FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLL Challenge) competition. Upper school students will quickly learn the EV3 LEGO programming platform meant to be used in these competitions. Students in this course will learn about block programming, sensor feedback use, game strategy, team management, and best practices for working with lower School students. This course requires no prior knowledge of robotics or programing. It satisfies the computer science graduation requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

ROBOTIC ENGINEERING (UCSR017)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: Any other Level 1 course; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Moderate

This course is intended as a first project course for students interested in pursuing robotic engineering at TAS. It is designed to be a second semester continuation of any of the first semester Level 1 course offerings. This course will combine students with different backgrounds and skill sets from the Level 1 courses into project teams focused on achieving specific goals selected by the team. Typical project teams will consist of a combination of students who are familiar with microcontrollers, programming, and/or mechanical design. Projects are selected by the teams and may include: battle bots, electric vehicles, drones, machines that assist with daily life, or other ideas proposed by student teams and approved by the instructor. Completion of this course in combination with any other Level 1 course will qualify students for Level 2 course offerings.

INTRO TO KINETIC ART (UCSR0181)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

A first course in Engineering, Design, and Robotics; students will learn the fundamentals of Computer Aided Design (CAD), computer science, and electrical engineering through the construction of kinetic (moving) and interactive sculptures. This multidisciplinary mechatronics course is intended to introduce students to the wealth of tools and techniques found in the Tech Cube, providing a steppingstone to later computer science classes. Topics include: transmission of power in mechanical systems through motors, springs, pulley/sprocket systems, gears, linkages and additional techniques. Students will have multiple opportunities to master technical and creative skills relating to design, engineering, programming, and circuit building. This course assumes no prior knowledge, fulfills the computer science graduation requirement, and can serve as a prerequisite for any other Level 1 course.

OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING (UCSR021)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: any other Level 1 course; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Moderate

This course is ideal for students who wish to take their Java-based programs to the next level, especially if they have an ambitious interactive graphics-based game or project in mind. At the start of the course, students hone their programming skills working with a standard Java IDE and external libraries such as the Processing library and Box2D physics game engine in BlueJ to create object-oriented games demonstrating inheritance, composition, and interfaces. A second large unit includes learning to use the JavaFX library to create Graphical User Interfaces and 2D games. Other topics include: object-oriented program design, file input and output, exception handling, try-catch, sorting algorithms, recursion, nested loops, matrices, hashmaps, and queues. The course culminates in a programming

project focused on the student’s programming interests. Completion of this course in combination with any other Level 1 course will qualify students for Level 2 course offerings.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (UCSR04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of any two Level 1 courses plus teacher recommendation, Or concurrent enrollment or previous completion of Honors Advanced Algebra 2, Honors Precalculus, or above. The course is open to all seniors regardless of prerequisites.

Homework: Heavy

This is a college-level introductory course in computer science which focuses on the design and implementation of computer programs using the Java language. Successful students often have some prior programming experience before coming to this course and/or are good at solving math and logic puzzles. Topics include classes, objects, primitive data types, strings, lists, methods, control structures, search and sort algorithms, arrays, recursion, Boolean logic, inheritance, and polymorphism. Students are prepared for and are required to take the AP Computer Science-A exam in May.

HONORS ROBOTIC ENGINEERING 1 (UCSR051H)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of two Level 1 courses; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Moderate

In this project based honors level course students will master the complete engineering cycle including research, prototyping, design, fabrication, and failure testing. It is especially tailored to round out a student’s growing knowledge of programming, robotics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Students will be pushed to pursue advanced topics in computer programing, electronics, sensors and actuators, and fabrication. Student driven projects can include competition robotics applications, interactive or media arts, service applications, wearable technology, musical robotics, or other topics that the student or project team is interested in pursuing. Emphasis will be placed on producing high quality innovative finished products and creating a documented portfolio of work.

HONORS ROBOTIC ENGINEERING 2 (UCSR052H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: Honors Robotics Engineering 1; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Moderate

This course is for students who have already taken Honors Robotic Engineering 1 that want to pursue more advanced robotics projects.

Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.

Edsger W. Dijkstra

HONORS RESEARCH IN HIGH PERFORMANCE AND DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING (UCSR06)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of any two Level 1 courses. Homework: Moderate

This is a second-level course in the CS&R department that teaches students about server administration and use of high performance computing. Students will have their own server to test, change, and work on throughout the year. The course will begin with a basic introduction to server administration by using a personal prototyping device such as a Raspberry PI. They will also have the opportunity to use high performance computers to develop and train their own machine learning models. Students in this course will learn security, networking, parallel/distributed computing, as well as high level neural network as they relate to server administration and use. As the course progresses, students will be able to use these servers to host their own tasks, set up automation systems within the tech cube, and interact with other student’s projects from other CS&R classes.

HONORS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (UCSR07)

Duration: 1 Year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science, or by permission of the CS Dept. Chair; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Heavy

This project-based course includes a survey of major areas of artificial intelligence based in part on the text “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, 2nd edition, by Russell and Norvig”. Students receive an introduction to programming in Python during the second semester, but they are free to choose any language they wish to complete their programming assignments throughout the year. The focus of the course is not any particular language but programming and algorithm design. In a series of tutorials and challenges, students learn to incorporate elements

of artificial intelligence into their programs and applications. Students learn advanced search algorithms such as Uniform Cost Search, Greedy Search, and A*, as well as visual processing, neural networks, and fuzzy logic. A required capstone for each unit consists of completing a medium-sized project.

All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can’t get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer.

IBM Manual, 1925

HONORS MODERN TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (UCSR03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science, or Honors Advanced Algebra 2, or AP Physics, or permission from instructor; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Moderate

This course provides a survey of modern computing. The primary focus of the course will be on machine learning and quantum computation. Classical logic gates will be introduced, moving onto introductory quantum mechanics, and then finally into applications of qubits. The course will transition into machine learning, neural networks and how they function. This will culminate in a personal research project at the end of the course. Recommended for students with a strong interest in applications of math, physics, or computer science.

HONORS VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING (UCSR031H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science, or CS Dept. Chair’s permission; a laptop with 64 bit Operating System and 8+ GB of RAM Homework: Heavy

This course gives an introduction to C-based object-oriented programming (C++ or C#) with a focus on creating video games. The first unit focuses on the unique syntax, advantages and pitfalls of object-oriented C-based programming. The second unit focuses on graphics using standard graphics libraries and event-based programming for interactive applications. The third unit focuses on creating games using a playcentric approach. All students complete a capstone project which consists of creating an interesting video game that will be submitted to international competitions like IndieCade and the Independent Game Festival.

TEACHING ASSISTANT IN COMPUTER SCIENCE & ROBOTICS (UCSR061)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Advanced achievement in Computer Science and Robotics courses and CS Dept. Chair’s approval Homework: Moderate

Students who sign up for this course act as teaching assistants for various computer science and robotics courses. Under supervision by faculty, the student teacher helps provide timely assistance and feedback for students undertaking individualized building or programming projects. The course is graded as pass/fail.

HONORS COMPUTER SCIENCE & ROBOTICS RESEARCH (UCSR053H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Advanced achievement in Computer Science and Robotics courses and instructor’s permission Homework: Heavy

This course is for students who want to pursue a research project at Taipei American School under the supervision of a faculty member. Students wishing to pursue off-campus research should instead sign up for Advanced Scientific Research.

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

Emo Philips

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS (USCI012)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Moderate

This course explores the fundamentals of science and physics through experiments, demonstrations and activities designed to create a basic understanding of our physical universe. Motion, forces, energy, electricity, sound, and light are the core phenomena to be investigated throughout the year. The course will focus on experimental methods, procedures, and analysis of scientific data, with the intent of laying the foundation for success in chemistry and biology. Advanced math skills are not required for this course, which will cover the same topics as the other courses, but with a much greater emphasis on lab experiences and less on problem solving.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5

PHYSICS (USCI021)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 and Science Department recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course illuminates the principles of physics through laboratory experiments, conceptual development activities, and some problem solving (but less than Honors Physics). The class includes similar activities and laboratory activities as Experimental Physics and Honors Physics with a balance of quantitative and conceptual acquisition of physics knowledge so that the students acquire the basis necessary for understanding the physical world. Motion, forces, electricity, sound, and light are some of the

topics. Science and Mathematics departments request students purchase the following calculator: TI-84 CE. It is available in the Tiger Shop.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5

HONORS PHYSICS (USCI022)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1, high level mathematics placement, and Science Department recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course illuminates the principles of physics through laboratory experiments, conceptual development activities, and problem solving. The class includes most of the same activities and laboratory activities as Experimental Physics and Physics, but it also includes extensive problem solving for students with the appropriate mathematics background, good study skills, and proven record of accomplishment of excellent achievement in science and mathematics. Motion, forces, electricity, sound, and light are some of the topics. Criteria that will be used for student placement include student achievement in previous science courses, and mathematics placement. Science and Mathematics departments request students purchase the following calculator: TI-84 CE. It is available in the Tiger Shop.

Text: Holt Physics (Serway-Faughn) (ISBN 978-0-030-36816-5)

The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.

Albert Einstein

EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY (USCI051)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or department permission Homework: Moderate

Experimental Chemistry explores the behavior of matter from a laboratoryfocused perspective. Students will perform lab exercises almost daily to attain understanding of concepts in chemistry. By analyzing and explaining what they have performed in the lab, students will develop their logic, writing, and explanatory skills in addition to becoming more critical thinkers and problem solvers. The course prepares students with the knowledge and skills to link this subject with items learned in Physics and will prepare students for the study of Biology as the same topics will be covered in this course as in the other Chemistry courses.

Text: Introduction to Chemistry 13th Edition (Hein, Wiley) and digital reader and resources are provided. (ISBN 978-0-470-50591-5)

CHEMISTRY (USCI05)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 Homework: Moderate

This course is designed for students who may pursue science-oriented college studies after high school. The syllabus is structured to give students a strong foundational background in chemistry that will enable them to succeed in an introductory college level course. Theoretical concepts are accompanied as much as possible by “hands-on” activities; so, lab work constitutes a large proportion of class time. Students will learn to think critically, solve problems, and develop an awareness of the environment in which they live. They will also develop written communication and applied math skills.

Text: Introduction to Chemistry 13th Edition (Hein, Wiley) (ISBN 978-0-470-50591-5)

HONORS CHEMISTRY (USCI11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Physics) instructor Homework: Heavy

Honors Chemistry provides an in-depth look at a wide range of Chemistry topics and their application. In laboratory situations, students will have the opportunity to develop their lab skills and problem solving skills as challenges arise. The first quarter is dedicated to forming a solid foundation in atomic theory, periodicity, and bonding.

Text: Chemistry (Brady, Senese, Jespersen) (ISBN 978-0-470-23440-2)

CONCEPTUAL BIOLOGY (USCI041)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to be flexible in content and provide the student with a broad background in biology. The first quarter of study will be similar to the Biology course in the study of the basic nature of living things. From

there the course will diverge depending on student interest into molecular and cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Activities will include lectures, class discussions, laboratory experiences, and several projects.

Text: Campbell Essential Biology, 5th Edition (ISBN 978-0-321-77259-6)

BIOLOGY (USCI04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to provide the student with a broad background in biology. Students will develop an understanding of the basic nature of living things, molecular and cell biology, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology. Activities will include lectures, class discussions, laboratory experiences, and projects.

Text: Biology Life on Earth with Physiology 11th Edition (Pearson) (ISBN 978-0-133-92300-1)

I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy.

Marie Curie

The TAS Summer Academy, for students with very strong student skills, offers flexibility in course selection over four years of science

Students with a passion for science and research are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities in scientific research.

Availability of elective courses depends on student interest.

All students should make a four-year plan of study in science to meet prerequisites to achieve their goals.

HONORS BIOLOGY (USCI07)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current (Chemistry) instructor

Homework: Heavy

Honors Biology is a year-long course designed to expose students to the major topics in biological science. It is a laboratory based course which emphasizes the development of biology laboratory skills, as well as critical thinking skills. The course will emphasize the gathering, assessment, and interpretation of scientific data. Topics in biology to be studied include cell biology, energy relationships, and body systems, patterns of inheritance, evolution, and ecological principles. The course provides a broad foundation in biological principles for students who wish to undertake further study in biology through enrollment in Advanced Placement Biology or in Advanced Placement Environmental Science and as an honors level introductory biology course for students who do not plan further studies in biology.

Text: Inquiry into Life, 13th Edition (Mader) (ISBN 978-0-077-28010-9)

IBSL BIOLOGY 1 (USCI08)

IBSL BIOLOGY 2 (USCI081)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry Homework: Heavy

The IB Standard Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. With an emphasis on the nature of science, four basic biological concepts are woven into the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. A multidisciplinary Group 4 Project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and requires student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours, most likely on one Saturday or Sunday. IB laboratory investigations and one formal Internal Assessment (IA) will require students to gain mastery in statistics, data analysis, and advanced lab writing skills. The IA will constitute 20% of the final IB score. Core concepts from the curriculum include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human physiology.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Biology for the IB Diploma: Standard Level, (Tosto, Damon, Mcgonegal, Ward) (ISBN 9781447959045)

IBHL BIOLOGY 1 (USCI09)

IBHL BIOLOGY 2 (USCI10)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Homework: Heavy

The IB Higher Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. With an emphasis on the nature of science, four basic biological concepts are woven into the course: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. A multidisciplinary Group 4 Project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and requires student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours, most likely on one Saturday or Sunday. IB laboratory investigations and one formal Internal Assessment (IA) will require students to gain mastery in statistics, data analysis, and advanced lab writing skills. The IA will constitute 20% of the final IB score. Core concepts from the curriculum include cell biology,

molecular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human physiology. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Biology Higher Level 2nd Edition, (Tosto, Mcgonegal, Ward, Damon) (ISBN 9781447959007)

IBSL CHEMISTRY 1 (USCI14)

IBSL CHEMISTRY 2 (USCI141)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Homework: Heavy

The IB Standard Level syllabus is followed in this two-year course. Laboratory activities will emphasize planning skills, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and manipulative and personal skills. Students will spend at least 40 hours on practical work including 10 hours on their Group 4 Project. This multidisciplinary lab project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and will require student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energetic, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry as well an option – which may be human biochemistry. The course provides excellent support for students preparing to pursue study in any of the Scientific or Engineering fields. Students are required to sit the IB exam at the completion of year two.

Note: Honors Chemistry cannot be taken in lieu of IBSL 1

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry Higher Level (Pearson Education) ISBN 978-1-447-95975-5)

IBHL CHEMISTRY 1 (USCI12)

IBHL CHEMISTRY 2 (USCI13)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 Homework: Heavy

IB Chemistry is a rigorous and fast-paced two-year sequence of courses satisfying a Higher Level (HL) requirement for an IB diploma. It is equivalent to a first-year college course and emphasizes the development of higher thinking skills by the study of theoretical concepts and laboratory investigations. Students will spend 60 hours on practical work including 10 hours on their Group 4 Project. This multidisciplinary lab project constitutes a compulsory component of this class and will require student attendance outside of regularly scheduled class hours. The course includes stoichiometry, atomic theory, periodicity, bonding, energetic, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry as well an option – which may be human biochemistry. The course provides excellent support for students preparing to pursue study in any of the Scientific or Engineering fields. Students are required to sit the IB exam at the completion of year two.

