Course Catalog

CourseCatalog

Statement of Academic Philosophy

Palmer Trinity isa student-centered, Episcopal college preparatory school. Each student is challenged to aspire to excellence in a community that teaches and models high academic and personal standards. Palmer Trinity admits students with personal integrity and academic potential. The school is committed to diversity and seeks students with a range of academic interestsand diverseethnic andsocio-economicbackgrounds.

Palmer Trinity’s academic program is designed to promote intellectual growth and curiosity, to foster excellence in all disciplines, to stimulate and guide aesthetic appreciation,andtoencourage physical well-being.

Palmer Trinity demands much of its students, challenging them to develop their potential as individual scholars, while expecting them to participate in and contribute to the life of the school community The program aims to instill in its students a love of wisdom and to evoke from them the highest expressions of personal integrity, tolerance, and social responsibility. Palmer Trinity embraces its obligation to provide for the spiritual development of its students by upholding Judeo-Christian principles and ethical traditions and by encouraging personal sacrifice in service to others.

MiddleSchoolCourseofStudy

Each year, middle school students are required to take coursework in English, mathematics, science,socialstudies,andphysicaleducation. Sixth-gradestudentsparticipateinanexploratory “Wheel” involving world languages and other elective courses that are offered in seventh and eighthgrades.

6thGradeDiscoveryWheel

Discovery “Wheel” is an exploratory curriculum of set classesdesignedtointroducesixthgrade students to avarietyofprogramsatPalmerTrinitySchool.Studentsrotatethroughsevencourses in a five-week rotation. Components of the Wheel include: Chinese Language and Culture, French Language and Culture, Spanish Language and Culture, Public Speaking, Computer ScienceandAILiteracy,Art,andDrama.

English: Middle school students must complete three years of study in English. Students who have an interest in writing, publishing, and dramatic expression may elect to take an additional semestercourseintheseareas.

Mathematics: Middle school students must complete three years of mathematics that prepare them for the study of Geometry, Algebra II, and other higher level coursesintheUpperSchool. Qualified students may be placed in the accelerated math sequence, if they meet all necessary criteria.

Science: Middle school students must complete three years of science. The program features a hands-on, discovery-based curriculum that emphasizes the techniques of scientific inquiry as it explorestopicsinlife,earth,andphysicalscience.

History: Middle school students must complete three years of study that focus in successive yearsonworldcultures,globalconnections,andAmericanstudies.

World Languages: Students in grades seven and eight must pursue a course of study at the appropriatelevelofinstructionin,French,orSpanish.

Musical Arts: Sixth-grade students must participate in instrumental or choral music; students in grades seven and eight may elect to continue their study of music by choosing among a variety ofelectives.

Visual Arts: Sixth-grade students study the visual arts as a part of the exploratory program; studentsingradessevenandeightmayelecttocontinuetheirstudyofthevisualartsbychoosing amongavarietyofelectives.

Physical Education: MiddleschoolstudentsmusttakePhysicalEducationeachsemester.

Computer Science: Sixth-gradestudentsreceiveageneraloverviewinthebasicsoftheirlaptops and some of the most widely-used applications; designated lessons are structured around AI Literacy. Seventh and eighth-grade students may enroll in several Computer Science electives offered. The one semester graduation requirement may be satisfied in the eighth-grade, if studentsmeetthecriteriatoenrollintheupperschool Computer Science Principles course.

UpperSchoolCourseofStudy

A student must earn 23 ½ credits, distributed as follows, to meet Palmer Trinity School’s graduationrequirements:

English: Each studentisrequiredtoearnfourcredits,onecreditineachyearofenrollmentinthe upperschool.

Mathematics and Computer Science:

Mathematics: Each student is required to earnthreecreditsofmathematics including one credit beyond Algebra II. Afourthyearisstronglyrecommended.

Computer Science: Each student must complete at least one semester of credit in computerprogramming;therequirementmaybemetfromgradeeighttotwelve.

Science: Each student is required to earn three credits of laboratory science, specifically in BiologyandPhysicsorChemistry Afourthyearisstronglyrecommended.

History and Humanities: Each student is required to earn three credits, specifically in World History,UnitedStatesHistory,andaregionalhistory. Afourthyearisstronglyrecommended.

World Languages: Each student is required to earn a minimum of two credits (through thethird level)ofalanguage.Fouryearsoflanguagestudyisstronglyrecommended.

Religious and Philosophical Studies: Each student is required toearnonecreditortwosemester creditsincluding Foundations of World Religions.

Fine Arts: EachstudentisrequiredtoearntwosemestersofcreditinVisualorPerformingArts.

Physical Education: Each student is required to earn two semesters of credit,including one semesterof Wellness.

Academic Electives: Each student is required to earn five additional credits inacademiccourses designedforstudentsingradestenthroughtwelve.

A student must enroll in a minimum of five academic courses each semester

HonorsandAdvancedPlacementCourses

Palmer Trinity School offers Advanced Placement courses in each of the academic disciplines. Some departments also offer upper level Honors courses, some of which serve as gateway courses to the department’sAdvancedPlacementcurriculum.MostAdvancedPlacementcourses are content driven, a fact that requires students to maintain a brisk pace through the course of study Furthermore, Advanced Placement course work requires an exceedingly high level of engagement in class activities and written assignments. Students who enroll in Advanced Placement courses are expected to remain in those courses for the entire year. Except in extraordinary circumstances,eachstudentenrolledinanAdvancedPlacementcoursemustsitfor the national examination in May. Students who do not sit for the APexaminationmayreceivea zerofortheend-of-yearexamintheAPcourse.

The School does not encourage appeals against teacher recommendations. Teacher recommendations are designed with the students’ academic interests foremost. All teachers review recommendations for each student yearly. Recommendations are thoroughly considered andfoundedondepartmentalguidelinesandthoroughadvice.

We have a small window in the Spring of each yearwhenappealsmaybefiled.Shouldstudents wish to appeal, they may access the AppealFormfromtheUpperSchoolOfficeandsubmititto thecurrentteacher.

InternationalBaccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year program open tostudentsin11thgrade.

Students interested in enrolling in the IBDP program are required to complete a formal applicationandagreeto:

❖ Submitawritingsampleforevaluation.

❖ PossessanunweightedacademicGPAof3.0acrosscoreacademicclasses.

❖ CurrentlyenrolledinEnglishHonors.

The IB Coordinator and IB Steering Committee will review all submitted applications and inform applicants oftheiradmissiontotheprogramornot. FinaladmissiontoIBDPwilldepend on a student’s successful completion of the 10th grade and the decision of the Steering Committee.

To remain in good standing with thePalmerTrinityIBDP,studentsmustmaintaintheminimum requirements as set out in the application process. All academic concerns will follow the school’s policy as published in the Handbook. Should a student not meet the minimum requirement of an unweighted academic GPA of 3.0 or have excessive absences as outlined in theschool’sHandbook,thestudentwillbeplacedonacademicprobationfortheremainderofthe calendar year Students can remove themselves from academic probation at the end of 11th grade by meeting the 3.0unweightedacademicGPArequirement.ItisthegoalofPalmerTrinity School to have all IBDP students seek to earn the Diploma in order to takefulladvantageofall opportunitiesaffordedtoIBDPstudents.

English

The study of English at Palmer Trinity School seeks a point of balance between the broad, pragmatic use of language as a tool of communication and the humanistic, values-based appreciation of works that are, in Matthew Arnold’s words, “the best that has been thought and said.”

Upongraduation,thestudentofEnglishshouldbeableto:

● Readwithmasteryofcomprehensionandofcriticalinsightacrossavarietyofgenres andwithaneyetowardsone’sownimprovementasawriter (Reading Skills)

● Write across a range of academic, practical, and creativeformswiththeunderstanding the effective writing – as well as speaking and research comes out of a process of manystages (Writing Skills)

● Think with an open mind across an array of cultural frameworks with mastery of the higherthinkingskillsofanalysis,synthesis,andevaluation (Thinking Skills)

● Understand that literacy extends to visual and digital media –particularlywithrespect to narrative andpersuasion–inboththeabilitytocreateandevaluatematerials (Media Literacy Skills)

● Cultivate the ability to question; to listen; to communicate clearly, confidently, and aptly; to be sensitive to the importance of language; and to seek connections between classroomlearningandtherealworld (Social Communication Skills)

Members of the English Department are mindful of the ways in which knowledge can be a product of worldview and culture; nevertheless, thestudentwhohascompletedthedepartment’s curriculumshouldknow:

● A broad range of canonical and emerging texts from a variety of genres and cultural contexts selected for quality, for appropriately challenging students,andforkeeping withtheschool’svaluesandmission (Textual Knowledge)

● A rich and varied college-readyvocabularywithattentionpaidtorootsandetymology, to pronunciation and degrees of formality, and with concern for fostering an ongoing sophisticatedandconciseuseoflanguage (Vocabulary Knowledge)

● A practical array of terms related to rhetorical devices and strategies and to literary analysisandperiods (Analytical Knowledge)

All courses reflect the recognition of a degree of practical preparation in the study of grammar and vocabulary relevant to the ACT, SAT, and other forms of standardized testing. With the exception of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses,however,instruction is primarily focused on reaching departmental learning objectives -- from which such testing skillsshouldemerge.

With regard to placement in the Upper School, for students studying at the college preparatory, honors, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement level, the department considers the level of mastery a student demonstrates in the skills and knowledge domains described above. In the high school, at the college preparatory level, students will show developing or sufficient performance across the range of learning domains; at the honors level, students will have shown sufficiency or mastery across those domains; International Baccalaureate and AdvancedPlacementstudentsshouldshowmasteryacrossmostdomains.

Middle School Offerings

English6

This course introduces literary appreciation,encouragesthoughtfulreflection,andhelpsstudents master the basic techniques of critical reading, expository writing, and verbal communication. Students build vocabulary and master the basic elements of writing strong paragraphs as they learn the grammatical forms and the logical relationships that allow them to coordinate and subordinate ideas. Through their reading of texts that examine the relationship between holding values and making choices, students begin their explorationoftheconnectionbetweenliterature and life. They explore this connection in carefully plannedparagraphs,andthenessaysthathelp them gain skills in organizing ideas, supporting claims with textual evidence, and making inferences. Additionally, the development of fundamental study skills remains an ongoing concernthroughouttheyear.

English6Foundations

English 6 Foundations is designed to provide the necessary skills for students to grow as independent and confident readers and writers. In this course, students will deconstruct and become familiar with the elements of vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and effective written expression. Students will read a varietyofgenresincludingfiction,non-fiction, drama, poetry, and the personal essay.Asstudentsgrowaswriters,theywillgaina commandof basic grammar conventions and usage including punctuation, mechanics, sentence variety, transitions, and audience. Instruction and activities will reinforce the writing process: outlining, drafting, and revising work. This attention to the scaffolding of concepts and skills will allow students to progress to increasingly complex texts and both creative and analytical writing. The ultimate goal of the course is to support studentsastheygrowasactiveparticipantsintheirown development as learners, possessing confidence in their abilities and an eventual enjoyment in reading, writing, and thinking critically. Students will gain the necessary preparation for a successfultransitiontoEnglish7.

English7

This course targets the improvement of skills in the following areas: grammar and writing, vocabulary, reading, discussion and public speaking, and research and study skills. Students write across genres with an emphasis on elements of effective paragraphs and essays; they also construct clear arguments and offer supporting evidence with increasing complexity. Through their reading of texts drawn from a variety of genres and cultures, students develop an appreciation of both the diversity and the unity of the experiences and the forms of expression that markhumanexistence.Inthefirstsemester,studentsexaminethethemeof“futureshock”to

develop an active, empathetic imagination. In the second semester, they continue to build empathyastheyexplorethethemeof“thelivesofothers.”

English7Foundations

This course aligns with English 7 in concepts and skills as outlined in English 7. Pacing and teaching and learning activities may differ slightly in order to reinforce developing skills in the process of writing and analytical readingstrategies.TheultimategoalofallFoundationscourses is to support students as they grow as active participants in their own development as learners, possessing confidence in their abilities and an eventual enjoyment in reading, writing, and thinkingcritically.

English8

Thiscourseemphasizestheexplorationofvoiceandpointofview.Theaimofallstudentworkis to grow their ability to process others' ideas and express their own ideas precisely and thoughtfully both in speech and in writing. Students read a variety of literary and non-fiction texts highlighting a diverse selection of voices andexperiences.Thecourseemphasizestheclose reading of texts: determining both literal and non-literal meaning and examining the impact of perspective, audience, purpose, and context on the work.In their study of these texts, students will be able to identify themes and author’s purpose. Additionally, students will also be able to determine the ways in which authors use specific text structures andcarefullyselectedlanguage to convey a message. Students then write across genres with an emphasis on crafting effective essays on relevant topics for a range of realistic purposesandavarietyofaudiences.Thecourse focuses on improving students’ ability to develop and support logical arguments with an increasing depth of analysis and mastery of language.Class and small-group dialogue assists studentsinhoningactivelisteninganddynamicspeakingskills.

English8Honors

ThiscourseexpandsontheEnglish8designwithmoreextensivereadings,agreateremphasison figurative interpretation, more thorough in-class discussion, and additional and more varied writingassignments. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Middle School Elective

MediaintheMiddle(Semester-long)

This course is designed to expose students toavarietyofmediaplatformsandmediaproduction with a focus on journalism. Students will learn more about each of the digital tools at our disposal: publications (magazines and newspapers), photography, video, and audio (radio and podcasting) to use their voices to tell important stories, raise awareness, and share their -12-

creativity. This courseisfordevelopingjournalists,writers,photographers,vloggers,andcontent creators who want to become effective communicators and storytellers through today’s most popular mediaplatforms.Thiscoursewillgivestudentshands-onpracticewithmediaproduction with the goal of training students to join Palmer Trinity’s student media, which includes PTTV (Broadcastcourse)andtheRaptor(Yearbookcourse).OpentostudentsinGrades7-8.

MiddleSchoolCreativeWriting(Semester-long)

This course provides students the opportunity to examine famous authors’ use of literary elements and devices to convey meaning. The course then encourages students to experiment with those techniques to produce effectiveshortstories,poems,andplays.Althougheachcourse is self-contained, the curriculum for each semesterdifferstoallowstudentstopursueasequence inthisareaofstudy.Note:OpentostudentsinGrades7-8

Upper School Offerings

*Indicates courses offered on rotation.

English9Foundations:(1.0credit)

This course is designed to provide the necessary foundation forstudentstogrowasindependent and confident readers and writers. Students in English 9 Foundations willcoverasimilardesign as the college preparatory course. Complementary instruction focuses on the awareness of the elements of vocabulary development, reading comprehension, fluency, and effective written expression. Particular attention to the scaffolding of concepts and skillsthatwillallowstudents to progress to the study of increasingly complex texts. Students will gain necessary preparation forsuccessfultransitionto English 10 American Literature.

English9(1.0credit)

This course provides the foundation necessary to succeed in the upper school and inthecollege setting. The course begins with a review of effectivestudyskillsandaimstoengagestudentsin their growth as learners. Students become skilled at writing through their commitment to process: drafting, outlining, revising, and editing work. Particular attention is paid to formulating clear and compelling thesis statements,tocomposingargumentsthatsupportlogical structure to the body of the paragraph, and to maintaining unity of argument. The contentdrawn from a wide variety of genres -focusesondevelopingskillsofliteraryanalysisaswellas rhetoricandanalysis.

English9Honors(1.0credit)

Thiscourseexpandsonthecollegepreparatorycoursedesignwithmoreextensivereadings,a greateremphasisonfigurativeinterpretation,morethoroughin-classdiscussion,andadditional andmorevariedwritingassignments. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

English10:AmericanLiterature(1.0credit)

The study of individual writers and how their lives reflectAmericansocialhistoryformintegral parts of this course, and the selections of their works illuminate the themes of faith versus technology, nature and conquest, dream and deferral, race and gender, and consumerism and identity. While the activities and assignments designed to build skills of literary analysis and argumentation form the foundation of this course, assignments are also designed to build vocabulary and enhance grammaticalskills.Astheyearprogresses,theassignmentsfocusonthe students finding their individual voices as writers and thinkers in a conversation with modern cultureandliterature.

English10Honors:AmericanLiterature(1.0credit)

The Honors courseissimilartothecollegeprepcourseasfarascurriculumandassignments,but moves atafasterpace.Thereisanincreasedexpectationofactiveclassroomparticipation.While the activities and assignments designed to build skills of literary analysis and argumentation form the foundation of this course, assignments are also designed to build vocabulary and enhance grammatical skills.Astheyearprogressestheassignmentsfocusonthestudentsfinding their individual voices as writers and thinkers in a conversation with modern culture and literature. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

AmericanStudiesHonors(2.0credits) English and History credits

This course blends the core curricula of the standard U.S. History and American Literature courses into a single course that explores the cultural, historical, literary, and artistic heritageof the United States. Using a loosely chronological approach, the course explores themes of environment and ecology, religion and science, agrarianism and urbanism, heroes, the gothic, race, class, gender, imperialism, industrialism, consumerism, and sexuality. Course materials include primary and secondary sources found in traditional historyandliteraturestudies,aswell as the film, art, and music of America. Students engage this material through close reading, literary analysis, analytical writing, and Harkness discussions.Classesaretwoperiodslongwith one teacher guiding intellectual discourse. The teacher focuses extensively on the writing process, and students have the opportunity to pursue research projectsinsomedepththroughout the year. Carrying two credits, American Studies Honors fulfills graduation requirements in both English and History at the 10th grade level.

*English11:LatinAmericanLiterature(1.0credit)

This course provides a survey of Latin American literature and its interactions with popular-culture as a reflection of our globalization. This course offers various perspectives of Latin America throughout historyandtoday. Courseactivitiesareintendedtoteachandenhance a student’s ability to acquire, identify, understand, discuss, interpret and analyze the form and content of literary works ofprose,poetryanddramaalongwiththeliterarytermsandconceptual aspects of art and history of the time. The lessons are created to help students analyze and develop their interpretative and critical thinking skills. This course is offered to juniors and seniors interested in broadening a global knowledge and understanding of literature, offeringan introduction to issues and themes that shape contemporary Latin American society, culture and itsrelationshiptotheUnitedStatesandtheglobalcommunity.

*English11Honors–LatinAmericanLiterature(1.0credit)

This honors course expands on the college preparatory course design with more extensive readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional and more varied writing assignments. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

WorldLiterature(1.0credit)

This course provides an introductory survey of world poetry and prose from sacred origin texts to contemporary voices. Aiming to explore globalization through various perspectives and genres, this course will help students understand the rich and diverse themes presented through world voices. Students will develop their independent interpretative and critical thinking skills through written literary analysis and insightful discussion. This coursebroadensstudents'global awarenessandunderstandingofliteratureandlanguagefromaglobalperspective.

WorldLiteratureHonors(1.0credit)

This honors course expands on the college preparatory course design with more extensive readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional and more varied writing assignments. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

APEnglishLanguageandComposition(1.0credit)

The chief aims of the course are to help students develop clarity of thought and expression and cultivate authentic and compelling voices as writers. Students practice close readings of nonfiction texts and write analytical essaysthatreflectincreasinglysophisticatedunderstandings of the rhetorical techniques writers employtoconveyideasandtopersuadereaders. Mostofthe take-home essays,preparedindevelopmentaldrafts,taketheformofthepersonalessay;inclass, students practice writing timed, analytic and argumentative essays and composing synthetic responses that integrate multiple sources. Theweeklyscheduleincludesasubstantialcomponent

of vocabulary development. Open to eleventh and twelfth grade students. Prerequisites: English 10 Honors or English 11 Honors and departmental approval.

English12:CollegeWriting(1.0credit)

College Writing focuses primarily on preparing students for composition at college level. The course aims to help students become skilled writers of prose in practical modern contexts who are able to compose for avarietyofpurposesatthecollegelevelandbeyond.Studentswilllearn not only about genre conventions, but how their languagechoicescontributetoeffectivewriting and how to master such language skills. Through surveying a variety of predominantly nonfiction texts, students will deepen their understanding of how excellent writers employ various techniques to create meaningful texts. This course encouragesstudentstohonethecore skills of active reading, processing author intent and purpose, forming original responses and clearly articulating such ideas for a varietyofaudiences.Studentswilllearnhowtoevaluateand respond to bothfictionandnonfictiontexts.Additionally,thiscoursewill exploremediaoutlets’ portrayal of current issues and discuss the way writer’s voices are presented through such mediums.To encourage critical thinking , the students will frequently participate in a variety of complex discussions designed to help them think about texts in greater depth and relatethemto currentaffairs.

