Off-Campus Programs
Mission
St. Paul’s School believes that a student’s education extends beyond the classroom and that a change in physical environment enriches perspective. Our educational philosophy embraces diversity and endorses the principle that as individuals we learn when we broaden our own beliefs, values and customs and seek out the wisdom and experience of others. To foster these values, we encourage our students to pursue an authentic understanding of a culture different from their own and to engage this new culture with an open mind.
Goals
• Complement the student’s on-campus education by offering meaningful personal connections with different cultures and other perspectives.
• Challenge students to open themselves to new voices, customs and understanding so that, in turn, they will become more aware of their own values and beliefs.
• Represent a broad range of interests and opportunities to account for the reality that each student differs in readiness to go beyond familiar comforts.
• Balance both domestic and international opportunities because a student does not have to leave the United States to find the cultural diversity and difference that will offer a significant and enriching experience.
• Incorporate preparatory exercises, reflection and a culminating project to provide an integrated experience that enriches the student and the School community.
• Offer a transformative experience that will foster a passion and a sense of responsibility for the world beyond the student’s familiar exposure.
The Experience
The off-campus experience is defined by a student’s significant exposure to a culture different from their own, as well as one or more of the following conditions:
• Specific connection to the student’s on-campus experience or program of study.
• Comprehensive immersion into a language different from primary language.
• Significant participation in service-learning activity.
• Understanding of a major global issue (e.g., environmental stewardship, sustainable development, globalization, poverty, healthcare, education, social justice, inclusivity and governance).
• Experiential leadership opportunity.
Program offerings (may vary)
• School Year Abroad in France, Italy and Spain
• Two-week Eton cultural exchange in England
• One-week service-learning programs in New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.
• Language program Spring Vacation trips to Taiwan, Spain, Italy and Greece, offered every other year.
6 THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Advanced Topics
Sixth Formers who fully exhaust all courses in a department, including electives, may pursue Advanced Topics in a particular discipline. Advanced Topics are available in the Arts, Languages, Mathematics and Science Departments. Advanced Topics offer an opportunity for a student to pursue independent work under the supervision of a faculty member. Students interested in pursuing Advanced Topics must be highly motivated independent learners with excellent academic records. Students must petition a faculty member to serve as the adviser to their project, recognizing that not all faculty members will be able to take on this extra time commitment. As part of the application process, a student must have written approval from his or her adviser, the Advanced Topics adviser and corresponding Department Head. All proposals for Advanced Topics are reviewed and voted on by the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Director of Studies and the five academic department heads.
Independent Study Program
Students may apply for an Independent Study Project (ISP) during their Sixth Form year. An ISP is a term- to year-long project in which a student is able to explore an interest in depth. Independent study projects may include activities ranging from internships and terms abroad to movie production or writing a book of short stories, but all emphasize the experience and understanding of one’s self gained from working in an independent setting. Proposals are submitted to a committee of faculty and students, and the approved projects are overseen by a faculty adviser of the student’s choosing.
THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM 7
The Arts
Initially solitary and ultimately public, the arts involve the whole person and address the whole community.
Recognizing that a regular exposure to the arts always has had a powerful and liberating influence in the world, the Fine Arts, Theater, Dance and Music Programs within the St. Paul’s School Arts Department offer students a variety of studio and performance-based classes, courses in the history and theory of the arts and frequent exposure to a diverse group of visiting artists.
Students are strongly encouraged to continue to study in the Arts throughout their SPS careers.
Enrollment in Arts courses is subject to permission of the Program Head and/or the Department Head.
8 ARTS
Arts: DANCE
St. Paul’s School provides students with the opportunity to combine a rigorous academic education with the finest dance training in a dedicated dance facility. The St. Paul’s School Dance Program fosters a fun, nurturing and artistic learning environment and prepares its students to dance at the pre-professional and college level through instruction in classical ballet, modern dance, anatomical theory and performance.
The St. Paul’s School faculty is committed to the idea that studying dance is a process and that dancers are always evolving and growing. Our goal is to train technically proficient dancers with a sound work ethic, promote artistic growth and support dancers of all backgrounds.
Serious dancers may audition for the St. Paul’s School Ballet Company (SPSBC), a year-round program that can be substituted for athletic participation at the varsity level. SPSBC dancers work one-on-one with faculty and guest teachers and choreographers, rehearsing daily throughout the academic calendar, and performing four different programs per school year. Its repertory includes classics as well as contemporary works. Guest teachers and choreographers have included members of internationally recognized companies such as American Ballet Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, BalletX, The Balanchine Trust, Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Twyla Tharp, New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company and Batsheva Dance Company.
DANCE courses
DA110: DANCE 1
Fall, Winter and Spring Term: 3 credits
Fall and Winter Term: 2 credits
Dance 1: Ballet Technique
Fall Term: 1 credit
Dance 1: Modern Dance Fundamentals
Winter Term: 1 credit
Dance 1: Contemporary Technique
Spring Term: 1 credit
This fun and fast-paced studio-based course is geared toward beginner-level students and athletes looking to learn the fundamentals of dance technique while improving strength, flexibility, agility, stamina, body control and core stability. Each term will focus on a specific dance technique — Fall Term: Ballet Technique; Winter Term: Modern Dance Fundamentals; Spring Term: Contemporary Technique. Students will learn the fundamentals of these dance techniques while also focusing on proper alignment, muscle balance, injury prevention, musicality and rhythm. Additional movement techniques including core-strengthening Pilates exercises, GYROKINESIS® and yoga will supplement with the purpose of improving balance and coordination. Basic anatomy will be introduced to develop an understanding of the function of each muscle group and how it pertains to movement.
DA110: MOVEMENT FOR STRENGTH AND AGILITY
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
With the goal of building strength, flexibility, agility and body awareness, this class focuses on movement practices from The GRYOKINESIS® Method and The MELT Method®, along with conditioning exercises, dynamic stretching and ballet technique exercises to provide cross training for the student athlete. GRYOKINESIS® is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method that coordinates movement, breath and mental focus. The MELT Method® is a gentle self-care technique that enhances
mobility, stability and performance, with the goal of eliminating mental and physical stress that accumulates from daily living before it causes persistent pain and dysfunction. Ballet technique exercises utilize the concept of turn out, which provides the opportunity to build hip and core stability. Basic anatomy and readings on these methods will help to deepen one’s understanding of the body. This class introduces students to a different way of approaching body care and injury prevention, and strength and flexibility building through movement patterns.
DA240: BALLET 2
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 3-credit sequence
Prerequisites: Training in classical ballet, placement class and permission of the Director of Dance
This course teaches classical ballet techniques at the elementary level. Classes cover barre, center practice and the introduction and further study of pointe work. Working from the syllabus of classical ballet students develop their technique, artistry and functional understanding of anatomy. Students with prior dance training and permission from the Dance Director should enroll in Ballet 2. Throughout the year, students may have visiting guest teachers from professional companies in disciplines ranging from classical to modern and contemporary techniques.
DA340: BALLET 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Dance
This course is developed within the syllabus of classical ballet at a beginning pre-professional level. Students will work to explore and improve their capacity for movement through the practice of classical ballet. Students will be expected to work at their own level of proficiency while being guided to improve in all areas. Classes will cover barre, center practice, pointe work and traditional men’s technique. In addition, students will develop artistry, work toward improving their strength and flexibility and learn about anatomy as it pertains to what they are working on as well as their knowledge of classical terminology and techniques. To be placed in Ballet 3, students need a significant background in classical ballet and a desire to continue their training at an
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intensive level. Throughout the year, students will receive training from visiting artists from professional companies in disciplines ranging from classical ballet to modern and contemporary techniques.
DA440: BALLET 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Dance
This course teaches classical ballet technique at a pre-professional beginning/intermediate level. Therefore, the physical vocabulary and combinations the dancers will be learning and practicing build on what was learned in Ballet 3 and are geared toward helping the dancers progress to Ballet 5. Students will work to explore and improve their capacity for movement through the practice of classical ballet. Students will be expected to participate with the proficiency that is industry standard for their level. Classes will cover barre, center practice, pointe work and traditional men’s technique. In addition, students will develop artistry, work toward improving their strength and flexibility and learn about anatomy as it pertains to what they are working on as well as their knowledge of classical terminology and techniques. Throughout the year, students will receive training from visiting artists from professional companies in disciplines ranging from classical ballet to modern and contemporary techniques. Students with a significant background in ballet who are interested in continuing their training at an intensive level will be placed in Ballet 4 by the Director of Dance. Membership in the SPS Ballet Company is a prerequisite for placement in this level.
DA540: BALLET 5
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Dance
This course teaches classical ballet technique at a pre-professional intermediate level. Therefore, the physical vocabulary and combinations the dancers will be learning and practicing build on what was learned in Ballet 4 and are geared toward helping the dancers progress to Ballet 6 at the end of the year. Students will work to explore and improve their capacity for movement through the practice of clas-
sical ballet. Students will be expected to participate with the proficiency that is industry standard for their level. Classes will cover barre, center practice, pointe work and traditional men’s technique. In addition, students will develop artistry, work toward improving their strength and flexibility and learn about anatomy as it pertains to what they are working on as well as their knowledge of classical terminology and techniques. Throughout the year, students will receive training from visiting artists from professional companies in disciplines ranging from classical ballet to modern and contemporary techniques. Students with a significant background in ballet who are interested in continuing their training at an intensive level, will be placed in Ballet 5 by the Director of Dance. Membership in the SPS Ballet Company is a prerequisite for placement in this level.
DA580: BALLET 6
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Dance
This course teaches classical ballet technique at a pre-professional advanced level. Dancers at this level need to have had Ballet 3-5 or the equivalent. The physical vocabulary and combinations the dancers will be learning and practicing are the most advanced that the St. Paul’s School Dance Program has to offer. Students will work to hone their capacity for movement through the practice of classical ballet. Students will be expected to participate with the proficiency that is industry standard for a pre-professionally trained dancer. Classes will cover barre, center practice, pointe work and traditional men’s technique. In addition, students will continue to develop artistry, strength and flexibility. They will be asked to refer to anatomy as it pertains to what they are working on. They will continue to develop their knowledge of classical terminology, styles and techniques. Throughout the year, students will receive training from visiting artists from professional companies in disciplines ranging from classical ballet to modern and contemporary techniques. Students with a significant and appropriate background in ballet who are interested in continuing their training at this intensive level, will be placed in Ballet 6 by the Director of Dance.
Arts: FINE ARTS
The Fine Arts Program offers studio courses in which students work hands-on with materials and tools to learn about their world and themselves. Studio assignments are supplemented by a broad introduction to art history, theory, criticism and aesthetics, and exhibition of student artwork is an integral element of the curriculum. All students are offered extensive elective opportunities in one of three major areas: drawing, painting and printmaking; sculpture, glass and ceramics; or photography and computer graphics. Advanced Portfolio courses are offered as culminating classes in each of these three major areas of study. The program also offers courses in art history.
Emphasis is placed on both skill building and creativity. The Fine Arts Program supports introductory students through those who wish to study in the studio arts in depth throughout their St. Paul’s career and beyond. The Fine Arts Program strongly encourages students to explore mediums in depth.
FINE ARTS Courses
FA110: ART OF THE SKETCHBOOK
Fall or Spring Term: 1 credit
In this art appreciation course, students are introduced to historical studio practices using the sketchbook as an artist’s tool. The course surveys a broad range of artists and movements, beginning with the Renaissance period and leading up to contemporary practices. This course highlights the progression of recordkeeping and historical analysis through the act of journaling, collaging and drawing. Through studio art techniques such as bookmaking and en plein air painting, students analyze their perspective and observation of the natural world to develop visual literacy. Online sources are used to facilitate historical research and image-sourcing needed for each project.
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FA110: COMPUTER GRAPHICS: ART WITH COMPUTERS
Fall Term: 1 credit
Students in this course learn to use scanning, drawing tablets, the digital camera and various software to create art using computers. Creativity and experimentation are emphasized. Students output their work in a variety of digital media, including large archival inkjet prints.
FA110: ANIMATION
Winter Term: 1 credit
In Animation, students are introduced to the art of the moving image. Projects and techniques include stop-motion animation, hand-drawn animation and flash computer animation. With an emphasis on creativity, students will take their ideas through the full process from concept and storyboarding to building and drawing small sets to shooting to digitally rendering finished GIFs and videos. The course also teaches the history of the art form and incorporates viewing professional animations. Each term will conclude with a presentation of video work for the School in an evening screening.
FA110: GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
This course introduces students to graphic design through projects in printed and digital media, challenging students to create original images in the areas of design, color and typography. Students will survey the history of graphic design, examine modern applications and practice the visual communication of ideas through their own artworks.
FC110: CERAMICS 1
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Ceramics 1 is a beginning course that focuses on the exploration and development of fundamental ceramic processes. Through hand-built and wheel-thrown projects, students design and create various ceramics artworks ranging from utilitarian items to sculptural works. In handbuilding, the focus is on pinch, coil and slab methods. In throwing, primary forms are explored. Basic glazing and
firing techniques also are presented. Historical and contemporary examples, aesthetics and 3D design principles will be highlighted through demonstrations, lectures and tutorials. Emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamental aspects of three-dimensional form, including shape, texture and color to create original and expressive pieces.
FC210: CERAMICS 2
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 1
Ceramics 2 and 3 are advanced courses that focus on the continued development of fundamental ceramic processes, with emphasis on advanced methods in wheel throwing. More complex technical problems are examined, including throwing of large forms, functional pottery and handbuilt sculpture. Advanced glazing and firing techniques also are presented. Historical and contemporary examples, aesthetics and 3D design principles will be highlighted through demonstrations, lectures and tutorials. Class projects will allow students to practice technique while developing a personal approach to material and process.
FC240: CERAMICS 3
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 2
Ceramics 2 and 3 are advanced courses that focus on the continued development of fundamental ceramic processes, with emphasis on advanced methods in wheel throwing. More complex technical problems are examined, including throwing of large forms, functional pottery and handbuilt sculpture. Advanced glazing and firing techniques also are presented. Historical and contemporary examples, aesthetics and 3D design principles will be highlighted through demonstrations, lectures and tutorials. Class projects will allow students to practice technique while developing a personal approach to material and process.
FC350: CERAMICS 4
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 3
Ceramics 4 through 6 are advanced-level ceramics courses for highly motivated ceramics students that build upon advanced technical skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with clay as a sculptural or utilitarian medium. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works.
FC380: CERAMICS 5
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 5
Ceramics 4 through 6 are advanced-level ceramics courses for highly motivated ceramics students that build upon advanced technical skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with clay as a sculptural or utilitarian medium. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works.
FC450: CERAMICS 6
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Ceramics 5
Ceramics 4 through 6 are advanced-level ceramics courses for highly motivated ceramics students that build upon advanced technical skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with clay as a sculptural or utilitarian medium. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works.
FS110: SCULPTURE 1
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Sculpture 1 is a beginning course for students who want to explore and work in three-dimensional art forms. Students will be introduced to the 3D elements and principles of art and design. Students will consider how materials, processes and ideas can be used to make work that involves space and form. The class format will include image presentations and demonstrations of techniques such as welding, casting, modeling and carving. Class lectures will incorporate historical and contemporary
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examples. Class projects will allow students to practice technique while developing a personal approach to material and process. Emphasis is placed on skill development, experimentation, creative thinking and quality craftsmanship.