Note: Honors Chemistry cannot be taken in lieu of IBHL 1.

Text: Pearson Baccalaureate Chemistry Higher Level (Pearson Education) (ISBN 978-1-447-95975-5)

AP BIOLOGY (USCI18)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Biology teacher’s recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course is the equivalent of a college biology course and considers in detail such topics as biochemistry, cells, genetics, microbiology, and body structure and function. Emphasis is placed on laboratory activities and gaining an understanding of how biological information is collected and interpreted. The syllabus is structured so that a student will be prepared for the required AP examination at the completion of the course.

Text: Campbell Biology in Focus (Campbell) (ISBN 978-0-321-81380-0)

AP CHEMISTRY (USCI19)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and Honors Chemistry teacher’s recommendation (or completion of Summer Academy Honors Chemistry course) Homework: Heavy

AP Chemistry is equivalent to a first year university chemistry course. Students should expect a fast-paced, rigorous course, with emphasis on critical thinking skills. Laboratory work involves significant problem solving, with numerous opportunities to extend lab skills in both quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Text: Chemistry, (Wiley), 7th Edition (Jesperson, Hyslop) (ISBN 978-1-118-51646-1)

AP PHYSICS 1 (USCI201)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2, completion of Physics, and Physics teacher’s recommendation. Homework: Heavy

The AP Physics 1 course is equivalent to a semester college physics course. The course will foster a greater conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principals, concepts, and skills through student centered and inquiry based instruction. AP Physics 1 will focus on big ideas as opposed to content coverage. Time will be spent on engaged inquiry-based learning of essential concepts to help develop critical thinking and reasoning. Topics include Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Torque, Rotational Motion, Angular Momentum, Work, Energy, Power, Momentum, Oscillations, Waves, Sound, and an introduction to circuits. The AP Physics 1 course provides a readiness for the study of further topics in other college level courses such as Physics 2, life sciences, pre-medicine, or applied sciences. The course meets the syllabus requirements for the required Advanced Placement Physics 1 test.

Text: Introduction to Physics 8th Edition (Cutnell and Johnson) (ISBN 978-0-470-40942-8)

AP PHYSICS 2 (USCI203)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics, Algebra 2, and Honors Physics teacher’s recommendation. Homework: Heavy

The AP Physics 2 course is equivalent to a semester college physics course. Understanding fundamental physics principals and applications of concepts and skills learned in Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 is essential to be successful in the course. Critical thinking and reasoning will be developed through student centered and inquiry based instructional practices. First semester topics include a review of Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work, Energy, Power, and Momentum. Other topics of study throughout the year include Fluids, thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Electrostatics, Electrical Circuits, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics. Students who would like to take the AP Physics 1 test will need to complete additional review materials on their own. The Physics 2 course provides a readiness for the study of advanced topics in other college level courses such as life sciences, pre-medicine, or applied sciences.

Text: Introduction to Physics 8th Edition (Cutnell and Johnson) (ISBN 978-0-470-40942-8)

I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea shore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.

Isaac Newton

AP PHYSICS C (MECHANICS, E & M) (USCI21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus BC or AB, completion of Honors Physics, AND Honors Physics teacher’s recommendation

Homework: Heavy

The Physics C course forms the first part of a rigorous college sequence that serves as the foundation of physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is concurrent with or preceded by mathematics courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating the physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the AP Physics 1 and 2. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is mechanics, followed by electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these two areas of study. The course meets the syllabus requirements for the required Advanced Placement Physics C exam.

Text: Physics for Scientists & Engineers, 7th Edition (Serway & Jewett) (ISBN 978-0-495-11223-5)

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (USCI22)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11 and 12

Prerequisite: Honors chemistry and honors biology (or instructor’s permission if one course is non-honors)

Homework: Heavy

This class is equivalent to a semester college environmental science course. The course is interdisciplinary, involving concepts from chemistry, biology, earth science, economics, political science, and ethics. The goal of the course is to provide students with the science principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Particular focus is made on human impact on the environment and sustainable practices. Thus, sustainability, climate change, agriculture, air and water pollution, energy and human population growth are at the heart of the course content. Students are required to take the AP exam upon completion of the course. With instructor approval, students have the option to take this course as a non-AP course with different grading requirements.

Text: Living in the Environment 18th Edition (Miller) (ISBN: 978-1-133-94013-5)

SEMESTER ELECTIVE COURSES

NOTE TO STUDENTS: When possible, sign up for 2 Semester courses in Science! Sign up for Astronomy, Anatomy and Physiology, or others to round out your course schedule. Electives may or may not be offered depending on student interest.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF MOVEMENT (USCI37)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5

Grades: 11–12

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Honors Biology, IBSL Biology Yr 1, or IBHL Biology Yr 1

Homework: Light

This semester-long course addresses foundational questions - how are we built? How do we move? Students will study the form and function of the human body as it relates to movement, focusing on the muscular system, energy metabolism, mechanics, and nutrition. Students will learn about the

cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise that ensure adequate oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscles. Joints as levers and how neurotransmitters stimulate skeletal muscle contraction are a part of the curriculum. The content of this course is complemented through microscopy work, dissections, and experimentation. This course is wonderfully suited for those who are interested in kinesiology, physical therapy, exercise science – and those who are generally interested in the science behind being healthy and fit. At the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding of their athlete within!

Text: Biology Life on Earth with Physiology 11th Edition (Pearson) (ISBN 978-0-133-92300-1

FORENSIC SCIENCE (USCI35)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Completion of Physics and Chemistry; completion or concurrent enrollment in Biology Homework: Light

Forensic science is a multidisciplinary applied science, encompassing Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and crime scene investigation (CSI). This course will focus on forensic science concepts, including inquiry performance, crime scene investigation, ballistics, fiber evidence, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, trace evidence, blood splatter, tool mark evidence, forensic anthropology, and other applicable concepts of student interest. Class is lab-based and grading will consist of group lab reports, performance assessments where students practice the skills of a CSI scientist, and on student performance on a semester project. The individual or group project allows students to dive deeper into any topic of interest related to the burgeoning field of Forensic Science.

Text: Forensics Science Fundamentals and Investigations (Bertino) (ISBN: 978-0-538-73155-3)

HONORS QUANTUM MECHANICS & RELATIVITY (USCI36)

Duration: 1 semester Credit: 0.5 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and completion of Pre-calculus or enrollment in higher level math course. Homework: Heavy

This course is ideal for physics students who want to better understand the magical world of quantum mechanics and special relativity! Students first learn the essentials of special relativity, time dilation, the Lorentz transformation, relativistic momentum and energy, including the origin of Einstein’s E=mc2. The course then shifts gears to the early quantum theory of Bohr, de Broglie, and Schrodinger culminating in the Copenhagen doctrine of quantum mechanics. Students learn to solve the Schrodinger equation both qualitatively and by explicit solution of the Schrodinger equation for simple potential energy profiles corresponding to 1D quantum wells and 3D quantum dots. Python computer code also allows students to solve the Schrodinger equation for more general 1D potential energy profiles. Some previous programming experience would be useful but is not assumed. Finally, we consider the foundational issues in quantum mechanics provoked by recent experimentally verified properties of entanglement, such as non-locality, Bell’s theorems, relativity, and de Broglie – Bohm theory. We try to answer the Einstein questions: Is there “spooky action at a distance”? Does “God play dice with the universe?” For students who have a very busy schedule, there is a non-honors option for this course which will have less homework.

Text: Teacher’s notes plus Concepts of Modern Physics (Beiser) (ISBN: 978-9-351-34185-7) and QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter (Feynman)( ISBN: 978-0691164090).

HONORS COMPUTER MODELING (USCI39)

Duration: 1 semester

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics and completion of Pre-calculus or enrollment in higher level math course.

Homework: Heavy

This computer science course is ideal for science-mathematics students who wish to learn about numerical modeling of dynamic systems which vary in time and may have numerous applications in science research courses. After a quick review of Python essentials, students learn how to use Numpy and Scipy libraries in Python to quickly evaluate, solve, and visualize the solutions of the types of systems of coupled ordinary and partial differential equations that describe physical, chemical and/ or biological systems. Topics include visualization of data and solutions using Matplotlib and Vpython libraries, Fourier transform methods, initial conditions, boundary conditions, function spaces, phase space methods. Several advanced topics are introduced and demonstrated including using Lagrangian methods to obtain differential equations from potential energy expressions and finite difference and finite element for numerically solving systems of partial differential equations in complex domains.

Text: None. Course materials supplied by the teacher.

IBSL SPORTS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTH SCIENCE (UHPE11)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Homework: Moderate

Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigative skills. It is an applied science course, with aspects of biological and physical science being studied in the specific context of sports, exercise and health. Moreover, the subject matter goes beyond the traditional science subjects to offer a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century.

The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sports, exercise and health. Students will cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. The course prepares students for university programs in kinesiology, health sciences, health studies, research, medicine, physical/occupational therapy, and fitness/ wellness.

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE RESEARCH (USCI40)

Duration: 1 semester Credit: 0.5 (1 semester) Grades: 9-10 Prerequisite: none Homework: Light to Moderate

The Introduction to Science Research course is designed for high school students who are interested in understanding how scientists investigate real-world problems. Students will research, plan, design and test a series of hands-on science projects in all three major scientific disciplines: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The main goal of this course is to introduce students who have never taken a research course to the research process and provide them with an opportunity to apply a logical approach to scientific questions. This course is ideal for 9th or 10th grade students who are looking for a solid foundation in research methods and data evaluation before they take another research course later in high school or in college.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (USCI27) HONORS RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY (USCI27H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester) Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Chem. Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Chemistry course is designed as an experimental based course for students interested in various research projects in Chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to design a project that involves one (or more) of the following branches of Chemistry: Material, Analytical, and Biochemical, Computational, Organometallic, Organic or Inorganic chemistry. The goal of this course is threefold by providing students with 1) an understanding of how to create a viable chemical research project with multiple variables; 2) a knowledge of how to use a variety of instrumentation, chemical technique sand literature databases; and 3) an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Truly excellent work may have the option to publish their findings in a chemical journal or present at a chemistry conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation on how a research lab operates before they attend college. In order to promote flexibility for students, this course will be designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (USCI28) HONORS RESEARCH IN PHYSICS (USCI28H)

NOTE: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester) Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP Physics. Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY

(USCI26) HONORS RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (USCI26H)

Note: Honors Research class is a year-long class.

Duration: 1 year or 1 semester (1 semester option must be completed in Semester 1)

Credit: 1.0 (1 year); 0.5 (1 semester) Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics or Honors Physics. For Honors: One semester previous research or enrollment in AP/IBHL Bio. Homework: Moderate (Heavy for Honors)

The Research in Biology course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in conducting their own unique research projects. All students in the class will conduct an independent research project based upon a common theme. The goals of this course are threefold: 1) develop the skills needed to design and conduct a unique and relevant research project; 2) build a knowledgebase of how to use a variety of instrumentation, analytical techniques and literature databases; and 3) provide an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Exceptional work may have the opportunity to publish their findings in a science journal, enter an appropriate scientific competition, or apply to present at a scientific conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation in a research lab before they attend college.

Note: This coursework can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long, research project in AP Research Capstone (Diploma Program).

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

The Research in Physics course is designed as an experiment-based course for students interested in various research projects in Physics. The goal of this course is threefold by providing students with 1) an understanding of how to create a viable physics research project with multiple variables; 2) a knowledge of how to use a variety of instrumentation, techniques and literature databases; and 3) an avenue to present their findings in written, oral and poster form to teachers and students of other research classes. Truly excellent work may have the option to publish their findings in a scientific journal or present at an academic conference. This course is ideal for students looking for a solid foundation on how a research lab operates before they attend college. In order to promote flexibility for students, this course will be designed to complement other research courses and programs.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program.

Text: STEM Student Research Handbook (Harland, DJ) (ISBN: 978-1-936-13724-4)

HONORS RESEARCH: SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY (USCI411)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of either a full year TAS research course or an off-campus summer internship, successful completion or current enrollment in an honors science course (chemistry or biology) Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The Honors Research course in Synthetic Biology is for students who are interested in biotechnology and engineering. In this course students will learn how to apply the principles of engineering (design, build and test)

Scientific Research Flow Chart

Introduction to Science Research

into the research practices of genetic engineering. Students will first learn about current research in the field of synthetic biology in addition to the importance, ethics and feasibility of application in real-life. Students will learn about biotechnological techniques in the laboratory while gaining an understanding of the design aspect of piecing together off-the-shelf standardized biological parts. Students will then build and transform DNA into competent cells which are referred to as a chassis. Finally the student will test these cells to see if the DNA that was synthesized worked according to their hypotheses. During the year-long course both oral and poster presentations will be given at the science research symposia at the end of each semester. Students who take this course will also have the opportunity to participate in the international genetically engineered machines (iGEM) competition.

Text: Biotechnology (Brown) (ISBN 978-0-983-23960-4)

HONORS RESEARCH: NANOTECHNOLOGY (USCI421)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of a full year or semester long Research course in Chemistry, Biology, or Physics Homework: Moderate to Heavy

The Honors Research course in Nanotechnology is for students who are interested in materials science, which is the combination of engineering with chemistry and applied physics. Students will first learn about current research in the field of nanotechnology and materials science in addition to how the use of nanomaterial will influence future developments in science. Students will then design, build and test their own independent projects in order to investigate the properties of matter on the 5-100nm scale. Using instrumentation such as a nanotube furnace and planetary ball mill, students will synthesize their own nanomaterial. Analysis of these materials will then be performed on an atomic force microscope and a scanning electron microscope at the TAS research laboratory. A possibility of interdisciplinary research with synthetic biology research exists for students interested in Nano biotechnology and atomic force microscopy. During the year-long course, oral and poster presentations will be given at the science research symposia at the end of each semester.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program

Text: The Science of Nanotechnology: An Introductory Text (Tilstra, Broughton, Tanke, Jelski, French, Zhang, Popov, Western, George) (ISBN 978-1-600-21466-0)

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 1 (USCI231) INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 2 (USCI251)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 (PASS/FAIL)

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of a summer research internship and Science Department recommendation

Homework: Moderate to Heavy (8 hour of off campus research time per week is required)

This independent study course is for the highly motivated student who wants to experience working in a professional, academic research institution. Students will learn how to select a proper investigation, collect data, systematically analyze results, and then communicate the results at the two TAS scientific research symposia and international research competitions. Research projects will be completed under the supervision of a research mentor at an off-campus location. Students who want to undertake a year-long, off campus research project must enroll as an intern in the TAS Summer Academy Summer Internship program in the summer preceding their enrollment in Advanced Scientific Research I course. Alternatively, students can find their own summer research internships. Students who choose these routes should consult with the Director of Scientific Research to see what internships currently available and what qualifications are necessary to be considered for placement as an intern. Students should plan on spending a significant amount of time commuting to and conducting an off-campus research project. It is recommended that students have 4th period lunch on the same day as their 5th period research class to allow adequate time for research. Some evening, vacation, and weekend time may be required for successful completion of the research. A second year of independent study may be elected as Independent Research Internship 2.