English12Honors:CollegeWriting(1.0credit)

This honors course expands on the college preparatory course design with more extensive readings,thoroughin-classdiscussion,andadditionalandmorevariedwritingassignments. Prerequisites: English 11 and departmental approval.

APEnglishLiteratureandComposition(1.0credit)

This course prepares students to take theAPexaminationinEnglishLiteratureandComposition by grounding them thoroughly in the close reading of fiction and poetry and providing them a critical framework for the study of literature. The chief aims of the course are to help students develop a functional critical lexicon, the confidencetogeneratenovelinsightsintoliterarytexts, and the capacity to write lucid and unaffected prose. Prerequisite: English 11 Honors or AP Language and Composition and departmental approval.

IBEnglishLanguageandLiterature(HigherLevel)(1.0credit,peryear)

The English Language A: language and literature course aims at studying the complex and dynamicnatureoflanguageandexploringbothitspracticalandaestheticdimensions.Thecourse will explore the crucial rolelanguageplaysincommunication,reflectingexperienceandshaping theworld,andtherolesofindividualsthemselvesasproducersoflanguage.

Throughout the course, students will explore the various ways in which language choices, text types, literary forms and contextual elements all affect meaning. Through close analysis of various text types and literary forms, students will consider their own interpretations, as wellas the critical perspectives of others, to explore how such positions are shaped by cultural belief systemsandtonegotiatemeaningsfortexts.

Departmental Electives

These courses do not count toward the four-credit English requirement for graduation.

UpperSchoolCreativeWriting (0.5credit)

The Creative Writing course is designed to serve as a collaborative creative-writing workshop. Through daily reading and writing exercises, students model techniques in creating dialogue, description, and narrative. Students write several short stories throughout the semester, each developing particular aspects of prose fiction. All participantsshouldexpecttoreadanddiscuss contemporary short fiction, to write prose exercises and their own original short stories, and to learnaboutandactivelyparticipateinawriter’sworkshop. Open to students in grades 9 -12.

*MysteryandDetectiveFiction(0.5credit) [OfferedinAlternatingYears]

Beginning with the genre’s origins in the19thcentury,wewillstudytheworksofwritersfroma range oftimeperiodsandregions.Wewilltracethecommonelementsthatlinksomeofthemost famous writers from Edgar Allan Poe andArthurConanDoyletoHenningMankell.Ourstudies will provide the opportunity to consider the cultural and universal topics that occupy most detective fiction such as immigration, economics, greed and group and personal identity We’ll explore what makesthisgenresoappealingtosuchawiderangingaudience.Materialsforstudy will include short stories, novels, films and critical writings about mystery, detective, andcrime fiction. Assessment activities will include creative and critical writing activities. Open to students in grades 10 -12.

*Shakespeare:HisWorks,OurWorld (0.5credit)

Shakespeare’s stories remain relevant as a detailed portrayal of the complexities of human relationships; this course provides an opportunity to get to knowtheBardandhisworksbeyond traditional literary analysis. The course requires students to examine Shakespearean plays at its core through a combination of methodologies from traditional class reading to acting out key scenes and interpreting film productions. The course serves as an enriching exploration through cross curricular opportunities with drama, music art and media publications. Students will examine how recent cinematic versions of Shakespeare’s plays add to our understanding of the

original works he wrote for the Renaissance stage and the ways in which Shakespeare’s works remainrelevanttoday. Open to students in grades 10 -12.

*GothicLiterature (0.5credit)

This course delves into the eerie andcaptivatingworldofGothicliterature,agenrethatexplores the darker aspects of human experience through themesofhorror,mystery,andthesupernatural. Students will engage with seminal texts from the 18th century to contemporary works, examining the historical context, literary techniques, and cultural significance of the genre. To enhance the learning experience, we will incorporate Gothic music, films, and additional literature that resonate with the themes we explore. Through readings, discussions, and creative projects, students will develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the complexity of Gothicliteraturewhileenjoyingamulti-sensoryapproachtothegenre.

*AnalyzingPopCultureandMedia(0.5credit)

This course explores the powerful influence of pop culture and media on identity, values, and society, equipping students with the tools to critically analyze and engage with the media landscape. Students will examine the evolution of pop culture, the portrayal of identity and representation in media, the role of comedy andsatireinsocietalcommentary,andtheimpactof advertising, social media, and internet culture. Through a mix of analytical writing, creative projects, and hands-on activities, students will develop media literacy skills to identify biases, evaluate sources, and understandtheethicalimplicationsofmediaconsumptionandcreation.By the end of the course, students will be informed and responsible consumers and creators of media,capableofnavigatingandcritiquingtheever-changingdigitalworld.

*TheGraphicNovel(0.5credit)

This course offers an in-depth analysis of the graphic novel as a unique literary and artistic medium. Students will analyze the graphic novel's themes andcharacters,payingcloseattention totheirvisualrepresentationandhowitcontributestomeaning.We'llevaluatethedistinctroleof the graphic novel medium, exploring elements such as panel composition, color use, and symbolism. The course also emphasizes connecting these texts and their artwork to historical, political, and cultural contexts. Through engaging discussions, detailed visual analysis, and written assignments, students will develop critical thinking skills and enhance their visual literacybyinterpretingandcritiquingvariousgraphicstorytellingtechniques.

MathematicsandComputerScience

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department isdedicatedtocultivatinglifelonglearners who are confident, creative, and critically-thinking problem solvers. The department seeks to develop in each student a firm foundation in problem-solving skills that will play an important role in other academic disciplines and in everyday life. Students learn various strategies of critical thinking and seek multiple paths to solutions. In order for students to succeed in their academic and future careers, they must be comfortable with a varietyoftechnologies.Thisgoes beyond merely using technology, but understanding the underlying concepts that drive their developmentandfunctionality

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers a variety of learning pathways to meet the academic needs of all students. In addition to the core subjects, students have opportunities to explore applications of mathematics including finance, statistics, and programming. Students are expected to earn a final grade of C- or higherinordertoprogressto the next course in the sequence. If a lower grade is earned, a student may be required to repeat the course the following year or during summer school. Students with demonstrably superior math skills and self motivation may be placed in the honors math sequence, which typically culminates in Advanced Placement mathematics. Honors students are expected to maintain a grade of B or higher in order to remain inthatsequence.Allstudentsarestronglyencouragedto takeafourthyearofmathematics.

Middle School Offerings

Math6Foundations

Math 6 Foundations is a sixth-grade course designed to increase a student’s ability to perform basic math operations in order to progress to pre-algebra concepts successfully. The goal of the course is for students to master arithmetic skills and concepts involving whole numbers, decimals, and fractions prior to advancing to pre-algebra topics later in the year. Other course topics include operations with integers, percentages, solvingone-stepequations,basicgeometry, and data analysis. Throughout the course students will be given opportunities to improve their number sense. After mastering course concepts students should be prepared for the seventh gradepre-algebracurriculum.

Math6

The sixth-grade course includes a reviewofelementarymathematicsandintroducespre-algebra. Its aim is for students to master arithmetic skills and concepts involving whole numbers, decimals, and fractions while progressing to pre-algebra topics early in the course. Operations with integers and procedures for solving equations are introduced at the start and applied throughout the course. Number theory is introduced as a prelude to advanced work with fractions and equations with fractions. Percentages, linear functionsandgraphingareintegrated in the second half of the course. Algebra functions are also applied to geometry topics. At the conclusion, students should have mastered elementary mathematics with a strong pre-algebra orientation.

AdvancedMath6:

This course is designed for those sixth graders who already have proficiency in the Math 6 concepts. It is similar toarigorous“Pre-algebra”curriculum. Thecourseisdesignedtoprepare the student to advance to Algebra I Honors the following year. It involves equations, inequalities, and wordproblemsrelatedtoratios,conditions,money,age,andgeometry.Students work with integers, monomials, binomials, polynomials, and positive and negative exponents. Graphing linear equations and inequalities and solving systems ofequationsiscoveredindepth. Geometry concepts are included,andalgebraisappliedtosolutionsofgeometryproblems. Data areanalyzed,interpreted,anddisplayedaspartofabriefstudyofstatisticsandprobability.

Pre-AlgebraFoundations

Pre-Algebra Foundations is designed to strengthen students’ Math 6 skills while also teaching the core conceptsofPre-AlgebrainorderforastudenttobesuccessfulintheAlgebraIcoursein 8th grade. The range of topics includes integers, ratios, proportions, percents, expressions, multi-stepequations,inequalities,writinglinearequations,andgraphinglinearequations.

Prerequisite: Math 6 Foundations, Math 6, or its equivalent

Pre-Algebra

This pre-algebra course includes all topics of middle school mathematics and builds on our sixth-grade course to prepare students for Algebra I in the eighth grade (see note below). The range of topics includes integers, ratios, proportions, percents, equations, inequalities, graphing, statistics, the application of algebra to geometry, and the graphing of linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations. Following the study of those topics, students are also exposed to the distance, midpoint and slope formulas. The conclusion of thiscoursefocuseson geometry,statistics,andadditionalworkwithpolynomials.

Prerequisite: Math 6 Foundations or Math 6 or its equivalent -20-

Pre-AlgebraHonors

This accelerated pre-algebra course includes all topics of Pre-Algebra. This course is distinguished from Pre-Algebra by its rigorous and continual focus on abstractproblem-solving and critical-reasoning skills. After successful completionofthiscourse,studentsshouldbefully preparedfor Algebra I Honors thefollowingyear.

Prerequisite: Math 6, Advanced Math 6, or its equivalent

AlgebraFoundations:

Algebra I Foundations is designed for students who have not yet mastered pre-algebra skills necessary for success in Algebra 1. This class will allow 8th grade students the time to further explore pre-algebra topics such as arithmetic operations, integers, ratios, proportions, percents, equations, inequalities, and linear functions. A mastery of these topics will then lead into the introduction of algebra topics such as properties of real numbers, solving multi-step equations and applications, graphing linear functions, and solving systems of equations. Throughout the course students will be given opportunities to improve their math skills while developing their critical thinkingability. AftercompletingAlgebra1Topicscourseobjectives,studentsshouldbe preparedforPalmerTrinity’sAlgebra1curriculum.

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra Foundations, Pre-Algebra or its equivalent

AlgebraI

Algebra I completes the transition to algebraicthinkingcommencedin Pre-Algebra.Thiscourse is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. Students learn to represent functions in multiple ways including verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. They also learn to model real-world situations using functions. In this course, standardized-test questions are analyzed frequently, providing students an opportunity to develop a variety of efficient and effective problem-solving strategies. Graphing calculators are used occasionally as supplemental tools to enable students to explore, visualize andanalyzefunctionsmoreeffectively.

Prerequisite:Pre-Algebra Foundations,, Pre-Algebra, Pre-Algebra Honors or its equivalent

AlgebraIHonors

Algebra I Honors is a fast-paced course which completes the transition to algebraic thinking started in Pre-Algebra Honors. It is distinctive in its focus on a wide variety of word problems that relate mathematical ideas to the real world and other academic disciplines. This course is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis on linearandquadraticfunctions. Students learntorepresentfunctionsinmultiplewaysandtoapplythisknowledgetoavastarray of real-world applications. Students discover the universal nature of mathematics via multiple explorations into related disciplines such as science, engineering, architecture, and design. In this course, standardized-test questions are analyzed frequently, providing students an opportunity to develop a variety of efficient and effective problem solving strategies. Graphing -21-

calculators are used as supplemental tools to enable students to explore, visualize and analyze functions more effectively. Prerequisite: Advanced Math 6, Pre-Algebra, Pre-Algebra Honors, or its equivalent

IntroductiontoRobotics(Semester-long)

This course introduces students to the world of robotics. Vex IQ robots will be used to teach students many important concepts that exist in the world of robotics. The robotics and automation industries have grown large in recent years and continue to expand.Robotsareseen in many capacities from NASA space missions to Amazon warehouse picking. During this course, students will build their own IQ robot and learn to program it to work autonomously using several sensors and parts. Students will use a beginner-friendly block-style programming language to control their robots through a variety of challenges. Students will also experience competition that requires both hand-eye coordination and programming skills. Students will leave this course with an understanding of what modern-day robotics requires inthereal-world.

Prerequisite: None

IntroductiontoVisualProgramming(Semester-long)

This course introduces students to programming using the Javascript language and p5.js, a library that makes coding accessible to artists, designers, and beginners alike. The course will focus on learning core programming techniques through the creation of interactive, graphical programs in student’s very own internet browsers. Students will use their creativity to create gamesandotherapplicationsthathaveappealingvisualsandaudiocomponents.

Prerequisite: None

Introductionto3DComputerDesign

(Semester-long)

This course introducesstudentstotheworldof3Dmodelingand3Dprinting.Theywilldiscover what it takes to produce, manipulate, and validate objects in a 3D environment. Students will create functional prototypes while dealing with measurements, balancing issues, strength vs flexibility considerations, and more. Finally, students will learn to take a thoughtful, consistent, and detail-oriented approach to designing fun and interesting objects using tools like TinkerCAD.

Prerequisite: None

Upper School Offerings

AlgebraI(9thgrade):(1.0credit)

This coursecompletesthetransitiontoalgebraicthinkingcommencedin Pre-Algebra or Algebra I Topics in the 8th grade. This course is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. Students learn to represent functions in multiple ways including verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. They also learn to model real-worldsituationsusingfunctions.Graphingcalculatorsareusedoccasionallyassupplemental tools to enable students to explore, visualize and analyze functions more effectively

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I Foundations or its equivalent

Geometry(1.0credit)

This course has the dualgoalsofmakingstudentsfluentinthelanguageandapplicationofplane and solid figures and of developing logical and deductive reasoning skills. Topics build on one another, beginning with postulates regarding lines and angles and moving to theorems of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and solids. Two-column proof building and problem solving using various methods are the fundamental skills learned. Algebra skills are reviewed and utilizedsignificantlyinthiscourse.

Prerequisite: Algebra I or its equivalent

GeometryHonors(1.0credit)

This fast-paced course covers the material addressed in Geometry with added emphasis on developing logical, analytical and deductive reasoning skills through problem solving. A prominent feature is the rigorous treatment of two-column proof building. Topics build on one another, beginning with postulates regarding lines and angles and moving to theorems of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and solids. A mastery of algebra skills is essential. Prerequisites: Algebra I Honors or its equivalent

AlgebraII(1.0credit)

This course reviews Algebra I topics and uses them asbuildingblocksformoreadvancedwork. The topics include: basic concepts of algebra; linear equations, inequalities and functions; products and factors of polynomials; rational expressions; irrational and complex numbers; quadratic equations and functions; polynomials and polynomial functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; powers, roots and radicals; matrices and determinants; circles as a conic section;andbasicstatistics.

Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry or their equivalents -23-

AlgebraIIHonors(1.0credit)

This fast-paced course covers the material addressed in Algebra II with added emphasis on developing critical thinking skills through more problem solving. In addition to the topics covered in Algebra II,advancedtopicsincludesequencesandseries,trigonometricidentitiesand equationsandquadraticrelationsandconicsections.

Prerequisites: Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors or their equivalents.

CollegeAlgebra&Trigonometry(1.0credit)

This course isdesignedtostrengthenalgebraIIconceptsandintroducethefundamentalconcepts in trigonometry. Topics include, but are not limited to, functionsandtransformationsofgraphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, systems of equations and inequalities, and sequences. Atthe end of successful completion, students should be prepared for a precalculus course.

Prerequisites: Algebra II or its equivalent

PrecalculusHonors(1.0credit)

This course combines a more advanced study of second-year algebra concepts with an exploration of trigonometric functions and identities. The emphasis of this course is on an analytical, a graphical, and a numerical approach to problem solving. This rigorous course includes topics suchaspolynomialandrationalfunctions,exponentialandlogarithmicfunctions, trigonometric functions, analytical trigonometry, sequences, and probability. Those conceptsare used to apply the process of mathematical modeling to real world applications in many areas, such as business, economics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and physics. Prerequisites: Algebra II or its equivalent

APPrecalculus (1.0credit)

This course combines a review of second-year algebra with a detailedexploration of functions and graphing, as well as an exploration of trigonometric functions and identities. Theemphasis ofthiscourseisonananalytical,agraphical,andanumericalapproachtoproblemsolving. This rigorous and fast-paced course includes topics such as polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, analytical trigonometry, sequences,probability,polarfunctions,functionsinvolvingparameters,vectors,andmatrices.

These concepts are used to apply the process of mathematical modeling to real-world applications in many areas, such as business, economics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and physics. While most of the topics are similar to those addressed in Precalculus Honors, the depth, breadthandrigoroftheproblemsencounteredaresignificantlymoredemanding.Students musttaketheCollegeBoard AP Precalculus examattheendofthecourse.

Prerequisites: Algebra II Honors or its equivalent

ProbabilityandStatistics(1.0credit)

The purpose of this course is to develop your abilitytothinkandreasonquantitativelyusingthe tools of probability and statistics. The students will be introduced to the major concepts of collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. They will become familiar with four broadconceptualthemes: exploringdata,planningstudies, anticipating and describing patterns, and statistical inference. In addition, students will draw upon their critical thinking and writing skills to demonstrate understanding of what their statisticalanalysishasrevealed.

Prerequisite: Algebra II or its equivalent. This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.

FinancialAlgebra(1.0credit)

Financial Algebra combines algebraic and graphical concepts with practical business and personal finance applications. The course motivates students to explore algebraic thinking patterns and functions in a financial context. The financial topics include, butarenotlimitedto: thestockmarket,modelingabusiness,bankingservices,consumercredit,automobileownership, employmentbasics,incometaxes,planningforretirement,andpreparingabudget.

Prerequisite: Algebra II or its equivalent. This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.

CalculusHonors(1.0credit)

The course addresses the topics encountered in the first course of a college calculus course, including both differential and integral calculus.Topics include limits, derivatives, applications of derivatives, related rates, optimization, definite and indefinite integrals, areas and volumes, slope fields, and differential equations. The students will internalize these concepts through problem based learning, discovery using technology, and cooperative learning techniques. Prerequisites: Precalculus Honors or its equivalent

APCalculusAB(1.0credit)

The course is equivalent to differential and integral calculus at the college level. With differentiation, students will study functions, graphs, limits, continuity, rates of change, techniques of differentiation, and applications of the derivative including curve sketching, optimization, related rates, implicit differentiation, motion along a line, and slope fields. With integration, students will study definite and indefinite integrals, techniques of integration, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and applications of integration including area, motionalong a line, volume, differential equations and growth/decay models, and numerical approximations using Riemann Sums. Through problem solving, cooperative learning, discovery learning, the use of technology, and other methods, students will strive to internalize and understand these calculus concepts. During this learning process, they will inevitably develop their abilities and become better thinkers. Students must take the College Board AP Calculus AB examattheend ofthecourse.

Prerequisites: AP Precalculus or its equivalent -25-

APCalculusBC/MultivariableCalculus(1.0credit)

AP Calculus BC includes a review of the topics covered in AP Calculus AB, as well as convergence tests for series, Taylor and/or Maclaurin series, the use of parametric equations, polar functions, including arc length in polar coordinates, calculating curvelengthinparametric and function (y = f(x)) equations, L'Hôpital's rule, integration by parts, improper integrals, Euler's method, differential equations for logistic growth, and using partial fractionstointegrate rational functions. Students in AP Calculus BC whoscoreappropriatelyontheAPExamination generally receive two semesters or three trimesters of Advanced Placement in mathematics. During the Spring semester students learn multivariable topics such as partial differentiation, multipleintegralsandvectorcalculus.Studentsmusttakethe AP Calculus BC examattheendof thecourse.

Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB or its equivalent

APStatistics(1.0credit)

This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploration of data, sampling and experimentation of data, anticipation of patterns, and making statistical inferences. Students must take the College Board AP Statistics examattheendofthe course. Prerequisites: Precalculus Honors or AP Precalculus or their equivalents

ComputerSciencePrinciples(0.5credit)

Computer Science Principles is an introductory survey course that gives students a variety of experiences with computing and the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science concepts to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative andethical.Muchofthiscourseisproject based, focusing on big ideas of computerscience.Studentswillexperiencethebeginnerfriendly text-based programming language, Python. This course lays the foundation for subsequent computersciencecourses.

