PREP & COLLEGIATE EIGHTH & NINTH PERIOD COURSES

Philosophy And Placement

The courses listed below are graded courses that will appear on the transcript. Those that meet during Eighth Period are worth a half credit for a year-long course. Courses that meet during Eighth and Ninth periods are worth one credit for a year-long course. The following classes may be offered pending approval and enrollment. Courses marked with an asterisk* are not offered every year.

Advanced Speech and Debate 1,2,3,4 (10-12) 1.0 Credit, Eighth/Ninth Archaeology: Fact, Fiction, and Practice (9-12) .5 Credit, Eighth Controversial Issues in Contemporary Society (9-12)* .5 Credit, Eighth Dance Master Class: Dancing at the College Level (11-12) .5 Credit, TBD

Film Production (9-12) 1.0 Credit, Eighth/Ninth Food Science (10-12) .5 Credit, Eighth Interdisciplinary Studio 1,2,3 (9-12 - No AP Art and Design Students)

Eighth/Ninth Introduction to Programming (9-12)

Eighth

Eighth Introduction to Improvisation (9-12)

Theory 3,4 (9-12)

Eighth Making and Engineering Design (9-12)

Eighth

United Nations 1,2,3,4 (9-12)*

(9-12)

Arts Technology and Design 1-4 (9-12) and Debate 1,2,3,4 (9-12)

Eighth

Credit, Ninth

Credit, Eighth

Differently: Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship (9-12) .5 Credit, Eighth

School Vocal Ensemble (9-12)

W!T: Windward Improvisation Troupe (10-12)

* Not offered 23-24

Eighth/Ninth

Advanced Speech and Debate 1,2,3,4 (9-12) (Eighth and Ninth Periods)

The advanced version of the Speech and Debate elective requires enrollment in both period 8 and 9, as well as an additional commitment to attend tournaments. Students work closely with the instructor on case writing, debate strategy, theory, and argumentation. Through discussion and in-depth analysis of current events, students cultivate analytic frameworks that they can apply to many political, economic, social, and cultural issues. Topics covered include rhetoric, economics, philosophy, policy, social theory, and international relations.

Archaeology: Fact, Fiction, and Practice (9-12) (Eighth Period)

From the Egyptian pyramids to the temples of the Maya, archaeology provides an exciting and captivating lens by which we can see into the past. This course, a survey of the discipline of archaeology, will give students the chance to learn about how historians use the physical remains of the past to study history. We will examine a variety of different historical civilizations in an attempt to understand how material culture can be used to study history, often in a way that is very different from more traditional text-based methods of studying history. Thematically, we will sample all of the traditional aspects of history: political and military history, cultural and intellectual history, social and economic history, religion, artwork, etc. In addition, we will explore some of the great intellectual debates that have shaped the study of archaeology, while also considering the public perception of the discipline - how well do real archaeologists stack up against Indiana Jones, for example? If it can be arranged, field trips to local archaeological sites and museums will be included in this course.

Controversial Issues in Contemporary Society (9-12) (Eighth Period)

In this course we tackle and explore controversial topics at issue in the United States and the world today involving inequality, class, race, and gender. We examine dilemmas surrounding such possible topics as torture, marriage equality, stem cell research, genocide, affirmative action, human trafficking, and gun violence. Through considering particular case studies in historical context, we work to understand and grasp the many moral and ethical complexities, as well as the multiple perspectives, involved in these issues. The text that grounds the course is Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael J. Sandel, Professor of Government at Harvard University. Ultimately, through these investigations, we hope to become more thoughtful, knowledgeable, global citizens who are better able to answer the question, “Do we have a responsibility towards one another?”

Dance Master Class: Dancing at the College Level (semester-long) (11-12) (TBD)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

This workshop is designed specifically for Juniors and Seniors who understand that a high level of skill and artistry can strengthen their college applications and even further for those who want to move on to that vital next step in their path toward becoming professional dancers. In this course, students will go through the process of college selection, the creation of a solo piece, guidance in the completion and submission of applications, and receive tools for a successful audition. The program will be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, so whether the student is considering a full-time arts conservatory or pursuing a minor in Dance along with their academic major at a university, each student will have the resources to meet their needs.

Film Production (9-12) (Eighth and Ninth Periods)

This course will bring together performers from the Performing Arts Department and filmmakers from the Visual and Media Arts Department to create and complete one to two narrative short films as a class. Over the course of the school year, students will work through every stage of the filmmaking process: ideation, pitching, treatment writing, screenwriting, storyboarding, rehearsing, production management, set and costume design, cinematography, sound design, acting/performance, editing, and film scoring. Various filmmaking workshops will be held monthly to help the students grow in the craft of professional filmmaking. Performers and filmmakers will work together and separately during various stages of the production. The performers will receive instruction in the techniques of acting on camera, as well as audition techniques and preparation, and the creation of an acting reel. Students will also have two off campus special filming days during a Saturday or Sunday to advance their films and elevate the film’s production value with real locations. At the end of the year students will exhibit their films on the big screen at the Media Arts & Film Labs Showcase, which will include other media arts programming, awards, guest speakers, and more!

Film Studies (9-12) (Eighth Period)

The course is designed to give students a deeper appreciation of the historical development of American cinema from 1895 to the present day. The course will involve screening films with a critical eye and focus on aesthetics and historical studies of film as well as the art of filmmaking. Precise attention will be paid to formal and stylistic techniques in editing, mise-en-scene, cinematography and sound as it relates to the history and evolution of the film industry. Includes an in-depth examination of major directors and film movements, and how the medium influences and is influenced by historical milestones in American history. This course allows students to learn and to sharpen methods, terminologies, and tools needed for the critical analysis of film.

(This is NOT a film production class. No filmmaking will take place in this class. For filmmaking classes please see Film 1-4 or Film Production.)

Recommended Reading: A Short

History of the Movies by Gerald Mast & Bruce Kawin

Food Science (10-12)

How Baking Works: The Math and Science of Dessert (Fall)

Although the process of baking might seem mysterious, there are important scientific and mathematical principles that underlie the sweet treats that come out of the oven. With the right ingredients, techniques, and heat at your fingertips, you can make an infinite number of different baked goods. This course will explore the math and science behind the decisions a baker makes from beginning to end. Some of the questions we will explore include: Why baking soda versus baking powder, or even sometimes both? What happens as bread is kneaded, and is kneading always necessary? Why does chocolate need to be heated and cooled so precisely in order for it to set with a sheen and snap? From writing and analyzing recipes expressed in baker’s percentages to identifying the physical and chemical changes taking place in the oven, students will do hands-on work in the kitchen to discover how baking works.

Plant Sciences: (Spring)

This course focuses on exploring various methods of growing plants, from creating a well balanced soil medium to providing the optimum conditions for growth in both traditional soil and hydroponic plants. Students create a hydroponic setup to grow plants without soil and spend time designing and planting an outside garden. The course will also explore the science of botany including structure and function and plant evolution. This course is largely project based and will include time spent outside! Prior experience is not necessary, only a commitment to learn and do!