FS210: SCULPTURE 2
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Sculpture 1
Sculpture 2 and 3 are intermediate courses for students who want to build on their understanding of three-dimensional art and materials. Emphasis is placed on skill refinement and developing a personal approach to material and process. Students will explore how materials, processes and ideas can be used to make a body of work. The class format will include image presentations and demonstrations of advanced techniques in kiln-fused glass, stained-glass, casting, carving and modeling. Emphasis will be placed on material exploration, self-expression and high-quality craftsmanship.
FS240: SCULPTURE 3
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Sculpture 2
Sculpture 2 and 3 are intermediate courses for students who want to build on their understanding of three-dimensional art and materials. Emphasis is placed on skill refinement and developing a personal approach to material and process. Students will explore how materials, processes and ideas can be used to make a body of work. The class format will include image presentations and demonstrations of advanced techniques in kiln-fused glass, stained-glass, casting, carving and modeling. Emphasis will be placed on material exploration, self-expression and high-quality craftsmanship.
FS350: SCULPTURE 4
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Sculpture 3
Sculpture 4, 5 and 6 are advanced-level sculpture courses for highly motivated sculpture students that build upon advanced technical skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a
particular sculpture medium. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works.
FS380: SCULPTURE
5
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Sculpture 4
Sculpture 4, 5 and 6 are advanced-level sculpture courses for highly motivated sculpture students that build upon advanced technical skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular sculpture medium. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works.
FS450: SCULPTURE 6
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Sculpture 5
Sculpture 4, 5 and 6 are advanced-level sculpture courses for highly motivated sculpture students that build upon advanced technical skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular sculpture medium. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works.
FS480: STUDIO ARTS SEMINAR: CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Open to Sixth Formers with four or more terms in Ceramics and Sculpture, six or more terms in Arts and permission of the Department Head
Designed for students with strong technical skills and an independent, ambitious creative drive, this yearlong capstone course guides students as they create an original body of work for presentation to the School. The project-based course structure encourages experimentation, rigorous reflection, advanced technical instruction and strong critical thinking skills in the studio. The contemporary art context interweaves throughout the year with art history discussions, Crumpacker Gallery shows, visiting artist connections and group critiques. Students develop their unique creative voice and learn to converse in the language of visual artists. Projects are due every three to four weeks. Students work together daily and regularly meet with the full
Studio Arts Seminar cohort and instructors across mediums for feedback and collaboration. The Spring term culminates in a Crumpacker Gallery co-curated exhibition and community-wide Artist Talk event. Students taking this course are also encouraged to take an art history course at SPS.
FD110: DRAWING 1
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
This introductory-level course focuses on the basic techniques of drawing. Beginning with the fundamentals of drawing through the use of pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal and Conté crayon, the class then transitions to similar projects in watercolor and oil painting. Elements of design are introduced and reinforced in this course. The course is designed for students from all levels of experience and serves as a prerequisite for all subsequent drawing courses.
FD210: DRAWING 2
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Drawing 1
Drawing 2 and 3 represent the second and third terms in our Drawing sequence and focus on skills via more extensive, conceptual works. Students develop a thematic series of works around one or two subjects, including landscape, portraiture, still life and abstraction. Assignments are more independent in nature and individualized to the requirements of each student. Studio work is informed by art history and master artist references.
FD240: DRAWING 3
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Drawing 2
Drawing 2 and 3 represent the second and third terms in our Drawing sequence and focus on skills via more extensive, conceptual works. Students develop a thematic series of works around one or two subjects, including landscape, portraiture, still life and abstraction. Assignments are more independent in nature and individualized to the requirements of each student. Studio work is informed by art history and master artist references.
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FD350: DRAWING 4
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Drawing 3
Drawing 4 through 6 are advanced-level courses for highly motivated drawing students that build upon basic drawing and compositional skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular drawing medium, including graphite, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, Conté crayon or other drawing media. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works. Subjects include landscape, portraiture, still life, illustration and abstraction.
FD380: DRAWING 5
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Drawing 4
Drawing 4 through 6 are advanced-level courses for highly motivated drawing students that build upon basic drawing and compositional skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular drawing medium, including graphite, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, Conté crayon or other drawing media. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works. Subjects include landscape, portraiture, still life, illustration and abstraction.
FD450: DRAWING 6
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Drawing 5
Drawing 4 through 6 are advanced-level courses for highly motivated drawing students that build upon basic drawing and compositional skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular drawing medium, including graphite, charcoal, pastel, pen and ink, Conté crayon or other drawing media. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works. Subjects include landscape, portraiture, still life, illustration and abstraction.
FP110: PAINTING 1
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
This introductory-level course focuses on the basic techniques of painting. Beginning with transparent watercolor, students work toward an introduction to oil painting through landscape and still life. Elements of design and color theory are introduced and reinforced. The course is designed for students from all levels of experience and serves as a prerequisite for all subsequent painting courses.
FP210: PAINTING 2
Fall, Winter or Spring term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Painting 1
Painting 2 and 3 build on the basic techniques introduced in Painting 1 and develop those skills through a thematic series of works. Various landscape techniques and conceptual projects are introduced. Assignments are more independent in nature and individualized to the requirements of each student.
FP240: PAINTING 3
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Painting 2
Painting 2 and 3 build on the basic techniques introduced in Painting 1 and develop those skills through a thematic series of works. Various landscape techniques and conceptual projects are introduced. Assignments are more independent in nature and individualized to the requirements of each student.
FP350: PAINTING 4
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Painting 3
Painting 4 through 6 are advanced-level courses for highly motivated painting students that build upon basic painting and compositional skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular painting medium, including watercolors, acrylics, oils and/or encaustics. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works. Subjects include landscape painting en plein air, portraiture, still life and abstraction.
FP380: PAINTING 5
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Painting 4
Painting 4 through 6 are advanced-level courses for highly motivated painting students that build upon basic painting and compositional skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular painting medium, including watercolors, acrylics, oils and/or encaustics. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works. Subjects include landscape painting en plein air, portraiture, still life and abstraction.
FP450: PAINTING 6
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Painting 5
Painting 4 through 6 are advanced-level courses for highly motivated painting students that build upon basic painting and compositional skills, emphasizing further and more extensive work with a particular painting medium, including watercolors, acrylics, oils and/or encaustics. Students propose to develop a particular conceptual idea over a series of works. Subjects include landscape painting en plein air, portraiture, still life and abstraction.
FA480: STUDIO ARTS SEMINAR: DRAWING AND PAINTING
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Open to Sixth Formers with four or more terms in Drawing and Painting, six or more terms in Arts and permission of the Department Head
Designed for students with strong technical skills and an independent, ambitious creative drive, this yearlong capstone course guides students as they create an original body of work for presentation to the School. The project-based course structure encourages experimentation, rigorous reflection, advanced technical instruction and strong critical thinking skills in the studio. The contemporary art context interweaves throughout the year with art history discussions, Crumpacker Gallery shows,
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visiting artist connections and group critiques. Students develop their unique creative voice and learn to converse in the language of visual artists. Projects are due every three to four weeks. Students work together daily and regularly meet with the full Studio Arts Seminar cohort and instructors across mediums for feedback and collaboration. The Spring term culminates in a Crumpacker Gallery co-curated exhibition and community-wide Artist Talk event. Students taking this course are also encouraged to take an art history course at SPS.
FG110: GLASS 1
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Glass 1 is a beginning course for students who want to work with glass as a sculptural medium. Students will be introduced to hot glass, glass fusing, glass casting and stained-glass construction. Projects will focus on the three-dimensional elements and principles of art and design, while historical and contemporary examples of glass are studied. Students will learn how to manipulate hot glass, cut and grind glass, solder and create plaster molds. The course provides the opportunity for students to explore possibilities of glass in the studio and hot shop.
FG210: GLASS 2
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Glass 1
This course introduces the basics of manipulating hot glass through the use of a blowpipe and hand tools. Students learn how to gather glass from the furnace and shape it using hand tools at the glassblowing bench. Using heat, gravity and centrifugal force, students create vessels such as tumblers, bowls and vases. Students also are introduced to basic color applications as well as grinding and polishing techniques. Students study historical and contemporary examples of blown glass, as well as the artists involved with glass. Emphasis is given to developing hand skills, teamwork, creative thinking, self-expression and shop safety.
FG240: GLASS 3
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Glass 2
This course continues with the basics of manipulating hot glass through the use of a blowpipe and hand tools. Students learn how to gather glass from the furnace and shape it using hand tools at the glassblowing bench. Using heat, gravity and centrifugal force, students create vessels such as tumblers, bowls and vases. Students also are introduced to basic color applications and grinding and polishing techniques. Students study historical and contemporary examples of blown glass, as well as the artists involved with glass. Emphasis is given to developing hand skills, teamwork, creative thinking, self-expression and shop safety.
FT110: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
An introductory photography course designed for students with little or no previous photography experience, this course introduces the principles of photography through a blend of traditional and digital processes. The main objective is to teach students to see light rather than things. Students gain foundational understanding of the 35mm camera, black-and-white film, digital scanning, Adobe Photoshop and digital printing. Students must have access to a fully manual 35mm camera or may borrow one from the Department. (Arrangements can be made with the photography instructor for borrowing cameras.) Each photography course is concerned with the aesthetics, history and practice of this light-generated form of art. Additionally, productive critique procedures are cultivated.
FT210: BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography
Students further develop black-and-white photography concepts introduced in Introduction to Photography, this time with a focus on people and the body. The Zone Simple System, studio lighting and other intermediate-level techniques are explored, and several historical and contemporary
artists are discussed. An emphasis is placed on portraiture and self-portraiture and the exploration of gesture and meaning. Additionally, productive critique procedures are cultivated and the collaborative studio dynamic explored. Students should be highly motivated and have strong critical skills in all intermediate- and advanced-level photography courses. Students must have access to a fully manual 35mm camera or may borrow one from the Department.
FT240: PHOTOGRAPHY: COLOR
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Black and White Photography
Students continue to develop photographic vocabulary and vision while building upon intermediate-level black-and-white photography techniques. They also are introduced to computer colorization, color photography, color digital printing and basic computer image manipulation. Emphasis will be placed on developing narratives using photographic imagery. Students must have access to a fully manual 35mm camera or may borrow one from the Department.
FT310 [1-3]: ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY SEMINAR
Fall, Winter, or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Black and White Photography and Photography: Color
[Available only to Fifth and Sixth Formers or by permission of the Department Head]
Highly motivated students continue to use the Zone Simple System to explore advanced-level blackand-white and digital processes in photography, including night photography, SLOfilm, studio still life, and other alternative and multimedia techniques. Students are expected to work more independently and experimentally in this exploration of photography as a living and material medium. Students may elect to take this course a second time, and would do so using a new individualized curriculum. Students must have access to a fully manual 35mm camera or may borrow one from the Department. Students may repeat this course up to three terms, provided that they have earned a minimum of an Honors grade in all previous photography courses.
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FT480: STUDIO ARTS SEMINAR: PHOTOGRAPHY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Open to Sixth Formers with four or more terms in Photography, six or more terms in Arts and permission of the Department Head
Designed for students with strong technical skills and an independent, ambitious creative drive, this yearlong capstone course guides students as they create an original body of work for presentation to the School. The project-based course structure encourages experimentation, rigorous reflection, advanced technical instruction and strong critical thinking skills in the studio. The contemporary art context interweaves throughout the year with art history discussions, Crumpacker Gallery shows, visiting artist connections and group critiques. Students develop their unique creative voice and learn to converse in the language of visual artists. Projects are due every three to four weeks. Students work together daily and regularly meet with the full Studio Arts Seminar cohort and instructors across mediums for feedback and collaboration. The Spring term culminates in a Crumpacker Gallery co-curated exhibition and community-wide Artist Talk event. Students taking this course are also encouraged to take an art history course at SPS.
FA110 PRINTMAKING 1
Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
The printmaking courses 1 through 3 introduce students to various printmaking methods and media in a fast-paced, collaborative studio. With a heavy focus on experimentation, originality and message, students explore multiplicity, image reversal, design principles, color and mark-making through both hand-printed and press-printed techniques. Students develop technical ability and aesthetic skills through instruction in relief printing, embossing, intaglio, monotype, bookmaking, screen printing, Risograph duplication and Xerox. This studio course delves into the rich democratic history of print media by discussing its roots in publishing and politically engaged and public artworks and continuing into contemporary print cultures and industrial applications. No drawing experience necessary.
FA210: PRINTMAKING 2
Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Printmaking 1
The printmaking courses 1 through 3 introduce students to various printmaking methods and media in a fast-paced, collaborative studio. With a heavy focus on experimentation, originality and message, students explore multiplicity, image reversal, design principles, color and mark-making through both hand-printed and press-printed techniques. Students develop technical ability and aesthetic skills through instruction in relief printing, embossing, intaglio, monotype, bookmaking, screen printing, Risograph duplication and Xerox. This studio course delves into the rich democratic history of print media by discussing its roots in publishing and politically engaged and public artworks and continuing into contemporary print cultures and industrial applications. No drawing experience necessary.
FA240: PRINTMAKING 3
Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Printmaking 2
The printmaking courses 1 through 3 introduce students to various printmaking methods and media in a fast-paced, collaborative studio. With a heavy focus on experimentation, originality and message, students explore multiplicity, image reversal, design principles, color and mark-making through both hand-printed and press-printed techniques. Students develop technical ability and aesthetic skills through instruction in relief printing, embossing, intaglio, monotype, bookmaking, screen printing, Risograph duplication and Xerox. This studio course delves into the rich democratic history of print media by discussing its roots in publishing and politically engaged and public artworks and continuing into contemporary print cultures and industrial applications. No drawing experience necessary.
Arts: MUSIC
The St. Paul’s School Music Program is primarily performance-based, with vibrant choral and instrumental ensembles involving more than 20% of the student body. The music curriculum is designed in part to support student participation in the ensembles by enhancing students’ skills through private lessons and musicianship classes as part of the Applied Music Program. Students may enter the Applied Music Program at any level and may take Applied Music as many years as they wish.
Participation in at least one School ensemble (Choir, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra) is a requirement for enrollment in Applied Music. However, any qualified musician may participate in any ensemble without being enrolled in the Applied Music class. In such cases, we strongly encourage students to take non-credit private lessons. Please note that a fee is charged for non-credit music lessons; aside from the normal Arts fee schedule, lessons for those enrolled in Applied Music are free.
All music classes and lessons are taught by highly trained professional musicians.
MUSIC courses
MU100: NON-CREDIT MUSIC
Full Year
[May be taken for more than one year.]
Private yearlong instruction is available to all students who want to study music for no credit/no grade. Daily practice is expected. Music studied in this course is based on individual needs and abilities and may include a breadth of styles and genres, based on personal interests. A fee is charged for these lessons. As the School retains contracted music teachers annually based on the full academic year registrations received, early withdrawal from these music lessons does not release families from their financial obligations for the term in question. Please know that students may choose the options of Non-Credit Music lessons for the full academic year, for the Winter and Spring Terms, or for the Spring Term only. This course may be taken for more than one year.