NOTE: This course can partially fulfill the requirements for the year-long research project in AP Capstone Diploma program

Text: None (papers and references will be gathered by the student)

Honors Research in Biology

Honors Research in Chemistry

Honors Research in Physics

Honors Research: Synthetic Biology

Honors Research in Nanotechnology

Independent Research Internship (1 and 2)

Summer Research Internship Research in Biology Research in Chemistry Research in Physics

At Taipei American School, the study of world languages is considered a core subject. Students are required to reach a 3rd year level proficiency. We offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced level courses in Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese. Students are strongly encouraged to take four consecutive years of their selected world language. Students may choose to study more than one world language course per year. Students with no prior knowledge or experience in Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese will be placed into a beginner’s level 1 course. Students wishing to enter a new language program with prior knowledge or experience in that language are required to take a placement test. Students will need to register for the placement test through the World Languages office prior to finalizing their course selections.

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 1 (UMAN01)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: None Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help non-native learners develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and computer-based writing and to prepare them for further study of the Mandarin language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and grammar structures through the functions of language. Students will also learn the basic principles behind Chinese characters. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for language proficiency and an appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures.

Text: Integrated Chinese

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 (UMAN02)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

In this course for non-native learners, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. Students will develop and expand their understanding of how the language functions while continuing to make the Mandarin language relevant to their daily lives. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities are related to everyday needs and experiences. The continued emphasis of this course is on authentic communication and cultural awareness.

Text:

Integrated

Chinese MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 3 (UMAN03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills for nonnative learners of Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect students’ daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in Mandarin, thus

giving them the opportunity to become more confident communicators in the target language.

Text: Integrated Chinese

MANDARIN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE 4 (UMAN04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course continues to develop language skills for non-native learners in Mandarin through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and computer-based writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily lives. The materials and activities emphasize authentic situations and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students continue to develop their ability to confidently communicate their own needs and interests in Mandarin. Supplementary materials help to further develop a continued cultural awareness of the Mandarin-speaking world.

Text: Integrated Chinese

AP CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UMAN05)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Mandarin as a Foreign Language 4 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course for non-native learners provides students with opportunities to enhance language development across three modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students will increase their awareness of contemporary and historical Chinese culture through the study of authentic materials including public announcements, advertisements, articles, contemporary literature, and film. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Chinese Language & Culture exam near

the end of the school year. Students who wish to continue their Mandarin studies after completing this course will be placed into the appropriate Heritage Mandarin class based upon their language proficiency.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines

HERITAGE MANDARIN 2 (UMAN12)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers who are developing their reading and writing abilities. Emphasis is placed on developing a solid grasp of common, high-frequency characters used in one’s daily life. Students will also learn how to communicate effectively in Mandarin through handwritten characters. Speaking activities will challenge students to expand their vocabulary to encompass more abstract topics, build more complex arguments, and develop a solid understanding of proper grammar.

Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)

HERITAGE

MANDARIN 3 (UMAN13)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course is targeted at native or near-native Mandarin speakers to further develop their reading and character-writing proficiency. Students will be expected to compose longer, more in-depth, and well-argued compositions, as well as begin to read and discuss original written Chinese language texts. Students will further develop their ability to utilize technology as a means for authentic communication. Speaking activities will target more formal rhetorical speech elements, such as presentations and topic-based panel discussions.

Text: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese)

To learn a new language is to open another window from which to see the world.

Chinese proverb

HONORS HERITAGE MANDARIN 4 (UMAN14)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course further prepares students to communicate using Mandarin in more formal language settings. Spoken activities emphasize presentations, oral reports, and debates. Students will develop further confidence and ability in written forms. Students will engage in creative writing activities, as well as conduct research and write reports in Mandarin. In this class, students transition from using prepared textbook materials to more real-life content and abridged articles. Students will build on their fluency in Mandarin to communicate through a variety of means and discourse models.

Texts: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese); teacherselected readings and authentic materials

HONORS HERITAGE MANDARIN 5 (UMAN15)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 4 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

In this course, activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. Students are encouraged to express not only their own needs and interests but also their opinions on a variety of contemporary and cultural issues. Supplementary materials further develop and integrate the students’ language skills as well as foster an awareness and appreciation of the Mandarin-speaking world.

Texts: 當代中文課程 (A Course in Contemporary Chinese); teacherselected readings and authentic materials

IBSL CHINESE B (UMAN16)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Honors Heritage Mandarin 5 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will study how to handle and process information, write their own texts, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and enter intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of Mandarin-speaking cultures. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

HONORS SEMINAR: CURRENT MANDARIN TOPICS (UMAN17)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisites: IBSL Chinese B + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course further develops students’ confidence and skills to communicate effectively in Mandarin, both orally and in written form through the use of authentic language materials. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire new vocabulary and build the necessary skills for in-depth reading of a variety of texts. Additionally, students will continue to develop an awareness and appreciation of the cultures and history related to the language studied.

Mandarin Program Flow Chart

*The offering of this course for 2022-2023 is dependent upon student interest and enrollment.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 1 (UMAN21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively both orally and in written form. Students study a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles) to explore themes such as traditional Chinese values and their impact on modern life, personal growth, communication, and technology. An emphasis is placed on acquisition of vocabulary and practice of sentence patterns as students work to refine their composition skills. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.

Texts may include: 賴小禾《動物狂想曲》; 鄭宗弦《媽祖回娘家》; 王 淑芬《親愛的綠》; 陳榕笙《孤狗少年》; additional teacher-selected materials

HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 2 (UMAN22)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation

Homework: Heavy

This course explores modern-day themes through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Continued emphasis is placed upon effective communication both orally and in written form. Vocabulary acquisition remains of primary importance as does the development of polished writing skills in a variety of styles. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class discussions and presentations.

Texts may include: 張友漁《目擊證人》; 鄭丞鈞《我的麗莎阿姨》; 陳 幸蕙編《我只想回到自己的家》; 侯文詠《侯文詠極短篇》; additional teacher-selected materials

Mandarin Program Flow Chart (Continued)

HONORS ADVANCED HERITAGE MANDARIN 3 (UMAN23)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course enables students to develop their language skills by exploring contemporary issues through the study of a variety of texts (including novels, short stories, and selected articles). Students will continue to refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner through essays and research projects. Oral expression will be reinforced through regular class presentations and discussions.

Texts may include: 林良《會走路的人》; 汪莫《寫給喧囂的37個安靜練 習》; 劉臺痕《閻王不要的小子》; 李家同選集; 蘇兒真《法律的背後,是 愛的戀習曲》; additional teacher-selected materials

IBHL CHINESE B (UMAN24)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Heritage Mandarin 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication through the use of authentic materials. Students will work on comprehending and participating in formal and informal conversations as well as expressing their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the new vocabulary and skills necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a more sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 1 (UMAN31)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

In this course, students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Mandarin. Various texts, including novels and Chinese poems, will be analyzed. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts may include: 亞榮隆‧撒可努《山豬．飛鼠．撒可努》; 鍾肇政 《白翎鷥之歌》; 龍應台《孩子你慢慢來》; 陳幸蕙主編《49個夕陽》; additional teacher-selected materials

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 2 (UMAN32)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

Building on the literary analysis work established the previous year, this course further strengthens students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. There are rigorous expectations for in-depth written analysis and critical interpretations of various genres of literature. Moreover, oral presentations and class discussions require students to express nuanced ideas when speaking. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts may include: 三毛《撒哈拉歲月》;《守候盼望》; 聖修伯里《小 王子》; 吳濁流《先生媽》; 洪醒夫《黑面慶仔》; additional teacherselected materials

IBSL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 1 (UMAN33)

IBSL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2 (UMAN35)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin by writing literary analysis essays and participating in oral activities including presentations, class discussions, dramatizations, and debates. Students will engage in the study of topics that relate to language in cultural context. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

IBHL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 1 (UMAN34)

IBHL CHINESE A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE 2 (UMAN36)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course is a concentrated two-year program focused on the study of Chinese language and literature. Students will further their command of written and spoken Mandarin through the study of a wide range of genres and rigorous literary analysis. Requirements of the course include both oral and written critiques, comparative commentaries, essays, and creative writing assignments. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Chinese A exam near the end of the second year.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 3 (UMAN37)

HONORS ADVANCED LITERATURE IN MANDARIN 4 (UMAN38)

Duration: 1 or 2 years Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Honors Advanced Literature in Mandarin 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

These courses will continue to strengthen students’ abilities to read critically and discuss literature through various interpretive lenses. Students will develop the language skills necessary to become highly proficient readers and writers of Mandarin. Students will engage in the study of well-known literary works. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component.

Texts: Teacher-selected readings and authentic materials

Spanish Program Flow Chart

• Solid lines indicate the standard path; dashed lines indicate alternative path options available with teacher permission.

• Students enter the Spanish program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students with previous knowledge or language experience who are not currently enrolled in a Spanish course at TAS will need to take a placement test.

• To complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Spanish 3 proficiency level or higher.

• The IBSL Spanish B exam may be taken in junior or senior year; students may take the course over a period of 1 or 2 years. The IBHL exam may be taken in senior year only; this is a two-year course. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Honors Spanish 4.

SPANISH 1 (UWLD11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: None Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Spanish language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Authentic materials and cultural information are interwoven throughout the course to provide a framework for proficiency in the language and an appreciation of the cultures of the countries where Spanish is spoken.

Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española

SPANISH 2 (UWLD12)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisites: Spanish 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Spanish language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Spanish for comprehension.

Text: VISTAS Introducción a la lengua española

SPANISH 3 (UWLD13)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Materials and activities emphasize authentic situations of daily life and require thinking, recall, and creativity. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus giving them the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

HONORS SPANISH 3 (UWLD13H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course reviews and continues to develop language skills in Spanish through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect daily life. Oral comprehension and proficiency will be stressed, and students will be expected to demonstrate greater independent initiative when completing practice activities. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 3.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

SPANISH 4 (UWLD14)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 3 (or Honors Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

This course continues to develop Spanish language skills through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language, thus enabling them to become more confident language learners. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

HONORS SPANISH 4 (UWLD14H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 3 (or Spanish 3) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course will stress proficiency in all language skills with a strong emphasis on grammar. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to topics which reflect community as well as daily life. Students are encouraged to express their own needs and interests in the Spanish language. Supplementary materials help to further develop the students’ reading and writing skills as well as a continued cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. Homework expectations and standards for sophisticated and accurate language usage are significantly higher in Honors Spanish 4.

Text: ENFOQUES Curso intermedio de lengua española

HONORS

SPANISH 5 (UWLD15H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are expected to demonstrate indepth cultural awareness and appreciation of the Spanish-speaking world.

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher-selected readings and materials

IBSL SPANISH B (UWLD15)

Duration: 1 or 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Spanish 4 / Honors Spanish 5 (or Honors Spanish 4) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course prepares students to communicate comfortably and effectively in Spanish, both orally and in written form. Students will practice and be assessed on their ability to handle and process information, write their own text, understand and respond to oral and written communication, and participate in intellectual discussions on a range of topics. Authentic materials will be used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBSL Spanish B exam near the end of their one-year or two-year course (junior or senior year).

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher selected-readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

IBHL SPANISH B (UWLD161)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grades: 11 (year 1) – 12 (year 2)

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for indepth reading of a variety of authentic texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external IBHL Spanish B exam at the end of their two-year course (senior year).

Texts: TEMAS para Español B; teacher selected-readings and materials in accordance with IB curriculum guidelines

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UWLD181)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 4 (or Honors Spanish 5) + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course continues to emphasize the use of language for active communication. Authentic materials are used throughout to integrate the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will hone their ability to comprehend and participate in formal and informal conversations, and to express their ideas with increased accuracy and fluency. They will acquire the vocabulary and structures necessary for in-depth reading of a variety of texts and refine their ability to write in a sophisticated manner. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Language and Culture exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: TEMAS Spanish Language and Culture; AP SPANISH Language and Culture Exam Preparation

AP SPANISH LITERATURE & CULTURE (UWLD191)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language & Culture + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This intensive course is designed for students with advanced language proficiency and interest in Spanish. Students will practice critical reading, thinking, and written analysis in Spanish through the study of various types of texts including novels, short stories, poetry, and essays based on the AP Spanish curriculum reading list. Students are expected to demonstrate independent initiative when analyzing and interpreting these texts and will articulate ideas with sophistication. This course has a significant reading and writing homework component. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the external AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: ABRIENDO PUERTAS; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP curriculum guidelines

Japanese Program Flow Chart

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• To

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JAPANESE 1 (UWLD21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: None Homework: Moderate

This course is designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to prepare them for further study of the Japanese language. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. Students learn the Japanese sound system. The HIRAGANA and KATAKANA writing notations are introduced from the outset. The 72 basic characters of KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials

JAPANESE 2 (UWLD22)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Japanese 1 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced, serving as a transition into new units of study. The students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded while continuing to make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Emphasis is placed upon continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 73 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Texts: Genki 1; additional teacher-selected materials

JAPANESE 3 (UWLD23)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Japanese 2 + teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

In this course, previously learned vocabulary and structures are reinforced. Students learn to express their opinions and exchange information in a more sophisticated manner and make the Japanese language relevant to their daily lives. Students’ understanding of how the language functions is expanded thus providing the opportunity to become more confident in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The stress is on continued authentic communication, cultural awareness, and relying on Japanese for comprehension. An additional 79 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced.

Texts: Genki 2; additional teacher-selected materials

AP JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE (UWLD241) IBSL JAPANESE B (UWLD261)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12 Prerequisites: Japanese 3 + teacher recommendation Homework: Heavy

This course continues to develop language skills in Japanese through a communicative approach. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities relate to a broad range of topics. The activities are based upon authentic materials and situations that require thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Emphasis is placed on comprehending more complex authentic oral and written communication and responding appropriately and intelligently both orally and in writing. An additional 93 KANJI symbols related to the unit topics are introduced. Students who enroll in this course are required to take the according external AP Japanese Language and Culture exam or IBSL Japanese B exam near the end of the school year.

Texts: Genki 2; teacher-selected readings and materials in accordance with AP / IB curriculum guidelines

Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs.

Students enter the Japanese program based upon their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students with previous knowledge or language experience who are not currently enrolled in a Japanese course at TAS will need to take a placement test.

complete the 3rd year proficiency requirement, students must complete one year of an Upper School course at the Japanese 3 proficiency level or higher.

The IBSL Japanese B exam may be taken in junior or senior year; this is a one-year course. The IBSL ab initio exam (IB Diploma students) may be taken in senior year only; the maximum level of study is Japanese 3.

Japanese 1 Japanese 2 Japanese 3

IBSL Japanese B AP Japanese Language and Culture

Nelson Mandela

The TAS language requirement for graduation is satisfied by completion of Reading Greek and Latin or Honors Reading Greek and Latin. Classics, which comprises the study of the Ancient Greek and Latin languages, along with the literature, art, and history of the ancient Mediterranean world, is a fundamental study in language and culture. At TAS the focus of the program is on giving students the tools they need to become sophisticated interpreters of primary sources for understanding the Greek and Roman worlds.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Students may begin their study of classics in any grade. Colleges are especially impressed by students who have achieved high scores on external measures such as the IB assessments, AP Latin Examination, and the National Latin and Greek Exams. In order to be able to succeed on these exams, students should start their study of classics in grade 9 or earlier.