Prerequisite: None; Corequisite for 8th graders: Algebra I Honors or Geometry Honors

Robotics(0.5credit)

This course introduces students to the world of robotics. Vex IQ robots will be used to teach students many important concepts that exist in the world of robotics. The Robotics and automation industries have grown large in recent years and continue to expand.Robotsareseen in many capacities from NASA space missions to Amazon warehouse picking. During this

course, students will build their own IQ robot and learn to program it to work autonomously using several sensors and parts. Students will learn about several important engineering ideas needed to successfully build a robot including concepts like gear ratios, torque vs. speed, and center of mass. A text-based programming language based on current languages will be usedto controlrobotsthroughrepetition,decisionmaking,andmore.Studentswilleventuallyteachtheir robots to move in any direction, sense obstaclesfromadistance,usetactilefeedbacktostopand reverse, follow paths, and handle remote input from users. Students will face increasingly complexchallengesandcompetitionsthatusetheiracquiredskills.

Prerequisite: None

WebDevelopment(0.5credit)

This course aims to introduce students to technologies and methodologies used to design, implement, test, and maintain modern websites and mobile apps. Current technological trends are focusing on creating visually appealing, functional, and entertaining applications and websites on the internet. As our world grows more connected through the internet, it becomes extremely important for students interested in technology fields to understand and be proficient in the use of web technologies which include HTML, CSS, andJavaScript.Thecoursewillfirst introduce HTML5 for students to understand how websitesaredesignedandstructuredandthen move on to CSS where they will learn how to apply appropriate styles, color choices,andother techniquestomakewebsitesvisuallyappealing. Prerequisite: None

CAD(Computer-AidedDesign) (0.5credit)

This course aims to be an intense, butfunintroductiontoComputerAidedDesign(CAD)which is an important discipline in many fields of engineering. CAD is theuseofcomputersystemsto assist in the creation, modification, analysis,andoptimizationofadesign.CADsoftwareisused to increase the productivity of the designer andengineer,improvethequalityofdesign,improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files used for printing, machining, or other manufacturing operations. Designs will be prototyped and fabricated using our 3D printers. Corequisite: Algebra II or Algebra II Honors or their equivalents

3DGameDevelopment(0.5credit)

Students will learn the basics of programming while building 3D games using the Unity environment and programminginC#. Studentswilllearnimportantgamedevelopmentconcepts that require both design and programming skills including level-design, physics simulation, enemy and level AI, and more. Throughout the semester the students will learn by developing small 3D prototypes and will have to develop a mid-sized game by the end of the semester

Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A -27-

AdvancedTopicsinProgramming(0.5credit)

Advanced Topics in Programming aims to give students that have excelled in AP Computer Science A an opportunity to take their programming and problem solving skills further by covering advanced Computer Science topics including networking, encryption, error-handling, computer graphics, data structures, and algorithm analysis. Students should becomfortablewith Java programming, having passed AP Computer A successfully. This project-based course will allow students to apply their knowledge to complex, real-world problems while learning about modern-daycomputingtheoryandapplications. Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A

APComputerSciencePrinciples(1.0credit)

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn todesignand evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through thedevelopmentof algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. This course lays the foundation for subsequent computer science courses. Prerequisite for 10th - 12th graders: Geometry or its equivalent; Corequisite for 9th graders: Geometry Honors or Algebra II Honors

APComputerScienceA(1.0credit)

This course will give students that have progressed through introductory and intermediate Computer Science electivesanopportunitytolearnaboutadvancedprogrammingconceptsusing the Java programming language. The course will emphasize problem solving, data abstraction, object-oriented programming and design methodology, algorithms, and data structures.Students will work on projects that require them to study external domain knowledge, design a software system, and finally implement and test functionality to solve real-world problems. Studentsthat master the material taught in this course will then be prepared totaketheAPComputerScience Aexam. Corequisite: Precalculus Honors or AP Precalculus

Science

The Science Department seeks to create an educational experience that will develop in its students adeepappreciationandthoroughunderstandingofthefundamentallawsthatgovernthe physical universe. In formulating its program of study, the department acknowledges that scientific investigation is a process, and it aimstoleadstudentsfromtheexperientialencounters with nature so necessary to an elementary school child to more empirical investigations appropriate for middle school students and finally to a deeper understanding of the theoretical bases of science during the upper school years. The curriculum is designed to reflect the hierarchy of scientific thought as it is revealed by nature in coordination with the student’s cognitive development. Though the essential role of laboratory work is undisputed, theprimacy of the mind in any science pedagogy must notbelost.Ratherthanemphasizerotememorization and algorithmic procedures and calculations, our curriculum and assessments develop deeper levels of student thought. Only by training students to think in a penetrating manner can we adequatelypreparethemforwhateverawaits.

Middle School Offerings

Grade6:LifeScience

The course introduces the student to the study of living organisms, the systems that operate within living creatures, and the classification schemes used to reveal the similarities between manylifeforms.Thecourseoffersacompletestudyoflifecycles,beginningwiththesimplestof structures and spiraling outward to encompass the human body The course includes the basic description of living things, complex plant structures, various groups of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, human body systems, human reproduction and development, genetics and applied genetics. The course fosters personaldiscoverythroughapplicablelabsandagrade-wise commitment to our unique environment as an outdoor lab. Life Science concepts are taught directly and indirectly utilizing our school garden, which is maintained and cared for by all 6th gradestudents.

Grade7:EarthScience

This courseintroducesstudentstothedynamicphysicalandchemicalprocessesthathaveshaped and continue to shape the surface of the Earth. Using the scientific method, students learn and investigate topics including the history of the Earth, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics and its roleincreatingearthquakesandvolcanoes,andsurfaceprocessessuchaserosionbywind,water, glaciers, and gravity In addition, students take a step back from the surface of the Earth to explore the role of the atmosphere, weather, and water cycle in our daily lives. Emphasis is placed on our changing environments and sustainability efforts through hands-on and group learning activities thatutilizeacombinationoflaboratoryexercises,in-classdiscussions,andour hydroponic systems. Each seventh grade student grows several plants throughout the yearusing -29-

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our hydroponic systems in order to compare and contrast growing methods and resource demands betweenoutdoorfarming(6thgrade)andindoorfarming(7thgrade)aswellaslearning toidentifyourimpactonourdiminishingnaturalresources.

Grade8:PhysicalScience

During one semester, the course introduces the students to the central concepts and skills of chemistry. Students explore models and the structure of the atom; study the Periodic Tableand the classification of the elements; investigate compounds and mixtures; experiment with solids, liquids and gasses; discover bonding; and write and balance chemical equations. During the second semester, the course introduces the students to the central conceptsandskillsofphysics. Through classroom discussions, laboratory investigations, interactive internet projects, and science roundtables, students explore and investigate motion and forces, energy and work, electricity and magnetism, waves, light, and sound. Throughout the course, the students hone their laboratory techniques, quantitative measurement skills, and unit conversions; they refine their mastery of scientific inquiry and improve their communication proficiency writing laboratoryreportsandsolvingwordproblems.

Grade8:PhysicalScienceHonors

Physical Science 8 Honors covers similar concepts and skills asarecoveredinPhysicalScience 8. The Honors course moves at a faster pace, requires a stronger command of mathematical concepts, andchallengesstudentstodrawconnectionsbetweendisciplinesandworkwithgreater independence. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Middle School Electives

❖ These courses do not fulfill the science graduation requirements.

ScientificInquiryandFieldwork(Semester-long)

This course examines the growth and development of South Florida through environmental, historical, and cultural perspectives. Students will be able to draw connections between key industrial and conservation figures and therolethey’veplayedinshapingmodernSouthFlorida. In addition, students will explore local conservation areas and partner with preservation programs to perform hands-on fieldwork to track environmental changes on a local scale. The coursewillfocusonSTEM-basedprojectsthatrequirestudentstoutilizemultipledisciplinesand evaluate real-world problems. Students will be evaluated using both formative and summative assessments including daily readings,discussion,labreports/projects,andfieldwork.Thegoalof the course is to provide students with a contextual background of their world to increase

appreciation and concern while also providing an avenue for them to engage the curriculum as activescientists. Open to students in Grades 7-8.

EngineeringDesignandModeling(Semester-long)

Engineering Design and Modeling is a semester-long course in the Project Lead the Way Gateway STEM Program (PLTW). Engineering Design and Modeling, provides students opportunities to apply the engineering design process to creatively solve problems.Inthisclass, students usetoolssuchasadesignprogram,computersimulations,anengineeringnotebook,and a 3D printer to design, model, and build objects.Inteams,studentslearnandutilizemethodsfor communicating design ideas through sketches, mathematicalmodels,andsolidmodels.Students understand howmodelscanbesimulatedtorepresentanauthenticsituationandgeneratedatafor further analysis and observations. In teams, students work to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders astheycreateatoyordevicetohelpothers. Open to students in Grades 7-8.

Upper School Offerings

Grade9:Biology(1.0credit)

The course offers students a detailed study of the biological world focusing on theevolutionary history of life from the ancient and simplest life forms to current and complex ecosystems. Topics include basic chemistry and biochemistry, cell structure and function, biochemical pathways such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics, DNA technology, the six kingdom classification system, ecology, and conservation. Laboratory work is a major component of the course, with information collected both inside and outside theclassroom.The course focuses on personal discovery and group work, concrete and abstract thinking with qualitativeandquantitativeexperimentation.

Grade9:BiologyHonors(1.0credit)

TheBiologyHonorscourseinvestigatesmuchofthesamecontentcoveredintheregular Biologycourse. However,topicsaretreatedingreaterdepthandbreadthbecauseofthe implementationanduseofamoreadvancedandtechnicaltext.Thestudentsengagein informal but informed discussions on contemporary issues in biotechnology and biochemistry, such as cloning and climate change. Emphasis is placed on independent thought and critical thinking. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

EnvironmentalScience(1.0credit)

This Environmental Science course will cover the basics in the following topics: sustainability, biodiversity, human population, pollution, water resources, climate change, wastematerials,and urbanization. This is an introductory course, open to 10th-12th grade students. There willbea heavy laboratory and activity component. Students will finish the course with an idea about what it means to live sustainably in a changing world. Current 9th grade students in Algebra 1 will be recommended for this course as their 10th grade science. The Chemistry and Physics courseswillbeopentothemoncetheyhavecompletedGeometry.

Prerequisite: Biology/Algebra 1

Physics(1.0credit)

The course is a laboratory-intensive, inquiry-based approach that introduces the student to the fundamental ideas and concepts of physics. The course concentrates on the physics concepts of vectors, kinematics, dynamics, energy and momentum, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear theory. The development of these concepts is then reinforced with mathematical applications to the discussion of physics topics. The techniques of measurement, arithmetic of scientific notation, algebra of single unknowns, graphing, and data analysis skills are utilized in this course. Students are trained in the Scientific Method and improve scientific literacy by reflection via laboratory reports. Emphasis is placed on the use of technology in experimentation,andfundamentallaboratorytechniques.

Prerequisite: Geometry

PhysicsHonors(1.0credit)

The course introduces students to algebra-based physics. Emphasis is placed upon independent thought, mathematical analysis, and multi-step algebraic problem-solving. The course covers Newtonian mechanics including rotational dynamics and angular momentum; work,energy,and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It also introduces electric circuits. Students will participate in student-centered inquiry investigations to develop advanced inquiryandreasoning skills through experimenting, analyzing, making conjectures and arguments, and solving problems. Prerequisite: Geometry; Co-requisite: Algebra II and departmental approval.

Chemistry(1.0credit)

The course is based on the premise that structure determines function. The topics explored include the nature of matter, the structure of the atom, nomenclature, chemical composition, reactions in aqueous solutions, stoichiometry, energy, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding, gas laws, acid-base reactions, and chemical equilibrium. The arithmetic of scientific notation, significant figures, dimensional analysis, and the algebra of multiple unknowns are employed extensively. Greater emphasis is placed on problem solving, the exploration of concepts by experimentation,andlucidlaboratoryreporting.

ChemistryHonors(1.0credit)

The course examines the topics outlined above in greater depth andbreadth.Emphasisisplaced uponindependentthought,mathematicalanalysis,andmulti-stepproblemsolving.

Prerequisites: Physics Honors, Algebra II Honors, and departmental approval.

Departmental Electives

❖ These courses do not fulfill the science graduation requirements of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry

APBiology(1.0credit)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year The textbooks used for AP Biology are those used by college biology majors and the labs are equivalent to those done by college students. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptualframeworkformodern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makesthesegoalsevenmorechallenging.Primaryemphasisin this course is on developing an understanding of concepts; however, there is much detail to memorize.Essentialtothisconceptualunderstandingarethefollowing:agraspofscienceas a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge andcriticalthinkingtoenvironmentalandsocialconcerns.Allstudentsare expected to take the AP Biology Examination offered by the College Board in May, for which they may receive credit or standing in college, depending on their scores and the policiesofthe colleges they attend. Prerequisite: Biology Honors. Pre- or Co-requisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry Departmental approval.

APChemistry(1.0credit)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory chemistry course taken by chemistry majors during their first year For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as college freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register for courses inotherfieldswheregeneralchemistryisaprerequisite.The course aims to provide students with a depth of understandingoffundamentalsandareasonable competence indealingwithchemicalproblems.Thecoursecontributestothedevelopmentofthe students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The course differs qualitatively from Honors Chemistry with regard to the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students.Quantitativedifferencesappearinthenumber

of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and the variety of experiments done in the laboratory. Students will participate in student-centered inquiry investigations to develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts. Prerequisites: Physics Honors, Chemistry Honors, Pre-Calculus Honors. Departmental approval.

APEnvironmentalScience(1.0credit)

AP Environmental Science is constructed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies requiredtounderstandtheinterrelationshipsofthenaturalworld.It is an interdisciplinary study of earth processes and their link to human habitation. The course begins by concentrating on ecological basics such as community interactions, biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles. The course then moves on to explore human interactions withtheearth; primarily population growth and our effect on air/water resources. The students obtain a balanced, objective perspective on environmental science today. Through lectures, discussions, and labs, students learn to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and anthropogenic, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students apply their knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and in some cases history and English to decipher the wealth of information and even make their owndecisionsregardingourenvironmentalfuture.Allstudents areexpectedtotaketheAPEnvironmentalExaminationofferedbytheCollegeBoardinMay. Prerequisite: Biology Honors or Biology. Pre- or Co-requisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Departmental approval.

APPhysics1(1.0credit)

This course is an algebra-based course in which students will explore topics such asNewtonian mechanics, work, energy andpower,mechanicalwavesandsound,andsimplecircuits. Students will develop a deep understanding of foundational principles in classic mechanics and modern physics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple aspectsofphysicsratherthanpresentconceptsinisolation. Studentswilldesign,implement,and analyze inquiry-based laboratory investigations. All students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 examination offered by the College Board in May. Prerequisite: completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.

APPhysicsC:Mechanics(1.0credit)

The course is designed to resemble the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. The sequence is preceded by mathematics courses that include Calculus. Methods of Calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, requiring -34-

calculus. The subject matter of the course is Newtonian mechanics. All studentsareexpectedto take the AP Physics C: Mechanics Examination offered by the College Board in May. Prerequisite: Physics Honors; Calculus Honors or AP Calculus.

InternationalBaccalaureateBiology(HigherLevel)(1.0credit,peryear)

As one of the three natural sciences in the IB Diploma Programme, biology is primarily concerned with the study of life and living systems. Biologists attempt to make sense of the world through a variety of approaches and techniques, controlled experimentation and collaboration between scientists. At a time of global introspection on human activities and their impact on the world around us, developing and communicating a clear understanding of the living world has never been of greater importance than it is today Through the study of DP biology, students are empowered to make sense of living systems through unifying themes. By providing opportunities for students to explore conceptual frameworks, they are better able to develop understanding and awareness of the living world around them. This is carried further through a study of interactions at different levels ofbiologicalorganization,frommoleculesand cells to ecosystems and the biosphere. Integral to the student experience of the DP biology course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry With an emphasis on experimental work, teachers provide students with opportunities to ask questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data, collaborate with peers, and reflect, evaluate and communicate their findings. DP Biology enables students to constructively engage with topical scientific issues. Students examine scientific knowledgeclaimsinareal-worldcontext,fostering interest and curiosity. By exploring the subject, they develop understandings, skills and techniqueswhichcanbeappliedacrosstheirstudiesandbeyond.

InternationalBaccalaureateChemistry(StandardLevel)(1.0credit,peryear)

As one of the three natural sciences in the IB Diploma Programme, Chemistry is primarily concernedwithidentifyingpatternsthathelptoexplainmatteratthemicroscopiclevel.Thisthen allows matter’s behaviour to be predicted and controlled at a macroscopic level. The subject therefore emphasizes thedevelopmentofrepresentativemodelsandexplanatorytheories,bothof which rely heavily on creative but rational thinking. DP chemistry enables students to constructively engage with topical scientific issues. Students examine scientific knowledge claims in a real-world context, fostering interest and curiosity By exploring the subject, they develop understandings, skills and techniques which can be applied across their studies and -35-

beyond. Integral to the student experience of the DP chemistry course is the learning that takes placethroughscientificinquirybothintheclassroomandthelaboratory

International Baccalaureate Sports, Exercise and Health Science (Higher and Standard Levels)(1.0credit,peryear)

International Baccalaureate Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) is an experimental science course combining academic study with practical and investigativeskills.SEHSexplores the science underpinning physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles. The course incorporates the disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of core and option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. The course offers a deeper understanding of the issues related to sports, exercise and health in the 21st century and addressestheinternationaldimensionandethicsrelatedtoboththeindividualandglobalcontext. Apart from being worthy of study in its own right, SEHS is good preparation for courses in higher or further education related to sports fitness and health, and serves as useful preparation foremploymentinsportsandleisureindustries.

International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Societies (Standard Level) (1.0 credit,peryear)

Environmental systemsandsocieties(ESS)isaninterdisciplinarycourseofferedonlyatstandard level (SL).Thiscoursecanfulfilleithertheindividualsandsocietiesorthesciencesrequirement. Alternatively, this course enables students to satisfy the requirements of both subjects simultaneously while studying one course. ESS is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function, and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, politicalandsocialinteractionsofsocietieswiththeenvironment.As a result of studying this course, students will become equipped with theabilitytorecognizeand evaluate theimpactofourcomplexsystemofsocietiesonthenaturalworld.Theinterdisciplinary nature of the DP course requires a broad skill set from students, includingtheabilitytoperform research and investigations, participation in philosophical discussion and problem-solving. The course requires a systems approach to environmental understanding and promotes holistic thinking about environmental issues. Teachers explicitly teach thinking and research skills such as comprehension, text analysis,knowledgetransferanduseofprimarysources.Theyencourage studentstodevelopsolutionsatthepersonal,communityandgloballevels.

Project Lead the Way: Biomedical Sciences Course Sequence

BiomedicalScience(1.0credit)

Biomedical Science is a full-year high school course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science Program. This course serves to provide foundational knowledge and skills in fields such as biology, anatomy & physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology as well as engage students in how this content can be applied to real- world situations, cases, and problems. Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students will tackle real-world challenges faced by biomedical professionals in the field. They will work with the same tools and equipment used in hospitals and labs as they engage in relevant hands-on work. Students will develop skill in technical documentation to representand communicate experimental findings and solutions toproblems.Inaddition,studentswillexplore how connections to other disciplines such as computer science and engineering shapethefuture of medicine and practice collaboration techniques thatwillhelpthemconnectwithprofessionals acrossanyfield. *This course does not fulfill a lab science requirement.

HumanBodySystems(1.0Credit)

Human Body Systems (HBS) is a full-year high school course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science Program. The HBS course provides foundational knowledge and skills in anatomy andphysiology,clinicalmedicine,andlaboratoryresearch.Thecourseengages students in how this content can be applied to real-world situations, cases, and problems. The HBS course includes interviews, challenges, andtestimonialsfrombiomedicalprofessionalsina variety of settings—clinical, research, and public health.Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students tackle real-world challenges that biomedicalprofessionalsfaceinthefield.Studentsworkwiththesametoolsandequipmentused in hospitals and labs as they engage in relevant hands-on work. They explore BioDigital™ 3D interactive models, simulations, and assessments to visualize human anatomy and physiology. Students develop skill in technical documentation to represent and communicate experimental findings and solutions to problems, as well as skill in ethical reasoning and clinical empathy *This course does not fulfill a lab science requirement.