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MU110: APPLIED MUSIC 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course is offered to musicians who are new to SPS and the ensemble program, and fulfills the oneyear Arts graduation requirement through participation in one or more of the School’s ensembles (Choir, Orchestra, Small Ensembles). The yearlong Applied Music 1 curriculum consists of two basic musicianship classes (BMC), one private or group lesson on students’ chosen instrument, and two or more evening ensemble rehearsals each week for those who qualify. Ensemble rehearsals are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for 90 minutes each. Grades are based on performance in BMC, lessons and ensemble participation. At the end of each term, students who are not participating in an ensemble may be asked to show their work to members of the music faculty through a 10-minute jury. Musicians who do not pass the audition for an ensemble or who play an instrument for which there is no ensemble offered will be expected to participate in evening practice sessions during ensemble meeting times. Students must pass the BMC portion of Applied Music 1 to receive credit for the course and move to Applied Music 2. Although the standard Arts fee applies, private and group lessons are free of charge to all students enrolled in Applied Music. Applied Music may be taken each year as described below. Students who participate in the Applied Music Program for their entire SPS career are eligible to receive a Distinction in Music at Commencement.
MU210 APPLIED MUSIC 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Applied Music 1
This course is a continuation of the Applied Music curriculum and is offered to students who have fulfilled the Basic Musicianship requirement by successfully completing the Basic Musicianship Class and Applied Music 1. Students enrolled in this class receive either two private lessons or one private and one group lesson per week and must participate in one or more Major Ensembles. More advanced students are encouraged to participate
in smaller “splinter” groups such as Madrigal Choir, Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble or other small ensembles coordinated by members of the Music Program faculty. Applied Music satisfies the School’s Arts graduation requirement.
MU310: APPLIED MUSIC 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Applied Music 2
This course is a continuation of the Applied Music curriculum and is offered to students in their third year in the program who have successfully completed Applied Music 2. Students enrolled in this class receive either two private lessons or one private and one group lesson per week and must participate in one or more Major Ensembles. More advanced students are encouraged to participate in smaller “splinter” groups such as Madrigal Choir, Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble or other small ensembles coordinated by members of the Music Program faculty. Applied Music satisfies the School’s Arts graduation requirement.
MU310: APPLIED MUSIC 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Applied Music 3
This course is a continuation of the Applied Music curriculum and is offered to students in their third year in the program who have successfully completed Applied Music 3. Students enrolled in this class receive either two private lessons or one private and one group lesson per week and must participate in one or more Major Ensembles. More advanced students are encouraged to participate in smaller “splinter” groups such as Madrigal Choir, Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble or other small ensembles coordinated by members of the Music Program faculty. Applied Music satisfies the School’s Arts graduation requirement; students who participate in the Applied Music Program for their entire SPS career are eligible to receive a Distinction in Music at Commencement.
MU420: MUSIC COMPOSITION PRIVATE STUDY
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: A passing grade in Basic Musicianship and permission of the Director of Music
Using the basic knowledge of music theory, writing and performing original compositions is the aim of this credit course. Proficiency on an instrument — preferably keyboard — or in voice is recommended. No previous experience in composition is necessary, but a willingness to explore and experiment is essential to realizing the goals of this course. Fullyear participation in this course is recommended; students also have the option of taking one or two music lessons per week.
Arts: THEATER
The Theater Program at St. Paul’s School offers all students the opportunity to explore theater as a craft in a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment. We offer Stanislavski-based top-level actor training that complements the rigorous academic preparation for which St. Paul’s is known. This breadth and depth gives students various entry points into the program, including performance opportunities, technical theater opportunities and various offerings in our course work.
Intellect, Imagination, Creative Collaboration, SelfExpression — these are the cornerstones of the St. Paul’s Theater Program. Through our studentcentered courses, our experienced faculty guide students to become storytellers who empathize and explore the world around them while developing a deeper understanding of self and others.
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About the Courses Offered
For the most comprehensive and in-depth actor training, courses are designed to take in sequence — for example, Improv, Acting 1 and Acting 2. However, if students meet any prerequisites or have the permission of the Director of Theater, they may take the courses in any order their schedules allow. There also are courses students may take more than once.
The theater program supports all students from the beginning introductory student to the student who desires to study theater in more depth during their time at St. Paul’s School.
THEATER courses
TH110: IMPROVISATION
Fall Term: 1 credit
Improvisation is an introductory course for all subsequent theater courses. Students will engage their imagination, creativity and spontaneity through the use of various exercises. Students will study the beginning 10 Rules of Improvisation and learn how to apply them to create various characters and scenes. Students will gain knowledge of themselves and the confidence to trust their thoughts while also learning how to slow down to allow those thoughts to develop, how to trust their instincts and how to be spontaneous. The course is designed for anyone who likes to create scenes and wants to explore the world of acting. Students develop skills and freedom necessary to react spontaneously and honestly from moment to moment. This is a performance class taught in a masterclass setting. Students should be prepared to engage in class activities and discussions, receive and give peer commentary and feedback and learn how to apply feedback. This course may be taken more than once.
TH110: ACTING 1
Winter Term: 1 credit
This course is designed to be taken in sequential order after Improvisation, but students who did not take Improvisation during Fall Term are encouraged to join this course during Winter Term. Acting I is designed for the beginning-level student who wants to explore acting skills needed to develop characters and perform monologues. Students will be introduced to a process of working designed to be easy to follow and to allow them to start to become independent-thinking actors who trust their own voice and interpretations of text. Through voice and diction exercises and various games and activities, students will develop an understanding of self and others while exploring theater as a craft. Various styles of monologues will be explored and students will have a monologue suitable for any audition by the end of the course. This is a performance class taught in a masterclass setting. Students should be prepared to engage in class activities and discussions, memorize material, receive and give peer commentary and feedback and learn how to apply feedback.
TH110: ACTING 2: BASIC SCENE STUDY
Spring Term: 1 credit
This course is designed to be taken in sequential order with Acting I. However, students who did not take Acting I during Winter Term are encouraged to join this course during Spring Term. Acting II is designed for the beginning- to intermediate-level student. This course will continue the study of basic acting skills learned previously and will focus on scripted material for study and interpretation. Students will explore further textual analytical skills while exploring vocal and physical skills needed for communication of the thoughts and ideas expressed in text that are essential for building an empathic, well-developed character. This is a performance class taught in a masterclass setting. Students should be prepared to engage in class activities and discussions, memorize material, receive and give peer commentary and feedback and learn how to apply feedback.
TH210: DIRECTING 1: STUDY OF THE PRACTICAL AND INTELLECTUAL JOB OF A THEATER DIRECTOR
Fall Term: 1 credit
This is an introductory course to stage directing, and is a prerequisite for being a director for the Winter Term one-act play festival. This course will introduce students to the detailed work of a director from casting through performance. We will examine the step-by-step process of casting, rehearsals, concept building, blocking, story structure and communicating concepts with the artistic team. We also will examine the collaborative relationship between the director and actor. Students will be introduced to set design by using the computer program SketchUp. Students should be prepared to reflect, participate in peer commentary and feedback, engage in discussions as well as be the actors for each other’s scenes. These scenes will only be performed in class. A final project will involve directing a scene from a scripted play on a set that students have imagined and built virtually via SketchUp.
TH210: PLAYWRITING
Fall Term: 1 credit
Have you ever wanted to write a play? What does it mean to write for the stage? In this course students will learn the art and craft of writing plays and developing new work. Students will participate in a collaborative workshop environment where they will read and analyze each other’s writing as well as published plays. This is an intensive writing course. Feedback from classmates provides an opportunity to learn how to give and receive constructive criticism for the revision process of developing work. Students will study topics including character, dialogue, narrative structure, audience and plot as they collaborate with their peers and develop their voices as playwrights and storytellers. A goal of the course is for students to have developed a portfolio of various works. This course is a prerequisite for being a playwright for the Winter Term one-act play festival.
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TH210: SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE 1
Winter Term: 1 credit
Have you ever wondered why Shakespeare is still performed today? Shakespeare is prevalent all over the world as literature, drama, pop culture and cultural capital; how and why we perform Shakespeare is both artistic and political. This course will prepare students to analyze, interpret and perform Shakespeare’s works as close readers, critical thinkers and creative actors. We also will look at theatrical practices, such as casting and directing, and critically analyze what it means to perform and produce Shakespeare today. Throughout the term, students will read plays together as a class and learn multiple approaches to performing Shakespeare with monologues and scenes. Students should be prepared to perform and engage with discussion.
TH310: SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE 2
Spring Term: 1 credit
This course is a continuation of Shakespeare in Performance I with new plays and new themes, but the Winter Term course is not a prerequisite for this class. Why do Shakespeare’s plays continue to be produced and reimagined for modern audiences? Every production of Shakespeare transforms the original play in some way. What is considered “traditional,” “nontraditional,” or “modern” about a Shakespeare production is a debate for all who perform and practice Shakespeare today. This course will continue to explore Shakespeare through close text analysis and performance. We will watch and critically analyze modern productions and reimaginings of Shakespeare. Students will learn how to analyze, interpret and perform Shakespeare’s works as close readers and imaginative actors using critical perspectives. Reading, presenting and discussing the plays, scenes and monologues will be a major part of this course.
TH350: AUDITION TECHNIQUE: ADVANCED MONOLOGUE STUDY
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Two years previous acting training or permission of the Director of Theater
Audition Technique is designed for the intermediate to advanced student. Through scripted material the students will be introduced to all techniques needed to excel in any theater performance audition. This course is ideal if you are interested in auditioning for summer or BFA programs. Practical techniques in the selecting, preparation and performance of monologues will be the focus. This is a performance class taught in a masterclass setting. Students should be prepared to engage in class activities and discussions, memorize material, receive and give peer commentary and feedback and learn how to apply feedback given to make their work stronger. By the end of the term, each student will have started to develop a portfolio of monologues suitable for any theater performance audition. This course may be taken more than once.
TH350: ADVANCED SCENE STUDY 1
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Two years previous acting training or permission of the Director
This course is designed to be taken in sequential order with Audition Technique. However, students who did not take the Fall Term course may join this course during the Winter Term. Advanced Scene Study is designed for the intermediate to advanced student. The course focuses on developing fundamental skills used in rehearsing and performing modern realistic plays. Through exploration of various acting techniques, students acquire the tools and skills essential for honest character development. Students will be introduced to scripted material from various modern playwrights. This is a performance class taught in a masterclass setting. Students should be prepared to engage in class activities and discussions, memorize material, receive and give peer commentary and feedback and learn how to apply feedback given to make their work stronger.
TH450: ADVANCED SCENE STUDY 2: PLAYWRIGHTS PROJECT
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Two years previous acting training or permission of the Director of Theater
This course is designed to be taken in sequential order with Advanced Scene Study. However, students who did not take the Winter Term course may join this course during the Spring Term. The Playwriting Project is designed for the intermediate to advanced student. This course combines scene work, improvisation with creative exploration of the voice, and movement. Student pairs or small groups will choose randomly a playwright they will study in depth, creating a project about that playwright’s life and career in any manner that is approved by the instructor — a song, movie, dance or other. Students then will pick their favorite scene from the play and work on it as actors and present for the end of the term. The student focus will be on the most advanced textual analysis and character development skills. Students will work with scripted material from various American and international playwrights. An ideal class for those who like acting and other forms of art as well. This course may be taken more than once.
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Humanities
The interdisciplinary Humanities curriculum helps students develop the passion for inquiry essential to a healthy and examined life. Students are challenged to become engaged citizens and responsible leaders in an increasingly complex and globalized world. They creatively interact with and draw connections between diverse “texts.” Faculty collaboration and ongoing innovation are hallmarks of the Humanities Program. The interdisciplinary study is based on a developmentally appropriate model that fosters an understanding of self, community, the natural world and the divine, while students develop critical thinking, writing, reading and research skills.
Humanities Writing Program
The Humanities Department strives to enable students to become confident, assured writers in whatever fields they pursue in college and their lives beyond. We expect students to write with clarity, efficiency, integrity and purpose through a wide range of assignments, including but not limited to the formal essay, personal essay, short story, poetry, dialogue and research essay.
We want students to read with joy a wide range of texts, and pursue a passion for language and original — indeed adventurous — self-expression. Accordingly, our assignments strive to be equally wide ranging, acknowledging that expression manifests itself not only in the written word but also in a variety of media: film, podcasts, visual art, debates, role plays, speeches and more. We recognize that all types of expression are essential preparation for college and life. Because good writers are good readers, students will read and explore a variety of voices and thereby develop their own voices, learning that writing is about discovery and that writing has multiple purposes in the world at large.
We recognize the developmental importance of students learning to process, and to reflect upon, their own thinking and feelings; to this end, students will develop a set of tools that individualize the writing process. Through their writing, students develop necessary habits of mind such as problem-solving, creative thinking and curiosity.
Enrollment in Humanities courses is subject to permission of the Department Head.
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HU110: HUMANITIES III
Full Year: 6 credits (2 credits per term)
Humanities III introduces students to what will be a four-year experience that expects collaboration, student-centered learning and richly interactive discussions. This course focuses specifically on identity and stories, understanding that identity formation is a byproduct of the intersection of cultural, historical, religious, political and social influences. The stories we learn, tell and read inform the way we look at the world and understand ourselves in relation to the world. Stories can be used to privilege some groups and marginalize others; stories also can be rewritten or harnessed to create positive social change. To help our students understand these ideas, we examine creation stories from Ancient Mesopotamia to Judeo-Christian traditions to Indigenous American cultures. Throughout their studies, students continuously develop their critical and creative thinking skills through close reading, writing, discussion, projects and presentations.
HU210: HUMANITIES IV
Full Year: 6 credits (2 credits per term)
In Humanities IV, students study American history and literature to explore the complex relationships among individuals and their communities through a varied and integrated disciplinary approach. Building on the self-conception considered in Humanities III and anticipating the examination of the forces and beliefs shaping our modern world studied in Humanities V, Humanities IV investigates why individuals choose to come together in community, how they cope with tension and change and how communities develop and evolve. Considering specific periods in American history, students explore American experiences through primary and secondary texts such as historical documents, artwork
and literature. Discussion and activity-driven classes encourage students to develop curiosity about the human condition, study and understand founding documents, develop their own perspectives and value others’ viewpoints. Students practice writing on a weekly basis as well as in major assessments as a critical means of self-expression with emphasis on analytical writing. Varied assessments foster skill building that includes critical reading, research, visual image analysis and public speaking. During the Spring Term, students conduct a major research project examining some aspect of American history or culture.
HU310: HUMANITIES V
Full Year: 6 credits (2 credits per term)
Centering on history and literature from the 19th and 20th centuries, Humanities V explores the forces that shaped the contemporary world. Specific units focus on the history and literature of China, Africa, India and Europe. The course aims to find recurring trends and themes relevant to all places, peoples and time. Students learn to interpret events and cultural artifacts through the lenses of economics, politics, race, gender and religion. Through a close examination of diverse texts — poetry, philosophy, novels, historical documents — students imaginatively and rigorously recreate the context both informing and informed by these works. Students refine the skill of close reading and develop critical vocabularies for various disciplines. Close attention is given to planning and writing analytical essays. Students also engage in a variety of other assessments — DBQ exams, research, historically based simulations — to develop greater appreciation for and control of the nuances of language and self-expression. Students are expected to be active participants in their own education. The course culminates in an independent research project in which each student expands their understanding of a topic introduced in Humanities V.
HUMANITIES electives
The Humanities curriculum offers both 300-level and 400-level electives. Electives are open to Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Form students with certain prerequisites:
• 300-level electives offer course content, context and homework load based upon the School’s guidelines for Fourth and Fifth Formers. Fourth and Fifth Form students must have earned an Honors grade in Humanities III and/or Humanities IV to enroll in a 300-level elective. New Fourth or Fifth Form students must have the approval of the Humanities Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs to enroll in a 300-level elective. Fourth Form students are encouraged to concentrate on 300-level electives.