ELEMENTARY GREEK & LATIN (UCLS01)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Moderate

No previous knowledge is required. The texts are: Wheelock’s Latin Grammar (chap. 1-25) and Hansen and Quinn’s Greek: An Intensive Course (chapters 1-6). Students review major concepts of sentence structure and grammar in English, applying these concepts to their growing power to read Latin and Greek. All three languages reinforce each other, and class time is spent on analyzing English sentences in increasingly sophisticated ways. Students acquire important and interrelated vocabulary in English, Latin and Greek. Students sit for the National Latin Exam and the National Greek Exam. Additionally, students study the early social and literary history of the classical world.

INTERMEDIATE GREEK & LATIN (UCLS02)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Elementary Greek & Latin (with grade of B or higher) Homework: Moderate

Prerequisite is middle school classics with department recommendation or a final grade of B or higher in Elementary Greek & Latin (upper school). Students rapidly review the first fifteen chapters of Wheelock’s Latin Grammar. Students then study the material through chapter 35. In Greek, students begin with a rapid review of the material in chapters 1-6 of Greek: An Intensive Course, and then continue their study to the end of chapter 15. Upon completion of Intermediate Greek & Latin, students should have a solid foundation in the fundamental grammar of Greek and Latin. Students acquire additional vocabulary in English, Latin and Greek. Students sit for the National Latin Exam and the National Greek Exam. Together with this work, the class conducts a careful review of history and geography of ancient world with a focus on late republican Rome and fifth century Athens, especially art and archaeology.

HONORS READING GREEK & LATIN (UCLS02H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Elementary Greek & Latin, and department permission Homework: Heavy

All material in Intermediate Greek & Latin and Reading Greek & Latin is covered in the course of one year. Homework expectations for this course are high. Enrollment is by permission of the department.

Classics Flow Chart

Entry into Level 1 for beginners

Intermediate level leads to Reading level. Honors Reading Greek and Latin (by department permission) leads directly to advanced classes. Entry level for students who have completed MS Classics

Continues work from Intermediate level

Elementary Greek & Latin

Intermediate Greek & Latin Reading Greek & Latin

READING

College-level study with independent research.

GREEK & LATIN (UCLS03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Intermediate Greek & Latin (grade of B or higher) Homework: Moderate

The course begins with a review of Latin and Greek grammar, along with additional study of some more complex structures. Students then begin reading the Latin authors like Caesar, Vergil and Cicero, and selections from the works works of Plato, Xenophon, and Lysias in Greek. Students sit for the National Latin Exam, and the National Greek Exam.

AP LATIN (UCLS04)

IBSL CLASSICAL LANGUAGES (LATIN) (UCLS051)

IBSL CLASSICAL LANGUAGES (GREEK) (UCLS052)

IBHL CLASSICAL LANGUAGES (LATIN) (UCLS061)

IBHL CLASSICAL LANGUAGES (GREEK) (UCLS062)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Reading Greek & Latin or Honors Reading Greek and Latin and Permission of Department Homework: Heavy

Tantum sapienti sua, quantum deo omnis aetas patet.

“To a wise man, the span of his life is as great as the entire extent of all time for a god.”

L. A. Seneca Letters

Advanced classes: IB Greek, IB Latin, AP Latin, Advanced Greek, Advanced Latin, Honors Advanced Greek, Honors Advanced Latin

Students enrolling in these courses elect to concentrate in Greek or Latin. Some will read Greek or Latin authors in preparation for the IB SL or HL examination. Others will focus on close reading of Vergil and Caesar in Latin in preparation for the AP Latin Literature Examination. All students begin to study prose composition in their selected language(s). Seniors may register for university competitions in Greek and Latin.

ADVANCED LATIN (UCLS07) ADVANCED ANCIENT GREEK (UCLS08) ADVANCED GREEK & LATIN (UCLS09)

HONORS ADVANCED LATIN (UCLS07H) HONORS ADVANCED ANCIENT GREEK (UCLS08H) HONORS ADVANCED GREEK AND LATIN (UCLS09H)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Reading Greek & Latin (honors levels require department permission) Homework: Heavy

Students and teachers work together to design courses that center around reading a selected body of literature in the original languages. In these classes many students choose to continue their study of both Latin and

Honors Reading Greek & Latin

Greek. However, some students may choose to concentrate on one language only (usually Greek). Students who focus on Greek alone are encouraged to start learning dialects other than Attic, usually Ionic first , and then Homeric. Advanced classics courses also require the students to gain an understanding of some of the topics related to the works they read (e.g., history, philosophy, metrics, drama, etc.). Students continue their study of Greek and Latin composition. These courses are in content and design equivalent to their college counterparts at the best US colleges.

HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT GREEK PEOPLE (UCLS101)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

An introduction to the history of the ancient Greek world to the end of the Hellenistic Period, this course is based on reading ancient authors and documents in translation. examining ancient artifacts, including architecture and infrastructure, and tracing the cultural and artistic development of Greek civilization. The focus of the course is on examining the emergence and development of a Panhellenic Greek cultural identity. In addition,

Rerum primordia pandam, unde omnis natura creet res.

On Physics

students will study the history of Mediterranean archaeology and learn about the most recent developments in that field as they pertain to the ancient Greek peoples.

HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT ROMAN PEOPLE (UCLS102)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

An introduction to the history of the ancient Roman world to the age of Constantine, this course is based on reading ancient authors and documents in translation, examining ancient artifacts, including architecture and infrastructure, and tracing the cultural and artistic development of Roman civilization. The focus of the course is on the problems that attended the development and spread of a shared Roman cultural identity in the disparate places that were governed from Rome. In addition, students study the history of Mediterranean archaeology and learn about the most recent developments in that field as they pertain to the history of Rome.

“I shall make visible to you the atoms from which physics builds all things.”

Lucretius

Epictetus, Encheiridion

Performing Arts

Graduation Requirement:

This requirement can be fulfilled by taking visual arts or performing arts courses which total 1 credit.

Note that students may NOT satisfy both the public speaking and the performing & visual arts requirements with the same course.

MUSIC

Students are admitted to an Honors Level Class who meet the following criteria:

• By approval of the class teacher

• Grade 10, 11 and 12

• Displays exceptional performance and musicianship skills

• Prior participation in Upper School music program

• Musical leadership and/or role model in ensemble classes

• Displayed service to the music program

The following classes are combined and are scheduled at the same time:

• Concert Choir and Honors Concert Choir

• Opus and Honors Opus

• String Orchestra and Honors String Orchestra

• Orchestra and Honors Orchestra

• Symphonic Band and Honors Symphonic Band

• Wind Ensemble and Honors Wind Ensemble

• Jazz Ensemble and Honors Jazz Ensemble

• Musical Theater and Honors Musical Theater

• Flute Chamber Ensemble and Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble

• Chamber Repertoire Performance and Honors Chamber Repertoire Performance

• Music Production and Technology and Honors Music Production and Technology

• Piano Performance and Honors Piano Performance

CONCERT CHOIR (UMUS01) HONORS CONCERT CHOIR (UMUS02)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors)

This class is open to all students. Students in this class sing a variety of choral repertoire that spans many styles and musical periods. Instruction in solo and ensemble vocal technique, performance skills, composition concepts, rehearsal technique and music literacy is provided. Students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community, furthering students’ technical foundations and musicianship. There are 3 required concert performances on campus. This choir is not auditioned, but a brief interview with the director to check pitch and range is required for new choir students prior to placement. Concert Choir students may choose to enroll in Vocal Studio (UMUS25), a supplemental vocal technique class. Students in Honors Concert Choir must have completed a year of Concert Choir as a prerequisite and are expected to take leadership roles in the choir and learn a solo art song. Additionally, Honors students are highly encouraged to enroll in the Vocal Studio (UMUS25) class referred to above.

OPUS: VOCAL ENSEMBLE (UMUS03) HONORS OPUS: VOCAL ENSEMBLE (UMUS04)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Moderate

Opus is an auditioned vocal ensemble. Students in this class sing a variety of advanced choral repertoire that spans many styles and musical periods. Instruction in solo and ensemble vocal technique, performance skills, composition concepts, rehearsal technique and music literacy is provided. Students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community in master class settings and in Chamber Music

Music Flow Chart

BAND VOCAL STRING ELECTIVES

* Beginning Band Gr. 9 -12

Symphonic Band Gr. 9 - 12

Honors Symphonic Band Gr. 10 - 12

Wind Ensemble Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)

Honors Wind Ensemble Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)

Jazz Ensemble Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)

Concert Choir Gr. 9 - 12 String Orchestra Gr. 9 - 12

Vocal Studio Gr. 9 - 12 (Sem. 1)

Honors

Concert Choir Gr. 10 - 12

Honors String Orchestra Gr. 10 - 12

Musical Theater Gr. 9-12

Honors Musical Theater Gr. 10-12

Music Production & Technology Gr. 9-12

Honors Music Production & Technology 1 Gr. 10-12

Opus Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)

Honors Jazz Ensemble Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)

* pending sufficient enrollment

Honors Opus Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)

Orchestra Gr. 9 - 12 (auditioned)

Honors Orchestra Gr. 10 - 12 (auditioned)

Honors Music Production & Technology 2 Gr. 11-12

Honors Music Production & Technology 3 Gr. 12

Flute Chamber Ensemble (1 semester or 1 year) Gr. 9-12 Chamber Repertoire Performance (1 semester after school) Gr. 9-12

Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble (1 semester or 1 year)

Gr. 10-12

Honors Chamber Repertoire Performance (1 semester after school) Gr. 10-12

Piano Performance (Sem. 1) Gr. 9-12

Honors Piano Performance (Sem. 1) Gr. 10-12

AP Music Theory Gr. 10-12 (teacher recommendation)

small ensemble preparations, furthering students’ technical foundations and musicianship. There are several concerts during the year; some performances may be off campus. Auditions are held in early spring for the following year’s choir. Opus students must have previous ensemble experience and a good working knowledge of music theory. Successful candidates are offered a place in Opus for one year. Existing members must re-audition. Opus and Honors Opus students are encouraged to enroll in Vocal Studio (UMUS25), a supplemental vocal technique class. Students in Honors Opus must have completed a year of Opus as a prerequisite. Students in Honors Opus are also expected to take leadership roles in the choir, learn a solo art song, and perform in or conduct a small ensemble.

STRING ORCHESTRA (UMUS05)

HONORS STRING ORCHESTRA (UMUS06)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Moderate

This class consists of intermediate to advanced players of violin, viola, cello, and bass. The students rehearse and perform orchestra music representing a variety of styles and appropriate developmental level. Solo performance and chamber music ensembles may also be included. For the latter, the students are provided the opportunity to be coached by master musicians from the Taipei community. Along with the performance emphasis of this course, there is also integration of technical studies for skill development, music theory, and music listening. Students must own their own instruments with the exception of viola and double bass. For new students to the school, entrance into the class is based on a performance placement

IBSL Music 1 / IBHL Music 1 Gr. 11 (teacher recommendation)

IBSL Music 2 / IBHL Music 2 Gr. 12

test; continuing string program students require teacher recommendation. Students in Honors String Orchestra must have completed a year of String Orchestra as a prerequisite. Students in the Honors class are also expected to demonstrate musical leadership and perform additional repertoire.

ORCHESTRA (UMUS07) HONORS ORCHESTRA (UMUS08)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate

This is a performance based class for advanced players of violin, viola, cello and double bass in which skills of string technique, theory and musicianship are taught through the medium of an orchestral ensemble and chamber music. The orchestral performance experiences include both string orchestra and symphonic repertoire. Required performances are at TAS and in community settings. Master musicians from the Taipei community join the

Music is important for the following reasons: it is abstract, it doesn’t mean anything outside itself. Music does not describe. Music does not narrate. Music does not tell stories. Music evokes. Music suggests, music implies, and music opens up the mind of a child in an extraordinary way. This abstraction about music is what offers a child the chance to move into a really special way of thinking.

Richard Gill

orchestra to enhance and expand the symphonic repertoire experience and provide additional chamber music coaching. Entry to this orchestra class is by audition only with consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Orchestra must have completed a year of Orchestra as a prerequisite and these students have additional performance requirements.

UPPER SCHOOL BEGINNING BAND (UMUS09)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light

This class is an entry level course for students who wish to learn how to play a band instrument (or bass guitar). No experience is required. The level of instruction is accelerated to enable students to perform with the Symphonic Band after one semester. School instruments (but not bass guitars) can be loaned to beginners. Students are encouraged to select instruments that are usually under-represented in band programs, such as French Horn, double reeds, and low brass.

SYMPHONIC BAND (UMUS10) HONORS SYMPHONIC BAND (UMUS11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Light (Moderate for Honors)

This intermediate level upper school band meets every other day. The course provides instruction in performing music through various repertoire of level 3 – 4 (medium to medium-advanced difficulty) performance literature, technical skill exercises, sight-reading, music theory, and an understanding of musical composition through listening, original composing, and analysis. In addition to the full ensemble experience, students are offered the opportunity to play in small chamber music groups and solos. Performances are given at TAS and are a graded requirement for this course. Placement into this class is determined after an interview/ audition with the directors, and consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Symphonic Band must have completed a year of Symphonic Band as a prerequisite and are required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.

* Students who play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone are required to provide their own instrument.

WIND ENSEMBLE (UMUS12) HONORS WIND

ENSEMBLE (UMUS13)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Moderate

This class is an auditioned ensemble of 45-50 players. The course provides instruction in performing music through a varied repertoire of level 3.5 – 5 (medium-advanced to advanced difficulty) performance literature, technical skill exercises, sight-reading, music theory, and an understanding of musical composition through listening, original composing, and analysis. In addition to the full ensemble experience, opportunities to perform with the orchestra or in small chamber groups are made available. In this class students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community in master class teaching settings and in Chamber Music small ensemble preparations, furthering students’ instrumental technical foundations and musicianship. Required performances are given at TAS and throughout the Taipei area. Placement is determined after an interview/ audition with the directors, and consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Wind Ensemble must have completed a year of Wind Ensemble as a prerequisite and are required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.

* Students who play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone are required to provide their own instrument.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE (UMUS14) HONORS JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate

(UMUS15)

This class is an auditioned group that studies and performs music in the swing, Latin, jazz-rock, and ballad styles. The course includes instruction on improvisation, jazz theory, history, listening, and performance in both “big-band” and smaller combo settings. Prior knowledge of fundamental musical concepts (scales, breathing, posture, tone quality, tuning, etc.) is required. Required performances include venues at TAS as well as the local community. Placement into the group is determined after an interview/ audition with the directors, and consideration of instrumentation needs. Students in Honors Jazz Ensemble must have completed a year of Jazz Ensemble as a prerequisite and may be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.

* Students who play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone are required to provide their own instrument.

AP MUSIC THEORY (UMUS16)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Homework: Moderate

This course emphasizes music theory beyond the fundamentals through a detailed study of notation, rhythm, tonality, melody, harmony, and form. Aural skills, contextual listening skills, and composition techniques will be refined through this course. Students wishing to take this course should have a comprehensive understanding of basic theory, plus the ability to hear, read, and notate music. The AP Music Theory examination will be taken at the end of the year. Consultation with the course teacher or an ensemble music director is required prior to enrolment.

MUSICAL THEATER (UMUS19) HONORS MUSICAL THEATER (UMUS19H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Light

This course is a technical exploration of vocal production as it relates to live, on-stage, acoustic performance. The history of dramatic music, with emphasis on musical theater, from the early 1900s to current professional productions will be studied. Students will sing solo and ensemble pieces from the musical theater genre. Students interested in auditioning for musical theater summer and college programs are encouraged to enroll in this course. Pianists interested in developing collaboration skills may also enroll in the course with approval from the instructor. Students in Honors Musical Theater must have completed a year of Musical Theater as a prerequisite and will be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.