MedicalInterventions(1.0credit)

Medical Interventions(MI)isafull-yearhighschoolcourseintheProjectLeadtheWay(PLTW)

Biomedical Science Program.This course allows students to investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. A “How-To” manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body, the course will explore how to prevent and fight infection, how to screen and

evaluate the code in our DNA, how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios students will be exposed to the wide range of interventionsrelatedtoimmunology,surgery,genetics,pharmacology,medical devices, and diagnostics. Each family case scenario will introduce multiple types of interventions, reinforce concepts learned in the previous two courses, and present new content. Interventions may range from simple diagnostic tests to treatment of complex diseases and disorders.Theseinterventionswillbeshowcasedacrossthegenerationsofthefamilyandwill provide a look at the past, present, and future of biomedical science. Lifestyle choices and preventive measures are emphasized throughout the course as well as the important role that scientificthinkingandengineeringdesignplayinthedevelopmentofinterventionsofthefuture.

Engineering:DesignApplications (0.5credit)

The Engineering: Design Applications course is designed to offer students a basic overview of the engineering fields, their principles, and their applications to everyday life. It prepares students to understand pre-engineering concepts that emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving. This course also develops design skills that can be applied practically, while using the design process to analyze problems, develop solutions, and test and evaluate those solutions. Topics covered include engineering design process, graphic and physical modeling, including computer-aided design (CAD) with industry-level software, materials, patents, among others. Pre or Corequisite: Physics

History

We understand that History is the critical construction of the collective memory in a process of reflection and reinterpretation of thepast.ThecoursesintheHistoryandHumanitiesdepartment ask students to engage a wide range ofcultural,socialandhistoricalsubjects,therebyenhancing understanding of the diversity of the human experience and fostering a sense of equity and responsibility towards others. The department seeks to further the school'smissionbyeducating students in issues of morality, spirituality, and diversity. We encourage moral consciousness by discussing ethical issues and emphasizing that historical actions always have consequencesboth intended and unintended. We emphasize diversity in our curriculum by showing how historical experiences depend upon factors such as race, gender, class, and religion. Our dedication to excellence is emphasized by setting high goals for ourstudents,encouragingthem to meet their greatest potential. More than this, whenever and wherever proper, we encourage students to apply their knowledge across disciplines to gain a deeper, more lasting appreciation for learning and self-improvement. We strive to engage students in the learning process, especially with regard to higher order thinking skills. We accomplish this through emerging communication and education technologies, as well as effective implementation of pedagogical

approaches such as the Harkness method, a subject-centered, student-driven learning technique basedonactiveparticipationwithanemphasisoncriticalthinkingskills.

Middle School Offerings

Grade6:WorldCultures

StudentsinWorldCulturesareexposedtotheculturalandhistoricalcontributionsofthe ancient societies of the past, such as Egypt, India, and China,amongothers.Studentshonetheir map reading skillsbyworkingwithbothphysicalandpoliticalmaps,learnabouttheconnections between geography and history, and establish connections with the present through the analysis of current eventsandproject-basedlearningthatexplorestheimpactoftheseancientsocietieson our modern world. The development of critical and creative thinking skills, as well as the cultivation of curiosity about and compassion for global diversity, helps students to better understandtheirroleintheeverdevelopingworldcommunity

Grade7:GlobalConnections

Global Connections is a unique themedcoursethatfamiliarizesstudentswiththeworldtodayby studying physical and human geography Students develop an understanding ofhistoricalevents and political ideologies through the utilization of primary sources and the textbook. Inaddition, students will develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Themes throughout the course will include environmental challenges, stages ofrevolutions,diplomacyandinternational relations.

Grade8:AmericanStudies

Students in American StudiesexploretheevolutionofAmerica’shistorical,culturalandpolitical landscapes. Students gain skills including interpretation of historical documents, analytical writing, and informed and structured communication. Methods include document analysis and critical evaluation of sources. Students should ultimately develop an awareness of the diversity andcomplexityofAmerica’shistorytocultivatethoroughunderstandingsofthenation’spresent.

Grade8:AmericanStudiesHonors

The American Studies Honors course expands on the regular coursedesignwithmoreextensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion and additional written assignments using primary sources.

Upper School Offerings

Each student is required to earn three credits, specifically in World History, United States History,andaRegionalHistory.Afourthyearisstronglyrecommended.

*Indicates courses offered on rotation.

Grade9:WorldHistory(1.0credit)

This course provides a broad historical overview of major events dating from the origin of the universe tothepresent.Thisapproachiscalled Big History becauseitencompassesthehistoryof our own human existence on abroadscale.Offeringaninterdisciplinaryapproachthatcombines insights from across the humanities, as well as from the natural and social sciences, this course assesses the major thresholds of increasing complexitythathavecontributedtoourdevelopment as a species. While attention will be given to the origins of the universe, stars, chemical elements, solar system, and life on Earth, the majority of the course focuses on the human context, from the origins of humans and the invention of agriculture, to the rise ofcivilizations, the Columbian Exchange, the Industrial Revolution and the dynamics of the current globalization. In reflecting upon this history, we will further postulatepossibilitiesforthefuture that lies ahead. The courseplacesanemphasisonthedevelopmentofhistoricalthinking,writing andresearchskills,aswellasonprimaryandsecondarysourceinterpretation.

Grade9:WorldHistoryHonors(1.0credit)

The year-long honors programexpandsontheregularcoursedesignwithmoreextensiveoutside readings, thorough in-class discussion andadditionalwrittenassignmentsusingprimarysources. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Grade9:APWorldHistory(1.0credit)

In this course students will cultivate their understanding of modern world history from c. 1200 CE to the present. Through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments, students will explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. The course will cover nine units: The Global Tapestry, Networks of Exchange, Land-based Empires, Transoceanic Interconnections, Revolutions, Consequences of Industrialization, Global Conflict, Cold War & Decolonization, andGlobalization. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Grade9:WorldHistoryFoundations(1.0credit)

In World History Foundations students investigatesignificantevents,individuals,developments, and processes from the beginning of human existence through the present to better understand the underlying forces that shape the world in which they live. They will also be able to explain the primary historical dynamics operative in the following chronological periods and illustrate them using specific examples: Our Big History; Early Humans; Cities, Societies, and Empires; Regional Webs; The First Global Age; The Long Nineteenth Century, and The Great ConvergenceandDivergence.

Grade10:UnitedStatesHistory(1.0credit)

This course is a broad survey of the development of the United States from its colonial origins until the present time. Taking a thematic approach, the course invites students to examine the ways in which notions of ethnicity, race, class, gender, nationalism and progress shaped (and continue to shape) the evolution of the United States’ political, economic, intellectual and cultural lifeaswellasthenation’srelationshiptobothothernationsandthenaturalenvironment. The course places an emphasis on the development of historical thinking, writing,research,and criticalthinkingskillsaswellasprimaryandsecondarysourceinterpretation.

Prerequisite: World History

Grade10:UnitedStatesHistoryHonors(1.0credit)

Thiscourseexpandsupontheregularcoursebydedicatingmoretimetoprimarysource investigation, emphasizing independent outside reading and in-class discussion and requiring additionalwritingassignments.

Prerequisites: World History and departmental approval.

APUnitedStatesHistory(1.0credit)

This course emphasizes the same general goals of the college preparatory United States history course with additional emphasis placed on the content and skills needed in preparation for, and performance on, the Advanced Placement exam. The course focuses on the major trends and developments from settlement to the present and on the mastery of such skills as document analysisandinterpretiveessaywriting. Prerequisites: World History and departmental approval.

Grade10:AmericanStudiesHonors(2credits;1crediteachinEnglishandHistory)

This course explores the cultural, historical, literary, and artistic heritage of the United States to developstudentunderstandingoftheforcesandprocessesthatgiveshapetotheworldinwhichthey live Thecourseisinterdisciplinary,worthtwocredits,andfulfillsPTS’ssophomoreyearHistoryand Englishrequirements Prerequisites:English9andWorldHistoryanddepartmentalapproval.

APEuropeanHistory(1.0credit)

This fast-paced, rigorous course surveys the major currents affecting Europe from the dawn of the Renaissance until the present, ensuring a comprehensive treatment of important events, figures, and movements in that time frame. The syllabus follows closely the guidelines suggested by the College Board in order to prepare students for success on the Advanced Placement examination at the end of the year. Students enrolling in the course are expected to master alargebodyofhistoricalknowledgewithahighdegreeofaccuracyandspecificity. They should also expect to engage in frequent writing assignments in the form of both free-response essays and document-based questions. In addition, the course involves regular document analysis and student-led Harkness discussions. Prerequisites: US History Honors or American Studies and departmental approval.

EuropeanHistory(1.0credit)

This course surveys European history from the Renaissance to the present. Beginning with the political, religious, and intellectual transformations that produced theso-called“modern”world, the course continues with a study of the period from 1800-1914, examining the emergence of modern thought, the forces of nationalism, and the effects ofindustrialism.Wealsoexaminethe global and cross-cultural impact Europe would make by colonizing during the Age of Exploration and its economic interventions during theNewImperialismofthe19thcentury.The course concludes with some pivotal 20th century events: the two world wars, the rise of totalitarianism, the Cold War, and the creation of the superpowers. In ordertodevelopstudents’ skills in reading comprehension and in the analysis of complex problems, attention is paid to primary sources as well as secondary ones. Students are assessed by a variety of methods, including frequent writing assignments and regular student-led Harkness discussions. Prerequisite: U.S. History or American Studies

EuropeanHistoryHonors(1.0credit)

The European History Honors course covers the same period as the European History course. Selected topics and themes fundamental to the development of the last 500 years of European history are explored in significant depth, including frequent readings from primary sources. Students read at least one additional book per semester, usually a novel that addresses relevant historical themes. The course seeks not only to give students a firm grounding in modern European history, but also to develop their skills in: comprehending difficult texts, analyzing complex problems, oral exposition of what has been learned, and in the formulation ofacogent written argument using appropriate evidence to support it.Accordingly,studentsareassessedby a variety of methods, including frequent writing assignments and regular student-led Harkness discussions. Prerequisites: U.S. History or American Studies and departmental approval.

*LatinAmericanHistory(1.0credit)

This course will touch on several themes over the course of the year that are essential to obtaining a greater understanding of Latin America.Aftertakingtimetointroducetheskillsthat will be crucial to the course, we will begin with a brief look at the city of Miami and the role South AmericaandtheCaribbeanhasplayedinshapingourhomeintoadynamicglobalcity.We will then turn back the clock for a spell and examine the colonial and post-colonial eras of the region which will helpestablishthecontextofourmodernhistoricalstudy.Wewillthendelvein depth into 20th century political, economic and social developments and the role the United States played in influencing the region. Case studies of Haiti, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela will beconductedduringtheacademicyearaswell.Studentswilldevelopavarietyof skills in this course, including how to effectively analyze sources, develop strong written arguments and hone their critical thinking skills. Above all students will develop a strong sense of historical empathy which will enable them to fully immerse themselves in the most essential task of a historian: to ultimately contribute their own perspective to Latin America’s story. Prerequisites: US History or American Studies and departmental recommendation.

*LatinAmericanHistoryHonors(1.0credit)

This year-long course expands on the college preparatory course with more extensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional written assignments. Students will read one additional book to address relevant in-depth historical topics. It is expected that students participate in Harkness discussions on a regular basisanddevelopaself-drivenandautonomous approach to the study of the region. Prerequisites: US History or American Studies and departmental recommendation.

*AsianHistory(1.0credit)

This course will touch on several themes over the course of the year that are essential to obtaining a greater understanding of the diverse tapestry that is Asia. We will first take time to conduct an overview of this part of the world and introduce the skills that will be crucial to the course. We will then begin to dive into the region by examining the Middle East and conduct case studies on Pan-Arabism, Arab Israeli relations and the role of oil in development. We will then delve into South Asia and examine the impact of colonialism and partition of the subcontinent. An examination of Southeast Asia will be next, with theoverarchingthemeofthe impact of colonialism and challenges of development as our guide. Finally, we will take an in depth look at EastAsia,andhowthenationsofChina,JapanandKoreahaveservedasexamples of autonomy and rapid economic expansion. Students will develop a variety of skills in this course, including how to effectivelyanalyzesources,developstrongwrittenargumentsandhone their critical thinking skills. Above all studentswilldevelopastrongsenseofhistoricalempathy which will enable them to fully immerse themselves in the most essential task of a historian: to

ultimately contribute their own perspective to Asia’s rich story. Prerequisites: US History or American Studies

*AsianHistoryHonors:(1.0credit)

This year-long honors program expands on the college preparatory course design with more extensive outside readings, thorough in-class discussion, and additional written assignments using primary sources. Students will read one additional book to address relevant in-depth historical topics. It is expected that students participate in Harkness discussions on a regular basis and develop a self-driven and autonomous approach to the study of the region. Prerequisites: U.S. History or American Studies and departmental recommendation.

IBDiplomaProgramme(DP)History

TheIBDiplomaProgramme(DP)historycourseisaworldhistorycoursebasedonacomparativeand multi-perspectiveapproachtohistory Itinvolvesthestudyofavarietyoftypesofhistory,including political,economic,socialandcultural,andprovidesabalanceofstructureandflexibility Thecourse emphasizestheimportanceofencouragingstudentstothinkhistoricallyandtodevelophistoricalskills aswellasgainingfactualknowledge.Itputsapremiumondevelopingtheskillsofcriticalthinking,and ondevelopinganunderstandingofmultipleinterpretationsofhistory.Inthisway,thecourseinvolves achallenginganddemandingcriticalexplorationofthepast. Thisisatwo-yearcourse.Prerequisites: AcceptanceintotheIBDiplomaProgram.

IBDiplomaProgramme(DP)GlobalPolitics

TheIBGlobalPoliticscourseisdesignedforstudentswhowishtounderstandhowtheworldtheyliveinworks,what drives or prevents change, and how power operates within social organization As a Diploma Programme (DP) subject, it aims to develop internationally minded people who foster intercultural understanding and respect, contributing to a better, more peaceful world. The course integrates concepts, content, and contexts through inquiriescenteredonpowerandpoliticalissues,delvingintokeyconceptssuchaspower,sovereignty,legitimacy,and interdependence.Studentsbuildknowledgebycriticallyengagingwithcontemporarypoliticalissuesandchallenges, drawing on various social sciences and humanitiesdisciplines,andutilizingreal-worldexamplesandcasestudiesat global, national, and local levels. A distinctive element of the course is the engagement project, which requires students to identify and analyze a political issue in a community or local setting through research and active engagement,encouragingalifelongcommitmenttoactiveglobalcitizenship Thisinquiry-basedapproachemphasizes developingstudents'awarenessofmultipleperspectivesandequippingthemwiththeskillstoanalyze,communicate about,andreflectonpoliticalissues

Departmental Electives

❖ These courses do not fulfill the department’s graduation requirements of World History, United States History, and a Regional History.

Economics(0.5credit)

This one-semester course introduces students to the fundamental principles of microeconomics that apply tothefunctionsofindividualdecisionmaking,bybothconsumerandproducer,within the larger economic system. Macro-economic systems—including Keynesian, classical, monetarist, and supply-side—are also studied, with students examining the roles of government in a mixed economy. Students are introduced to a varietyoftheoreticaltoolsusedtoanalyzethe performance of the US economy. Weekly Harkness discussions explore a variety of contemporary real-world issues, enabling students to improve anddemonstrateunderstandingof theissuesaddressedinthiscourse.

APMacroeconomics(1.0credit)

AP Macroeconomics is a full-year course designed for students with a strong interest in economics and government. The course syllabus parallels that of PTS’s college Preparatory Economics course, providing a broad overview of the fundamental principles, models and indices employed by economists to analyze an economic system as a whole, but doing so in greater depth and detail.Specificunitscoveredincludethefollowing:Measurementofeconomic Performance; National Income and Price Determination; Financial Sector; Inflation, Unemployment,andStabilizationPolicies;EconomicGrowthandProductivity;andInternational TradeandFinance. Co-requisites: Algebra II and departmental approval.

UnitedStatesGovernment(0.5credit)

ThiscourseprovidesacloseexaminationofAmerica’spoliticaltheories,institutionsand processes. After a review of the historical foundations of theUnitedStates,thecourseexamines the fundamental principles contained in the United States Constitution: republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, and civilliberties.Applicationoftheseprinciplesthroughcase studies helps students understand howthegovernmentalprocessworks.Majoremphasisisgiven to the institutions of the Congress at the national level. Links are madeamongtheseinstitutions and political parties, interest groups, the media, and public opinion in order to understand the forces and constraints on policy making at the federal level. Additionally, the course examines theelectoralsystem,civillibertiesandcivilrightsthroughjudicialinterpretations.

APUnitedStatesGovernment(1.0credit)

ThiscourseincludesthesameobjectivesastheUnitedStatesGovernmentcoursebutemphasizes mastery of the additional content and skills necessary for successful completion of the AP examination. Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

APHumanGeography(1.0credit)

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of the intersection between society and nature over time, and the patterns and processes of spatial occupation and socioeconomic activities that have shaped the human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface, what geographers call cultural or humanized landscape. Students will employ spatial analysis to interpret cultural landscapes and toexaminesocioeconomicorganizationsand their environmental consequences.Learningtothinkgeographicallyislearningtothinkspatially. Studentswillalsolearnthemethodsandtoolsthatgeographersuseintheirresearch,approaching relevant problems in the world using various scales of analysis: local, regional,andglobal.This ability will enhance their capacity to foster global citizenship and environmental stewardship. The course foresees two local geographic fieldwork trips in which students will apply the four levels of geographic analysis. By the end of this course, students should be more geoliterate, moreengagedincontemporaryglobalproblems,andmoremulticulturalintheirviewpoints.

Prerequisites: World History Honors and departmental approval.

*CitizenshipinElectionYears(0.5credit)

The course will explore the participation of citizens in political campaigns, elections, policy making, and institutions of government. Students will examine the evolution of voting laws/elections in the United States and factors that compel individuals to seek public office. Aiming to promote the kind of civicengagementthatisitsfocus,thecurriculumwillbecovered through multimedia, project-based, and experiential approaches to learning. Students will assume the roles of candidates and campaign staffers in deciding: strategy, organization, fundraising, themes, and messages. Additionally, students will analyze how political parties, interest groups, voters and the media play into the political dramaofelections. Open to students in grades 10 - 12.

*CulturalAnthropology(0.5credit)

This course will provide an introduction to the diverse lifeways practiced by people around the world, and to the means by which anthropologists investigate these phenomena. By studying cultural constructions of gender, subsistence, economics, kinship, politics, spirituality,andartas they are expressed within many different societies across the globe, students will gain an understanding of the observed range of human experience. In doing so, they will reflect upon how their own cultural influences have come to shape the way they see themselves and others. Open to students in grades 10 - 12.

*IntroductiontoLaw(0.5credit)

Students will be introduced to the theories, values, and traditional practices underlying the US legal system. Students will explore how these factors shape the theoretical and practical administration of justice in criminal and civil trials. Students will familiarize themselves with

the rights of defendants in criminal cases – procedural and substantive due process – as well as the prerogatives of plaintiffs in civil cases. Further,studentswilllearnaboutthestructureofthe judicial system and the roles of variouspersonnelwithinthesystem. Studentswillparticipatein mock trials on both sides, as members of prosecution and defense teams. Students may also have the opportunity to visit courts (the state, federal, and appeals courts as in the past) and/or participate in a Moot Court competition. By writing briefs and participating in moot court activities, students will practice learning to think critically about legal strategy and practice conciseevidenced-basedargumentation. Open to students in grades 10-12.

*LeadersoftheAfricanDiaspora(0.5credit)

Students will study the history oftheUnitedStatesthroughthelensofAfricanAmericanleaders and movements. Although the course will (by necessity) touch on slavery, segregation, racism, imperialism and mass incarceration, emphasis will be placed on how African Americans have seized agency and developed movements to overcome these systems of oppression. Thecourse will include leaders of cultural, political and social justice movements, and will consider how they operated (or operate) on local, national and global stages. The course will invitemembers of the PTS faculty who identify with the Black experience to share their insights with students. Students will also complete semester-long projects where they study and present on currentday Blackleadersandtheircontributions. Open to students in grades 11-12.