• 400-level electives offer course content, context and homework load aimed at Sixth Formers, though qualified Fifth Formers and exceptional Fourth Formers may apply. Fourth Form students must have earned a High Honors grade in Humanities III and must have a teacher recommendation and Department Head approval to enroll in a 400-level elective. Fifth Form students must have earned an Honors grade in Humanities IV to enroll in a 400-level elective. New Fourth and Fifth Form students must have the approval of the Humanities Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs to enroll in a 400-level elective.
• Sixth Form students may enroll in 300-level electives in the Fall and Winter Terms. Sixth Form students are not eligible for 300-level electives in the Spring Term.
• Priority for enrollment for 300-level electives will be given to qualified Fourth and Fifth Form students. Priority for enrollment in 400-level electives will be given to Sixth Form students.
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HUMANITIES core courses
HU310: AMERICAN FILM AND CULTURE
Fall Term: 1 credit
This course focuses on the historical and cultural forces in the United States. With a thematic approach, the class explores issues of the American family, gender roles, race and other defining cultural values that have shaped modern America. To supplement the historical readings, classic American films are used as cultural centerpieces to enrich discussions and essays. Some of the films used in past classes include “Rebel Without a Cause,” “High Noon,” “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Graduate” and “Dr. Strangelove.”
HU310: BOARDING SCHOOL LITERATURE
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Boarding schools are consistently chosen as the setting for novels, short stories and poems. Something about this concentration of teenagers makes for an appealing backdrop to examine the human condition. In this course, students will read literature about boarding schools — such as “A Separate Peace,” by John Knowles, “The Fall of Rome,” by Martha Southgate, and “Black Ice,” by Lorene Cary ’74 — and try to articulate just what it is about the adolescent experience at boarding school that makes this literature so enthralling. Additionally, students will use their own experiences in conjunction with the texts to both broadly explore the utility of boarding schools in a constantly evolving societal landscape and to more narrowly examine St. Paul’s School, its community and its culture.
HU410: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Fall and Spring Term: 1 credit
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the institutions, processes and actors that comprise the American political system at the national level and engage them in empirical and critical thinking regarding the nature and quality of American democracy. The course begins with an examination of the ways we can systematically examine American politics, and then turns to the structure of American government with an emphasis on the divisions of power between levels
and branches of government. We’ll investigate the legislative and executive branches of government, looking specifically at the workings of the Congress, presidency and bureaucracy, and how these institutions engage in policy making and policy execution. The role of American elections and the combination of forces that lead to policy change also will be examined. We will end the course by considering the American judicial system and its role in our system of government. Current events will be incorporated regularly and used as lenses into the issues we are studying.
HU410 AMERICAN ELECTIONS
Fall Term: 1 credit
In this course students will study current political issues and trends. We will analyze the partisan divide in the country and how this engenders political division in the American government. We will discuss the dynamics, organization and decisionmaking processes of the American Congress and pay attention to the relationship between legislators and their constituents and legislators and the president. We also will examine the growth of presidential power, the cult of presidential personality and the issue of presidential accountability. Some crucial questions we might address include: What is the relationship between citizens and elected officials? How do the political parties function in terms of decisions made by members of Congress? How is power balanced among the three branches of government? At its heart, this course will be a current events course focusing on issues within the political system of the United States.
HU 410: AMERICAN HISTORICAL FICTION
Fall Term; 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course will engage students in American history through story-telling. Students will read a diverse selection of historical fiction books that cover different periods and aspects of American history. The course will be a discussion and writingintensive class that requires students to analyze characters, plot and historical context critically on a daily basis. For each unit, students will complete
daily reading quizzes, participate in class discussions, write biweekly short historical fiction pieces and write an essay comparing the book’s events to actual history. The final project will consist of analyzing a novel of the student’s choice, or writing a longer historical fiction piece set in a chosen time period by the student.
HU410: AMERICAN PUBLIC POLICY
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
What is more important: combating climate change or creating jobs? Should a public policy maximize effectiveness or efficiency? How do we, as an American society, analyze and tackle the tough issues facing our generation? This course is intended as an introduction to how policymakers analyze and craft solutions to issues such as the environment, social justice, welfare policy and more. Over the course of the term, we will consider the fundamental question of why some conditions become problems for the government to solve while other issues are ignored. The goal of this course is for each student to better understand how ideas become policy in the United States and to feel comfortable that they personally have an important role in having their voice heard and shaping solutions to the problems facing the world today.
HU 410: AN ETHIC OF CARE AND BELOVED COMMUNITY
Fall Term: 1 credit
Satisfies Religion requirement
This religion elective will explore the tenets of developing an ethic of care and belonging for individuals and communities. The course will examine the religious history, practical theology and ethical applications of the Beloved Community in an increasingly diverse and rapidly changing world. Students will engage the scholarship of Paul Tillich, Emilie Townes and Howard Thurman. Students will create their own ethic of care by writing weekly reflection and two research projects on articles and texts including Tillich’s “Love, Power and Justice,” Townes’ “Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil” and Thurman’s “Jesus and the Disinherited.”
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HU410: ASIAN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course examines historical and cultural contexts of Asian American experiences through literature. How do Asian American writers generate texts and media within international culture? How does American literature represent intersectional identities? How do American writers and thinkers from various Asian cultures situate their cultural histories within the American narrative? How are Asian American voices part of contemporary American culture? Students in the course will study literature from diverse authors and examine both the influences of that literature and how it influences contemporary society.
HU410: CREATIVE WRITING
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course is designed to help young writers experiment in order to find an original voice. Students work over the term toward a final portfolio of pieces in several media, which they can revise right up to the end. Offering the opportunity to try out poetry, fiction, personal writing, creative nonfiction and script writing, the course enables students to find their own writing voice. In addition, for Sixth Formers, the course yields interesting material that might be useful for the process of developing college essays, but it will not specifically prepare students for that task. Students are taught how to read texts not in terms of literary analysis but in terms of their usefulness, regularly workshopping their drafts with the rest of the group and studying new techniques and processes through a variety of assignments. The class also has the chance to work with visiting writers who come to St. Paul’s School as Schlesinger writers-in-residence or Conroy visitors.
HU410:
ECONOMIC
THEORY AND PRACTICE
Fall Term: 1 credit
The three-fold design of this non-mathematical introduction to economics provides students with an overview of the discipline that can serve as a background for courses in related subjects, a foundation for further study in economics and a knowledge base for becoming an informed worker, consumer and citizen. While examining briefly the history of economics and some of its seminal thinkers, the course concentrates on understanding basic economic theory (macro and micro), developing a practical knowledge of the workings of principal economic institutions (e.g., the Federal Reserve system, the stock market, the banking sector, etc.), and appreciating the subtleties of national economic policy, especially in light of current economic challenges.
HU 410: FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY IN LITERATURE
Fall Term; 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
In this course, we read American literature that features complex and often challenging family relationships. Using the framework of Bowen’s family systems theory and Adler’s birth order theory, we consider the psychological foundations of the family unit, and the various iterations family dynamics can take. The course includes readings of plays, novels, and psychological theories; analysis of characters and literary devices; and frequent writing — both analytical and personal.
HU410: FOUNDATIONS IN PHILOSOPHY
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
More than two millennia ago, the Greek philosopher Socrates argued that the unexamined life is not worth living. To better examine our lives, he urged us to do philosophy. This course is an introduction to the four major areas of philosophy: logic, epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. We will address questions such as: What is philosophy and how is it done? What is knowledge? Is reality subjective or objective? How does logic help us
find truth? Is there such a thing as human nature, and is it good or bad? How should we interact with the natural world? We will read ancient and modern texts (and watch a few contemporary films) to discuss topics such as the nature of identity, the purpose of education and the scope and limit of human reason. The course will create a foundation for students wishing to take other courses in philosophy at SPS or in college.
HU410: THE HOLOCAUST: HISTORY, LITERATURE AND FILM
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
The Holocaust is a moment in modern history that has been the subject of much historical inquiry as well as artistic creativity. As more time passes since the end of the Holocaust, the experience is not only told by Jewish survivors and their relatives, but also by artists, authors and filmmakers personally disconnected from the Jewish diaspora. What is it that makes the story of the Holocaust so enduring? Is it acceptable to deviate from the historical facts in creative works? In this course we will examine the causes of the Holocaust and the way the experience has been told through film, novels and other creative works across time.
HU410: THE MODERN AMERICAN FRONTIER
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
The notion of the frontier has captured countless imaginations throughout American history and culture. Synonymous with the frontier, the American West invites romanticized images of adventure, riches and limitless opportunities throughout history. But what does “frontier” actually mean when we envision the American West? How do these romantic visions conflict with reality? Students will explore these tension-filled intersections through a variety of lenses, including those of Indigenous nations, land owners, modern industry and the historical roots of the modern West. Topics will include water management, industrial resource extraction, Native American sovereignty, demographic/political pressure points and national parks/land ethics in the West.
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HU410: SACRED LITERATURE & ETHICS IN JUDAISM
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Satisfies religion requirement
This course offers an introduction to the study of sacred literature, with a focus on selections from the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud, and explores the ways that the authors and early readers of the Hebrew Bible, early rabbinic traditions and modern readers use scripture to explore theological and ethical questions. In this course, students will learn different methods for reading sacred literature, including source criticism, historical criticism, literary criticism and midrash. Students will be invited to examine the ways that oral and written religious traditions develop and spread and use their own imaginations to wonder about the gaps in sacred narratives. During class discussions, students will practice using sacred literature to make theological and ethical arguments.
HU410: SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGIC HEROES
Fall Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
William Shakespeare is widely acknowledged as a master of the English language and an astute observer of human nature and behavior. This course focuses on the tragic heroes of four great Shakespearean plays: “Hamlet,” “King Lear,” “Macbeth” and “Othello.” Using these plays as a lens, students will examine several important questions about the human condition: What is the nature of good and evil? Why do good people do evil things? Can good triumph over evil? What is the connection between conscience and action? What is the balance between reason and passion? In addition to reading the plays, students will watch both live and filmed productions and write about the content and form of these great masterpieces.
HU410: SPECULATIVE FICTION: EDEN TO EARTHSEED
Fall and Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Satisfies religion requirement
This course examines the creative space where religion and science fiction literature meet. Students will conduct an in-depth study of the parables, myths and allegories that humans have told and re-told throughout history as we reflect on the big questions of our lives and consider what futures might be possible. From sacred stories to Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus” to the contemporary work of Ursula Le Guin, Octavia Butler and Ted Chiang, students will read an array of authors and topics to consider how speculative literature has helped, and is helping, project ancient wisdom into the undetermined future.
HU410: WRITING BEYOND THE ACADEMIC ESSAY
Fall Term: 1 credit
This course is designed to help young writers refine their prose by experimenting with nonfiction essay writing. Students will work over the course of the term reading various models of essay writing by professional writers and exploring their own voices to create clear, concise, engaging prose. For Sixth Formers, the course may generate good material for college essays, although this is not the goal of the course. Some of the various prose models students will examine and write themselves include sharing a narrative, illustrating an idea, explaining a process, comparing and contrasting, using definition and arguing persuasively. Throughout the term, students will learn ways to generate ideas, keep an active journal, help one another in regular in-class writing workshops and discover the value of the revision process.
HU410: AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
Winter Term: 1 credit
This course asks students to examine the paradigm that governs American foreign policy and the key moments in history when that paradigm has shifted. In our study of foreign policy decisions, this course
examines America’s role as an imperial power, the role of human rights in America’s foreign policy decisions, the relationship between the United States and the United Nations and the concept of America as the world’s global police. Students are expected to pay particular attention to current events. There are several research projects as a major component of this course.
HU 410: THE ART OF THE SHORT STORY
Winter Term: 1 credit
Kurt Vonnegut once said that an effective short story “uses the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.” This course explores the ways in which short stories use — but don’t waste — our time. The course includes the critical reading of a wide variety of short stories, both contemporary and classic, as students digest, analyze and write about the distinctive voices and styles of the short story genre.
HU410: CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN FICTION
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course examines the way in which American literature has responded to some of the major cultural and historical events of the past 40 years, as well as the ways those events have allowed “new” voices to be heard. Combining historical context with close reading analysis, we will explore how contemporary events have demanded new forms and styles of literature. Topics include the impact of Black female writers on the American canon, the literary response to 9/11 and the newest evolution of American war literature.
HU410: CONTEMPORARY ETHICS
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course is a discussion-based seminar focusing on questions concerning academic frameworks for contemporary ethics. The term begins with an overview of the modern framework for ethics (e.g., consequentialism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics) before examining the nuances of contemporary
HUMANITIES 23
writers through the study of thought experiments. Students will discuss the practical application of ethical philosophies. Writing exercises will focus on demonstrating knowledge of ethical principles according to established philosophers and applying those principles to real-world scenarios.
HU410: CRAFTING SHORT FICTION
Winter and Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
In this course, we will study the craft of the short story. First, we will read a wide selection of works from authors of diverse backgrounds and time periods because, as Joyce Carol Oates says, “Reading is the springboard to writing.” We will explore the power of the story to highlight human emotion. We will take risks in the way we write, the subjects we tackle and the way in which we put ourselves out there to learn our craft and better understand our own voices. Through workshops and multiple drafts, we will develop the skills of constructive criticism to support the writing of peers, as well as the art of reseeing our own writing through multiple revisions. The course will culminate in the submission of a final portfolio and presentation of the students’ work.
HU 410: ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
Winter Term: 1 credit
How should human beings think about and relate to the natural world? Are all species equal or are some species more equal than others? How should we balance economic needs with environmental goals? What is the value of wilderness? These are just some questions addressed in the course. To address these questions, we will explore several key areas of environmental philosophy, including animal ethics, sentientism and ecocentrism, anthropocentrism and nonanthropocentrism, the aesthetics of nature and ecomodernism. Using historical and contemporary texts, we will think about wilderness, climate ethics and potential duties to future generations. The course introduces and practices the distinctive mode of philosophical inquiry, with its pursuit of good arguments, clear concepts and meaningful distinctions. Students should be ready to have their beliefs challenged and be ready to respectfully challenge the beliefs
of their peers. In the end, students will aim to develop an environmental outlook that is logically consistent, morally defensible and open to revision in the face of new evidence.
HU410: GENOCIDE IN THE MODERN ERA
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
After WWII and the Holocaust, the global community pledged “never again” — however, this refrain has largely been in vain. Both the United Nations and the world’s superpowers have been unable, or unwilling, to stop genocide in its tracks. This course will trace the evolution of the legal definition of the word genocide alongside the responsibility of the United Nations and individual nation states to aid victims, hold governments accountable and live up to the expectations it set for itself in the wake of the Holocaust.
HU 410: LITERATURE OF THE JAZZ AGE AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
The course will examine several of the seminal works of American literature composed during the Jazz Age (1920s) and the Great Depression (1930s). Selected texts will include poems, short stories and novels that portray a range of voices and perspectives on the American Dream and the American experience; major authors may include Ernest Hemingway, Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, Gertrude Stein, Nella Larsen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edith Wharton, Zora Neale Hurston, Claude McKay ,William Faulkner and others. Major themes examined will include disillusionment, detachment and decadence, as well as the exploration of the difficulty of finding one’s place in society. In addition, students will study and discuss the contrasting styles of various authors as well as their influence on literature and culture and their own commentary on the craft of writing. Possible texts for the course include Toomer’s “Cane,” Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises,” Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Larsen’s “Passing,” Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying,” as well as a variety of Harlem Renaissance poetry and short stories from the period.