PIANO PERFORMANCE (UMUS05A) HONORS PIANO PERFORMANCE (UMUS05B)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Moderate

This one semester course explores the avenues available to pianists who wish to perform with other musicians. Collaboration and accompanying skills are the main focus of the class. Students will have the opportunity to accompany singers, instrumentalists and choirs. Basic theory, improvisation, pedagogical and business skills of private and group instruction will also be addressed. Students are given the opportunity to work with master musicians from the Taipei community in master class settings, furthering student’s technical foundations and musicianship. This class is for intermediate to advanced pianists and requires approval from the instructor. Students in Honors Piano Performance must have completed a semester of Piano Performance as a prerequisite along with instructor approval and will be required to complete additional assignments and tasks.

VOCAL STUDIO (UMUS041)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light

Vocal Studio is highly recommended for Grade 9-12 students who are enrolled in Honors Concert Choir, Opus, and Honors Opus. Students in Concert Choir may choose to take Vocal Studio as well. This class is a supplement to choir class and individual vocal technique needs will be addressed one-to-one or in small groups. Meeting times will be arranged according to each student’s class schedule. Admittance to the class is determined by enrollment in a choir class. This is a pass/fail class.

MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY (UMUS20)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light

The Music Production & Technology course is designed for students who are interested in using technology together with music for the purposes of creating and engineering music. The course is intended for students with varied music experience levels as well as non-musicians who are interested in gaining skills that will help them to integrate music into other disciplines. Lessons are designed to provide hands-on study of recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while developing listening and technical skills for audio production. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/ web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. Core strands of music production and technology will be covered by all students: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.

HONORS MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY 1 (UMUS21)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Music Production & Technology Homework: Moderate

The Honors Music Production & Technology 1 course is designed for students who are interested in furthering their potential to create and engineer music. The course is intended for students with prior experience in music production and technology and who are interested in pursuing more advanced challenges in creating their own studio work. Lessons are designed to provide continued hands-on study of recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while further refining their listening and technical skills for audio production. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. While core strands of music production and technology will be covered by all students, individuals may also choose to specialize in one or more of the music tech strands: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.

HONORS MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY 2 (UMUS211)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Music Production & Technology 1 Homework: Moderate

The Honors Music Production & Technology 2 course is designed for students who are interested in furthering their potential to create and engineer music. The course is intended for students who have completed the Honors Music Production & Technology 1 course and who are interested in continued advancement creating and producing music. Lessons are designed to

provide hands-on study of more complex recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while further refining their listening and technical skills for audio production and will be required to create a personal portfolio. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. Students from this course will have prior experience with the core strands of music production and technology and will likely elect to specialize in one or more of the music tech strands: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.

HONORS MUSIC PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY 3 (UMUS212)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisite: Honors Music Production & Technology 2 Homework: Moderate

The Honors Music Production & Technology 3 course is designed for students who are interested in furthering their potential to create and engineer music. The course is intended for students who have completed the Honors Music Production & Technology 2 course and who are interested in continued advancement creating and producing music. Lessons are designed to provide hands-on study of more complex recording studio techniques and music creation. Students will create original work while further refining their listening and technical skills for audio production and will be required to create a personal portfolio. Additionally, students from this course will elect a large scale independent project that will utilize the advanced skills they have developed through their prior courses and experience. Students will focus on many aspects of contemporary music production and creation that will assist them as they prepare for experiences that are utilized by 21st century professionals: film scoring, commercial advertising, media production, acoustic engineering, TV/Radio production, e-media/web production, electronic systems design, music composing and engineering. Students from this course will have prior experience with the core strands of music production and technology and will likely elect to specialize in one or more of the music tech strands: recording/sound design; mixing; film scoring; composition/arranging; production. Topics include but are not limited to: mastering, mixing, microphones, listening, physics of sound, sound effects, recording, sound editing, MIDI, composing, arranging and film scoring. Recommendation by the course teacher is required prior to enrolment.

CHAMBER REPERTOIRE PERFORMANCE (UMUS22) HONORS CHAMBER REPERTOIRE PERFORMANCE (UMUS22H)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only.

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors)

Homework: Moderate

This class is open to all instrumental students and pianists who would like to take an additional chamber ensemble class. Focus is on projects for collaborative performance in small groups, including sonatas, resulting in several live performances and/or recordings. Groups can include various combinations of piano, strings, winds and brass instruments as well as instrumental family specific ensembles. Admission by director approval for all instruments with consideration for collaborative instrumentation needs. Offered first semester only and meets after school. Students may enroll every year. Students may take the class for no credit, but are still required to complete a final performance project. Participation will be recorded on the student transcript. Students in Honors Chamber Repertoire Performance must have completed a year of Chamber Repertoire Performance or have permission from the teacher as a prerequisite and may be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks. Students in Honors Chamber Repertoire must take the class for credit.

FLUTE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (UMUS23) HONORS FLUTE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (UMUS23H)

Duration: 1 semester or 1 year Credit: 0.5-1 Grade: 9-12 (10-12 for Honors) Homework: Moderate

Flute Chamber Ensemble is a performance-oriented class intended for flute players with intermediate to advanced technical skills. The class will explore the rich literature of music which has been composed over several centuries for flute duets, trios, quartets, and larger ensembles. Students in this class will have the opportunity to improve their musicianship and technical skills using the complete instrumentation of a flute choir (piccolo, flute, alto and bass flute). Repertoire will be performed from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Contemporary Eras, with attention to the techniques and styles appropriate for each musical period. Students will also have the opportunity to creatively explore composition for flute ensembles and study, analyze and listen to representative works of the genre. The class will perform in chamber music settings and concerts throughout the year. Participation in the class will be based on audition or teacher recommendation. Students may elect to enroll in one or both semesters of this course. Students in Honors Flute Chamber Ensemble must have completed a year of Flute Chamber Ensemble as a prerequisite and may be required to complete additional music assignments and tasks.

IBSL MUSIC 1 (UMUS171)

IBHL MUSIC 1 (UMUS181)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 11 (SL or HL)

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation Homework: Moderate

Through this course, students will be empowered to recognize how technical training and creative competencies combine to inform practical work and contribute to the formation of well-rounded modern musicians. Students will embody three roles: the researcher, the creator, and the performer. In these roles, they inquire, create, perform and reflect on the course’s three musical processes: exploring music in context, experimenting with music, and presenting music. Four musical areas will be explored through personal, local and global contexts: music for sociocultural and political expression, music for listening and performance, music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment, and music technology in the electronic and digital age. Assessment will consist of written analysis, musical composition and/ or improvisation, and solo and/or ensemble performing. HL students will take on an additional project as a contemporary music maker. IB external assessment will take place in the spring of 2023 for students completing both years of the program.

IBSL MUSIC 2 (UMUS172)

IBHL MUSIC 2 (UMUS182)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 (SL or HL)

Prerequisite: Previous enrollment in UMUS171 or USMUS181 Homework: Moderate

In this course, students will continue to embody three musical roles: the researcher, the creator, and the performer. Year two will have a more practical focus as students complete the assessment components required by IB. Assessment will consist of written analysis, musical composition and/ or improvisation, and solo and/or ensemble performing. HL students will take on an additional project as a contemporary music maker. IB external assessment will take place in the spring of 2022 for students completing both years of the program.

DANCE

DANCE 1 (UART011)

Duration: 1 semester or 1 year

Credit: 0.5 or 1

Grade: 9-12 Homework: Light

No previous dance experience is required but a desire to explore a variety of dance forms is necessary. In this course, students will develop technical skills from various dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, ballet, theatre dance, with a focus on contemporary dance. Students will learn to manipulate space, time and energy in making dances. An emphasis will be placed on improving individual levels of fitness and physical skills. For students interesting in continuing their dance studies, this course is strongly recommended prior to studying IB Dance. (May receive gr.10 PE or Arts credit)

DANCE 2 (URAT012)

Duration: 1 semester or 1 year

Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Moderate Prerequisite: Middle School dance, previous dance training and/or at least one semester of Dance 1

This course is for dancers who have taken at least one semester of upper school dance, one year of middle school dance and/or recent dance training. The focus of this course is on developing intermediate to advancedintermediate technical and performance skills. The emphasis will be on contemporary technique though a variety of dance genres will be used throughout the course. The students will also develop basic choreographic skills. Students will be expected to choreograph and perform their work in an informal setting. This course is strongly recommended for students wishing to pursue Honors Dance or IB Dance.

IBSL DANCE 1 (UART02)

IBHL DANCE 1 (UART03)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11 (SL or HL)

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; previous dance experience is not required, but at least one semester of dance is strongly recommended Homework: Moderate

In this course, students will study three areas of dance: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Studies. Students will develop a high level of proficiency in technical and performance skills. They will also work through various creative processes in choreographing their own dances. World dance studies will require students to experience and explore dance from more than one culture. Some work outside class time will be required for rehearsals and research. Assessment will consist of performance work in the dance style of the student’s choice. IB external assessment will take place in the spring of 2023 for students completing both years of the program.

IBSL DANCE 2 (UART04) IBHL DANCE 2 (UART05)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Prerequisite: IBSL/IBHL Dance Year 1 Homework: Moderate to Heavy

In this course, students will continue their study in the three areas of dance: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Studies. The practical emphasis in year two will be on composition and performance. Students will complete the research and writing required in World Dance Studies. Some work outside class time will be required for composition, rehearsals and research. Research and composition and performance work will be submitted to IB for examination in the spring of 2022.

HONORS DANCE 3 (UART0131H)

Duration:1 year

Credit:1 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Dance 1 or Dance 2 with teacher recommendation, teacher permission for dancers with previous training

In this course, students will study three areas of dance: Performance, Composition and Analysis, and World Dance Studies. Students will develop a high level of proficiency in technical and performance skills. They will also work through various creative processes in choreographing their own dances. World dance studies will require students to experience and explore dance from more than one culture. Some work outside class time will be required for rehearsals and research. Assessment will consist of performance and composition in the dance style(s) of the student’s choice.

HONORS DANCE 4 (UART013H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: Honors Dance 3, IBSL/HL dance 1, or teacher permission for dancers with previous training Homework: Moderate to Heavy

This course is for dancers who have taken at least two years of upper school dance and/or two or more years of recent dance training. In this course, students will continue their study in performance, composition and analysis and world dance. The practical emphasis will be on performance and composition. Some work outside class time will be required for composition, rehearsals and research. Major assessments will consist of performance exams, two compositions and written research.

THEATER

THEATER ARTS (UART06)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

Units of Study Include:

• Orientation/Trust/Ritual

• Movement/Ensemble

• Improvisation

• Voice/Diction and Storytelling

• Script Analysis/Script Creation

• Production Theater

This class satisfies either the performing arts requirement or the public speaking requirement but not both.

This course gives students an introduction to theater and provides frequent opportunities for speaking in front of others. There will be a variety of projects, including short memorized monologues and scene work; in the process, students will become more confident and creative speakers.

THEATRICAL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (UART071)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This introductory course explores the challenges of mounting a theatrical production by providing a glimpse into each of the major facets of technical production – scenic design, lighting design, costume design, sound design, stage management, and basic production materials and techniques. In addition to exploring the design theories and their history, students have the opportunity to work on productions staged during the course of the semester. The main goal is to generate enthusiasm for and an understanding of the varied crafts which constitute theatrical design and production.

ADVANCED TECHNICAL THEATER (UART08)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Theatrical Design & Technology, or permission of instructor Homework: Light

This course extends the knowledge gained in Stagecraft and provides students with the skills, techniques, and experiences necessary to work collaboratively behind the scenes in the performing arts. With a combination of theory in the specialized technology of theater and practical hands-on collaboration with peers, advanced technical theater engages students to think critically about production methods and techniques and trains them to think creatively about theater as an art form which is easily greater than the sum of its component parts.

What does the director do? He bears to the preparation of a play much the same relation as an orchestra conductor to the rehearsal of a symphony. But the symphony is performed by the conductor with each member of the orchestra playing under his leadership. He does not play the leading part. He does more. He interprets, shapes, guides, inspires the entire performance.

Tyrone Guthrie

Honors Theater 3 Gr. 9 - 12

Theater Arts Gr. 9 - 12

Theater Flow Chart

Theatrical Design And Technology Gr. 9 - 12

Honors Theater 1 Gr. 9 - 12 /

IB Theater 1 Gr. 11

Honors Theater 2 Gr. 9 - 12 /

IB Theater 2 Gr. 12

STAGECRAFT PRODUCTION (UART081)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor Homework: Moderate

This class is restricted to students with previous commitment and involvement in theatrical production who wish to focus in depth on putting the training and theory of stagecraft into actionable practice with the major productions in the TAS theater venues. The course meets after school and requires the same number of class hours as any normally scheduled class; it may be taken more than once. Students are expected to fulfill the leadership roles of lighting master electrician, stage manager, costume manager, or other production team role approved by the instructor.

Advanced Technical Theater Gr. 9 - 12

Stagecraft Production Gr. 10 - 12

Honors Stagecraft Production Gr. 11 - 12

HONORS STAGECRAFT PRODUCTION (UART082)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Stagecraft Production Homework: Moderate

This course is restricted to highly motivated students with advanced experience in practical stagecraft production. Students complete production assignments after school working on all the theatre and dance productions over the course of the semester, committing the same number of class hours as any normally scheduled class. Students also create a portfolio showcasing their depth of knowledge in a given facet of stagecraftstage management, lighting design, costume design, or other technical theater area of focus. Students will face real world design challenges and the increasingly complex electronic and mechanical components of the entertainment industry in a unique supportive environment as part of a creative team. At the completion of the course, students will be prepared to pass the United States Institute of Theatre Technology’s essential skills competency exam.

Acting is simply my way of investigating human nature and having fun at the same time.

*Photos courtesy of Dustin Rhoades

Meryl Streep

HONORS THEATER 1 (UART13)

IBSL THEATER 1 (UART09)

IBHL THEATER 1 (UART11)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1

Grade: 10-12 (grade 11 for IB students)

Prerequisite: Theater Arts or permission of instructor (No prerequiste for IB students)

Homework: Moderate

This class satisfies either the performing arts requirement or the public speaking requirement but not both.

This course is intended for students wishing to continue the study of Theater arts and/or begin their IB theater journey. Students will develop a range of communication skills in depth. The course will require students to investigate the history of theater and apply theories and skills to performance.

Guiding questions:

Semester 1: What makes theater classic?

Semester 2: What makes theater modern?

Units of study include:

• History of theater (Greek to Modern)

• Performance skills (stylized movement, Laban, mime)

• World theater traditions (classic Greek, Japanese Noh, Period acting styles)

• Movements (Acting/Directing theories and approaches)

These studies engage students in challenging, creative, and collaborative projects (individual and small group) through reading, writing, speaking, performance, and research. Active participation in a wide variety of activities and assessments is a major expectation of students in the course. Students will also maintain a journal, write critically and informatively, and create original text. Students do not need previous stage experience; instead, they need curiosity and initiative, plus a desire to explore communication in many forms.