*PeaceandJustice(0.5credit)

Peace and Justice examines the concepts of peace and justice, focusing on their expression through mass movements of the 20th such as the Pacifist Campaign of the 1930s, Gandhi’s Anti-Colonial Movement, non-violence in the Modern Civil Rights Movement, nuclear non-proliferationcampaigns,variousAnti-WarMovements,andothers.Attentionisalsogivento themes such as democracy, religion, gender,andrace,andthewaysinwhichtheyhaveinformed and continue to inform peace advocacy movements. Prerequisite: Co- or prerequisite Regional History.

*Women,Culture,andDevelopmentI(0.5credit)

This course, open to all genders, will provide the theoretical framework to understand the historical roots of patriarchy and their mechanisms of oppression, as well as their concomitant expressions of sexism, discrimination, and violence against women. Using an intersectional approach and participatory pedagogy, students will study the social constructions of gender, the relationship between gender and power, and the different gender roles ascribed bysocieties.We will examine the diverse experiences that women face in developed and developing countries, and how they have been affected by cultural values and socioeconomic levels. Students will analyze how the interplay of factors such as access and retention to education, health services, employment, marriage and divorce, family planning and domestic violence influence women's development within a historical and spatial context. Under the framework of the Human

Development Index students will be able to understand the situationofwomenincomparisonto men in selected countries. We will read theoretical and empirical essays, watch films and documentaries, and invite speakers and activists to shed light on these issues. The course will conclude with a proposal to empower women either locally or abroad. Thus, we will bridge theory with praxis applying the content learned in this course with proper courses of action to empowerwomenandachievegenderequality. Open to students in grades 10 - 12.

GlobalDiplomacy:(0.5credit)

This semester-longcoursewillprovideabriefoverviewofinternationalrelationsandtherolethe United Nations has played on the world stage since 1945. Students will examine the establishment of the UN after World War II and its efforts to serveasaplatformformultilateral diplomacy during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Students will also learn about the structure of the UN, its values, institutions, and procedures. Skills that will be acquired include developing effective research methods when investigating issues and countries, the writing of position papers and resolutions, and working/debating effectively in committees following UNA-USA and THIMUN rules of procedure. The application of these skills will serve as the culmination of the course. Students will research and compose resolutions/position papers that address historical/current events and engage in UNA-USA/THIMUN rules of procedure to resolvethem.

*IconicSportsMomentsinAmericanHistory(0.5credit)

Iconic Sports Moments in American History is a semester-long elective coursethatexploresthe intersection of sports and U.S. history, examining how significant sporting events have shaped and been shaped by American cultural, political, and social dynamics. Students will investigate through primary andsecondarysourcesalongwithmultimediaanddigitalresourcestolearnhow sportsreflectsocietalvalues,challengenorms,andactascatalystsforchange.

*UnitedStateHistorythroughFilm(0.5credit)

This course would encourage students to “read movies as historical documents” that informour understanding of the historical past they portray and the concerns of the period in which they were produced. The course will alsodevelopcriticalliteracyskillsthattranslatetoothergenres. After watching movies, students will engageinmeaningfuldiscussiononaspectsofthefilmand write a thesis driven reflection essay on aspects of the movie. The list of potential titles is expansive and makes it possible to focus on a variety of themes within the course such as American individualism, war and conflict, race relations, youth culture, mass culture. Movies will be curated based on student interest and include important works that students are unlikely

to have seen such as: Birth of a Nation (1915), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), On the Waterfront (1954), Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), 12 Angry Men (1957), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), The Conversation (1974), Network (1976), Norma Rae (1979), Do the Right Thing (1989), and Quiz Show (1994).

WorldLanguages

Since language and communication are fundamental to human experience, the department aims to help students establish their roles as citizens of a diverse and changing world by developing language skills and cultural knowledge to communicate successfully. Educating students about the culture and geography of other countries promotes cross-cultural understanding and communication. All students are expected to develop and maintain proficiency in one other worldlanguage.

Honors courses are offered in levels III and IV, if enrollment warrants, for students who have demonstrated the ability and willingness to undertake advanced study while still in highschool. Subsequent offerings include Advanced Placement Language courses in French, Chinese, and Spanish, as well as AP Spanish Literature, followed by Spanish V Honors. Other electives, which may alternate with AP offerings, include Advanced French Language & Francophone Culture.

In addition, the department offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) French and Spanish Language programs, including Language B (Standard and Higher Levels) and ab initio courses, for students seeking a rigorous, globally recognized curriculum that develops both language proficiency and intercultural competence. These IB offerings complement our existing advanced-level pathways and provide students with an opportunity to engage deeply with languageandliteratureinaninternationalcontext.

HeritageSpeakers

After careful consideration of their abilities to communicate inthetargetlanguage,studentswill be placed in Middle or Upper School heritage-speaker Spanish or French courses through an assessment typically consisting of a brief interview in the target language, a written and oral placement test, and a teacher’s recommendation. Often, there is little correlation between the languagelevelsatwhichstudentsareenrolledandtheirgradelevelsatPalmerTrinity.

Middle School Offerings

Grade6

The linguistic component of the sixth-grade Discovery Program is designed to introduce the students to three World Languages. All students have the opportunitytostudyforseveralweeks in each of the following languages: Chinese, French, and Spanish. Introducing the students to language instruction at an early age whets their appetites for further language study. At the end oftheyear,studentswillchoosetheirlanguageofstudy.

Grades7and8

Chinese1A

This first-year Middle School introductory Chinese course is designed tohelpstudentsestablish the foundation of vocabulary, knowledge of Chinese, and communication skills through the natural and gradual integration of language, content, and cultural elements. This course is designed to emphasize the development of communication skills in listening,speaking,reading, and writing. This first-year Middle School introductory Chinese course is designed for students who have little ornopriorknowledgeofChinese.Itprovidesanopportunityforstudentstolearn basic phonetics and pronunciation skills, practice dialogues and short conversations, and gain basic reading and writing skills in the target language. It emphasizes building basic vocabulary andestablishingbasicskillsinlisteningandspeakingChinese. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Chinese 1B.

Chinese1B

The Chinese 1B course mainly focuses on continuing to help students establish the foundation of vocabulary, knowledge of Chinese,andcommunicationskillsthroughthenaturalandgradual integration of language, content, and cultural elements.Thiscourseisdesignedtoemphasizethe development of communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This second-year Middle School introductory Chinese course is designed for students who attended Chinese 1A. It provides an opportunity for students to review basic phonetics and practice pronunciation skills, dialogues, and short conversations, and continue to gain basic reading and writingskillsin Chinese.Itemphasizesbuildingbasicvocabularyandestablishingbasicskillsin listening and speaking Chinese. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Chinese 2.

French1A

This course is the first half of the Upper School level 1 course. This is the beginner level that lays the foundation for students to build proficiency through the Novice levels. Thiscoursewill help students to reflect on the target language through the lens of interculturality. Students will develop communicative skills on a variety of topics via dynamic and engaging activities, interactions, and videos. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to

be recommended for French 1B.

French1B

This courseisthesecondhalfoftheUpperSchoollevel1course,acontinuationofFrench1A.It focuses on functional communicative proficiency and the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar The four language skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing are developed through contextual language teaching. Utilizing this eclectic approach to language acquisition allows students to hear and see the language in use and movefromguided practicetoopen-endedexpressionsincorporatinghigher-ordercriticalthinking. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for French 2.

Spanish1A

This course is the first half of the Upper School level 1course.Thisisanintroductorycourseto the Spanish language and culture, focusing on functional communicative proficiency and the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. The four language skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing are developed through a topical approach to contextual language acquisition, utilizing an eclectic approach of hearing and seeing the language in use and moving from guided practice to open-ended expression, incorporating higher-order criticalthinkingskills. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 1B.

Spanish1B

This course is the second half of the Upper School level 1 course. It focuses on functional communicative proficiency and the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar The four language skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing are developed through contextual language teaching. Students will also be introduced to the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world with an emphasis on contemporary Latin culture. Specific content includes, but is not limited to, expansions of vocabulary and conversational skills through discussions of selected readings. Contemporary vocabulary stresses activities that are important to the everyday life of the target language-speaking people. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 2.

Spanish1

This is an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture focusing on functional communicative proficiency and the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. The four language skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing are developed through a topical approach to contextual language acquisition utilizing an eclectic approach of hearing and seeing the language in use and moving from guided practice to open-ended expression incorporating higher-order critical thinking skills. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 2.

Spanish2

Spanish 2 is the second levelforthenon-nativespeakersofSpanish.Thiscourseguidesstudents to build on the communicative skillstheyacquiredfromthefirstyearofstudy Studentsworkon short and simple conversations on familiar topics, writing short paragraphs,andreadingcultural selections from different Spanish-speaking countries. The course is conducted primarily in the target language so that studentsgainoralfacilityandimproveauralcomprehension.Studentsare introduced to more complex vocabulary and language rules within cultural contexts. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for Spanish 3 Honors; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 3.

Spanish1S

This course is designed forheritage,near-native,andnativespeakersofSpanishorstudentswith extensive outside experience and exposure. Itseekstoreinforceanddevelopwritingandreading skills in Spanish, and to develop proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, and appropriate verb conjugation in a cultural context. Several short selections from Hispanic literature and cross-curricular themes provide the basis for studying the Spanish language in a grammatical, cultural, and historical context. Studentsareexpectedtodiscussgrammarandverbconjugations, along with literary and cross-curricular themes, inSpanish.Thiscourseisconductedexclusively in Spanish. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 2S.

Spanish2S

This course is designed for heritage, near-native, or native speakers of Spanish or students with extensive outside experience and exposure. It continues to reinforce and develop writing and reading skills in Spanish with an emphasis on developing proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, and appropriate verb conjugation in aculturalcontext,inamorecomplexandextensivestudyof the language. Students create projects to reinforce their knowledge of Spanish in context. The use of several short selections from Hispanic literature and cross-curricular themes providesthe basis for studying the Spanish language in a grammatical, cultural, and historical context. Students are expected to discuss grammar along with literary and cross-curricular themes in Spanish. This course is conducted exclusively in Spanish. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 3S.

Spanish3S

This course is an intermediate-level course designed for heritage, near-native speakers, or students with extensive outside experience and exposuretotheSpanishlanguage.Itcontinuesto reinforce and develop writing and reading skills while placing a strong emphasis on mastering proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, and grammatical structures of the language previously acquired by students in Spanish 2S. The student is introduced to increasingly more complex aspects of the language through the formal study of grammar as well as through readings on Hispanic culture and literature. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at -52-

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least C- to be recommended for Spanish 4S Honors.

Upper School Offerings

Chinese1(1.0credit)

This introductory course is designed for Upper Schoolstudentswithorwithoutpriorknowledge of the Chinese language. The primary goal of this course is to help students establish the foundation of vocabulary, knowledge of Chinese, and communication skills throughthenatural and gradual integration of language, content, and cultural elements. This course is designed to emphasize the development of communication skillsinlistening,speaking,reading,andwriting. It provides an opportunity for students to learnbasicphoneticsandpronunciationskills,practice dialogues and short conversations, and gain basic reading and writing skills in the target language. It emphasizes building basic vocabulary and establishing basic skills in listening and speaking Chinese. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Chinese 2.

Chinese2(1.0credit)

Chinese 2 focuses on continuing to develop students’ listening, speaking, and reading skills. Students are also encouraged to use the target language to compose short dialogues and presentations. More complex sentences and texts are studied and grammar skills are required at this level. The course aims to expand students’ vocabulary and improve all their skills through selected texts, audio and videos, storybooks, and research project presentations. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Chinese 3 Honors.

Chinese3Honors(1.0credit)

Chinese 3 Honors is an intermediate level of Chinese that focuses on continuing to develop students’ listening, speaking, and reading skills. Students are required to usethetargetlanguage tocomposeshortdialoguesandpresentations.Morecomplexsentencesandtextsarestudied,and grammar skills are required at this level. The course aims to expand students’ vocabulary and improve all their skills throughselectedtexts,audioandvideos,storybooks,andresearchproject presentations. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Chinese 3 Honors.

Chinese4Honors(1.0credit)

This course focuses on the language skills of writing, listening, and speaking while also aiming to expand students’ vocabulary. The teacher-guided conversations help students gain more native-speaker skills. More advanced typing skills are also required at this level. Students are encouraged to use the target language to make conversations and speak in short online events. Throughout level 4, students practice and improve their language skills across interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communicative modes. Chinese4Honorsintroducesthetopics

of the economy, the environment, business, globalization, and international affairs to prepare students who are interested in international trade, relations, or other international affairs. The online readings and projects expose students to the culture, customs, and lives of people in China. Prerequisite: By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP Chinese Language and Culture.

APChineseLanguageandCulture(1.0credit)

The AP Chinese Language and Culture course in Chinese emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies,andculturalawareness.TheAPChineseLanguageandCulturecourse strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Chinese. The AP Chinese Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, and institutions); practices (patterns ofsocialinteractionswithinaculture);andperspectives(values,attitudes,and assumptions). The AP Chinese Language and Culture course is designed to be comparable to fourth-semester (or the equivalent) college/university courses in Chinese. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Chinese 5 Honors.

AdvancedChineseHonors(1.0credit)

The Advanced ChineseHonorscourseisdesignedforstudentswhohavecompletedtheChinese 4 HonorsstudyandintendtoworkonadvancedChinesecultureandhistoryresearch.Studentsin this course are encouraged to continuously study Chinese language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The research work will focus on China’s ancient dynasties, emperors, and their contributions to the development of China, famous people in Chinese history, how the Chinese culture and history relate and affect each other, the greatest philosophers and their thoughts, how their points of view affect our contemporary society,etc.Theresearchtopicswill cover a range of interests, including themes on the economy, the environment, business, globalization,andinternationaltrade.

French1(1.0credit)

This course provides an introduction to the study of a world language and culture. Students acquire beginning skills in pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing within cultural settings in the target language. They learn basic vocabulary essential for simple conversations: greetings, numbers, telling time, dates, days, months, weather, the classroom, family and friends, shopping, food, likes and dislikes, pastimes and sports, givingandreceiving directions, possessions, travel, health, seasonal activities, clothing, eating and ordering in a restaurant, and shopping. The text provides consistent reinforcement and mastery of the basic structures of the target language, especially in the present and immediatefuture.Printed, audio,

and audio-visual resources, paired communicative tasks, skits, and online activities for cultural enrichment regarding customs, holidays, history, and geography of the Francophone world supplement the text and workbook. This course isopentostudentsnewtotheUpperSchooland with no prior study of the language, and to those upperclassmen who choose to undertake an additional world language. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least Cto be recommended for French 2.

French2(1.0credit)

This course guides students to build on the communicative skills they acquired from the first year of study Students work on short and simple conversations on familiar topics,writingshort paragraphs, and reading cultural selectionsfromdifferentFrench-speakingcountries.Thecourse is conducted primarily in the targetlanguagesothatstudentsgainoralfacilityandimproveaural comprehension. Students are introduced to more complex vocabulary and language ruleswithin cultural contexts. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for French 3 Honors; otherwise, the recommendation will be for French 3.

French3(1.0credit)

This course continues to develop students’ spoken and written fluency in the target language through class discussion of social and cultural issues, using authentic material and various printed, audio, and audio-visual resources. In addition, students expand their grammar base. Students are encouraged to use the target language creatively to present information, support opinions, suggest and analyze outcomes, and persuade others. Readings mayincludenewspaper articles, extracts from plays, short stories, poetry, or a novel. Audio and audio-visual resources help to enhance vocabularyacquisition,torefinelisteningcomprehensionandoralpresentations, and to promote awareness of a diverse world and its cultural history. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for French 4 Honors.

French3Honors(1.0credit)

This course continues to develop students’ spoken and written fluency in the target language through class discussion of social and cultural issues, using authentic material and various printed, audio, and audio-visual resources. In addition, students expand their vocabulary and grammar more in-depth, as well as their familiarity with concepts not taught in regular French courses. Students are expected to use the target language creatively to present information, support opinions, suggest and analyze outcomes, and persuade others. Readings may include newspaper articles, extracts from plays, short stories, poetry, or a novel.Audioandaudio-visual resources help to enhance vocabulary acquisition, to refine listening comprehension and oral presentations, and to promote awareness and appreciation of a diverse world and its cultural history By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for French 4 Honors.

French4Honors(1.0credit)

Built on a rigorous curriculum, this course is designed to lead directly to the Advanced PlacementFrenchLanguageandCulturecourseforthetopacademicstudents.Throughexposure to a variety of French films and readings, students expand their knowledge of culture, history, and current events in French-speaking countries and hone their skills in listening and reading comprehension.Impromptudiscussions,debates,andculturalpresentationshelpstudentslearnto express their ideas with accuracy and fluency. Students perfect their writing in organized, detailed, expository essays. They read and discuss short stories,poems,plays,andanovelinthe target language. The aim is for them to achieve mastery of French at the advancedintermediate level. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP French Language and Culture; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Advanced French Language & Francophone Culture.

AdvancedFrenchLanguage&FrancophoneCulture(1.0credit)

This course is designedforadvancedspeakersofFrench.Thepurposeofthiscourseistoexpand the conversational and written skills of the students in the target language. Salient aspects of geography, history, art, and music are covered through short readings of advanced texts and viewing feature-length films. Readings and films explore aspects of Francophone culture in countries and regions around the world whereFrenchisoneoftheOfficiallanguagesbecauseof its historical ties with France.Sincethelinguisticcomponentisofprimaryimportance,thestudy of colloquial and slang expressions encountered is an integral part of each unit. To maximize exposure to a wide vocabulary experience, the readings and the films need to cover different genres, decades, and countries. There is an emphasis on class participation in written and oral projects. This course, conducted exclusively in French, is open to students eager to prepare for the AP French Language and Culture course or those who have already taken it. This class is recommended for juniors and seniors only. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP French Language and Culture.

APFrenchLanguageandCulture(1.0credit)

To prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Language examination in May, this college-level course focuses on three modes of communication: interpretive and presentational. The preparation is done by using authentic cultural resources, studying and practicing in depth with the six global themes, and making connections to the manysub-themesonwhichtheexam is based. The main themes are global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, public and personal identity, family and community, and beauty and aesthetics. Course goals, assessments, and the student portfolio are organized in three areas: Spoken Communication, Written Communication, and Facilitating Skills. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Advanced French Language & Francophone Culture.

InternationalBaccalaureateFrenchBAbInitio(1.0credit,peryear)

Language acquisition consists of two modern language courses, languageabinitioandlanguage B, designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. Offered at SL only, language ab initio is a language acquisition course designed for students with no previous experiencein,orverylittleexposureto,thetargetlanguage.Language ab initio students develop their receptive, productive, and interactive skills while learning to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Students develop the ability to communicate through the study of language, themes, and texts. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization,andsharingthe planet.

InternationalBaccalaureateFrenchBStandardLevel(1.0credit,peryear)

Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language. Students further develop theirabilitytocommunicatethrough the study of language, themes, and texts. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet. Both language B SL and HL students learn tocommunicateinthetargetlanguageinfamiliarandunfamiliarcontexts. The distinction between language B SL and HL can be seen in the level of competency the student is expected to develop in receptive, productive, and interactive skills. Students continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of howlanguageworks,toconstruct,analyse,andevaluateargumentsonavariety oftopicsrelatingtocoursecontentandthetargetlanguageculture(s).

Spanish1(1.0credit)

This is an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture, focusing on functional communicative proficiency and the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. The four language skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing are developed through a topical approach to contextual language acquisition, utilizing an eclectic approach of hearing and seeing the language in use and moving from guided practice to open-ended expression, incorporating higher-order critical thinking skills. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 2.

Spanish2(1.0credit)

This course guides students to build on the communicative skills they acquired from the first year of study Students work on short and simple conversations on familiar topics,writingshort paragraphs, and reading cultural selections from different Spanish-speaking countries. The course is conducted primarily in the target language so that students gain oral facility and improve aural comprehension. Students are introduced to more complex vocabulary and language rules within cultural contexts. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for Spanish 3 Honors; otherwise, the recommendation will be -57Rev 1/23/26

for Spanish 3.

Spanish3(1.0credit)

This course continues the adventure of learning the Spanish language by providing masteryand expansion of skills acquired in previous courses and developing students’ spoken and written fluency in the target language through class discussion of social and cultural issues, using authentic material and various printed, audio, and audio-visual resources. In addition, students expand their grammar base and encourage the use of the target language creatively to present information, support opinions, suggest and analyzeoutcomes,andpersuadeothers.Studentswill also be introduced to the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world with an emphasis on contemporary Latin culture. Specific content includes but is not limited to expansions of vocabulary and conversational skills through discussions of selected readings. Contemporary vocabulary stresses activities that are important to the everyday life of the target language-speaking people. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least Ato be recommended for Spanish 4 Honors; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 4.