HU 410: MICROECONOMICS
IN THE REAL WORLD
Winter Term: 1 credit
Microeconomic theory often lurks in the realm of mathematics classrooms and complex equations. But theory can inform how we interpret the surrounding world in rich, new ways. This course leads students to dissect aspects of microeconomic theory and then apply its lens to how we see the world around us. Students will do so through the theories of Comparative Advantage, Market Equilibrium, Market Failure, Utility Maximization and the ‘Theory of the Firm.’ Students will engage in problem sets, contemporary issues analysis and analytical writing to deepen their understanding of how the world of theory meets the real world.
HU410: RELIGION AND ETHICS
Winter and Spring Term: 1 credit
Satisfies Religion requirement
This course is a survey of religion as an important source of ethical analysis and moral decisionmaking. Students will engage the writing of ethicists of various religious traditions from Augustine, Aquinas, Bonhoeffer, Tillich and Niebuhr to Thich Nhat Hanh, Heschel and Townes. Students will be able to apply the ethical systems and writings to contemporary contexts and issues.
HU410: SACRED LITERATURE & ETHICS IN CHRISTIANITY
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Satisfies religion requirement
This course offers an introduction to the study of sacred literature, with a focus on selections from the New Testament and other non-canonical texts, and explores the ways that the authors of the New Testament, early Jesus followers and modern readers use scripture to explore theological and ethical questions. In this course, students will learn different methods for reading sacred literature and examine the ways that oral and written religious traditions develop and spread. Students will use their own imaginations to ponder the gaps in sacred narratives and practice using sacred literature to make theological and ethical arguments.
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HU410: THE VIETNAM WAR
Winter Term: 1 credit
This course will provide students with the opportunity to examine in great detail one of the most important world events of the last 60 years: the conflict in Vietnam. Specific topics such as the life of the “grunt” and turmoil on the homefront will be explored, as will larger questions about the nature of war itself in the second half of the 20th century. In an effort to answer questions about the war as it really was, versus that seen in popular literature and film, the class will consider a broad selection of media, as well as a variety of historical texts and essays. Documentaries and motion pictures to be studied include: “Hearts and Minds,” “The Hanoi Hilton,” “The Green Berets,” “Apocalypse Now,” “Platoon,” “Full Metal Jacket,” “Born on the 4th of July,” “Casualties of War” and others. Works read will include, but are not limited to, excerpts from: Philip Caputo’s “A Rumor of War,” Truong Nhu Tang’s “A Vietcong Memoir,” Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried,” Robert Mason’s “Chickenhawk,” Michael Herr’s “Dispatches,” Stanley Karnow’s “Vietnam: A History,” and a selection of essays from the anthology “Major Problems in the History of the Vietnam War.”
HU410: WORLD WAR II
Winter Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course provides a historical overview of the Second World War so that students may effectively analyze literary works about specific aspects of the conflict. Beginning with an understanding of the Germans’ hatred of the Treaty of Versailles following their defeat in World War I, students will then take a look at the rise of Hitler in the 1930s as well as the growing isolationism in the United States prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. While this course does not review each WWII battle, significant military events (e.g., D-Day) will be studied alongside corollary elements of the war (e.g., Japanese internment; the Holocaust). Using film, oral histories and other primary sources, plus historical analysis written by leading historians, this course aims to spark students’ long-term interest in what Jackson J. Spielvogel asserts “was clearly Hitler’s war.”
HU410: AMERICA’S PASTIME THROUGH LITERATURE
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course will look closely at how the game of baseball has mirrored American social, political and economic currents. The course will follow a chronological timeline, from the rise of the major leagues in the 1870s through the modern era, paying particular attention to the game’s impact on individuals and families, racial discrimination and integration, labor relations, urbanization, roles of women, treatment of gay athletes and implications of performance-enhancing drugs.
HU410: CIVIL RIGHTS, THE SIXTIES AND ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
The 1960s are marked as a period of great social and political unrest and change. A generation grew up during this decade questioning the status quo in the interest of collective societal progress. Political conversations evolved to include personal experiences of discrimination and oppression. This course will explore the forces that shaped the decade and examine what it represents to different demographics and for different institutions. St. Paul’s School will be one case study for which we will conduct exploratory research to practice historical research methodologies.
HU410: DYSTOPIAN LITERATURE
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Could a utopian society ever exist, and why does a search for the perfect world typically backfire? How do authors use dystopian literature as a form of social commentary on their own societies, and how effective is this form of criticism? How are decades-old social commentaries relevant to our society today? In this course, we will strive to answer these questions as we study the works of Orwell and Atwood, among others. In addition, we
will look at the way this genre has evolved with the emergence of several contemporary YA dystopian literature series. Besides novels, short stories and films/TV series also may be used.
HU410: ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRISES
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Many people have their own story about how and why the Great Recession of the 21st century marks an era of financial and economic instability in America. Writers, economists and historians offer rich insight into the economic and historical uniqueness of this crisis, which still looms large in modern memory. Students will dissect these perspectives using macroeconomic data, historical/economic frameworks, scholarly analyses, documentaries and pop culture literature as we interpret this critical moment in American culture. To build context, we will comparatively analyze the Panic of 1907, the Great Depression and the Great Recession as we make sense of how history informs policy and the present. Guiding questions for this course ask, How do historians, economists and cultural commentators preserve the memory of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression? So what? And, How do these lenses refract what is happening in our own economy?
HU410: FEMINIST LITERATURE AND MEDIA
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
What and who is a feminist? Who benefits from the historical and contemporary feminist revolution? What is my own feminist philosophy? This course will look at the rise of feminist movements throughout history and across continents and the evolution of the movement to the contemporary landscape and analyze accompanying feminist literature both historical and contemporary. In addition to reading excerpts from the seminal works “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir and “Feminism Is for Everybody” by bell hooks, students also will venture into contemporary feminist theory and literature.
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HU410: FORBIDDEN FICTIONS
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
The United States is experiencing a resurgence of book banning in public schools and libraries, with as many as 1,600 books banned nationwide from libraries, classrooms and curricula in recent years. This course will study the history of banned books, examine book censorship in light of First Amendment rights, and read some of the most popular challenged works. Novels may include Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” Angie Thomas’s “The Hate U Give,” Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy” and Ashley Hope Perez’s “Out of Darkness.”
HU410: MODERN WORLD LITERATURE
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
World Literature presents a contemporary overview of literature from a number of literary traditions. The course explores short stories and novels from established authors on a variety of themes and delves into the way different cultures and writers see their internal and external worlds in relation to their sense of self and their understanding of culture. The primary focus is on exploring a diverse array of texts, with an emphasis on cultures and traditions that are not well represented in the core Humanities courses.
HU410: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Political philosophy is the study of people in societies, focusing on the claims they have on each other in the form of rights and obligations and their demands for justice, equality and liberty. It is concerned with an analysis of the state and related institutions. This course studies questions about sovereignty (the power and authority assumed by the ruler) and political obligation (the duty and submission assumed by the ruled). Students will examine questions such as: Under which condi-
tions can political obligation arise and what is its extent? Are freedom and equality compatible? What is justice — an idea, an ideal or simply a routine legal process? What connection is there between justice and law? What is a law? How are laws justified and are there aspects of human life that laws should not attempt to regulate? Should we always obey the law or are there conditions under which breaking the law is justifiable?
HU
410: READING AND WRITING SATIRE
Spring Term; 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course explores the genre of satire through a combination of reading and writing activities. Students read a wide variety of satire in order to appreciate different authors’ mastery of the craft, and then use these samples as models for crafting their own satirical pieces. Through critical reading and discussion, students gain a deeper understanding of satire as a form of social and political commentary. The course includes a weekly workshop component for offering feedback on student work, deep dives into identifying satirical narrative strategies and frequent writing exercises.
HU410: RELIGION, RACE AND GENDER
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Satisfies religion requirement
This course examines the interrelationships among religion, race and gender in history and culture. Students develop two specific forms of religious literacy: the ways that religions shape and are shaped by their social/historical contexts, and the ways in which religions are internally diverse. We will think and write critically about the ways that sacred texts, the body and material culture together shape our changing understandings of gender and race; examine the ways that understandings of gender and race influence who has authority within particular religious contexts; engage in literary analysis of sacred texts; and conduct a research project on a topic of students’ own choosing.
HU410: SACRED LITERATURE & ETHICS IN ISLAM
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
Satisfies religion requirement
This course offers an introduction to the study of sacred literature, with a focus on the Quran and Hadith, and examines the ways that early Muslims, medieval Muslim philosophers and poets and modern readers use scripture to explore theological and ethical questions. In this course, students will learn different methods for reading sacred literature, and they will be asked to examine the ways that oral and written religious traditions develop and spread. Students will be invited to use their own imaginations to examine the gaps in sacred narratives, and they will practice using sacred literature to make theological and ethical arguments.
HU410: THE UNITED STATES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Spring Term: 1 credit
[NCAA English core course]
This course examines the political, economic and social developments from the year 2000 through 2023. The course will be guided by the following essential questions: How have the first two decades of the 21st century shaped current events? How is the United States different in 2023 from in the year 2000 and why? How can students learn from both the challenges and successes to help them become informed and engaged citizens as they enter adulthood? To that end, topics will include the 2000 election, the impact of 9/11 on both domestic and foreign affairs, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the emergence of cultural and political polarization, the Great Recession of 2008, the Obama, Trump and Biden presidencies, social justice movements, COVID-19, immigration, climate change, January 6th and the Supreme Court.
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Languages
The mission of the Languages Department is to develop in students the language skills that will enable them to gain a firsthand appreciation for and understanding of other people’s languages, literatures, histories and cultures. Students learn to respond creatively and critically to the challenges and opportunities for communication in the world today. Our ultimate goal is to help students cultivate a healthy vision of the future that includes not only themselves but past and present peoples from around the world.
As an objective framework for our mission statement, we have adopted the five goals set forth by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages:
• Communication: Communicate in languages other than English.
• Cultures: Gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures.
• Connections: Connect with other disciplines and acquire information.
• Comparisons: Develop insight into the nature of language and culture.
• Communities: Participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.
Six languages are offered — two classical and four modern — with Honors sections available. The Classical Honors Program attracts students who achieve a high level of competence in Latin and Greek.
The School Year Abroad program (SYA) offers students studying French and Spanish opportunities to improve their language skills dramatically in an immersion setting.
Enrollment in Language courses is subject to permission of the Department Head.
LANGUAGES 27
CHINESE courses
CN110: CHINESE 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This is a fundamental course for true beginners of Chinese. Students learn to express themselves and understand others by focusing on topics closely related to their daily life. The four tones and proper pronunciation are introduced through rhythmic verses in order to help students develop a natural ear and tongue for the language. The pedagogy, known as TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling), serves as a backbone for both oral comprehension and reading skills. Students also practice characters daily and in doing so build up a strong foundation for the Chinese writing system. In addition, students will engage in reading novice-level classic Chinese stories while also creating their own digital picture books.
CN210: CHINESE 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 1
This course builds on concepts introduced in Chinese 1. Using increasingly complex vocabulary and sentence structures, students learn to formulate and respond to questions, provide descriptions and develop narrations.Students read and write short compositions on a weekly basis. Cultural aspects of the language are emphasized through projects and other media. Students are expected to practice a combination of typing and writing characters regularly as a supplement to intensive handwritten character writing.
CN260: CHINESE 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 1
This course is designed for students who have a solid mastery of the grammar and vocabulary covered in Chinese 1. Students will continue to build essential vocabulary in order to read and write level-appropriate passages, develop speaking skills and become acquainted with aspects of Chinese culture and society. In addition, the study of syntax is quite intense in this class and students
are expected to express themselves with grammatical precision. Homework, essays and chapter tests are mostly handwritten. By the end of the course, students are well out of the beginner level.
CN310: CHINESE 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 2
This course builds on Chinese 2. Students have regular opportunities for meaningful communication by using more complex structures, vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. The focus of the course is to combine and expand elements previously learned to enable students to express themselves more accurately through a story-based approach. Students are expected to discuss readings and re-write stories in written assessments. Cultural aspects of the language are also emphasized. Multimedia aids are used. Students are expected to type their essays regularly, in supplement to intensive handwritten character writing.
CN360: CHINESE 3 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 2
This course is designed for students who have a thorough mastery of the grammatical structures and vocabulary covered in the second year. Students learn to state their own opinions in longer speeches using more complex structures and vocabulary. Reading skills continue to be developed using a variety of stories. Students should expect to complete oral and written assessments regularly according to the content of the stories.
CN410: CHINESE 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 3
This course pays special attention to developing students’ oral and listening competence. Students read more extensively on various topics in the form of short stories and other literary pieces. Idiomatic expressions are introduced through reading literary selections. Students are expected to write regularly. Cultural aspects of the language are emphasized through focused term research projects.
Multimedia aids are used on a regular basis. Students are expected to type their essays in tandem with intensive handwritten character writing.
CN460: CHINESE 4 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 3 Honors
This immersive course is dedicated to cultivating oral proficiency and listening skills through a comprehensive program encompassing vocabulary, communication, listening exercises, readings and group discussions revolving around a diverse range of themes. Students engage with extensive literary works across various media formats, such as newspaper articles, short stories and other literary pieces, introducing them to idiomatic expressions through selected literary works. The course also stimulates students’ creativity through the completion of multimedia projects, including posters, videos and oral presentations. The integration of multimedia resources further reinforces students’ learning experiences. The ultimate objective of the course is to elevate students beyond the intermediate level, fostering their mastery of the language.
CN560: CHINESE 5 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 4 Honors
This course, designed for more advanced students, further develops overall Chinese language proficiency and knowledge of Chinese culture through movies, discussion and extensive reading of various texts, including materials from newspapers, magazines and other authentic documents. Students master advanced-level language structures, expressive styles and conventions of communication through topics reflecting multiple aspects of Chinese society and culture and the use of various authentic multimedia materials in different linguistic registers.
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CN580: CHINESE SEMINAR 1
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese 5 Honors
This course is designed for advanced students who have completed Chinese 5 Honors. It is a combined class with non-heritage students and Chinese heritage/native speakers. The focus is on reading, class discussion, writing essays and doing research in Chinese. The materials will include an array of literature from ancient, contemporary and modern China. Students use short novels, films and other media to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, history and philosophy.
CN590: CHINESE SEMINAR 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Chinese Seminar 1
Chinese Seminars 1 and 2 constitute a two-year cycle. Because very few students take both seminars, the structure of the class is the same. Thus, the description of Seminar 1 applies equally to Seminar 2. However, because some students do take both seminars, the selection of readings and other materials is different.
FRENCH Courses
FR110: FRENCH 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course offers students an introduction to the language and culture of contemporary Frenchspeaking countries. Grammar, vocabulary and syntax are studied using a film-based textbook with simple dialogues and oral and written drills to build conversational skills. Work in the Language Center reinforces the development of listening and speaking. The class is conducted mostly in French.
FR160: FRENCH 1 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Head
This course is designed for students with a strong basic background in French. Emphasis is placed on refining students’ listening, speaking and writ-
ing skills. Proficiency is honed through work in the Language Center and the use of a variety of multimedia materials that accompany the text. Grammar is reviewed thoroughly. The class is conducted in French from the beginning.