Probable Texts: Medea; The American Dream & The Zoo Story; The Importance of Being Earnest; The Caucasian Chalk Circle; A Doll’s House; A Streetcar Named Desire; Selected Noh plays; selected contemporary plays; fall play/The Studio/IASAS scripts

HONORS THEATER 2 (UART14)

HONORS THEATER 3 (UART141)

For students who are not taking IB. Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Honors Theater 2: Honors Theater 1 or permission of instructor; Honors Theater 3: Honors Theater 2 or permission of instructor Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Homework: Moderate

IBSL THEATER 2 (UART10) IBHL THEATER 2 (UART12)

Grade: 12 Prerequisite: IB Theater 1 Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Homework: Moderate

Semester one continues the exploration of performance and production skills, world theater cultures, text analysis, acting and directing. There is a heavy focus on the art of directing. Semester two will focus on applying all the skills developed for devising an original production. IB students will begin the journey of their final assessments of the second year of the IB Theater course.

Guiding questions: Semester 1: How do I direct a play? Semester 2: How do I devise a play from a stimulus?

Units of study include:

• Performance skills (physical comedy, motivational acting, staging);

• Modernists and Absurdist Theater (Brecht/Ionesco/Williams/Miller/ Mamet/Brook);

• Directing skills (practitioners, plays and playwrights, original scenes);

• Devising original works based on theories and skills developed.

Probable Texts: A Sense of Directing-William Ball, Much Ado About Nothing; Tartuffe; Monty Python; The Bald Soprano; Summer and Smoke, All My Sons; Various world myths; fall play/The Studio/IASAS scripts

* Photo taken before COVID-19 mask measures introduced on campus.

Visual Arts

VISUAL ARTS (UART211)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This introductory course is the gateway to any advanced study in the visual arts, including AP Studio Art and IB Art. Students learn to work with a wide range of tools and techniques in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, design, sculpture, and digital media. Students are pushed to develop original ideas, creatively engage with art materials and use the vocabulary of an artist. Students develop an understanding of the Elements of Art and utilize the Principles of Design while solving visual problems based on assignments. Students are expected to develop an artist voice. The Art Department has a wide range of materials available for student use, but occasionally a student may need to purchase special or unusual items for an assignment. Student work is assessed on the use of composition, use of class-time, craftsmanship and creative solutions. Students explore ideas while maintaining a portfolio on the department web gallery.

DRAWING 1 (UART23)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5

Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

In this pre-AP course, students work with a wide range of drawing materials – both traditional and digital – in order to investigate the nature of drawing itself through mark-making. Students use the Elements of Art and apply the Principles of Design when creating compositions that demonstrate an understanding of emphasis, unity and balance. Recording what they see, students observe closely, learn basic perspective, use positive and negative space and create work capable of going into a college portfolio

or be used in a higher level class like AP Studio Art or IB Art. Students are introduced to the computer as an artistic tool. At the end of the semester, students will have finished drawings that reflect college level work in terms of composition, craftsmanship and creativity. Students explore ideas and record their reflections in a sketchbook while maintaining a portfolio on the department web gallery.

DRAWING 2 (UART24)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Drawing 1, Visual Arts or by permission of instructor Homework: Moderate

This is the second semester of a pre-AP course, where students continue to develop their mastery of the tools and materials introduced in Drawing 1. However, the emphasis shifts from discovering materials, methods and techniques, to using them in a controlled and considered manner in order to successfully create sophisticated imagery. Students maintain a sketchbook which documents compositional solution and drafts of ideas. The assignments given in this course are aimed at refining a mature artistic expression demonstrating personal style. Students gain invaluable drawing skills and will have a number of images that are sophisticated and complex enough to be included in a college portfolio or used in higher level art classes like AP Studio Art or IB Art.

CERAMICS 1 (UART25)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This course introduces students to the basic methods of working with clay as an artistic medium. Construction techniques include: throwing on the

potter’s wheel, coil, slab, and extruded forms which emphasize aspects of both functional and decorative forms. Students will also create and discover ceramic forms using the Lutum 3-D Clay printer. Students will discover the joys of working with an expressive medium and complete most assignments during class; however, they may occasionally need to spend time working in the studio beyond the regular class time. Student progress is measured by excellence in craftsmanship, use of class time, creativity in solving assignments, and through maintaining a web gallery with entries reflecting their understanding of techniques, gauging their skill development, and documenting their growth as an artist. Class size is limited to 15.

CERAMICS 2 (UART26)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 or Visual Arts Homework: Light

In Ceramics 2, students investigate a wide range of contemporary artists for inspiration, master throwing on the potter’s wheel and develop advanced

hand-building techniques. Students experiment with a variety of surface treatments like: sgraffito, water etching, slip trailing and explore glazing techniques like: dipping, pouring, spraying, and wax resist. Students will create forms that explore low temperature glazing and Raku firing. Students will work collaboratively on modular projects and continue to investigate the Lutum 3-D clay printer. Students are expected to complete assignments in class. However, they occasionally may need to spend personal time working in the studio, checking on a drying piece, filling clay cartridges for the clay printer, trimming a foot, or photographing work for their web gallery. Student progress is measured through demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship, use of class time, creativity in solving assignments, and through maintaining a web gallery with entries reflecting their understanding of techniques, gauging their skill development and documenting their personal growth as a clay artist. Class size is limited to 15.

Serious art students considering a career in the Visual Arts

Students interested in exploring a wide range of media

Students interested in Design

Students interested in working in 3D

Students interested in cross-disciplinary classes

The best entry point for study in

Maya Angelou

HONORS ADVANCED CERAMICS (UART27H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1.0 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 and Ceramics 2 or by permission of instructor Homework: Moderate

In this course, students have the opportunity to develop a personal body of work that focuses on a theme, a forming technique, and a surface/firing technique of their own choosing. During the first semester, students will master the use of the Lutum 3-D Clay printer, wheel throwing, extruding, sculpting, and hand-building techniques. Exploring either functional or sculptural objects, students will become proficient with various surface techniques (such as burnishing, terra sigillata, sgraffito, mishima, slip trailing), glazing (including shino glazes, copper reds, celadons), and firing techniques (including raku, electric oxidation, high fire gas reduction, soda, and barrel firing). By the end of the first semester, each student will have a culminating work with which they will submit to the Scholastic Art Awards. The themes and techniques in these culminating works will be the guiding posts for each student’s entire second semester. The course will conclude with a group exhibition showcasing each student’s unique themes and mastery of advanced techniques. Students are expected to work outside of regular class time each week. Class size is limited to 15.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (UART28)

Duration: 1 Semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This is an introductory course in which students will learn about the camera as a communicative tool. The department has 12 DSPR cameras available for student use. Students will learn about the technical aspects of the camera and use portions of the Adobe Creative Suite-- specifically Photoshop-- to manage and manipulate their images. Students will learn a wide variety of skills in order to express themselves as photographic artists. Most of the curriculum is based on digital workflow; however, students will be exposed to traditional film photography processes including darkroom developing, printing, and finishing black and white photos. Student work is assessed on composition, use of class-time, craftsmanship, and creative solutions. Grades are based on maintaining a record of the work on the art department website.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2 (UART29)

Duration: 1 Semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Digital Photography 1 or permission of instructor Homework: Light

This advanced photography course further develops the artistic understanding of photography as a means of communication. Students will refine the technical, artistic, and commercial aspects of photography while working more independently. Most of the curriculum is based on a digital workflow; however, students can explore traditional analogue processes including: cyanotype and palladium printing; developing 35mm,120mm and 4x5 film; and printing black and white images. Student work is assessed on composition, use of class-time, craftsmanship, and creative solutions and graded from the art department website. The curriculum allows for students to work independently and collaboratively whereas each student prepares a portfolio of work to be exhibited.

HONORS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (UART29H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: MS Photography, Digital Photography I & II, or permission of instructor Homework: Moderate

The curriculum emphasizes the development of comprehensive visual language that allows students to demonstrate both technical and conceptual mastery reflective of contemporary photography. Instruction will support individual student interests aimed at further developing the visual foundation through both analog and digital technical practices. Emphasis is placed on the student’s individual ideation and portfolio design as it relates to a personal vision of the image making process. In a workshop setting, students will explore how to successfully employ photographic imagery in contemporary society, culture, economy, and politics through art, advertising, social documentary, fashion, and activism. The course focuses on the specialization of a student’s practice through the formations of a self-motivated body of work in photography and/or video, which reflect the technical, conceptual, historical, and practical knowledge that the student has gained to-date.

ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (UART341)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in both semesters

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This introductory class will explore the technical, historical, and contemporary elements of analog photography and wet darkroom processing as a form of artistic expression. Much of the work will be done in a black and white 35mm film environment, but projects will include color film, medium format, and other experimental processes. Students will learn to shoot with 35mm film cameras, mix photographic chemistry, develop roll film, make enlargements, and create full-sized negatives for contact processes. Students will engage in constructive critiques that focus on technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of their work. This project-based course focuses on the process of learning by doing. Camera equipment and all necessary supplies will be provided. No prior photography experience is required. experience is required but students are encouraged to have taken either digital photography or film first. Class size is limited to eight students. Enrollment priority will be given to juniors and seniors.

Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out.

Martin Scorsese

ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY 2 (UART342)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only

Credit: 0.5 Grade: 9-12

Prerequisite: Analog Photography 1 or permission of instructor

Homework: Light

This class is designed for students who have successfully completed the introductory course and want to expand and refine their skills by exploring medium and large formats and alternative printing processes. The course will culminate with students and instructors working together to develop individualized projects that explore photographic styles, genres, and techniques of interest to the student. Students will participate in constructive critiques and assess their work’s technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects. Camera equipment and all necessary supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to eight students.

3D MODELING & CHARACTER DESIGN (UART442)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This course covers the basic concepts of 3D modeling where students will build a solid foundation of the basic tools of Maya and Mudbox. Modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering are introduced and students will learn how computer graphics can be created for computer animation films, video games, commercials, and 3D printing. This is a project oriented course where students are exposed to the tools used by computer graphic artists working in the computer animation, video game, visual effects, and commercial industry. They will gain the basic knowledge of production practices and work flow. Semester projects will include how to design a 3D organic creature and hard surface robot, as well as how to prepare 3D models for 3D printing, texture and lighting 3D models for film or animation, and making renders for print commercials. Students will also learn how to build 3D assets for Virtual Reality headsets such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. At the end of the course, students will showcase their work and learn how to build a quality portfolio.

HONORS 3D MODELING & CHARACTER DESIGN (UART442H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: 3D Modeling & Character Design

Homework: Moderate

This course will explore the more advanced features of Maya and several other 3D applications that create computer graphics. There will also be more emphasis on polishing finished renders for photo-realism along with good composition and learning about different camera angles. Students will be expected to understand the entire process from concept design, modeling, texturing, UV mapping, shading, lighting, rendering, and then post work in Adobe Photoshop. Students will be creating more 3D models from scratch to design a believable 3D character, creature, vehicle, and environment. Upon completion of a final project, students are expected to 3D print their best 3D model and then airbrush it with color. There will also be an introduction to anatomy, where students will learn how to incorporate anatomy to their creatures and characters as they learn to sculpt digitally in Mudbox or Zbrush. The materials in Maya and Substance painter will also be explained in depth to create believable renders for commercial prints or game engines. Students will have the option to create a turntable of their models as an animation with After Effects or display their work in a virtual reality headset like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.

COMPUTER GRAPHICS & DESIGN (UART43)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

Students use the computer as an artistic tool to draw and compose images that are charged with personal subject matter and address global issues. Using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, students understand how text and visual elements are created, manipulated, and used to communicate effectively. Creativity, concept development, and craftsmanship are stressed in the creation of each assignment. Students learn about contemporary artistic trends in the design world while developing their own complex ideas for a variety of assignments. Student work is assessed in terms of the use of composition, use of class-time, craftsmanship, and creative solutions. Student grades are based on the uploaded images to the art department web gallery.

HONORS COMPUTER GRAPHICS & DESIGN (UART43H)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Computer Graphics and Design, or permission of instructor Homework: Light

What is design and how can it be used to create, engage and even drive social change? Each quarter, students will be inspired to develop an individual artistic voice that involves Stories, Secrets, Experiments and Accidents. As designers the students will have opportunities reflective of an ever-expanding industry. Student designers will use their creative problemsolving skills to become arbiters of taste and creators of design solutions that educate, entertain and impact the day to day experience. This course will provide an overview of the contemporary design industry in both traditionalprint, web as well as emerging media such as motion graphics, animated gifs and Instagram stories. Through guest workshops, presentations, writing and selected readings, students will gain a greater appreciation of the designer’s expanding role in society. Through self-directed projects, students will explore design thinking processes; investigate typographic experimentation; explore the impact of color and scale while working through the lens of Stories, Secrets, Experiments and Accidents. Students will use their knowledge of the design principles to structure their own graphic imagery. Students can expect to further develop their own artistic “voice,” by developing sophisticated solutions that incorporate form, shape, line, space and color that are personal. Student driven investigations will range from experimental/experiential design to industry-driven prompt.

FASHION & COSTUME DESIGN (UART40)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This course offers the opportunity to sew. The student will leave this class feeling comfortable with hand sewing as well as using the sewing machine. Students will be exposed to different tools that are available to support the sewing process and learn how to troubleshoot the sewing machine. We will look at the history of sewing from the ice ages to the development of sewing machines during the Industrial Revolution and see where sewing technology is headed. The bulk of this class will be focused on making various products that eventually accumulate sewing experience to efficiently create a simple garment piece. Students will also be required to speak and engage in discussions prompted by the instructor that relate to the world of fashion.

HONORS FASHION & COSTUME DESIGN (UART40H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Fashion & Costume Design Homework: Moderate

This course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of the fashion designer and the costume designer. Both costume and fashion act through the human body, with the intention of influencing behavior and thought, as well as communicating a sense of identity or character. The class will be focused on design research and communicating the page-to-stage process. Students will go through the motion of fashion sketching, discussing textile materials and bringing a character or full garment to life. Students will be exposed to the principles of design through the lens of various industries and will have the opportunity to develop designs inspired by different stimuli. There will also be opportunities for involvement in the design and construction process for the Dance and Drama productions here at TAS.

ART & LITERATURE (SEM. 1) (UART65S1)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 1 only

Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

The course is designed for students to explore in greater depth the collaborative potential for visual art and literature, providing them the platform to appreciate the interconnectedness of the world of words and the world of colors. They will learn and experiment with a variety of tools, mediums, and techniques such as drawing, painting, and mixed media as we read and discuss poetry and short stories. The focus of the first semester includes the exploration of symbolism, imagery and characterization, and students will learn to use visual art as a tool to communicate their interpretation of these authorial choices. Students will also examine works of art and interpret the story behind these artworks through individual and collaborative creative writing, such as poetry and fiction writing. Students are assigned readings for homework, and are expected to record their observations and ideas in their sketchbook so that they are prepared to come into class to share and discuss. Most assignments are completed in class, though they might need to work on their art and/or creative writing pieces beyond regular class time. At the end of the semester, students will develop a body of work and produce a final portfolio along with written reflections of their creative choices. This course is dual-listed under both the English and Visual Art departments, and fulfills the Visual Art credit but does not fulfill the English Core credit.