Spanish3Honors(1.0credit)

This course continues the adventure of learning the Spanish language by providing masteryand expansion of skills acquired in previous courses and developing students’ spoken and written fluency in the target language through class discussion of social and cultural issues, using authentic material and various printed, audio, and audio-visual resources. In addition, students expand their grammar base and encourage the use of the target language creatively to present information, support opinions, suggest and analyzeoutcomes,andpersuadeothers.Studentswill also be introduced to the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world with an emphasis on contemporary Latin culture. Specific content includes but is not limited to expansions of vocabulary and conversational skills through discussions of selected readings. Contemporary vocabulary stresses activities that are important to the everyday life of the target language-speaking people. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least Ato be recommended for Spanish 4 Honors; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 4.

Spanish3S(1.0credit)

This course is an intermediate-level course designed for heritage or near-native speakers of Spanish. The Spanish IIIS course continues to reinforce and develop writing and reading skills while placing a strong emphasis on mastering proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, and grammatical structures of the language previously acquired bystudentsinpreviouscourses.The student is introduced to increasingly more complex aspects of the language through the formal study of grammar as well as through readings on Hispanic culture and literature. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 4S Honors.

Spanish4(1.0credit)

This course is an advanced intermediate and pre-AP language course.ItisconductedinSpanish in preparation for the AP Spanish Language andCultureclass.Thecoursewillincludethestudy of grammar and vocabulary in addition to culture, history, readingcomprehension,andlistening activities. Students will continue to expand their knowledge of the culture, history, and daily lives of Spanish-speaking people. It emphasizes the four communicative skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a culturally authentic context. Grammarskillsareexpandedas students make oral presentations, read short literary selections,readonenovel,researchselected Latin American countries, the USA, and Spain, andwritecompositionsinSpanish.Thestudents learn to identify current and past contributionsmadebySpanishspeakerstoworldliterature,art, music, science, and commerce, and make global connections. The course is conducted exclusively in the target language, and it is built around a rigorous curriculum designed to lead directly to the APSpanishLanguageandCulturecourse. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP Spanish Language and Culture; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 5 Honors.

Spanish4Honors(1.0credit)

This course is an advanced intermediate and pre-AP language course.ItisconductedinSpanish in preparation for the AP Spanish Language andCultureclass.Thecoursewillincludethestudy of grammar and vocabulary in addition to culture, history, readingcomprehension,andlistening activities. Students will continue to expand their knowledge of the culture, history, and daily lives of Spanish-speaking people. It emphasizes the four communicative skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a culturally authentic context. Grammarskillsareexpandedas students make oral presentations, read short literary selections,readonenovel,researchselected Latin American countries, the USA, and Spain, andwritecompositionsinSpanish.Thestudents learn to identify current and past contributionsmadebySpanishspeakerstoworldliterature,art, music, science, and commerce, and make global connections. The course is conducted exclusively in the target language, and it is built around a rigorous curriculum designed to lead directly to the APSpanishLanguageandCulturecourse. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP Spanish Language and Culture; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 5 Honors.

Spanish4SHonors(1.0credit)

This course is an intermediate-high, pre-AP course designed for heritage, native, or near-native speakers of Spanish. At this level, the emphasis is on the development of proficient communication in the language. The cross-curricular approach includes a holistic view of learning, intercultural awareness embracing international issues, and communication as fundamental to learning. The design provides students with values and opportunitiesthatenable them to develop respect for others and an appreciation of similarities and differences. Learning how to learn and how to critically evaluate information is as important as the content of any disciplineitself.Theliteratureisintroducedthroughthestudyofimportanthistoricaloccurrences

from different countries, in combination with movies, art, articles, documentaries, music, and research that reflects these events. Class discussions, oral reports, and compositions are the means to accomplish the objectives of the course. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP Spanish Language and Culture; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 5 Honors.

Spanish5Honors:FilmandPolitics(1.0credit)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to film in general while fostering a critical appreciation fortheessentialfeaturesofSpanish-speakingcinema.Thefilmsarechosennotonly to entertain, but to contribute to the creation and circulation of culture as well as national and regional imagesandidentities,andtheyportrayandanalyzesocialproblems.Thefilmsprovidea structural and historical analysis of major exponents in contemporary Hispanic film, including the cinema of Latin America and Spain. This courseseekstoreviewandanalyzethecomplexity and richness of Latin American cultureandhistoryusingfilmsasavehicletofacilitatestudents´ understanding. Drawing from both formal and socio-cultural models of description, the course examines the film production of well-knowndirectors.Readingsonspecificfilmsandcinemaas an industry are integrated with close film analysis. In this course, students view and interpret significant feature-length films while identifying and analyzing notions of Spanish/Hispanic culture, historic events, and sociopolitical currents. A grounding in film theory is concurrently provided and developed throughout the year By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP Spanish Language and Culture.

APSpanishLanguageandCulture(1.0credit)

This course is designed for heritage speakers, near-native speakers, and non-native speakers of Spanish, and helps them move from the intermediate level toward the advanced level of proficiency in interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive communication modes in Spanish. Unit goals are stated in the form of Essential Questions relating to the AP themes. These essential questions drive instruction; students are regularly assessed and receive formative feedback to refine communication skills and develop deep understandings relating to the essential questions. Course goals, assessments, and the student portfolio are organized in three areas: Spoken Communication, Written Communication, and Facilitating Skills. There is an emphasis on class participation, class work and assignments, written and oral projects, and several types of advanced readings. The course is conducted exclusively in Spanish. At the end of the course, it is mandatory to take the AP Languageexamtoreceivecredit. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least A- to be recommended for AP Spanish Literature and Culture; otherwise, the recommendation will be for Spanish 5 Honors.

APSpanishLiteratureandCulture(1.0credit)

This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement SpanishLiteratureExaminMay This course is equivalent to a college-level introduction to Hispanic and Latin American literature. The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course is a survey course that covers the six

AP Spanish Literature themes and the entire reading list outlined within the AP Spanish Literature Curriculum Framework. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish and covers Spanish and Latin American authors and their works, from the medieval period to the present day. The works are presented to integrate the historical themes and literary movements of the different periods and highlight the schools of literature to which each piece belongs, as well as the author’s style and the characteristics of each selection. The main textprovidesstudentswith the socio-cultural context necessary to fully comprehend each piece. The two-semester course and its activities are intended to teach and enhance a student’s ability to acquire, identify, understand, discuss, interpret, and analyze the form and content of literary works of prose, poetry, and drama, along with the literary terms and conceptual aspects of art and historyofthe time. The lessons are designed to help studentsinterpretthefiguresofspeech,tone,genre,style, characters, themes, and literary symbols to develop their analytical and interpretative skills. At the end of the course, it is mandatory to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture exam to receive credit. By the end of this course, students must achieve a grade of at least C- to be recommended for Spanish 5 Honors.

InternationalBaccalaureateSpanishB(StandardLevel)(1.0creditperyear)

Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language. Students further develop theirabilitytocommunicatethrough the study of language, themes, and texts. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet. Both language B SL and HL students learn tocommunicateinthetargetlanguageinfamiliarandunfamiliarcontexts. The distinction between language B SL and HL can be seen in the level of competency the student is expectedtodevelopinreceptive,productive,andinteractiveskills.AtHL,thestudyof two literary works originally written inthetargetlanguageisrequired,andstudentsareexpected to extend the range and complexity of the language they use and understand to communicate. Students continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how language works, to construct, analyse and evaluate arguments on a variety of topics relating to course content and provide students with a basis for further study,workandleisurethroughtheuseofanadditionallanguage.

InternationalBaccalaureateSpanishB(HigherLevel)(1.0creditperyear)

Language B is a language acquisition course designed for students with some previous experience of the target language. Students further develop theirabilitytocommunicatethrough the study of language, themes, and texts. There are five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet. Both language B SL and HL students learn tocommunicateinthetargetlanguageinfamiliarandunfamiliarcontexts. The distinction between language B SL and HL can be seen in the level of competency the student is expectedtodevelopinreceptive,productive,andinteractiveskills.AtHL,thestudyof two literary works originally written inthetargetlanguageisrequired,andstudentsareexpected to extend the range and complexity of the language they use and understand to communicate. Students continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their -61-

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conceptual understanding of how language works, to construct, analyse and evaluate arguments on a variety of topics relating to course content and provide students with a basis for further study,workandleisurethroughtheuseofanadditionallanguage.

ReligiousAndPhilosophicalStudies

With an academic rather than a devotional approach, courses in the ReligiousandPhilosophical Studies Department share the common goal of all Palmer Trinity Humanities courses: to better understand human beings. Essential to all department courses is afocusonmulticulturalismand an empathetic study of others. As standard pedagogical procedure for the liberal arts, we encourage students to reflect actively upon the material they study Courses in Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics utilize interdisciplinary methodologies such as historical investigation, social science and cultural studies, and critical textual studies to enable students to explore religion’s intimate connections with politics, economics, gender roles, racial dynamics, and the sciences. Students are required to take two semesters within the department, starting with the Foundations of World Religions course,tomeetgraduationrequirements.

Middle School Offerings

BeingHuman: FiveMajorReligions

Students will explore five of the great religions and philosophies of the world– Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – which have shaped civilization. These traditions yield a rich variety from which to draw case studies, narratives, and biographies for models of living the ethical life. Students will consider and reflect upon the significance of religion and ethicsinthecontemporaryworld. Open to students in grades 7-8.

Upper School Offerings

*Indicates courses offered on rotation.

FoundationsofWorldReligions (0.5credits)

Students in this class will advance in religious literacy by studying the ways in which religious adherents have understood and experienced their traditions, focusing particularly on the monotheistic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students survey religious teachings, -62-

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texts, and practices through the different historical contexts in which the religions emerged and diversified. The dominant themes and emphases of eachreligionaretracedfromtheirinception up through contemporary times, paying attention to the variety of interpretations that scholars have offered. Students focus on developing the skills of careful reading, critical thinking, cross-culturalanalysis,andexpositorywriting.

*AsianReligiousTraditions(0.5credit)

Students in this class will advance in religious literacy by studying the ways in which religious adherents have understood and experienced Asian traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Students survey religious teachings, texts,andpracticesthroughthe differenthistoricalcontextsinwhichthereligionsemergedanddiversifiedthroughcontemporary times, paying attention to various interpretations. Students focus on developing skills of careful reading, critical thinking, and analytical writing. Open to students in grades 10-12 who have completed the Foundations in World Religions course.

*WesternPhilosophy(0.5credit)

The aim of all philosophy is to “think about thinking.” For upper school students itisachance to step back and question the assumptions and underpinnings of all the knowledge received in other courses to date. This survey course is an introduction to some important thinkers in the history of western philosophy, beginning with those of Ancient Greece and proceeding through time to the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. Students will study philosophical topics pertaining to what fundamentally exists (metaphysics), what we can know (epistemology), as well as what we value (axiology). From this foundation in western philosophy, students will be exposed to historical philosophical thought in order to gain their own understanding of some of the perennial questions and some of the notable answers that have animated the human condition. Students focus on developing skills of careful reading, critical thinking, oral argument,andanalyticalwriting. Open to students in grades 10-12.

Christianity(0.5credit)

This course on Christianity utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, which means that students learn about the complex relationships between Christianity, area studies, textual studies and contemporary culture. This approach enables students to explore the internal diversity within Christianity as well as thewaysinwhichChristianityinfluencesandisinfluencedbycultureand society. Students focus on developingtheskillsofcarefulreading,criticalthinking,andanalytic writing. Open to students in grades 10-12 who have completed the Foundations in World Religions course.

TopicsinEthics (0.5credit)

What is the basis for distinguishing right actions from wrong actions? How should a person in the 21st Century live? Students explore these questions through a combination of the academic study of moral philosophy and personal reflection. Students focus on developing the skills of carefulreading,criticalthinking,oralargument,andanalyticalwriting.

Open to students in grades 11-12.

*TopicsinReligion:Journeys(0.5credit)

This course will covertheconceptoftheSpiritual/ReligiousJourneyandtheideaofPilgrimage through the centuries and today. Exploration will be made of how each person's physical development is connected to one's spiritual and emotional growth. The bulk of the course involves following the geographical travels of fictional andhistoricalpeoplesuchasEgeriawho pilgrimaged to the Holy Land in the 4th century and characters "on the Canterbury Trail” in Western literature. Open to students in grades 9-12 who have completed the Foundations in World Religions course.

VisualArts

TheVisualArtsDepartmentatPalmerTrinityiscommittedtoofferingarichfoundationintwoandthree-dimensionalartinatruestudiosetting.Aspracticingartists,ourfacultyprovides hands-onknowledgeofcontemporaryaestheticpractices,astrongbackgroundinarthistory andanactivelinktotheartcommunityinMiami.Inthestudio,weaimtoprovideaforumfor studentstovisuallyexploreinterdisciplinaryideaswhilemasteringmaterialsandtechniques presented.Weofferastudent-orientedcurriculumthatfeaturesdiverseactivitiesand addressesindividualneedsandaspirations.

Middle School Offerings

MiddleSchoolArt

Students in 7th and 8th grade will explore their creativity through exercises and challenges, and through artprojectsthatalsoexploreanddeveloptheirknowledgeofmaterialsandimprovetheir skill. They learn about the elements and principles of art through projects in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media. Art history will be a component of most projects.Duringthesemester,thestudentsarealsoguidedtomaketheirownchoicestocreateart -64-

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according to their individual inspiration. Topics will rotate to allow for students who take the coursemultipletimesthroughout7th and8th grade.

Upper School Offerings

*Indicates courses offered on rotation.

DigitalArt(0.5credit)

This course explores the making of visual art through digital means. Students explore the techniques and principles of digital photography and digital design. Using computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop, students move from subtle image enhancement to creating more complexcompositionsandcollages. Open to students in grades 9-12.

StudioArt(0.5credit)

This is a mixed media course focused on learning the tools and techniques used in successful art-making. Students are introduced to art and design fundamentals.Projectsfocusingonpencil, oil pastel, scratchboard, marker, colored pencil, and/or collage serve to further students’ understanding of how to express themselves through art in a wide range of modalities. Open to students in grades 9-12.

StudioArtII(0.5credit)

Studio Art II is a continuation of topics explored in the level one course, dealing with the elements of art and design through more challenging class projects. Students will elevate their use of the techniques and the concepts presented using materials such as pencil, oil pastel, charcoal, marker, colored pencil,and/orcollage,andwillseektocontinueexpressingthemselves throughartinthislevelIIcourse. Open to students in grades 9-12.

StudioArtIII(0.5credit)

Studio Art III is a continuation of topics explored in the level two course, focusing on the elements and principles of art and design. Students will be challenged to further express their creative ideas using a wide variety of materials andatahigherleveloftechnicalexpertise. This course will serve to prepare students for the Advanced Placement level of studio art. Open to students in grades 9-12.

3D Art (0.5 credit) Students will be introduced to a wide variety of 3 dimensional art-making techniques and develop their skills in crafting artwork in three dimensions. The class will explore clay, additive and subtractive processes, digital 3D modeling, and more. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of 3D design while completing a variety of projects. Open to students in grades 9-12.

3D Art II (0.5 credit) 3D Art II is a continuation of topics explored in the level one course; to various 3-dimensional art-making techniques and developtheirskillsincraftingartworkinthree dimensions. The class will work with additive and subtractive processes, 3D modeling, and more. Students will work with the principles and elements of 3D design while completing various projects to further express their creative ideas at a higher level of technical expertise. Open to students in grades 9-12.

3D Art III (0.5 credit) 3D Art III is a continuation of topics of the level II course; to various 3-dimensional art-making techniques and develop their skills in crafting artwork in three dimensions. The class will work with additive and subtractive processes, 3D modeling, and more. Students will work with the principles and elements of 3D design while completing various projects to further express their creative ideas at a higher level of technical expertise. This course will serve to prepare students for the AdvancedPlacementlevelofstudioart. Open to students in grades 9-12.

AP2DArt&Design/APDrawing(1.0credit)

This highly intensive and demanding course is open to students with a strong desire to test the limits of theircreativity,industry,andperseverance.Eachstudentmustcompleteageneralstudio portfolio containing works for evaluation by the College Board. Work is expected to be of the highest quality. A strong interest in Art and a solid foundation in the elements andprinciplesof two-dimensional designarenecessaryforstudentstosucceedinthecourse.Enrollmentissubject toinstructorapproval. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

AP3DArt&Design(1.0credit)

The AP 3-D Art and Design course framework is designed to help students develop an inquiry-based approach to learning about and creating forms and structures in art and design. Through sustained investigation of materials,processes,concepts,andideasinthreedimensions, students will explore and develop their artistic abilities and engage in critical analysis of their work. Each student must complete a general studio portfolio containingworksforevaluationby the College Board. Work is expected to be of the highest quality. Enrollment is subject to instructorapproval. Prerequisite: Departmental approval. -66-

IBVisualArts(1.0creditperyear)

TheIBVisualArtscourseencouragesstudentstochallengetheirowncreativeandcultural expectationsandboundaries.Itisathought-provokingcourseinwhichstudentsdevelop analyticalskillsinproblem-solvinganddivergentthinking,whileworkingtowardstechnical proficiencyandconfidenceasart-makers.Inadditiontoexploringandcomparingvisualarts fromdifferentperspectivesandinmulti-culturalcontexts,studentsareexpectedtoengagein, experimentwithandcriticallyreflectuponawiderangeofcontemporarypracticesandmedia.

*3-DArchitecturalDesign(0.5credit)

In this semester course, students use a variety of materials, tools, and techniques to explore the various principles and theories of design in the round. Lines, planes, solids, and open areas are manipulated to create architecturally oriented constructions. The students’ and instructor’s slide lectures on modern and contemporary architects, designers and sculptors are complemented by discussions and critiques. Special emphasis is given to the pressing concerns of Green Design. Open to students in grades 9-12.

*ArtHistory(0.5credit)

This course emphasizes the study of works of art, by describing, analyzing, and interpreting them, to discover their significance in history, design, and for society. Fast paced, the class will cover the history of western art since the 1900’s. We will learn through text, video, lecture, discussion,andnewsarticles. Open to students in grades 9-12.

PerformingArts

Aestheticeducationisanessentialelementinthedevelopmentofanywell-roundedindividual. In order to provide educational opportunities for the whole student, the Performing Arts Department strives to engage students with a variety of innovative, interesting, challenging and captivating courses that allow students to develop artistic potential and ability to the fullest. In essence, students need an outlet whereby they can exploreamoreaestheticsideoflife.Students must haveexperiencesineveryaspectofthearts,exploringtheircreativitythroughmanipulation of aural and physical elements, while concentrating on developing and honing performance -67-

skills. Furthermore, the ability to objectively, intelligently and effectively express one’s opinion aboutartisticproductsiscrucial.ThemissionofthePerformingArtsDepartmentistoprovideall studentsasequentialseriesoflearningexperiences,includingstudyingdiversegenresandstyles, while incorporating creative, analytical, interdisciplinary and technological elements. Assessmentisanessentialelementofmonitoringstudentachievementandprogress,andboth studentsandtheprogramareassessedonaregularbasis.Thoughstudentsmaynotchooseto pursueavocationintheperformingarts,theyleavetheprogramwithanawarenessand appreciationthatservestoenrichtheirlives.

Middle School Offerings

Band6

Students are actively involved while learning the fundamentals of music and performance. No previous experience is necessary Studentslearnawindorpercussioninstrumentoftheirchoice. Specifically, the basics of playing a band instrument are stressed, including music reading, proper posture, stage presence, embouchure, breathing and breath support, articulation and fingerings. Technical termssuchastimesignatures,keysignatures,dynamics,andsimpletempo markings are introduced and reinforced. This band performs during the winter and spring concerts.Instrumentsareprovidedbytheschool. Open to students in Grade 6.

Chorus6

The goal of the Chorus is to encourage singing beyond the elementary school, and into Middle and Upper School. Students in Chorus 6 participate in numerous performances throughout the year Students sing in a variety of styles, including jazz, pop, classical, and folk. Through repertoire, students learn good performance practices as well as how to produce healthy, full sounds using their voices. Students learn sight-singing and add to the music reading skills they mayhavealreadyacquired. Open to students in grade 6.