FR210: FRENCH 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 1
This course is the continuation of French 1. The basic study of grammar is completed, and reading selections and writing exercises of increasing complexity help students work on their language and conversational skills. The cultural component of this course gives students an understanding of the diversity of France and the Francophone world today.
FR260: FRENCH 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 1 Honors
This course continues and consolidates the study of grammar established in French 1 Honors. Readings of increasing difficulty are introduced as the basis for expanded oral and written work through task-oriented and creative writing techniques. Texts studied represent a broad spectrum of cultures and ideas across Francophone societies.
FR310: FRENCH 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 2 or French 2 Honors
In this course, emphasis is placed on refining students’ listening, speaking and writing skills along with a more complex study of grammatical structures. A variety of multimedia materials accompanies a textbook rich in readings and articles that widen the students’ knowledge about societal trends in the Francophone world. Short readings and one-act plays enrich the understanding of French, and they also provide the basis of discussion, performances and writing exercises in French.
FR360: FRENCH 3 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 2 Honors or permission of the Department Head
Using texts and materials that address contemporary societal trends, this course focuses on learning more about and connecting with the Francophone world and its literature. Oral proficiency is emphasized, grammar is thoroughly reviewed, reading skills are honed and analytical essay writing techniques are introduced.
FR410: FRENCH 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 3
Cultural and historical Francophone themes are explored through literature, film and music. Critical reading skills continue to be developed using a variety of texts that include novels, short stories, plays and poetry. This course emphasizes analytical discussions, writing assignments and projects. Grammar continues to be reviewed with particular attention to its finer points.
FR460: FRENCH 4 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 3 Honors
Francophone cinema, literature and contemporary events serve as springboards for discussion as we delve into issues facing the 21st century Frenchspeaking world. This course explores a wide array of traditions and styles of discourse. Oral and aural proficiency are refined in conjunction with rigorous grammar review. Writing and reading skills are broadened across all genres.
FR580: FRENCH SEMINAR 1
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French 4 Honors
This course offers a survey of French literature. During the Fall and Winter Terms, students read French literary classics, beginning in the Middle Ages and focusing on one work per century. In spring they study novels from the contemporary
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Francophone world. The students also view French language films at home and draw connections with the readings. Class discussions focus primarily on close readings and assess the works within their historical and literary contexts. The writings and films additionally serve as springboards for thinking through social constructs and theoretical concepts such as race, gender, sexuality and intersectionality. The students improve their writing skills through frequent short writing assignments and in-class essays. Leading discussions and delivering presentations allows them to fine-tune their speaking abilities.
FR590: FRENCH SEMINAR 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: French Seminar 1
This course is a continuation of Seminar 1 and is taught in the same manner. Students continue to deepen their understanding of French and Francophone literatures, cultures and histories. The main goals of this course are to improve students’ conversational skills by cultivating formal academic speaking competencies, and to develop their critical thinking skills and analytical expression in French at the advanced level while increasing their awareness of French and Francophone cultures presented through a wide range of media.
GERMAN courses
GE110: GERMAN 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course offers students an introduction to the language and culture of contemporary Germanspeaking countries. Grammar, vocabulary and syntax are studied through oral and written drills and through simple conversations. Work in the Language Center reinforces the development of listening and speaking skills. The class is conducted in German from the beginning.
GE210: GERMAN 2
Full year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 1
This course is a continuation of German 1 and is taught in the same manner. The basic study of grammar is completed, and readings of increasing difficulty are introduced as the basis for expanded oral and written work. By the end of the course, students are able to use workable, basic German in normal situations they encounter and are able to enjoy works written in simple German.
GE260: GERMAN 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 1 and permission of the Department Head
This course is a continuation of German 1 and is taught in the same manner. The basic study of grammar is completed and readings of increasing difficulty are introduced as the basis for expanded oral and written work. The course includes an introduction to German history, literature, film and cultural topics through the German language. By the end of the course, students are able to use workable basic German in normal situations they encounter and to enjoy works written in simple German.
GE310: GERMAN 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 2
This is a multifaceted course, designed to introduce students to German culture through literature, history, contemporary politics, music and popular culture. Materials used include shorter literary works such as short stories, novellas, plays and poetry, as well as film and a variety of news media. Proficiency and grammatical accuracy continue to be emphasized through written and oral exercises.
GE360: GERMAN 3 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 2 Honors and permission of the Department Head
This is a multifaceted course, designed to introduce students to German culture through literature, history, contemporary politics, music and popular culture. Materials used include shorter literary works such as short stories, novellas, plays and poetry, as well as film and a variety of news media. Proficiency and grammatical accuracy continue to be emphasized through written and oral exercises.
GE410: GERMAN 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 3
Issues and themes of cultural and historical relevance are explored through literature, film and current events. Critical reading skills continue to be developed using a variety of texts, which include plays, lyric poetry, fiction and news articles. The course emphasizes discussion, analytical papers and projects. Grammar continues to be reviewed with particular attention to its finer points and the use of idioms.
GE460: GERMAN 4 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 3 Honors
Issues and themes of cultural and historical relevance are explored through literature, film and current events. Critical reading skills continue to be developed using a variety of texts, which include plays, lyric poetry, fiction and news articles. The course emphasizes discussion, analytical papers and projects. Grammar continues to be reviewed with particular attention to its finer points and the use of idioms.
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GE560: GERMAN 5 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 4 Honors
This course is a continuation of German 4 Honors and is taught in the same manner. Students continue to strengthen their four language skills of reading, writing, listening/understanding and speaking. German culture and history provide the context for in-depth discussions and writing assignments on literary works, film and news media.
GE580: GERMAN SEMINAR
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: German 5 Honors
This course is designed for advanced students who have completed German 5 Honors. Current events focusing on German-speaking countries, lyric poetry, longer literary works and German film provide the basis for discussions and writing assignments. Reading, writing, listening/understanding and speaking skills continue to be refined based on the needs of the students.
GREEK and LATIN courses
GR110: GREEK 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to Attic Greek forms, vocabulary and grammar, employing readings of graduated difficulty. Students also learn the history of Greek civilization and culture, Greek mythology and aspects of daily life in ancient Greece.
GR210: GREEK 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Greek 1
This course begins with a review of Greek grammar, then introduces the more complex verb forms and dependent clauses using the subjunctive and optative moods. Students learn the history of the classical period, including the Athenian Empire and the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars. Toward the end of the course, students encounter readings from prose authors such as Herodotus, Xenophon, Lysias and Lucian.
GR360: GREEK 3 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Greek 2 Honors
In the Fall Term this course concludes the introduction to Greek prose with extended readings from texts such as Plato’s dialogues and Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War.” In the Winter and Spring Terms students are introduced to Greek poetry through selections from Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” the lyric poets, or Athenian tragedy and comedy.
GR460: GREEK 4 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Greek 3 Honors
This advanced-reading course provides a survey of the rise and fall of Athenian democracy through extended readings from the historians Herodotus and Thucydides, the philosophers Plato and Aristotle, and Greek tragedy and comedy.
LT110: LATIN 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the Latin language and syntax. Graduated readings in Latin explore events in the life of a typical Roman household while also teaching vocabulary, forms and grammatical constructions. Students also gain an overview of classical mythology, Roman history, daily life and the geography of the ancient world.
LT130: LATIN BRIDGE
Full Year: 3 credits
This course is for students who have some background in Latin. Students obtain a solid foundation in vocabulary, forms, grammatical constructions and reading comprehension. Students also gain an overview of classical mythology, Roman history, daily life and the geography of the ancient world.
LT210: LATIN 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Latin 1
This course begins with a review of material from Latin 1. Students learn more advanced grammati-
cal concepts such as purpose and result clauses, conditional sentences and other uses of the subjunctive and gerunds and gerundives. Students continue to develop reading proficiency via textual narrative. Students also examine pertinent cultural and historical topics.
LT260: LATIN 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Latin 1
This course offers an accelerated approach to the language. Emphasis is placed on advanced syntax, including uses of the subjunctive, uses of the cases of nouns and techniques for translation and reading comprehension. Students study a wide variety of cultural, historical and linguistic topics. Toward the end of the course, students encounter readings from authors such as Caesar, Catullus, Petronius, Pliny and Martial.
LT310: LATIN 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Latin 2
This course begins with a brief review of grammar and syntax learned in the previous two years. Students continue to reinforce grammatical concepts and improve their Latin-to-English translation as they read graduated selections from adapted texts by prose authors such as Eutropius, Livy, Nepos and Caesar. Emphasis is placed on improving sight translation and reading comprehension. Readings also introduce students to major figures, events and cultural topics from the legends of early Rome and the history of the Roman Republic.
LT360: LATIN 3 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Latin 2 Honors
This course offers a rapid review of the fundamentals of grammar combined with accelerated readings from a selection of Latin prose authors such as Caesar, Livy and Cicero. Through these readings students trace Rome’s development from city-state to world empire and the concomitant evolution of the constitution from the Monarchy through the Republic to the Principate.
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LT410: LATIN 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Latin 3
This is a reading-based course focused on selections from the poetry of Catullus, Virgil and Ovid. Formal review of advanced grammatical concepts will be provided as necessary. The course provides students with an opportunity to analyze Roman texts as they improve their reading comprehension and sight translation skills. Various cultural and historical projects may include studies of Roman poetry, mythology and love in the Roman world, and the reception of the works read in later artists and authors.
LT460: LATIN 4 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Latin 3 Honors
This is a reading-based course focused on the historical development and aesthetic principles of Roman poetry. Selections from Catullus, Virgil, Horace and Ovid provide the basis for class discussions. In addition to poetic scansion and literary devices, students will explore the social, cultural and political context of these authors.
LT510: LATIN 5
Full Year: 3 credit
Prerequisite: Latin 4
This course introduces students to the comic literature of ancient Rome through advanced readings chosen from comedy, satire, invective and the novel and culminates in the production of a play in Latin. Authors read may include Plautus, Terence, Cicero, Horace, Petronius, Seneca and Apuleius. Students also consult models from Greek literature in English translation and modern plays and films inspired by Roman originals.
LT580: LATIN SEMINAR
Full Year: 3 Credits
Prerequisite: Latin 4 Honors
This course introduces students to the comic literature of ancient Rome through advanced readings chosen from comedy, satire, invective and the novel and culminates in the production of a play in Latin. Authors read may include Plautus, Terence, Cicero, Horace, Petronius, Seneca and Apuleius. Students also consult models from Greek literature in English translation and modern plays and films inspired by Roman originals.
CLASSICAL HONORS Program
The Classical Honors Program offers an advanced course of study in both Latin and ancient Greek with students receiving a special Classical Honors Diploma at graduation.
The Program helps students develop a level of language training and critical and analytical skills comparable to that of college students and thereby enhances their opportunities for admission to the most competitive colleges and universities.
The Program provides a curriculum which, while centered in the study of the Latin and Greek languages and literature, acquaints students with the history, art, architecture and mythology of GrecoRoman civilization and its modern reception.
Students in the Classical Honors Program are expected to continue their study of Latin at the Honors level throughout their time at SPS and to take a minimum of two sequential years of Greek. They also are expected to participate in the Study Tour of Greece and Italy as well as all Honors Program field trips. Financial aid for some travel expenses is available for those who qualify.
Students already at SPS who wish to join the Program need to submit a letter of application. They must have completed an Honors Latin course at SPS with a final grade of High Honors (HH) and
at least two terms of Greek with term grades of Honors with Commendation (H+) or above.
During their years at St. Paul’s School, students accepted into the Classical Honors Program:
• Meet and learn from classicists of leading colleges and universities.
• Are invited to guest lectures and plays at nearby institutions as well as on field trips to view the collections of ancient art at museums in Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.
• Experience the ancient world firsthand by traveling to Greece or Italy during a March vacation (offered every two years). These two-week adventures allow students to visit ancient archaeological sites, witness the art and culture in context, and deepen their understanding of what they learn in the classroom.
• Complete a capstone project during their Sixth Form year.
SPANISH courses
SP110: SPANISH 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course offers an introduction to the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Grammar, syntax and vocabulary are studied through oral and written drills and through simple conversations. Work in the Language Center reinforces the development of listening and speaking skills. The class is conducted mostly in Spanish.
SP160: SPANISH 1 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Head
This course offers a thorough, rapid review of basic Spanish grammar followed by a continuation of intensive grammar and vocabulary studies. Exercises and drills, conducted both in class and in the Language Center, are an integral part of the course.
A series of short videos reinforces listening skills and provides a context for dialogues in order to
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strengthen speaking skills. The course introduces students to the literature and culture of Spanishspeaking countries through a study of short literary selections and articles.
SP210: SPANISH 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
This course is a continuation of Spanish 1. A study of basic vocabulary and grammar is completed by the end of the year, and there is greater emphasis on cultural readings and perspectives. Students further develop communication skills and are able to use basic Spanish in varied situations.
SP260: SPANISH 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 Honors or permission of the Department Head
This intensive course offers a challenging and thorough review of all fundamental Spanish grammar. Advanced vocabulary is introduced, increasing students’ capacity for both oral and written proficiency. The course includes adapted selections of Hispanic literature, frequent compositions and required oral participation.
SP310: SPANISH 3
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
This course is designed to strengthen speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. During the year, students solidify previously studied grammar and vocabulary and further develop communication skills. Students read and discuss short stories and poems that reflect cultural elements of Spanishspeaking countries.
SP360: SPANISH 3 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 Honors or permission of the Department Head
Students in this course are expected to develop a high level of proficiency in Spanish as we emphasize reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Students read short stories, poems, essays and articles of major Hispanic authors. Students participate in daily discussions of the literature that include the cultural, social and political contexts of these works. Compositions are assigned regularly. The course also includes an intensive and fastpaced review of Spanish grammar. Proficiency and grammatical accuracy continue to be emphasized through written and oral exercises.
SP410: SPANISH 4
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 3
In this sequence of classes, students explore themes of cultural and historical importance through literature, film and current events. Students are exposed to a diversity of voices and continue to develop reading skills by reading a variety of texts, including poetry, fiction and news articles. In addition, students review and strengthen their reading, writing, listening and conversational skills. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions of literature and culture.
SP460: SPANISH 4 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Honors
In this class students expand their active knowledge of Spanish through the study of literature, film and other media. In the fall we discuss a series of plays; the winter is devoted to short stories; in the spring, we read poetry and essays. Each term also includes a film. Assessments include expository and creative writing in Spanish, frequent quizzes on class materials and the performance of spoken ex-
ercises. No English is used in the classroom. While occasional grammar review is provided, students are expected to improve their Spanish by constant exposure to and use of the language. The class also includes occasional discussion of strategies for language learning.
SP510: SPANISH 5
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 4
In this course students continue to explore Latin American culture and history through current events, texts and film. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions in order to continue to strengthen their communication skills. In addition, students further hone their writing skills through weekly compositions.
SP580: SPANISH SEMINAR 1
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors
In this course students use literature, film and other media to strengthen their active use of idiomatic language, a broad vocabulary and complex sentences. The bulk of class time is dedicated to the close analysis of literary works, although we also discuss historical events, films, visual arts, music and contemporary politics and society. Topics and materials date from medieval Iberia and colonial Latin America to the contemporary Spanishspeaking world.
SP590: SPANISH SEMINAR 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Spanish Seminar 1
Seminar 1 and 2 constitute a two-year cycle. Because very few students take both seminars, the structure of the class is the same. Thus, the description of Seminar 1 applies equally to Seminar 2. However, because some students do take both seminars, the selection of readings and other materials is different.