ART & LITERATURE (SEM. 2) (UART65S2)

Duration: 1 semester, offered in Semester 2 only Credit: 0.5 Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Moderate

Students can take this course without having taken it in the first semester. Course expectations and outcomes are similar to that of the first semester in that students produce artworks that interpret the literature, and also produce creative writing that respond to artworks. However, in the second semester, students explore the genres of plays and novellas and examine these texts for characterization, narrative structure, perspective, and voice. In addition to the new mediums introduced in the second semester, students will also interpret the story behind artworks with writing their own short stories and plays. Similar to the first semester, most assignments are completed in class, though they might need to work on their art and/or creative writing pieces beyond regular class time. By the end of the second semester, students will develop a body of work and produce a final portfolio along with written reflections of their creative choices. This course is duallisted under both the English and Visual Art departments, and fulfills the Visual Art credit but does not fulfill the English Core credit.

HONORS ART & LITERATURE (UART65H)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1.0 Grades: 10-12, or by permission of instructor Prerequisite: None Homework: Moderate

At the Honors level, workload and expectations are higher; students will need to work on their art/creative writing pieces beyond regular class time. Throughout the year, students develop their oral, written and visual presentations skills as they visually interpret the literature and creatively write about the art. They are exposed to a variety of tools, mediums, and techniques as we read and interpret different literary genres such as poetry, prose and plays. Students are assigned readings for homework, and are expected to record their observations and ideas in their sketchbook so that they are prepared to come into class to share and discuss. We will engage in individual and collaborative work in our conceptualization and execution of art making during class time. In the second semester, students work towards developing a personalized portfolio by focusing on a theme, medium, or literary genre of their choosing. By the end of both semesters, students are expected to have a portfolio of work that they can select from to submit to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the school magazines. The course will also conclude with student exhibitions as they “read”, reflect and interpret the aesthetics of each other’s works of art. This

course is dual-listed under both the English and Visual Art departments and fulfills the Visual Art credit but does not fulfill the English Core credit.

JOURNALISM-YEARBOOK (UART47)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Light

This introductory course will immerse students in editorial design, journalism and publishing. Students will learn the basics of photography, photo filtering and editing, layout and design, and the workflow involved in publication. The class is the core team producing the annual upper school yearbook, Gateway. Creating the yearbook is a collaborative experience between editors, members, and the broader school community. Students are often called upon to help document events happening throughout the school. The publication seeks students of all interests, capabilities, and personalities to add to a comprehensive, creative, and professional annual.

HONORS JOURNALISM-YEARBOOK (UART47H)

Duration: 1 year, may be taken multiple years

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Journalism-Yearbook Homework: Moderate

For students who have successfully completed the introductory class and want to build upon the skills learned in Journalism-Yearbook. The yearbook class is the core team producing the annual upper school yearbook. As returning members to the editorial team, honors students are expected to take on more of a leadership role. This involves leading as editors or mentors to new members in both the class and the club. Creating the yearbook is a collaborative experience between editors, members, and the broader school community. Students are often called upon to help document events happening throughout the school. Students and parents should be aware that honors students who take this course are expected to spend extra time at school; students must occasionally devote weekends to the production of publication.

FILM PRODUCTION 1 (UART51)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 9-12 Homework: Moderate Prerequisite: None

The introductory film course will immerse students in video production; the primary focus is on using film as a communicative art and using visual storytelling skills to produce texts in a digital medium. Students will learn the basics of cinematography, camera functions, video editing, media analysis, and visual communication. This will be a hands-on, project-based class in which students will produce several different types of films. Projects will include but are not limited to micro-documentaries, narrative short films, public service announcements, commercials, montages, and music videos. Students should have the ability to work independently and collaboratively and see a project from inception to completion. Students must obtain a 1TB or larger external hard drive to store and manage their digital assets. Class size is limited.

HONORS FILM PRODUCTION 2 (UART52)

HONORS FILM PRODUCTION 3 (UART521)

HONORS FILM PRODUCTION 4 (UART522)

HONORS FILM PRODUCTION 5 (UART523)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Homework: Heavy Prerequisite: Film Production 1 or Instructor Approval

For students who have completed Film Production I and want to build on the skills learned. There will be continued hands-on experience in advanced video production and post-production techniques and instruction in using high-end production equipment. Students are expected to develop more sophisticated and intricate films, emphasizing visual communication, production design, sound design, and cinematography. Students will have the opportunity to apply for various roles on international competition teams and submit their work to Scholastic’s Art & Writing Awards, YoungArts, and other international film festivals. Students should have the ability to work independently and collaboratively and see a project from inception to completion. Students and parents should be aware that students who take this course are expected to spend extra time at school; students must occasionally devote evenings and weekends to the production of assignments. Students must obtain a 1TB or larger external hard drive to store and manage their digital assets. The class size is limited.

FILM STUDIES 1 (UART531)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Homework: Moderate Prerequisite: None

IB FILM STUDIES 1 (UART530)

IBSL FILM STUDIES 2 (UART532)

IBHL FILM STUDIES 2 (UART542)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 per year Grade: 11-12

Homework: Moderate Prerequisite: IB Diploma Candidate

or Instructor approval

For cinema lovers who want to learn more about film history, theory, and the practical production of films. Through the study and analysis of film texts, the IB Film/Film Studies courses develop students’ critical abilities and their appreciation of artistic, cultural, historical, and global perspectives in film. Students examine film concepts, theories, practices, and ideas from multiple perspectives so that they become adept in viewing, interpreting, and analyzing. IB Film, which has external assessments, is given honors weighting and must be taken over two years; Film Studies 1 is a oneyear non-honors elective. Previous film experience is not required, but a commitment to mastering both technical and theoretical concepts is essential. IBHL Film meets the graduation requirement for fine arts.

ARCHITECTURE (UART45)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 9-12

Prerequisite: None

Homework: Moderate

As an introductory course, students will design structures, build models, use technology to create forms and render images while learning about various uses of architecture throughout history. Students will develop their visual problem solving skills, learn about spatial organization, think like artists and use their imagination when working on assignments. Students will explore various kinds of relationships between people and built forms; positive and negative space; as well as consider the impact of sustainability and concern for the environment through designing, drawing, and modelmaking. Assignments will explore fundamental design principles that outline the elements of architectural design similar to those found in the university. Students will gain hand-drawing abilities that inspire and guide them in their own creative process. Computer software such as AutoCAD and Autodesk 3ds Max are introduced as additional artistic tools. Students will develop a positive web presence by maintaining the web gallery as well as record their personal reflections on a blog.

HONORS ARCHITECTURE (UART45H)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Architecture or 3D Art

Homework: Moderate

As an honors course, students will continue to design structures, build models, use technology to create forms and render images while learning about various concepts. Students will build on their visual problem-solving skills and spatial organization while exploring various kinds of relationships between people and built forms and consider sustainability through designing, drawing, and model-making. Assignments will explore advanced design principles that outline the elements of architectural design similar to those found at university level. Critiques will happen throughout the year as each project finishes. Students will gain design thinking abilities that inspire and guide them in their own creative process. Computer software such as AutoCAD and Rhino3d are essential for students to master before taking the class. Students will develop a positive web presence by maintaining the web gallery as well as record their personal reflections on a sketch book.

HONORS ADVANCED DESIGN (UART50)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Architecture, AP 3D Art & Design, or by permission of instructor

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed for students at high level who are looking to be challenged in design thinking and creative problem solving. This is a projectoriented course where students are exposed to professional level of design work, in which they understand the experience as a design entrepreneur. Students will be mainly focused on their interest to drive their projects, it can be in any area that is related to design. Students will have access to a variety of tools to design and manufacture prototypes, sculpture, and architecture models, which will also allow them to take on international competitions. Students will be able to generate industry level works using Rhino and the Adobe Creative suite. The course will also cover design management and strategy and introduce students to entrepreneurship in the design industry.

IBSL VISUAL ARTS 1 (UART30)

IBSL VISUAL ARTS 2 (UART301)

IBHL VISUAL ARTS 1 (UART31) IBHL VISUAL ARTS 2 (UART310)

Duration: 2 years

Credit: 1 Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: One art course (Visual Arts recommended) or by permission of instructor Homework: Heavy IB Visual Art is a 2-year commitment, which requires endurance, a strong commitment to growth and continual self-improvement, critical awareness, and an eagerness to connect images and ideas. Throughout the course, students develop independent research skills while making a variety of artwork that is personally meaningful and form the basis of a cohesive body of work. Students maintain a process journal that demonstrates cultural understanding, creative problem solving skills, idea development and reflections on their artistic successes and failures. In addition, students explore a variety of artist references on which to draw inspiration, as well as to learn how to critically analyze works of art. Artworks will be showcased through a digital portfolio by maintaining a web gallery and blog. At the end of junior year, students will have the necessary artwork needed for a college portfolio. At the end of the two years, students will showcase a selection of their artwork in the IB Art Exhibition. Students will also enter artwork into competitions such as IASAS Art, and YoungArts. Extra expenses related to this course include: the IB registration fee, matting and presentation costs, and tools or materials beyond what is available in the Art Department.

AP ART HISTORY (UART32)

Duration: 1 year

Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: None Homework: Heavy

In the AP Art History course, students are invited to discover the diversity of and connections among global artistic traditions. Students interact with different types of art, observing and analyzing relationships of form, function, content, and context through their reading, discussion, research, and writing. Using 250 representative works of art spanning prehistory to the present comprise the course content, students will study functions and effects of art and consider influential forces like belief, class, gender, ethnicity, patronage, and politics in their critical analyses of art forms. They will investigate how humans respond to the world and communicate their experiences through art making by examining chronology, styles, techniques, and themes to compare, contrast, and interpret art forms from varied perspectives and cultures. Students should be proficient in reading and writing. The AP Art History course is an elective credit class, meaning that it does not meet the graduation requirement for fine arts.

AP 2D ART & DESIGN (UART33)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Drawing, Yearbook or by permission of instructor Homework: Heavy

AP 2D Art & Design is a natural progression for those who have already completed Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and/or Digital Photography. This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of two-dimensional (2-D) elements and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition, and hierarchy. Students should consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make work that exists on a flat surface. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking are among the possibilities for submission. The course is intended for students who have a high degree of motivation and a willingness to contribute many hours in the studio outside of class. A minimum of 15 exceptional pieces of art are required to complete the portfolio. The AP 2D Art & Design Portfolio offers students an opportunity to pursue a distinctly individualized program, as each will create and develop a cohesive concentration, exploring a single visual concern in depth. This sustained investigation is assessed based on the AP rubric as to whether it reflects college-level thinking in terms of the use of composition, cohesion, use of class-time, craftsmanship, and creative solutions.

AP DRAWING (UART330)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Drawing, Visual Arts, Architecture or by permission of instructor

Homework: Heavy

AP Drawing is a natural progression for those who have already completed Drawing, Visual Arts, or Architecture. This course is designated for work that focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. Students should consider marks that can be used to make drawings, the arrangement of marks, the materials and processes used to make marks, and relationships of marks and ideas. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed media work are among the possibilities for submission. AP Drawing is a college-level course offered to sophomores, juniors and/or seniors. The course is intended for students who have a high degree of motivation and a willingness to contribute many hours in the studio outside of class. A minimum of 15 exceptional pieces of art are required to complete the portfolio. The AP Drawing Portfolio offers students an opportunity to pursue a distinctly individualized program, as

each will create and develop a cohesive concentration, exploring a single visual concern in depth. This sustained investigation is assessed based on the AP rubric as to whether it reflects college-level thinking in terms of the use of composition, cohesion, use of class-time, craftsmanship, and creative solutions.

AP 3D ART & DESIGN (UART331)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grades: 10-12 Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Ceramics 2, Architecture, or by permission of instructor

Homework: Heavy

AP 3D Art & Design is a natural progression for those who have already completed Ceramics 2, Architecture, and/or Product Design. This course allows students interested in working dimensionally the opportunity to explore structural and sculptural concepts. Students will create a portfolio that addresses broad sculptural concerns. Students will utilize 3D printers (both clay and plastic), the laser cutter, and CNC paper cutter to solve visual problems that directly solve or address the integration of depth and space, volume and surface. Students need to demonstrate their knowledge of and ability to use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.

3-D Design portfolio students demonstrate an understanding of 3-D design through many approaches, such as additive, subtractive, and relief. Students will investigate forms that are figurative or non-figurative, sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass work, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3-D fabric/fiber arts.

Health and PE Flow Chart

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 9 (UHPE01)

Required Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 9

Homework: Light

The co-educational HPE program is designed to provide each student with experiences in fitness, water polo, self defense, health and a variety of team sports. The program emphasizes team concepts and strategies as well as developing and improving fundamental motor skills. Students will develop social and personal responsibilities associated with participation in team sports. They will also learn how to monitor and maintain a healthy level of physical fitness. Health topics include first aid & CPR, human sexuality, current health issues, and nutrition. All health units encourage students to acquire the skills and attitudes that will assist them in managing their lives and relationships in a responsible and healthy manner.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRADE 10

Required: Selection of two courses below Duration: 1 each semester Credit: 0.5 each semester, total 1 Grade: 10 Homework: Light

Through the co-educational HPE program, students will learn how to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle through their engagement in their choice, where possible, of a variety of physical activities. All grade 10 students will take a required human sexuality unit within their chosen HPE elective during semester 2.

The same course can not be taken twice.

ADVENTURE & FITNESS (UHPE02)

Includes boating and kayaking, fitness, and ropes course challenges.

* The ropes course includes low and high elements.

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES & FITNESS (UHPE03)

Includes fitness training, racket sports, social dance, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES 1 & 2 (UHPE04)

Includes volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, handball and pickleball.

*The above three classes (UHPE02, UHPE03, and UHPE04) are the only classes that can be taken as Sports for Credit.

DANCE / PE (UHPE05)

In this course students will learn techniques from various dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, ballet, and theatre dance with an emphasis on modern dance. Students will learn to manipulate space, time, and energy in creating dances. An emphasis will be placed on improving individual levels of fitness. (Please see Performing and Visual Arts Department for other Dance courses.)

FITNESS TRAINING (UHPE07)

This course is open to students who want to continue to learn about and improve their personal fitness. It is also open to junior/senior transfers who need to fulfill TAS HPE requirements. Students will work towards personal fitness goals, develop a personalized fitness program and develop a greater understanding of the wide range of fitness-related activities in which they can participate. These activities include: weight training, plyometrics, and

cardio-respiratory workouts. Students will also develop an awareness of health-related aspects of fitness training such as sports injuries, posture analysis, physiological affects of exercise on the body, and nutrition.

During Grade 10, Prevention Solutions (a chemical-abuse-educational program) will give two seminars discussing addiction and prevention. In recognition of the time and effort expended in athletic activity during practices and games, sophomore students who are involved in a TAS JV or Varsity Sports team may choose to use their HPE class time (certain classes only) as a free period during the sports season. This is known as Sports for Credit. However attendance at the FCD seminars is mandatory for all sophomores.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES FOR GRADE 11 & 12

The below courses are available for any 11th or 12th grade student, if space allows.

ADVENTURE & FITNESS (UHPE02)

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES & FITNESS (UHPE03) RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES 1 & 2 (UHPE04)

Duration: 1 semester / 1 year

Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 10-12 Homework: None

DANCE/PE (UHPE05)

Duration: 1 semester / 1 year Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: No previous dance experience is required, but a desire to explore a variety of dance forms is necessary Homework: Light

Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.

John F. Kennedy

Exercise and recreation are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary, because health is worth more than learning.