Guitar6

This year-long course is an introduction to the guitar and is open to sixth-grade students regardless of previous playing experience. In this class, instruction focuses on thefundamentals of guitar playing with an emphasis on developing correct posture, plucking, strumming, tuning, reading music notation, rhythm comprehension,andbasicchordstructure.Theclassrepertoireis chosen from a variety of musical styles that include classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semester the students are featuredinperformances.Instrumentsareavailablefrom theschool. Open to students in grade 6 with no previous playing experience needed.

Orchestra6

Orchestra 6 is designed primarily for beginning string players with little or no previous playing experience. Fundamental string concepts are introduced and reinforced. Repertoire includes Essential Elements, BookIandGrade½-1educationalmusicandarrangements. Technicalgoals include first position proficiency, one-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in C, G, and D Major, smooth and hooked slurring, staccato, and pizzicato. Technical terms such as time signatures, key signatures, dynamics, and simple tempo markingsareintroducedandreinforced. Open to students in grade 6.

*BeginningBand

This course is designed for students who are beginning instruction on an instrument or have changed to a new instrument after having previous instruction. No previous experience is necessary. The class stresses the fundamentals of music and gives ample opportunity for performance. Specific attention is paid to the foundational elements of successful instrumental performance includingmusicreading,posture,breathing,embouchure,breathsupport,breathing, articulation, fingerings, articulation and stagepresence. Inordertostrengthenindependenceand self-confidence, solo and smaller ensemble playing is an integral part of this course. Open to students in grades 7-8.

*BeginningOrchestra

This course is designed asanintroductiontoplayingstringinstruments. Studentsmaychooseto study the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Rudimentary string techniques and music reading are taught in the first half oftheyear. Thesecondhalfoftheyearfocusesonimprovingplayingand ensemble techniques in order to prepare the student to join the Intermediate Strings or String Ensemble classes. The student is exposedtoavarietyofmusicalstyles,basicmusichistory,and an ample knowledgeofmusictheory. Allstudentsmeetwiththeinstructorweeklyforindividual guidance. Students participate in scheduled concerts and other various performance opportunitiesatschool. Open to students in grades 7-8.

*IntermediateOrchestra

The Intermediate Orchestra comprises primarily 7th-and8th-gradestudentswhohaveatleastone year of playing experience on a stringed instrument. Repertoire includes Essential Elements, Book II and grade I and II educational music, arranged classical works, and standard string repertoire. Solo and ensemble repertoire is introduced in this class. Technical goals include refinement of first position as well as an introduction to and use of third position. Other technical goals include two-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in C, G, and D major and one-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in F and B flat major. This class refines skills in smooth and hooked slurring, staccato, use of dynamics, and intonation. Performance opportunities include school events, local music festivals and adjudications, and performance

based travel. Open to students in grades 7-8 with playing experience or director recommendation.

ConcertOrchestra

This ensemble is open primarily to string students in eighth grade with at least 1-2 years of playing experience on a stringed instrument. The repertoire for thisclassfocusesonHabitsofa Successful Middle Musician or Essential Element, Book 2 in addition to grade 1.5 to grade 2.5 educational music, arranged classical works, and standard string repertoire. Solo and ensemble repertoire is encouraged inthisclass. Technicalgoalsincluderefinementoffirstpositionaswell as an introduction to and use of half, second, and third position. Other technical goals include two-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in C, G, and D major and one-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in A, F, and B flat major. This class refines skills in smooth and hooked slurring, staccato, use of dynamics, and intonation. Performance opportunities include school events, local music festivals and adjudications, and performance based travel. Open to students in grades 7-8, with playing experience or director recommendation.

*IntermediateBand

The intermediate band courseprovidesthestudentwithamorein-depthexplorationofrepertoire and techniques. This exploration includes agreatervarietyofstyles,ahigherdemandonplaying skills, and a requirement for greater musical sensitivity. Fundamental skills of playing are continually reinforced and developed as a result of preparing more challenging music for performance. Listening and analytical skills are developed during this course, in preparationfor the next level of advancement. Repertoire includes selections for full-ensemble, duet and solo performances. Open to students in grade 7-8 with playing experience or by teacher recommendation.

ConcertBand

This course is for those students who have previous experience playing a wind or percussion instrument. Students in the ensemble study repertoire of ahigherlevelofdifficulty,challenging their playing skills. Continued attention to performance practice, stylistic interpretation of repertoire and refinement of technicalskillsisemphasized. Thisgroupisoneofthemostvisible performing ensembles of the school and may participate intheFloridaBandmastersAssociation Music Performance Assessments and events. Opportunity to perform in smaller groups and solos is an integral part of this course. Enrollment in this course is based on completion of Intermediate Band or audition. Open to students in grades 7-8, with playing experience and director recommendation.

*IntermediateGuitar

This year-long course is offered to beginning students in seventh through eighth grade. In this class, instruction focuses on the fundamentals of guitar playing withanemphasisondeveloping correctposture,plucking,strumming,tuning,readingmusicnotation,rhythmcomprehensionand basic chord structure. The class repertoire is chosen fromavarietyofmusicalstylesthatinclude classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semester the students are featured in performances. Instruments are available from the school. Open to students in grades 7&8 who have successfully completed 6thGradeGuitar, or by audition with permission of the instructor.

MiddleSchoolGuitar

The year-long course is offered to students in seventh through eighth grade who have successfully completed 6th grade guitar. In this class, instruction focuses on review of the fundamentals of playing with an emphasis onexpandingrudimentarytheoryknowledge,suchas intervals, scale and chord construction, sight-reading, and real-time rhythm comprehension. Students also continue to develop solo-playing skills. The class repertoire is chosen from a variety of musical styles that include classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semesterthestudentsarefeaturedinperformances. Instrumentsareavailablefromtheschool. Open to students in grades 7-8 who have successfully completed 6thgradeguitar, or by audition with permission of the instructor. This course is repeatable for credit and it is preparatory for Guitar Ensemble.

MiddleSchoolChorus

Students inthisyear-longchoralclasslearncorrectvocalproduction,breathsupport,diction,and style, while studying a variety of popular, jazz, folk, and classicalrepertoire.Studentsalsolearn sight-singing skills using solfege. Each semester, students have numerous opportunities to perform in concerts on and off campus. Performance opportunities may include participation in the Florida Vocal Association festivals, as well as performance trips associated with the school andcommunity. Open to students in grades 7-8.

MiddleSchoolClassPiano

Class piano is a semester electivecoursethatisopentoanystudentinterestedinlearningtoplay the piano, regardless of previous musical experience. Students engage in a self-guided study of piano techniques and music reading with the instructor acting as facilitator. Should theywishto develop piano skills to an even higher level, students mayenrollinthecourseformorethanone semester.Enrollmentislimitedbasedonthenumberofkeyboardsavailable.

Open to students in grades 7-8.

Upper School Offerings

*UpperSchoolChorus(1.0credit)

Students in chorus learn correct vocal production, breath support, diction, and style, while studyingavarietyofpopular,jazz,folk,andclassicalrepertoire.Studentsalsolearnsight-singing skills using solfege. Each semester, students havenumerousopportunitiestoperforminconcerts on and off campus. Performance opportunities may include participation in music festivals, as well as performance travel associated with the school community Open to students in grades 9-12.

ClassPiano(0.5credit)

Class piano is a semester electivecoursethatisopentoanystudentinterestedinlearningtoplay the piano, regardless of previous musical experience. Students engage in a self-guided study of piano techniques and music reading with the instructor acting as facilitator Should theywishto develop piano skills to an even higher level, students mayenrollinthecourseformorethanone semester Enrollmentislimitedbasedonthenumberofkeyboardsavailable.

Open to students in grades 9-12 regardless of music, or piano experience

*AdvancedGuitar(1.0credit)

Thisyear-longcourseisofferedtostudentsingradeseightthroughtwelvewhohavesuccessfully completed Intermediate Guitar Students learn the major and minor position scales, and modes; finger -style solo pieces using melody, bass, and accompaniment; ensemble music;commonbar chords, the reading of more complex rhythms; and continued understanding of music theory, including odd meter, seventh chords, andmusicalstructures. Theclassrepertoireischosenfrom a variety of musical styles that include classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semester the students are featured in performances. Instruments are available from the school. Open to students in grades 8-12 who have successfully completed Intermediate Guitar, or by audition with permission of the instructor

GuitarEnsemble(1.0credit)

This year-long course is the highest level guitar course offered. The focus is on quality music performance; creativity and analysis; student working as a chamber ensemble in which each player has a critical role; improvisational skills; chord voicing development; solo performance and continued review of practical application of music theory concepts. The class repertoire is chosen from a variety of musical styles that include classical, jazz, pop, blues, Brazilian, and reggae. Each semesterthestudentsarefeaturedinperformances. Instrumentsareavailablefrom the school. The course is repeatable for credit. Open to students in grades 9-12, who have successfully completed IntermediateGuitar, or by audition with permission of the instructor

OrchestraEnsemble(1.0credit)

This course is open primarily to upper schoolstudentswhohaveatleastthreeyearsofadvanced playing experience on a stringed instrument. The repertoire forthisclassfocuseson Habits of a Successful Middle Musician in addition to grade III and higher educational music and standard string orchestra and ensemble music. Solo and ensemble repertoire is strongly encouraged in this class, with the hopes that everyone in the class will participate in the Solo and Ensemble Music Assessments. Technical goals in this class include two-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency through 3 sharps and 3 flats, as well as one- and two-octave scale and arpeggio proficiency in the corresponding minor keys. Other goals include use of first through fourth positions, consistent use of vibrato, mastery of commonly used bow strokes and rhythmic pattern, and consistent intonation as individuals and as a group. Performances opportunities include school events, local and state level music festivals and adjudications, and performance basedtravel. Open to students in grades 9-12 with director recommendation.

WindEnsemble(1.0credit)

In the Wind Ensemble course, students are provided with a more in-depth exploration of repertoire and techniques. This exploration includes a greatervarietyofstyles,ahigherdemand on playing skills, and a requirement for greater musical sensitivity. Enrollment in the course is of a “select” nature in order to adhere to the “one-on-a-part” concept, except for Flutes, Clarinets, Baritones/Euphoniums and Percussionists. Particular attention is given to developing independent playing skills and confidence, acuity of intonation and advanced rhythms, and development of expressive elements. Repertoire is determined by the instrumentation of the class. An exploration of improvisation is included as part of the course, as well as basic music theory, history and appreciation. Analysis of performance and assessment of performance are large components of the course. All students in this class are required to participate in the Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment. Performance opportunities are abundant for members of the class and may include off-campus performances in additionto school- related functions. Open to students in grades 9-12, who have completed Concert Band, or with director recommendation.

ElectronicMusicDesign:ComposingandProducing (0.5credit)

This Upper School music course teaches topics like song structure, rhythm and harmony by analyzing and composing in a variety of electronic music styles. Students will gain an understanding of the many aspects of contemporary electronic music, including beats,harmony, bass lines, groove, melodies, audio/MIDI editing, and sound design. Students will create and produce music using digital audio workstations (DAW) and software similar to Pro Tools or Logic.Nopreviousmusicaltrainingisnecessarytoenrollinthiscourse.

*IntroductiontoComposition (0.5credit)

Introduction to Composition is intended for Upper School students who wish to explore sound and music through compositional projects involving instruments and voice. Students will write and create short pieces and songs utilizing techniques in music theory, orchestration, music technology and analysis. The primary focusofthiscoursewillbeoncomposinganddiscovering expressive possibilities through music writing. No previous musical training is necessary to enrollinthecourse.

IconicAlbumsofAmericanMusic(0.5credit)

This Upper School course will survey the role of music in the United States from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Students will examine the cultural, social, political, and economic influence and significance of genres like jazz, rock, disco, folk, pop, and hip-hop. Through historical accounts, videos, and audio examples, students will explore the important artists of each decade and their musical response to the events of their day. No formal musical trainingisnecessarytoenrollinthiscourse.

*APMusicTheory(1.0credit)

This college-level music course prepares the students to sit for the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam. This course is open to all students regardless of music background,butprevious experience in chorus, band, strings, piano or guitar is helpful. Since this is a college-level course, a higher level of commitment is expected and necessary in order to be successful. This course covers the fundamental elements of music and beginning harmony. Included are part writing, transposition, development of sight-reading skills, and ear training. Students have access to computer hardware and software, which enables them to experiment, organize and present their musical ideas. Open to students in grades 12 with music experience and instructor recommendation.

Theater

MiddleSchoolDrama

This is a 1 semester course providing strong foundations in the introduction to theatre arts and theabilitytoperforminfrontofanaudience. Studentswilllearnbasictheatreterminology,stage directions and body positions. Through the use of improvisation exercises and pantomime, students will collaborate in groups and improve their skills in creativity, communication and focus. As part of the course students will have an introduction to technical theatre skills by working on a group projectthatwillbeincludedinthecurrentPTSTheatreproduction.Students will also explore character development and stage presence through the rehearsal and in-class performance of a monologue. Thefinalforthecoursewillbeanindividualchoiceperformance

fortheclass. Classesincludeminimallectures. Classexercisesrequireactiveparticipationanda willingness to experiment. Students who retake this course will be given advanced material to furtherdeveloptheiractingtechnique. Open to students in grades 7-8; no prerequisite required.

TheatreProduction(0.5credit)

This is an advanced theatre course directly applying the skills acquired in MS Drama, US Drama, or previous stage experience. Fall Semester is geared towards preparation for the prestigious Thespians Competition (representing Palmer Trinity)withascheduledShowcase. In the spring, students will work toward a full scale public production performed at a professional theatre, as well a final variety style showcase in our Black Box. During the rehearsal process studentswilltakeonjobsofactorsand/ortechnicians.Actorswillexplorecharacterdevelopment and believability, as well as hone musical theatre skills. Technicians will take on the roles of production assistants, stage managers, lighting designers and prop masters. All students will collaborate, problem solve, design, build andrunallaspectsofatheatreproductionfrompageto stage.Classexercisesrequireactiveparticipationandwillingnesstoexperiment.Thefinalforthe course is an evaluationofyourperformancegrowthonstageandthequalityofyourdesignwork behind the scenes. The final weeks of the course will involve a finalvarietyshowcase.Students may retake this course as many times as allowed in their schedule. Every semester is a “new” year as material and productionschange,offeringstudentsopportunitiestodevelopasactorsand technicians.Thiscoursewillrunbothfalland springsemester. This course will run both fall and the spring semester. Open to students in grades 7-12, Teacher recommendation required.

USDrama (0.5credit)

This is a 1 semester course providing strong foundations in the introduction to theater arts and the ability to perform in front of an audience. Classes include audition techniques, improvisation, effectivevocalproductionandbodylanguage,characterdevelopment,monologue work, script analysis. Actors will learn to score, perform, and analyze monologue work and scene study from contemporary works.Classesincludeminimallecture. Thefinalforthecourse is an in-class group performance and individual choice performance of scripted material. Class exercises require active participation and a willingness to experiment. Students who retakethis course will be given advanced material to further develop their acting technique at a secondary level. Open to students in grades 9-12; no prerequisite required.

Dance

DanceforMusicalTheatre(0.5credit)

Students will develop techniques usedinmusicaltheatreandfamiliarizethemselveswithcurrent musical theatre dance styles found in New York, across the country, and around the world. Musical theatre dancehistorywillbetaughtanddiscussedthroughtheartofdance.Coursegives -75-

students the skills to approach musical theatre dance with confidence. Dance uniform is required. Open to students in grades 7-12, all levels welcome.

PhysicalEducationAndHealth

The physical education department offers a comprehensive program promoting game play, movement exploration, and wellbeing. The program provides co-educational classes aimed at developing the whole student, emphasizing game knowledge, sport-specific skill development, life skills of cooperation, leadership, problem solving, sportsmanship, and community responsibility The health education program offers both middle schoolandupperschoolclasses that provide comprehensive life-management skills. The program focuses on understanding the individual’s role in personal health and community welfare. Students will be presented with, discuss,andexplorepersonalandcommunityhealthinformationtopromotehealthylifechoices.

Middle School

6thGradePE&Health(1.0credit)

The 6th Grade Physical Education curriculum introduces students to the fundamental skills needed to safely and confidently control their bodies throughavarietyofexercises,movements, and games at different speeds and levels. Studentswillbeintroducedtoallsevencomponentsof fitness, and will engage in a variety of cooperative games, as well as both team and individual sports. Emphasis is placed on developing motor skills, balance, coordination, movement concepts, and fostering cooperation, teamwork, and respect. The program also highlights the importanceoflivingahealthy,activelifestyleandbuildinglifelongfitnesshabits.

The 6th Grade Health curriculum, guided by the Michigan Model for Health, focuses on developing students’ understanding of personal and community well-being. Key topics include wellness, emotional and physical health, social skills, effective communication, self-esteem and self-confidence,healthyrelationships,andgoalsetting.

7th&8thGradePE&Health

Students in 7th and8thgradearerequiredtotakeonePEcoursepersemester.Overthecourseof the two-year period, students willtakethreesemestersofphysicaleducationandonesemesterof Health. Physical education classes promote skills of movement, spatial awareness, group cooperation, and a positive learning environment. The Middle School Physical Education programconsistsofavarietyofelectivecourses.Studentsmayrequesttheirpreferences.

7th&8thGradeHealth

GuidedbytheMichiganModelforHealth,theMiddleSchoolHealthcurriculumbuildson foundationalconceptsintroducedin6thgrade,deepeningstudents'understandingofindividual andcommunitywell-being.Throughoutthecourse,studentswillexpandtheirknowledgeand skillsacrosskeyhealthtopics,including:humanbodysystems,nutrition,physicalfitness, addiction,substanceuse(alcohol,drugs,andvaping),puberty,andhealthyrelationships.

MSDance

This course gives Middle School dancers a solid foundation in technique, style, and creative expression. Students study ballet, jazz, and contemporary and performance-based dance forms while developing strength, flexibility, alignment, andmusicality.Studentsexplorechoreography, collaborate with peers, and present class combinations and short works. Evaluation highlights growth, effort, and performance.This course may be used to fulfill one semester of physical education.Danceuniformisrequired.Opentogrades7-8.

StrengthandConditioning

MiddleSchoolYoga

The Middle School Yoga curriculum is designed to help introduce students to body awareness, flexibility, balance, and strength through a variety of yoga poses, breathing techniques, and mindful movement practices. Students will learn to safely control their bodies while exploring movement at different levels, speeds, and intensities. The course emphasizes the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga, including stress management, focus, and relaxation strategies.

MiddleSchoolPhysicalEducation

The Middle School Physical Education curriculum builds upon foundationalskillsintroducedin 6th grade, with a focus on improving students’ ability to safely and effectively control their bodies through various movements, speeds, and levels. The program emphasizes all seven components of fitness and incorporates a wide range of cooperativegames,aswellasbothteam and individual sport skills. Through progressive skill development, students enhance their physicalcompetence,teamwork,andoverallfitness.

Upper School

Wellness(0.5credit)(Required)

A semester-long course designed to provide students with the foundations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Those foundations include all facets of health: physical,mental,emotionaland social. The course covers loss, grief, suicide, mental disorders and stress; self-esteem and how body imageaffectsoutlookonlife.Itprovidesbasicknowledgeregardinghowdrug,tobaccoand alcohol abuse affects the human body Students will study communicable diseases including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV Some non-communicable diseases will alsobediscussed including, but not limited to cancer, CVD and diabetes. The following will also be included in the course; how to examine current health news and critique the information for itsvalidityand applicability, consumer and decision-making skills and examination of personality as well as conflict resolution. Open to students in grades 9-10 and to transfer students in grades 11-12. Required.

Physical Education Electives

CoreandCardio(0.5credit)

Core and Cardio is a coed active course where students explore low impact aerobic exercise, explosivecardiodrills,powerandresistancemoves,plyometrics,stretching,meditation,andcore &balancework. Physical Education uniform is required. Open to students in grades 9-12.