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Mathematics
The St. Paul’s School Mathematics Department strives to inspire independent and collaborative problem solving by fostering an appreciation of mathematics and creating a strong foundation for interdisciplinary pursuits. To enhance the learning environment, we emphasize:
• Instructing and assessing to promote mastery, deep understanding, proficient communication and the ability to transfer knowledge to new situations.
• Fostering resilience and providing opportunities for students to engage in risk-taking, detecting errors and growing from their mistakes.
• Modeling and nurturing collaboration in the exploration of the beauty, nuance and applicability of mathematics.
• Welcoming and embracing diverse perspectives and experiences while being aware that the history of mathematics amplifies certain voices over others.
Enrollment in Mathematics courses is subject to permission of the Department Head.
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MATHEMATICS courses
MA100: ALGEBRA 1
Full Year: 3 credits
This course provides students with a solid foundation in their study of mathematics. The course begins with the study of signed numbers, fractions and operations with literal expressions. We study linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities. We also consider polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, fractional equations, quadratic equations and radical expressions. Throughout, applications to problem solving are discussed as a transition into geometry and second-year algebra.
MA110: GEOMETRY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
This course in Euclidean geometry develops a logical and rigorous mathematical system based on definitions, postulates and theorems. Deductive proof is the backbone of the course, which includes properties of parallel lines, triangle congruence and similarity, polygons, circles, area and volume. Additional topics include right-triangle trigonometry and coordinate geometry. Computer applications are utilized to enhance understanding of geometric concepts and concepts from Algebra 1 are reinforced throughout the course.
Please note that geometry is a prerequisite for all courses at the 200 level or above. For new students or students who complete summer work, the prerequisites listed for the following courses are intended as guidance for the Mathematics Department Head in placing them in the appropriate level math classes based on their transcripts, teacher evaluations and placement tests.
MA210: ALGEBRA 2
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Students extend their knowledge of methods, skills and concepts introduced in Algebra 1. The focus is on functions: linear, quadratic, logarithmic, polynomial, exponential and rational. Additional topics include the complex number system and solving systems of linear equations. Analytic techniques are emphasized. Students are instructed in the use of a graphing calculator, a tool they use to explore and investigate as well as to model and analyze data.
MA250: ALGEBRA 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 Credits
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and permission of the Department Head
This is a rigorous course intended for students of demonstrated ability who have the desire and capability to learn and work independently and to think creatively. The entire content of Algebra 2 is studied in greater depth. Additionally, the course includes the study of matrices, graphing techniques, linear programming and systems of nonlinear equations. The TI-84 graphing calculator is used for exploration, confirmation and analysis.
MA300: FOUNDATIONS IN PRECALCULUS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
This course leverages concepts learned in Algebra 2 and extends students’ prior knowledge of algebraic and geometric methods, skills and concepts in preparation for the study of calculus. Care is given to identify and remedy areas of past difficulty for students. Topics include trigonometry, sequences and series, counting and probability and exponential and logarithmic functions. Graphing technology is used throughout the course to enhance student understanding of mathematical concepts. Real-world applications illustrate and reinforce mathematical ideas.
MA310: HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
This course introduces students to key elements in the progression of mathematical thinking. In working to understand the creation of number systems, learning and applying algorithms for basic computations, studying the writings of various mathematicians and investigating historical problems, students develop a greater insight into the logical development of mathematics. The study of the diverse ways in which people of different cultures approach problems provides students with a more comprehensive understanding of topics introduced in previous courses.
MA310: GAME THEORY
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
This course serves as an introduction to game theory and its application in real-world problem solving. Game theory is a branch of mathematics that studies strategic interactions and has proved useful for explaining cooperation and conflict in a wide variety of situations in economics and the social sciences. Examples of applications include auctions, arms races, political competition for votes and chess. Students will explore fundamental topics and groundbreaking results in game theory, including the matching problem, Arrow’s theorem, strategic games, the prisoner’s dilemma and Nash equilibrium. Moreover, the course offers a broader perspective on mathematics and the science of strategy, teaching students to approach real-world problems through a mathematical lens and design theory-informed solutions. This course aims to provide a glimpse into the world of research, emphasizing the practical applications of mathematical principles.
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MA310: MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
To expand and explore new problem-solving skills, every class will be filled with a variety of group and solo activities to engage students. Much of the focus of the course will be on Japanese-style logic puzzles such as KenKen and Nurikabe. Students will learn to solve such puzzles as well as create their own. By the end of the course, students will have learned more than 20 different types of logic puzzles, each of which will help them develop different aspects of their critical thinking skills. The course will culminate with a presentation, as each student will research a different type of logic puzzle that they will master and teach to the class.
MA310: PRECALCULUS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least High Pass in Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors or permission of the Department Head
Students strengthen their understanding of previously learned topics in algebra and geometry and learn new conceptual notions needed for the study of calculus. Topics include trigonometry, conic sections, sequences and series, counting and probability and exponential and logarithmic functions. Graphing technology is used throughout the course to enhance student understanding of mathematical concepts. Real-world applications
illustrate and reinforce mathematical ideas.
MA350: PRECALCULUS HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least Honors in Algebra 2 Honors or permission of the Department Head
This is a rigorous course intended for students of demonstrated ability who have the desire and capability to learn and work independently and to think creatively. Students pursue a comprehensive study of the content of precalculus in greater depth. The course also includes topics in advanced algebra, mathematical induction, vectors, polar and parametric equations, limits of functions and rates of change. This material provides a strong preparation for calculus. Mathematical dexterity is a focus, particularly in the writing of proofs and creative problem solving. Applications are used throughout to illustrate concepts.
MA410: CALCULUS 1
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Foundations in Precalculus, Precalculus, or Precalculus Honors
This course provides students with an intuitive approach to the fundamentals of differential calculus. Students explore limits, leading to the definition of derivative. The concepts of average and instantaneous rate of change are investigated. We develop the rules of differentiation, including the chain rule and implicit differentiation, and apply them to problems in optimization, related rates and curve sketching. We will expand upon the differential calculus to introduce the concepts of finding area under a curve, the integral regarded as the antiderivative and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students will learn multiple techniques for integration, including substitution. Definite and indefinite integrals are used to explore applications such as
distance, area and volumes of solids of revolution.
MA410: STATISTICS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Foundations in Precalculus, Precalculus, Precalculus Honors, or permission of the Department Head
Statistics is the science and art of learning from data to understand our uncertain world. We find statistics everywhere in daily life, from climate change and presidential polls to sports and the development of new medicines. In this yearlong course, students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data (describing patterns and departures from patterns), Sampling and Experimentation (planning and conducting a study), Anticipating Patterns (exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation) and Statistical Inference (estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses). Students participate in several projects. Students also will use data analysis software to model statistical problems.
MA450: CALCULUS 1 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least High Honors in Precalculus, at least Honors in Precalculus Honors, or permission of the Department Head
This course is suitable for those students with demonstrated ability and interest in mathematics. A solid working knowledge of algebra, geometry and precalculus is necessary. The course builds a solid conceptual understanding of calculus with a focus on proofs. Topics include limits, continuity and differentiation techniques of both algebraic and transcendental functions. Applications of differentiation include solving optimization problems and related rate problems, curve sketching, and the relationship of position, velocity and acceleration. Antidifferentiation and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus are introduced. Techniques include in-
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tegration by substitution, integration by parts and trigonometric substitutions. Definite and indefinite integrals are used to explore applications such as distance, area and volumes of solids of revolution. Solutions of simple differential equations are obtained analytically and by using slope fields and Euler’s method. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared to take the AB level of the Advanced Placement examination in calculus in May.
MA450: STATISTICS HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least High Honors in Precalculus, or at least Honors in Precalculus Honors, or permission of the Department Head
This is a rigorous course for students of demonstrated ability who have the desire and capability to learn and work independently and to think creatively. The entire content of Statistics will be covered in greater depth. In this Honors course, students will learn about four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data (describing patterns and departures from patterns), Sampling and Experimentation (planning and conducting a study), Anticipating Patterns (exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation), and Statistical Inference (estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses). Students also will participate in several projects to analyze current issues. To develop effective statistical communication skills, students will be required to prepare frequent written and oral analyses of real data. Statistics Honors is the high school equivalent of an introductory college statistics course and students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. This course also prepares students for further study of statistics in science, economics, sociology, psychology, medicine, math, engineering, political science, geography, business, education and more.
MA460: CALCULUS 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least Honors in Calculus 1 Honors or permission of the Department Head
This course is a continuation of the study of calculus begun in Calculus 1 Honors. Students extend their techniques of integration, solve first order separable differential equations and learn how to calculate arc length and surface area. Connections between calculus and other disciplines are studied while also extending differentiation and integration techniques to polar and parametric functions. An in-depth study of sequences and series includes various tests for convergence and representation of well-known functions expressed as Taylor and Maclaurin series. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared to take the BC level of the Advanced Placement examination in calculus in May.
M480: CALCULUS 1 – 2 HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least High Honors in Precalculus Honors
This course is designed for the highly motivated mathematics student. Students develop a rigorous, comprehensive study of the concepts and techniques of calculus through a study of theorems, their proofs and applications. Topics include limits, continuity and differentiation techniques, applications of differentiation and an introduction to antidifferentiation. Applications of differentiation include solving optimization problems and related-rate problems, curve sketching, and the relationships among position, velocity and acceleration. Techniques include integration by parts, trigonometric substitutions and partial fractions. Applications of integration include area, volumes, arc length and distance. Solutions of simple differential equations are obtained analytically and using slope fields and Euler’s method. An in-depth study of sequences and series includes various tests for
convergence and representation of well-known functions expressed as Taylor and MacLaurin series. Techniques of calculus are applied to parametric and polar equations. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared to take the BC level of the Advanced Placement examination in calculus in May.
MA570: MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS HONORS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Grade of at least Honors in either Calculus 1-2 Honors or Calculus 2 Honors
Applications of mathematics in physical and social sciences, economics and statistics often involve multiple variables. This course extends the ideas of single-variable calculus to multivariable situations. Students learn to use vectors, partial derivatives and multiple integrals to solve complex, multiconcept problems. Students also will investigate elements of mathematical reasoning to develop proof-writing skills.The use of mathematical graphing software is integrated throughout the course, along with the use of LaTeX to elevate the presentation of the mathematics. The course culminates with two-dimensional vector calculus and Green’s Theorem, with exploration of three-dimensional vector calculus as time permits.
MA590: MATHEMATICS SEMINAR HONORS
Fall, Winter or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Grade of at least Honors in Multivariable Calculus, or permission of the Department Head
Mathematics Seminar Honors is designed to introduce students to post-calculus mathematics. The content of each term is independent of the content of previous terms, and will depend on the interests of the faculty and students. Recent syllabi have included group theory, representation theory and their applications to chemistry; cryptography with an emphasis on number theory and linear algebra; writing and analyzing proofs while exploring topics such as equivalence relations; and the cardinality of infinite sets.
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Sciences
Our mission is to inspire our students to joyfully and skillfully pursue scientific literacy through active inquiry as an essential part of the broader St. Paul’s School curriculum. The Science Department feels strongly that an understanding of scientific principles is essential for responsible citizenship.
Creativity is an essential aspect of the scientific process. We encourage students to realize that rote knowledge of physical laws is secondary to the ability to design an experiment or recognize connections among phenomena. We teach a conceptual appreciation of the behavior of nature and leverage it throughout the core sequence of Physics First, Chemistry and Biology.
Our department develops a respect for data and written scientific communication through laboratory exercises and project work. We use computers, fabrication facilities, the observatory, School grounds and field trips to provide students with experiences and perspectives of the natural world and the changing abilities of humanity.
Enrollment in Science courses is subject to permission of the Department Head.
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PHYSICS and ASTRONOMY courses
PH110: PHYSICS FIRST
Full Year: 3 credits
Physics First is designed for all entering Third Form students and forms the first of a three-year foundation series. Students explore the beauty and simplicity of the fundamental laws that explain our universe. Since experimentation is key to all science, great emphasis is placed on laboratory work. Students are encouraged to ask questions and create projects to seek answers while learning to work together in small groups, allowing for the free flow of creative ideas. Throughout the course of the year students will study motion, forces, energy, momentum, coding, charges and light as well as topics involving diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) and sustainability.
In the Fall Term, students focus on scientific measurement, experimental design, kinematics and an introduction to Newton’s Laws. In the Winter Term the course continues with Newton’s Laws and progresses to the study of mechanical energy and momentum. Spring Term finds students venturing into the study of electromagnetic fields, electrical circuits, light and optics. The end of term assessments in Physics First include a term exam, a DEIJ poster project and a lab practical.
PH310: PHYSICS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher [This course is intended for students who matriculate to SPS after Third Form year and is not available to those who have completed Physics First.]
Students investigate the physical world using both traditional and computer-based data acquisition and analysis. This course introduces students to the major topic areas of physics, focusing on conceptual understanding and analytical problem-solving techniques. Extensive laboratory explorations, performed in small groups, are used to introduce
concepts that are then reinforced through discussion and problem work. Incorporating a more mathematical approach than Physics First, Physics begins with the study of mechanics, including uniform motion, Newton’s Laws, momentum, energy, circular motion and gravitation. This is followed by electrostatics, DC circuits and magnetism. A working knowledge of algebra is assumed.
PH350: HONORS PHYSICS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Precalculus or higher [This course is not available to students who have completed Physics First.]
Honors Physics is designed for students with strong math backgrounds who are seeking a deeper understanding of their physical world. Students will complete an accelerated introduction to Newtonian mechanics. Topics include linear and projectile motion, Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, uniform circular motion, rotational dynamics, simple harmonic motion, waves and light. Laboratory exercises and classroom demonstrations are used throughout the course to solidify conceptualization and instill respect for data. Concepts also are strengthened through work in group tutorials developed specifically for students at this level as well as student-driven projects at the conclusion of the term.
PH410: PHYSICS 2: LIGHT AND OPTICS
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of a year-long physics course
Students will investigate the phenomenon of light as both a particle and a wave. They will build on their previous understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum to examine topics including wave interference, diffraction, polarization and optics. Students will learn through a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including hands-on inquiry experiences, data collection experiments and project-based learning.
PH410: PHYSICS 2: FLUID AND THERMODYNAMICS
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of a year-long physics course
Students will investigate the physics of fluids and heat. They will build on their previous understanding of waves and heat to examine topics including pressure-volume-temperature relationships in fluids, the laws of thermodynamics and the methods of heat transfer. Students will learn through a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including hands-on inquiry experiences, data collection experiments and project-based learning.
PH410: PHYSICS 2: SUBATOMIC, QUANTUM AND RELATIVITY
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of a year-long physics course
Students will investigate a few of the branches of modern physics. They will build on their previous understanding of physics to examine the areas of subatomic physics, quantum physics and special and general relativity. Students will learn through a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including hands-on inquiry experiences, data collection experiments and project-based learning.
PH490: ADVANCED PHYSICS
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a full year of physics and a full year of calculus
This is a college-level course that relies heavily on the use of calculus and builds on the concepts developed in Physics First, Physics or Honors Physics, going into greater depth and detail. We will study Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and oscillations, and, if time permits, a few topics in modern physics. Laboratory exercises and classroom demonstrations are used throughout the course to solidify conceptualization, build theoretical modeling skills, develop explanations and instill respect for data. Computer programs (such as Excel and Python) are used for
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data analysis, mathematical modeling and numerical integration. Students develop writing skills to produce journal-quality lab reports. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics and the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Advanced Placement examinations in May.