FITNESS TRAINING (UHPE07)

Duration: 1 semester / 1 year

Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 10-12

Homework: Light

ADVANCED FITNESS TRAINING (UHPE08)

Duration: 1 semester / 1 year

Credit: 0.5 or 1 Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Fitness Training (ULSK03)

Homework: Light

This course will take a deeper look into strength and conditioning performance aspects by teaching students how to measure exercise performance parameters and develop exercise prescription. Topics of study will include: assessment of aerobic/anaerobic capacities, modes of strength and conditioning training (i.e. interval, circuit, non-linear, linear training), proper warm-up and cool down practices, program design for muscular strength, power, hypertrophy, and flexibility, as well as sport medicine theory and pre/rehabilitative processes (i.e. pre-screening, risk classification, back to play, etc.)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES FOR GRADE 12

IBSL SPORTS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTH SCIENCE (UHPE11)

Duration: 1 year Credit: 1 Grade: 12 Homework: Moderate

Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) is an applied science course, with aspects of biological and physical science being studied in the specific context of sports, exercise and health. The subject matter goes beyond traditional science courses to offer a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century.

The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sports, exercise and health. Students will cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. The course prepares students for university programs in kinesiology, health sciences, health studies, research, medicine, physical/occupational therapy, and fitness/ wellness.

Thomas Jefferson

SUPPORT SERVICES

ACADEMIC SUPPORT GRADES 9 TO 12 (USSS01)

Duration: 1 semester or 1 year

Credit: None Grade: 9 - 12

Prerequisite: Student Resources Team (SRT) recommendation only Homework: None

Academic Support is a highly individualized program that is based on the educational needs of each student. Instruction may be provided in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, notetaking, test preparation, meta-cognition, planning, and time management. In most cases, parental permission, individualized evaluation and implementation of either an Individualized Learning Plan or an Individualized Accommodation Plan are required for participation in the program. Speech and Language services may also be a part of the class in certain cases. (see Speech/Language Therapy Services USSS09)

SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY SERVICES (USSS09)

(A component of the Academic Support Class)

Homework: Light

The speech and language program is designed to provide support to students who have speech and/or language learning deficits. Services, provided by qualified specialists, include identification and remediation of students’ speech and language needs.

The area of speech comprises oral motor skills, articulation or pronunciation, fluency, and voice. The area of language includes vocabulary, grammar, meanings of sentences, pragmatic skills, language organization, and thinking or reasoning skills on which upper school students depend heavily to achieve academic success in all subject areas. Students receive services individually or in small groups. Speech and language specialists collaborate with teachers and parents to address students’ specific needs. Parental permission is required for evaluation and implementation of the Individualized Learning Plan.

INDEPENDENT STUDY (USPC05)

Requests for independent study must begin with an agreement between the student and an instructor who is willing to supervise, support, and evaluate the student; they will propose coursework, projects, and homework load.

ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES

PAMOJA (IB DIPLOMA CANDIDATES)

Full IB Diploma Candidates who wish to take a language or social science course that is not offered as part of the diploma program at TAS may choose to do so through the online provider Pamoja.

Students interested in pursuing a GOA or Pamoja course should speak with their academic counselor and the IB/AP Coordinator prior to course registration. Any student choosing to enroll in a GOA course must take an additional free period to provide a time during the school day to complete coursework and maybe be asked to pay additional course fees.

GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY

TAS is a member of the Global Online Academy, a consortium of top independent and international schools that is able to offer courses online. While GOA courses cannot be used to replace in person instruction at TAS, the courses present students the opportunity to take a wide range of elective subjects.

UPPER SCHOOL SUMMER ACADEMY COURSES FOR 2022

Summer Academy credit courses are rigorous and require a significant amount of time for classwork and homework. For that reason approval is required for enrollment in certain of these courses, including Math and Science courses. Credit will not be given for students who miss more than two days of class (one day for 0.5 credit classes). Successful completion of these courses will allow students to advance in the curriculum and receive credit for the course. For Math and Science classes, the required number of year-long courses still applies. Students will have the option of including their grade in their overall GPA or taking the course as pass/fail.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (SAUSINTER)

Grades: 10 or 11, with priority given to students who are entering their senior year.

Duration: 4-6 weeks (depending on Internship)

Homework: Light

This class is offered as a part of the Summer Academy program, which gives priority to students who have completed their junior year. Students will explore potential college majors and career paths by working in a business, institution or university department focusing on their specific area of interest. Students enrolling in this course are expected to meet the following requirements.

• Commit to working for four to six weeks in the greater Taipei area

• Write a resume and “letter of introduction” that will become part of the application packet

• Dress according to the expectations of the business, institution or university department

• Meet the work expectations and goals established by the student, mentor and internship coordinator

• Submit periodic journal entries / reports to the internship coordinator

• Write a formal “thank you” letter at the end of the internship

Interested students should see either the Summer Academy Internship Coordinator, the Director of Summer Academy, or visit the Summer Academy website for the necessary applications.

NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM (NPM) DOCENT CLASS (SAUSSST11A)

Grades: 10-12

Duration: 4 weeks

Homework: Moderate

Once again, this outstanding class will be offered to prepare students to act as National Palace Museum junior docents for our TAS visitors. Students will be required to learn a significant amount of historical and art-related information and be able to speak about these topics with confidence and poise. Students who complete this course will be able to give guided tours of the National Palace Museum to TAS guest authors, visiting speakers, and other special visitors to the school. Given the exciting possibilities that this class affords, as well as the level of knowledge and responsibility required of successful applicants, this class is limited to 10 students who will be chosen by a faculty committee after submitting an application. Class meets daily from 9:00am-4:00pm. Successful completion of this course satisfies either the Public Speaking or Performing/Visual Arts graduation requirement, but not both.

FILM PRODUCTION 1 (SAUSART16)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 4 weeks

Homework: Moderate

This course focuses on the four most basic phases of filmmaking: Development, Pre-Production, Production, and Post- Production. Students will also be exposed to basic elements of design, composition, and visual storytelling, while analyzing all of the language systems of filmmaking including cinematography, editing, sound, story, and ideology. These skills will be applied to filmmaking exercises and the creation of full short films. Students may also have off-campus, on-set opportunities for filming.

Although not required, students are encouraged to bring their own cameras. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Performing/Visual Arts graduation requirement and allows students to enroll in Honors Film courses with instructor approval.

HONORS FILM PORTFOLIO (SAUSART16H)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 4 weeks

Homework: Moderate

The Honors Film Portfolio course is designed to help students further develop foundational skills, professional work habits, and create a portfolio of films suitable for college admission. During the course, students will have the opportunity to assume at least one of the significant production roles, i.e., Producer, Writer/Director, Director of or Photography during a production. Producing high-quality films requires guidance, a skilled and dedicated team, equipment, great locations, actors, and large concentrations of time, which is precisely what the portfolio class will provide. Students will leave the portfolio class with high-quality assets for a film in which they played a major role, as well as assets from all the other films that they helped to produce during the course for them to edit. This fast-paced course will provide real-world production experience. It will challenge students to plan their films, manage a budget, coordinate logistics, and ultimately communicate and execute their creative vision.

Enrollment in this course requires prior completion of Film Production 1 or instructor approval. Upon successful completion, students will receive one Honors Visual Arts credit.

DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS AND ART PORTFOLIOS (SAUSART230)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 2 weeks (Session 1 only)

Learn to draw in 2 short weeks. This course is tailored to both beginners as well as advanced art students interested in building their portfolios. This course provides you with a strong drawing foundation so you can draw stilllifes, figures, and landscapes comfortably from observation using a variety of drawing mediums. The course will also cover perspective drawing, experiment with 2D design principles and hone visual communication. More advanced students will be pushed to complete drawings that are portfolio ready, meaning the drawings demonstrate strong technique, clear concepts and bold artist expression. Successful completion of the course fulfils 0.5 credits towards the Performing/Visual Arts graduation requirement.

INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE (SAUSART450)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 2 weeks (Session 2 only)

Students are introduced to the concepts of architecture through designing, drawing, and model-making. They will develop their visual problem-solving skills, learn about spatial organization, think like artists, and push their creativity when working on assignments. They will explore various kinds

of relationships between people and built forms, as well as consider the impact of sustainability. Assignments will explore fundamental design principles that outline the elements of architectural design similar to those found in university. Computer software such as AutoCAD and Autodesk 3ds Max are introduced as additional artistic tools. Successful completion of the course fulfils 0.5 credits towards the Performing/Visual Arts graduation requirement.

PUBLIC SPEAKING, RHETORIC & DEBATE (SAUSPSF02)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 4 weeks

Homework: Moderate

The ability to express, defend, and compare ideas is critical regardless of one’s profession or field of study. Most students, however, do not receive extended, formal training in effective public speaking and sound argumentation. This course fills that gap in many courses of study, introducing students to the skills necessary to both successfully express themselves and defend their ideas. Students will be taught how to properly organize speeches, how to make good rhetorical choices, and how to have exceptional poise and fluid delivery. They will also be introduced to the structure of arguments and taught how to effectively construct, refute, and compare between them. Students will get extensive experience delivering both prepared and extemporaneous, both informative and persuasive, speeches. Students will also have frequent opportunities to debate questions of fact, value, and policy. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Public Speaking graduation requirement.

THEATER ARTS (SAUSART06)

Grades: 9-12 Duration: 2 weeks (Session 1 only) Homework: Light

The Theater Arts Summer course is created for students who have no theater background but, in a fun way, wish to improve their ability to communicate. The Theater Arts Summer course will develop the skills and techniques for you to become a powerful speaker while exploring your creativity potential. There will be a variety of projects, including short ensemble and scene work, and from the process you will become a confident leader, problem solver, and of course, dynamic communicator. Successful completion of this course satisfies 0.5 credit in Performing/Visual Arts graduation requirement.

THEATER

ARTS AND PUBLIC SPEAKING (SAUSPSF03)

Grades: 9-12 Duration: 4 Weeks Homework: Light

The first two weeks of this course is Theater Arts and second two weeks is Public Speaking, Rhetoric & Debate. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the full Public Speaking graduation requirement.

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (SAUSSCI231)

Grades: 9-11 Duration: 2 weeks (Session 1 or Session 2) Homework: Light to Moderate

The Introduction to Scientific Research course is designed for high school students who are interested in understanding how scientists investigate real-world problems. Students will research, plan, design and test a series of hands-on science projects in all three major scientific disciplines: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The main goal of this course is to introduce students who have never taken a research course to the research process and provide them with an opportunity to apply a logical approach to scientific questions. This course is ideal for 9th or 10th grade students who are looking for a solid foundation in research methods and data evaluation before they take another research course later in high school or in college. Successful completion of this course grants 0.5 credit as a Science Elective.

UNITED STATES HISTORY (SAUSSST03A)

Duration: 4 weeks

Grade: 11-12

Homework: Moderate

This course is designed for rising Juniors who are seeking to free up space in their course schedules. This rigorous four-week course will cover the same material as the 11th grade year-long US history course, including a research essay. Students will learn about the history of the United States from before colonization through the election of 2016. Assessments will include written work, presentations, projects, and discussion. Enrollment is limited to 12 students. Successful completion fulfills the graduation requirement for US History.

ROBOTICS ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Successful completion of one Robotics and Engineering Course fulfills the Upper School graduation requirement for Computer Science and Robotics. Successful completion of any two courses (4 weeks) will allow a student to enroll in Level 2 Computer Science and Robotics courses when accompanied by a teacher’s recommendation.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (SAUSCSR014)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 2 or 4 weeks (Session 1 and/or Session 2)

Homework: Light

A first course in Mechanical Engineering. Students will learn to use CAD software to study the principles of mechanical engineering and learn to build their designs using our lab’s state of the art CNC (Computer Numeric Control) fabrication capabilities. Students will study, design, and build many common mechanisms as well as study gear design and gear ratios, pulley and sprocket systems, lift mechanisms, projectile launchers, and mechanical arms. Students will learn about transmission of power in a mechanical system including motors, servos, lever arms, springs, and pneumatic systems. Students in this class will be trained to operate and maintain all of the equipment in the lab and learn state of the art fabrication methods, including water jet cutting, aluminum TIG welding, multi axis CNC milling, 3D printing, and lathe operations.

This course assumes no prior knowledge of robotics or programming. However, this class can also be tailored for students already with experience in these fields. Students may take this course in either Session 1 or Session 2, or both sessions. For students wishing to take this course in both Session 1 and Session 2, the second session of this course will be a continuation of the first: Students will design and build new projects extending their knowledge and skills gained from the first two weeks.

INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A HANDS-ON APPROACH (SAUSCSR07)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 2 weeks (Session 1)

Homework: Moderate

This course, offered only in the summer, is an introduction to Artificial Intelligence; students will learn how Artificial Intelligence is transforming and impacting their lives and they will be exposed to exemplary use cases like self-driven cars. This class will also discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence as well as ethical considerations with this new technology. Finally, students will work on individual and team projects to get handson experience with Machine Learning and Intelligent Agents using Python. One such project is seeing the road using Computer Vision (which is the basis for self-driven cars).

MICROCONTROLLER ELECTRONICS (SAUSCSR015)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 2 weeks (Session 2)

Homework: Light

This is a first course in Robotics focusing on electronic control systems and physical computing. Students in this course will learn computer programming and electronics as they relate to the Arduino microcontroller. Students will learn to use common digital and analog sensors, such as switches, light sensors, pressure sensors, and accelerometers to collect data from the physical world and control actuators such as motors, servos, led lights, pneumatic pistons, stepper motors, speakers, and display panels. This course assumes no prior knowledge of robotics or programming.

PROGRAMMING FOR GAME DESIGN (SAUSCSR016)

Grades: 9-12

Duration: 2 weeks (Session 2)

Homework: Moderate

This course is an introduction to computer programming where students primarily focus on creating user interactive 2D games using Java and the Processing programming environment. Students learn about variables, strings, arrays, ArrayLists, Boolean algebra, text processing, regular expressions, loops, control statements, methods, parameters, return values, classes, constructors, creating and animating game objects, incorporating event listeners and using various Java libraries. The course culminates in a project where students can create a new interactive game of their own design.

OTHER US FOR-ADVANCEMENT/CREDIT SUMMER COURSES – 4 weeks

HONORS ALGEBRA 2 (SAUSMAT070)

HONORS ADVANCED ALGEBRA 2 (SAUSMAT071)

HONORS GEOMETRY (SAUSMAT041)

HONORS BIOLOGY (SAUSSCI07)

HONORS CHEMISTRY (SAUSSCI11)

HONORS PHYSICS (SAUSSCI22)

US NON-CREDIT SUMMER COURSES

EXPOSITORY WRITING (SAUSENG31A) – 2 weeks or 4 weeks

Duration: 2 weeks (Session 1 and/or Session 2) 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm Grades: 9-12 Homework: Moderate.

This class has proven to successfully prepare students for the writing demands in the Upper School.

For further information please contact the Summer Academy office at 0277509900, ext. 892, email to summeracademy@tas.edu.tw or check the TAS Summer Academy website: https://www.tas.edu.tw/summer-academy

Filling out this worksheet can give you a realistic view of your planned 2022-2023 schedule of class work, cocurricular involvements, study, home responsibilities, exercise, and sleep. Study the overall schedule to anticipate problems. Make adjustments to establish balance and to protect against over-commitment that could negatively affect your health and academic success.

List the things you will do outside of school and estimate the hours you will spend on each activity;

Total the hours for all school and non-school activities;

Because additional, unexpected issues next year will also make demands on your time and energy, will your schedule be realistic?

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