Basketball(0.5credit)

The basketball course is designed to develop the student’s fundamental skills, court awareness, verbal skills, and overall understanding of the game through the introduction and active participation in group drills, individual drills, and classroom lectures. The student will begin to develop an understanding and desire to properly implement concepts and individual skills into game situations. Students will also learn how to manage stress, control distractions, and work with teammates. ThiscoursemaybeusedtofulfillonesemesteroftheUpperSchoolgraduation requirement in physical education. Physical Education uniform is required. Open to students in grades 9-12 -78Rev 1/23/26

Soccer(0.5credit)

The soccer course is designed to develop the student’s fundamental skills, spatial awareness, verbal skills, and overall understanding of the game through the introduction and active participation in group drills, individual drills, and classroom lectures. Students will begin to develop an understanding and desire to properly implement concepts and individual skills into game situations. Students will also learn how to manage stress, control distractions, and work with teammates. This course may be used tofulfillonesemesteroftheUpperSchoolgraduation requirement in physical education. Physical Education uniform is required. Open to students in grades 9-12.

UpperSchoolPhysicalEducation(0.5credit)

Thecoursefeaturesavarietyofcomponents,includingfitness,andvariousindividualand team-sportactivities.Studentswillhavetheopportunitiestolearnvariousgames,theskillsand rulesofplaytoallowforcooperativegameplaywhiledevelopingfitnesscomponents.Students mayexperiencetraditionalgamesaswellasnon-traditionalsportmodules. Students’health fitnesscomponentswillbeassessedbythePEFitnessAssessment,providingthestudentwith clearresultsandunderstandingoftheircurrenthealthfitnessstatus.Thiscoursemaybeusedto fulfillonesemesteroftheUpperSchoolgraduationrequirementinphysicaleducation. Physical Education uniform is required. Open to students in grades 9-12.

Volleyball(0.5credit)

TheVolleyballCourseoffersthebasicfundamentalsthatsupportthesportofvolleyball.This coursewillhelpstudentsdevelopindividualskills,teamcomplexskillsandgroupcooperative attitudesthatareconducivetolearning.Physicalconditioningallowsstudentstoworkon perfectingtheirvolleyballskills.Newskillswillbeintroducedtochallengeandgivestudentsan opportunitytoimproveinallareasofthegame. Thiscoursemaybeusedtofulfillonesemester oftheUpperSchoolgraduationrequirementinphysicaleducation. Physical Education uniform is required. Open to students in grades 9-12

WeightTraining(0.5credit)

Theimportanceofphysicalfitnesshasbeenestablishedasabasiclifeskill.Thestudentsinthis classwillbeintroducedtotheproperliftingskillsandroutinesasameansofcreatingahealthy lifestyle.Duringthiscourse,studentswillbeintroducedtotheusageofequipmentintheweight room.Studentswillbeshownhowtoeffectivelystretch,anddevelopmusclestrength.These basicskillsofweightliftingandthefundamentalsofproperliftingtechniquesareimportantfor understandingexerciseandhowitaffectsanoverallbody-workout.Wewill,asaclass,beusing theBigger,Faster,Stronger(BFSprogram).Duringthecourseofeachdaystudentsrunashort distanceforawarmup.Studentswillhaveanopportunitytoaddtoorchangehis/herpersonal workoutprograminordertomaximizetheirtimeinclass.Asthecoursecontinueseachstudent willberequiredtofollowtheBFSworkoutprogramforthedurationofthesemester Weight -79-

TrainingmaybeusedtofulfillonesemesteroftheUpperSchoolgraduationrequirementin physicaleducation. Physical Education uniform is required.

Open to students in grades 9-12.

Yoga(0.5credit)

Studentswilllearnthemainyogapostures,theimpactofyogaposesonthebody,breathing techniques,andmindfulnessandrelaxationmethods.Theywillexperiencephysicaland emotionalwellbeingfromthesetechniques.Studentswillacquireanunderstandingofyoga etiquetteandterminology.Thiscoursecanbenefitthestudentsbyteachingthemstressreduction techniques,helpingthemcreateapositivebodyimageandenhancingtheirhealthandwellbeing whileparticipatinginphysicalfitness.Theywillcultivatecommunityandlearntobeapartofa noncompetitiveclassenvironmentbyvaluingdifferencesandyogafitnesspractice.Theywill obtaintheskills,understanding,andtoolstomaintainaregularyogaandmindfulnesspractice. TheyogacurriculumisdesignedtocomplementthePhysicalEducationofferings.Yogamaybe usedtofulfillonesemesteroftheUpperSchoolgraduationrequirementinphysicaleducation.

Open to students in grades 9-12.

EnglishForSpeakersOfOtherLanguages

Studentsofthe21stcenturywillliveinandcontributetoanincreasinglydiversesocietyandan internationalcommunityofinterdependentnations.Torealizetheirpersonal,social,andcareer goals,studentsmustbeabletocommunicateeffectivelywithothers.PalmerTrinitySchoolseeks toprepareitsstudentsforlifeinthisnewlyemergingworld,includingthoselearnerswhoenter theschoolasspeakersofalanguageotherthanEnglish.PalmerTrinityregardsstudentswhoare bilingualandwhohaveagoodunderstandingofdifferentculturesasinvaluableassetstothe schoolandthenation.Itsinternationalstudentbodyprovidesbothanexcitingeducational challengeandtheopportunitytomaintainandenhancetheschool’srichlinguisticandcultural diversity.Inaddition,itsbilingualgraduatesallowthenationtothriveintheglobalmarketplace, maintainitssecurityinachangingandvolatileworld,andcometoabetterunderstandingofthe complexculturalheritagesthatdefinethehumancommunity Theprogramrecognizesthat ESOLlearnersmustacquireanadditionallanguageandculture.Theymustbeabletouse Englishtoaccomplishtheiracademic,personalandsocialgoalswiththesameproficiencyas nativespeakersofEnglish.ESOLstudentsneedtobeabletousespokenandwrittenEnglish bothtoacquireacademiccontentandtodemonstratewhattheyhavelearned.PalmerTrinity workstoensurethatitsqualityeducationalexperiencesandservicesaremadefullyaccessibleto allESOLstudents.Theschoolrecognizesthatlanguagelearningtakestime,generally5-7years, andthatsubjectmatterlearningcannotbedeferreduntilstudentshavedemonstratedamasteryof

English.InordertofacilitateEnglishlanguageacquisitionandcontinueacademicgrowthacross thecurriculum,PTSoffersacomprehensiveESOLprogramthatincludesbothEnglishlanguage artsandshelteredcontentcourses.Theprogramprovidesitsstudentswithchallengingcurricula thatuseappropriateinstructionalpracticesandassessmentmeasures;moreover,theschool cherishestheinclusionofEnglishlanguagelearnersinallschoolactivitiesandencouragestheir fullparticipationinthelifeoftheschool.AccomplishedandprofessionalESOLteachers,in conjunctionwithothereducationalspecialistsandresources,ensurethatstudentsintheprogram receivethechallenge,support,andguidancenecessarytoenjoyacademicsuccessandpersonal growth.SchoolOfferings

ESOLIntermediateEnglish(1.0credit)

Thiscourseisdesignedformiddleschoolstudentswhohaveattainedanintermediatelevelof English.Thecoursehasaliteraryfocusandrotatesonathree-yearcycleencompassingWorld Literature,AmericanLiteratureandMulticulturalLiterature.Avarietyofliterarygenresare covered,includingfiction,non-fiction,shortstories,biographies,andpoetry Thereading materialiscarefullyselectedsothatitisage-appropriate,linguisticallyaccessible,andculturally relevant.Vocabularyandgrammarisstudiedinthecontextofthereadingselections.

ESOLHumanities(1.0credit)

Thissocialstudiescourseisofferedformiddleschoolstudentswhohaveabeginningto intermediateproficiencyinEnglish.Theclassexploreshistoryandgeographyandexamines contemporarysocial,politicalandeconomicissuesthataffecttheworld. Thecontentofthe courserotatesonathree-yearcycleandcoversthefollowingtopics:U.S.Historyand Geography;WorldHistoryandGeography;andMulticulturalHistoryandGeography.The studentsalsobecomefamiliarwiththefivethemesofgeography:location,place, human-environmentalinteractions,movement,andregions.Vocabularyisdrawnfromthe subjectmatter

*Offered on an as needed basis.

*ESOLScience(1.0credit)

TheEnglishasaSecondLanguageIntegratedScienceinstructionalsequenceisanapproachto lifescience,earthscience,andphysicalscienceforEnglishlanguagelearnersatthemiddle schoollevel.ThecoursewillsupportEnglishlanguagelearners’academicEnglishdevelopment

whilelearningsciencecontent.Theprocessofscientificinquirywillbetaughteachyearand studentswillengageinhands-onlaboratoryexplorationstodeveloplaboratoryskills.

ESOLIntegratedScience1(1.0credit)

Thetopicscoveredincludemarineanimals,oceanography,platetectonics,earthquakes, volcanoes,changesofstate,energy(potential,kineticthermal),waves.

ESOLHistory(WorldHistory/U.S.History/MulticulturalHistory (1.0credit)

ThehistorycoursesareintendedforESOLstudentswhohaveanintermediatetoadvanced proficiencyinEnglish.Theclassexploreshistoryandgeographyandexaminescontemporary social,politicalandeconomicissuesthataffecttheworld. Thecontentofthecourserotatesona three-yearcycleandcoversthefollowingtopics:U.S.HistoryandGeography;WorldHistory andGeography;andMulticulturalHistoryandGeography.Thestudentsalsobecomefamiliar withthefivethemesofgeography:location,place,human-environmentalinteractions, movement,andregions.Vocabularyisdrawnfromthesubjectmatter

ESOLLiterature(WorldLiterature/USLiterature/MulticulturalLiterature(1.0credit)

TheliteraturecoursesareintendedforESOLstudentswhohaveanintermediatetoadvanced proficiencyinEnglish.Theyaredesignedtoexposestudentstoawidevarietyofliterature. Studentsfocusontheformalstudyofliteraturethroughthereadinganddiscussionofsignificant andrepresentativeliteraryselections.Avarietyofliterarygenresarecovered,includingfiction, non-fiction,shortstories,biographies,andpoetry. Vocabularyandgrammararestudiedinthe contextofthereadings.Studentsarerequiredtoparticipateingroupdiscussionsandtowritea web-basedprojectthatwillbepresentedorallyinclass.Theliteraryselectionsvaryaccordingto studentinterestandability Ifnecessary,reduced-languageversionsoftheclassicsareused. Course offered on a rotating basis

*ESOLWorldReligions(1.0credit)

ThiscourseisopentoupperschoolESOLstudentswhohaveanintermediatetoadvanced proficiencylevelinEnglish.Thefourprincipalgoalsofthecourseareto:fosteranappreciation ofthehistoryandcultureofmajorworldreligions,developanunderstandingofthespiritual foundationsofmajorworldreligions,encourageapersonalexplorationintomattersof

spirituality,andteachtoleranceofdifferentpointsofview. Thereligionswhichwillbecovered indetailare:Judaism,Christianity,Islam,Hinduism,Buddhism,Sikhism,andTaoism.

*ESOLLiteratureandComposition(1.0credit)

ThiscourseisdesignedforLevels1and2ESOLstudentswhohaveattainedabeginner's intermediatelevelofEnglish,butwhostillrequirethebasicsofEnglishgrammar,writing,and vocabulary. Thecoursehasaliteraryfocusandthereadingmaterialiscarefullyselectedsothat itisage-appropriate,linguisticallyaccessible,andculturallyrelevant.Vocabularyandgrammar isstudiedinthecontextofthereadingselections.

ContemporaryStudies

The Contemporary Studies Department is a forward-thinking initiative designed to provide students with relevant and engaging learning experiences that transcend conventional academic boundaries. This departmentishometoacollectionofcoursesspecificallycuratedtoaddressthe demands of today's rapidly changing world. Students interested in the business world will discover foundational knowledge and practical skills through courses like Management, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing. For those with a passion for communication and media, our publication courses in Journalism andYearbookofferhands-onexperienceincontent creation and storytelling.Furthermore,thedepartmentexploresthevibrantrealmofFilmStudies and other innovative subjects, inviting students to delve into contemporary arts and critical analysis. The core mission of the Contemporary Studies Department is to equip students with adaptable skills, a global perspective, and thecreativeconfidenceneededtothriveintheirfuture careersandasinformedcitizens.

LessonsinLeadership(0.5credit)

This course isbasedonthepremisethatallofuspossessthepotentialtoleadandthatlearningto lead is a process. In Lessons in Leadership, students will develop and improve their current leadership skills. Areas of study and practice include: team building, personal relations, and problem solving. Students will work on these areas by learning their leadership style and

developing goal setting skills, communication skills, decision making skills, andmore.Students will meet community leaders and participate in individual and group leadership projects within theschoolandthewidercommunity. Open to students in grades 10-12.

BusinessManagement:(0.5credit)

Business Management introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of managing a business. The course explores key concepts in leadership, organizational structure, strategic planning, decision-making, and human resources. Students will gain insight into how businesses operate effectively, how managers lead teams, and how ethical and responsible decision-making contributes to long-term success. Students will engage in real-world simulations, team projects, and case studies to build practical skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The course highlights how management adapts in today's changing global economy, including the role of technology, innovation, and sustainability in business. Open to students in grades 10-12.

FinancialLiteracy(0.5credit)

Financial Literacy is a semester elective course designed to educate students on financial topics that will provide a strong foundation they can build on as adults. This education will help put them on a path toward financial success early on. Topics covered will include income, banking and money management, spending and credit, taxes, saving and investing, automobile ownership,mortgages,andbudgeting. This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.

SportsManagement(1/2credit)

The purpose of this course is to provide fundamental learning experiences for high school students in the area of sports management. Students will learn the daily operation of sports organizations, rules, laws, and the role of an athletic director The course will focus on the history, rules, safety, ethics and overall daily preparation to operate sports at the high school, college and professional level. Students may be expected to attend sporting events outsideclass time to fully achieve expected knowledge level. Not eligible to satisfy Physical Education graduationrequirements. Open to students in grades 10-12

Marketing:TheArtofStorytelling(0.5credit)

Marketing is the mechanism that organizations, both profit and non-profit, use to establish relationships with customers. Put differently, marketing is the convergence of the promises a

company makes, the storyittells,andtheauthenticwayitdeliversontheirpromises.Studentsin this class will collaborate to create a marketing plan to raise capital for the production of a professionallypreparedvideothatcapturescompellingstoriesfromeachstudent. Grades 10-12

Entrepreneurship(0.5credit)

The objective of the entrepreneurship course is to empower young social entrepreneurswiththe necessary tools and experiences to successfully design, launch and run their own social change ventures. Students develop leadershipcapabilities,learncommunicationstrategies,recognizethe importance of systemic thinking, gain a sense ofpersonalresponsibilitytowardsthecommunity, and design their own social initiatives. Parallel to these experiences, students learn about financing their initiatives, fundraising ideas, budget management, andprojectsustainability.The course culminates when students present their initiatives to a panel of community leaders who havethepotentialtohelpfundtheirideasandbringthemtofruition. Open to grades 10-12

SpeechandDebate(0.5credit)

The course is designed to develop the skills of thoughtful and able communication by training students in both the oral and written components of informative and persuasive speaking. The course emphasizes business and professional communication, presentational speaking, oral interpretation of literature, formal and informal speaking etiquette, the development and use of effective vocabulary, the importance of voice and diction, and professional speech writing. In addition to these practical applications, students receive classical grounding in Aristotle’s The Art of Rhetoric Open to students in grades 9 -12.

Yearbook(1.0credit)

In this course, students will gain experience in advanced print journalism by producing the student yearbook, The Raptor. Students will further their skills in writing, photography, graphic design, layout design, and project management by covering the stories of the school year that take place on and off campus and within the local community. In this rigorous deadline-driven course, students will also have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by applying for a position on the editorial board (e.g. editor-in-chief, managing editor, photo editor, sports editor, etc.). While continuing their work as content creators fortheyearbook,editorswillalsoserveas the leaders and managers of the staff by planning and editing content, overseeing the staff, teaching new skills, and organizing events and new projects. This course is both a class and an extracurricular activity. Students will also participate in a variety of student journalism

competitions and will have the opportunity to travel to local and national conventions. Open to students in grades 10-12.

Journalism(0.5credit)

Journalism is a course in the fundamentals of news reporting, writing, production, and distribution in print, audio, video, and social media. Much of the course work will bedesigned to provide a real-world production experience through the creation of regular content for the student news site. In addition, students will be expectedtobecomemorefamiliarwithavariety of news media through following current events on a local, regional, state, national, and world level, to understand in a general way the history and development of present-day news media structures, and to be well aware of ethical and legal issues related to the “business of news.” Open to students in grades 10 -12.

FilmStudies(0.5credit)

Our students love to stream. Each year they emphatically promote the latest Netflix or Hulu binge watch or big-budget Marvel movie. At the same time, students often struggle to evaluate what they watch; they’re often at a loss when trying to explain howamovieorTVserieselicits an emotional reaction from the audience. In this course, we will try to remedy this problem by asking the following question: how do creatorsusefilmtextstoconvinceusofideasandengage with our feelings? The film elective will help students understand film and television as mediums, and, in turn, will help them become more engaged and conscious consumers. It will alsohelpstudentspracticecriticalthinkingskillsandwritinginanewcontext.

APPsychology(1.0credit)

AP Psychology is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students areexposedtothe psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their scienceandpractice.TheaimofAPPsychologyistoprovidestudentswithalearningexperience equivalent to that obtained in most college introductory psychology courses. All students are expected to take the AP Psychology Examination offered by theCollegeBoardinMay Open to students in grades 11-12. Departmental approval.

IndependentStudy

Purposes

IndependentstudyissanctionedbyPalmerTrinitySchoolasawaytorespondtostudent initiativetoseekadvanced,specialized,andinsomecasesbackgroundeducationintopicsnot ordinarilyavailableintheschool’sstandardcurriculum.

Eligibility

Juniorsorseniorsmayundertakeindependentstudy.Inrarecases,freshmenorsophomoreswith extraordinarybackgroundsorneedsthatcannotbemetintheregularcurriculummayapplyfor independentstudy,withtheunderstandingthatfirstpreferencewillgotoupper-classstudents.

Proposals

Theresponsibilityforselectingatopic,recruitingafacultysponsor,anddevisingthecourseof studyallrestswiththestudent.Thefirststepistosecureanindependentstudypetitionform fromtheregistrar.Thestudentthenconsultswithaprospectivefacultysponsortodevisethe particularsoftheindependentstudy,asspecifiedontheapplicationform.Thestudentthen securessignaturesfromparents,theadvisor,collegecounselor,thefacultysponsor,the departmentalchairofthefacultysponsor,andthedivisionhead.

Approval

CompletedpetitionsbearingallsignaturescalledforarepresentedtotheDivisionHeadand AssociateHeadofSchoolforAcademics,whoeitherapprovetheproposal,rejectit,orreturnit tothepetitionerandsponsor,requestingmodificationsoradditionalinformation.Approved independentstudiesarethenaddedtotheschedulesofthestudentandsponsor,subjecttothe school’sstandardprocessesregardinggradereporting.

Expectations

Theindependentstudyapplicationspecifiesthefrequencyofmeetings(typicallyonetothree timesweekly),thenatureofthelearningactivities,theassessmentmechanisms,andthegrading scheme.Independentstudyapplicationsarereviewedbysemester.Uponsuccessfulcompletion ofonesemester,thestudentmayapplywiththesupportofthefacultysponsortocontinuethe studyforthesecondsemester.Ordinarilyindependentstudyinvolvesonestudentandone

teacher,meetingregularly;inspecialcircumstances,uptofourstudentsmaybeinvolvedinan independentstudy,anduptotwofacultymembers.

Timing

Studentsseekingtoundertakeindependentstudycompletetheirapplicationsduringthesemester priortobeginningtheindependentstudy,orelseduringthefirsttendaysofthesemesterin whichthestudywillbegin.

Assessment

Assessmentspecifiedintheproposalsmayincludeconventionalpapers,projects,labs,quizzes, tests,oralpresentations,paneldiscussions,orotherappropriatedemonstrationsofmastery Gradesandnarrativesaresubmittedbythesponsoringteacherinthesamefashionasgradesand narrativesarefiledforstudentsinstandardcourses.

Grades and Credit

Thecreditforsuccessfulcompletionofanindependentstudybecomespartofthestudent’s academicrecord,appearingwithallthestudent’sothercoursesonthePalmerTrinitySchool transcript.Gradesforindependentstudiesaverageonequalfootingwithgradesforthestudent’s othercourses.

Limits

Studentsundertakingindependentstudymaynotenrollinmorethantwoindependentstudiesata timeandmustmaintainaloadofatleastfourotheracademiccourses(exclusiveofindependent studies)duringanysemesteroryearinwhichtheyundertakeindependentstudy.