AS210: INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
Fall or Spring Term: 1 credit
This is a one-term course designed to give students an introduction to observational astronomy. In the classroom, the basic principles of astronomy are taught, including the layout of the heavens, a study of the solar system, exploration of exoplanets, a history of astronomy and the basic principles of telescopes. At the Hawley Observatory, students work independently at least one clear night a week learning the constellations and the phases of the moon and how to use a telescope to find objects that are invisible to the naked eye. Upon completion of this course, students are encouraged to take Stellar Astronomy and Galactic Astronomy.
AS310: STELLAR ASTRONOMY
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Astronomy
This course builds upon the Introduction to Astronomy course and is focused upon the nature of stars in our universe as we know it. Students will study the makeup and activity of our sun; how astronomers use spectra to determine the properties and components of stars; the evolution of low- and high-mass stars; and the spectacular stellar deaths of supernovae and black holes. Students also are encouraged to take Galactic Astronomy, though Stellar Astronomy is not a prerequisite.
AS310: GALACTIC ASTRONOMY
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Introduction to Astronomy
This course builds upon the Introduction to Astronomy course and is focused upon the nature of galaxies in our universe as we know it. Students will study the formation and structure of the Milky Way and other galaxies; how astronomers use observations
across the electromagnetic spectrum to learn about galaxies; the evolution of large-scale structure, including as it relates to dark matter; and the birth and death of the universe, including the Big Bang and the effects of dark energy. Students also are encouraged to take Stellar Astronomy, though that is not a prerequisite for this course.
CHEMISTRY courses
CH210: CHEMISTRY
Full Year: 3 credits
Chemistry is the second course in the three-year foundational series. Chemical principles and concepts are introduced through laboratory experiments and are expanded in lecture and class discussion. Students learn to observe, question, test, problem-solve and draw conclusions. This course emphasizes scientific observation and investigation. Students develop laboratory skills and the application of concepts through both cooperative and individual investigations. Topics include the properties and structure of matter, chemical nomenclature, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, gases, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction and chemistry’s connections to diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice. Other topics are covered as time allows. This course is taken prior to taking Biology.
CH250: HONORS CHEMISTRY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Co-enrollment in Algebra 2 Honors or higher and recommendation from Physics
First teacher
Honors Chemistry is the second course in the threeyear foundational series. This course is an introductory chemistry course that will cover an expanded curriculum of Chemistry. The final grade in Honors Chemistry will consist of the term work, cumulative exams and lab practical. Topics include properties of matter, bonding, chemical periodicity, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases and oxidation-reduction.
CH310: CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION: POWERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: 1 year of lab science and co-enrollment or completion of Chemistry
We are living through a clean energy revolution. From battery electric vehicles charged by the wind and sun to the research and development of elusive technologies like nuclear fusion, the sources and uses of energy are changing fast. But what exactly is energy, how do we use it, what makes it clean or dirty, and how does this revolution relate to climate change? This course explores the energy technologies that have allowed human societies to flourish and will sustain our flourishing into the future through an interdisciplinary and experiential approach. Using the campus as a living laboratory, students will explore both “dirty” and “clean” energy, including biofuels, hydroelectricity, solar photovoltaics, batteries, hydrogen and fuel cells, the electricity grid, fossil combustion for heat and transportation, heat pumps, geothermal and more.
CH410: CHEMISTRY 2: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: One year of chemistry. Not open to students who have taken Advanced Chemistry
This one-term chemistry course is designed for students who would like to continue on in chemistry but are not interested in taking the yearlong Advanced Chemistry course. In this laboratory-based course, students will study various methods of quantitative analysis, including titration, gravimetric analysis and spectrophotometry to gain a better understanding of analytical chemistry. These concepts apply to the real world in pharmaceutical, food, chemical and agriculture industries — businesses that use chemistry to measure product quality before releasing it to consumers.
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CH410: CHEMISTRY 2: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: One year of chemistry
This laboratory-based course introduces students to the core concepts and lab skills that are necessary to appreciate the field of organic chemistry. This course is designed to be a standalone introduction to the biologically relevant topics to give students a core understanding of the field, but it also prepares students for the rigors of a college organic chemistry curriculum. The course begins with a primer on bonding and structure, and then builds up to understanding the nuances of threedimensional organic structures. This will then transition into understanding how functional groups behave and react with the goal of being able to understand how larger, more complicated organic molecules can be synthesized. Organic chemistry requires a puzzle-like focus on problem solving, the ability to develop three-dimensional visualization skills and a good memory for the core information.
CH410: CHEMISTRY 2: REACTION RATES AND EQUILIBRIUM
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: One year of chemistry. Not open to students who have taken Advanced Chemistry
This one-term chemistry course is designed for students who would like to continue on in chemistry but are not interested in taking the yearlong Advanced Chemistry course. This course expands on the basic knowledge of reaction rates and equilibrium developed in first-year chemistry. Through experimentation, students will be introduced to rate laws and mechanisms as well as special applications of equilibrium including buffer solutions and solubility equilibria. These concepts apply to our bodies every day when biochemical reactions occur at just the correct rate and pH is delicately equilibrated in our blood in order to maintain homeostasis.
CH480: ADVANCED CHEMISTRY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a full year of Honors Chemistry with a grade of Honors or better or of a full year of Chemistry with a grade of High Honors and permission of the teacher or chair
Intended for those students who desire a more challenging study of chemistry, this advanced course parallels that of a college chemistry course and prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in chemistry. The course builds on the concepts developed in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, going into greater depth and detail. The course challenges students in the laboratory and emphasizes cooperative learning through problem-solving and laboratory investigations. Areas of study in the Fall Term include a review of stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular geometry, and properties of matter including gas laws, intermolecular forces and solutions. The laboratory portion of Advanced Chemistry is designed to introduce students to the techniques used in analytical chemistry.
Areas of study in the Winter Term include kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry, solubility equilibria and thermochemistry. Students are expected to refine their analytical techniques in the laboratory.
Areas of study in the Spring Term include oxidation-reduction and thermochemistry. The Fall and Winter Terms are reviewed to assist students in preparing for the Advanced Placement examination in chemistry. The year in Advanced Chemistry culminates in independent research projects on topics of the students’ choosing.
BIOLOGY courses
BI310: BIOLOGY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: One year of physics and one year of chemistry
Biology is the third course in the three-year foundational series. Biology is designed to build on students’ physics and chemistry knowledge base while developing an inquiring point of view toward living systems in the context of a changing environment. Laboratory experiments heighten and integrate events at the molecular, cellular and population levels of organization. Specific topics include cell structure and function, biochemical mechanisms, genetics, evolution, systems and ecology. Scientific thinking and communication are emphasized throughout the course.
BI310: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry
Evolution is a fundamental component of our understanding of life, underlying all other concepts that we study in life science. Students will explore how evolution occurs, the evidence that supports our understanding of evolution and where we are witnessing evolution today. The course will examine the work of several scientists in the field and how that work fits together to inform our current understanding of evolution. Students will learn about both microevolution and macroevolution through historical and current examples. Students will apply these concepts to current examples of evolution in today’s world.
BI310: TROPICAL BOTANY
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of or co-enrollment in Biology
This course offers students an introduction to botany, evolutionary biology and tropical ecology. Students will learn the basics of horticulture, aquaculture and hydroponics while working in a
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tropical greenhouse environment. Students will spend class time learning plant biology, anatomy and systematics. To implement this knowledge in a greenhouse environment, students also will learn about soil chemistry, photosynthesis and plant adaptation to a tropical environment. Throughout term, students will learn horticultural concepts and apply this knowledge in a working greenhouse conducting open-ended labs. In addition, students will visit both commercial and research greenhouses to meet professionals and researchers. Upon completion of this class, students will have a deep knowledge of botanical concepts, a working knowledge of how to maintain and propagate a wide variety of plants and applied skills in both hydroponics and aquaponics.
BI310: EMBRYOLOGY
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of or co-enrollment in Biology
This course offers students an introduction to comparative embryology — the study of different embryos and developmental stages. In this course, students will learn the basic terminology of embryology while also observing and studying the developmental process in several invertebrate and vertebrate models. Students also will be introduced to the concept of how evolutionary changes in genes can affect phenotype, in turn resulting in certain similarities and differences of the developmental characters of different embryos. In the integrated lab sections of this class, students will have hands-on opportunities to examine different stages of early embryonic development in both vertebrate (chick) and invertebrate (nematode) embryos. Students will compare and contrast the development of these embryos with human embryonic development and how each of these species are related evolutionarily. They also will learn about a few real-life teratogens that affect human embryonic development. Upon completion of this class, students will have the basic toolkit to appreciate and understand how the development of one species can shed light on how it has evolved relative to development of other species.
BI450: ADVANCED BIOLOGY: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts that inform issues in environmental science. During Fall Term, we will deal with core concepts that include an introduction to geology and a review of basic biology and chemistry through biogeochemistry. The term will end with an introduction to soil biology and agriculture. During Winter Term, students will focus on human aspects of environmental science. The term will begin with a discussion of the ecological consequences of human overpopulation. From here, we will explore ecological economics and sustainable development on a local, national and global scale. In the Spring Term, students will study technical and sustainable aspects of energy development and usage on a global scale. As the snow melts, we return to a local perspective and explore the land-use history at St. Paul’s School and the New England region. We end the year looking at the major causes and consequences of climate change while students design and conduct independent research projects that integrate the major themes of the course.
BI450: ADVANCED BIOLOGY: HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry
This is a full-year, upper-level biology course designed to provide an understanding of the structure and function of the major human organ systems. Topics of study include neuroendocrine homeostatic control mechanisms and the musculo-skeletal, cardiorespiratory, digestive, immune, renal and reproductive systems. Disease states and adaptive physiological responses to stress, exercise and nutrient intake are considered throughout the course. Laboratory activities include microscopy, organ and cat dissections, case studies and evaluation of human physiological responses. Scientific thinking and communication are emphasized throughout the course.
BI450: ADVANCED BIOLOGY: MARINE BIOLOGY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry
This year-long advanced science course investigates the fresh and saltwater ecology of the world’s watery biomes. During the Fall Term, using the natural resources of our campus, students will examine New Hampshire’s aquatic habitats by studying energy flow, nutrient cycling, pollution and ecosystem stability in our own lakes, ponds and streams. The Winter portion of this course examines the open ocean in all its vastness, depth and power. Creatures of the open ocean, including marine mammals and deep-sea inhabitants, will be at the heart of the term’s study. Mammalian diving physiology, sharks, skates and rays also will be an important part of our studies. During the Spring Term, our course examines the marine environments closer to shore, including coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries and rocky coastlines. Students will learn how to identify fish, study the interconnectedness of the sea and the land and investigate the complex relationships found in each of these biomes. Human influence and fisheries management will be major themes throughout the year. Students enrolled in Marine Biology will have the unique opportunity to participate in a multi-day field trip to MarineLab in Key Largo, Florida, or The Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas. Both trips include a hands-on study of coral reefs, mangroves and saltwater ecosystems along with an in-depth look at the sustainability of our natural aquatic resources.
BI450: ADVANCED BIOLOGY: METABOLIC, CARDIOVASCULAR AND NEUROMUSCULAR ADAPTATIONS TO EXERCISE
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry. [Students taking our full-year Human Anatomy and Physiology course should not enroll in this course.]
In the Fall Term, students investigate the biochemistry, digestion and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Exploration of the interaction between nutrition and exercise on health, disease,
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fitness training and athletic performance is emphasized. Laboratory investigations include anatomical dissections, biochemical analysis of foods, dietary assessments and evaluation of metabolic rate during rest and exercise. Students begin the Winter Term by investigating normal cardiorespiratory function and health. This is followed by an exploration of the cardio-respiratory responses to acute exercise, as well as the physiological adaptations to chronic exercise (training) and selected stressors such as high-altitude training, aging and disease. Laboratory investigations include anatomical dissections, blood pressure, electrocardiogram and pulmonary analyses, and treadmill measurements of oxygen consumption (VO2) and anaerobic threshold. During Spring Term, students investigate how skeletal muscle develops and functions. This is followed by an exploration of the neuromuscular responses and physiological adaptations to chronic exercise (resistance training) and selected stressors, including use of muscle-building aids and supplements, as well changes in muscle physiology with aging and disease states. Laboratory investigations include anatomical dissections, muscle metabolism and fiber type assessment, and measurements of muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Students will investigate, evaluate and compare reports of muscle physiology changes presented in the popular press with research published in scientific literature. During each term, students will read original research, design experiments to address their own physiological questions and report findings in end-of-term presentations.
BI450: ADVANCED BIOLOGY: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Full Year: 3 credits
Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry
This is an upper-level biology course designed to build a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology upon which students apply their knowledge to trending areas in the field. During the Fall and Winter Terms, students study topics including biochemistry, the origins of life and evolution, the central dogma of biology, DNA error and repair, aging and cellular senescence and epigenetics.
After building a strong cellular and molecular biology foundation, students apply their knowledge to the study of cancer biology. In both Fall and Winter Terms, students investigate topics by mastering molecular laboratory techniques including aseptic technique, DNA purification, PCR, sequence analysis and tissue culture. The major laboratory investigation of the Fall Term includes the examination of the molecular changes resulting in the adaptive radiation of a bacteria, Pseudomonas Fluorescens. In the Winter Term, students examine the treatment of cancer by growing cancer cells in the molecular laboratory and treating them with naturally occurring chemicals thought to have anti-cancer properties. Throughout the school year, students develop important skills, including reading and writing scientific journal articles, presenting in a formal scientific manner, breaking down molecular mechanisms and applying their content knowledge to novel situations. During the Spring Term, students vote on the topics they are interested in studying. Recent popular options include neurobiology and opioids, infectious disease, gene editing (CRISPR), and stem cell biology. Students also continue to develop their laboratory skill set with various investigations, including ELISA, qPCR, western blotting and more.
COMPUTER SCIENCE and ENGINEERING courses
AI210: INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Fall Term: 1 credit
This course explores classical artificial intelligence topics such as knowledge representation, search algorithms and learning expert systems. Students study the possibilities for understanding language, thought and consciousness. Students also learn the basics of programming and become proficient at developing recursive problem-solving and search programs. Various media will be used to examine the origins of AI and the social and philosophical aspects of this technology. Class research and discussions in AI allow each student to develop a deep understanding of consciousness and intelligence.
SC210: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING USING
ARDUINO-C
Fall or Spring Term: 1 credit
This course introduces students to the foundations of programming and robotics using the Arduino-C language and embedded controllers. Code written from scratch is used to control real-world objects such as LEDs, lasers, buzzers, audio transducers, buttons, motors, grippers, environmental sensors, LCD screens and computer keyboards. Programming topics include computer mathematics, functions, loops, logic gates, input/output communications, timers and random numbers. Students who have taken Physics First will be familiar with some of these topics, as they were incorporated into that class beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year.
Students also are exposed to building basic electronic circuits and using CAD software to create designs that are then 3D printed and laser cut in the lab. Students apply what they learn in projects of their own choosing during the final weeks of the course.
SC210: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING USING JAVA
Fall Term: 1 credit
This course is the first course in a three-term sequence. We will explore the fundamentals of programming using Java. Topics covered will include loops, methods, strings, computer number systems, conditionals, logic gates and parameters. Students will solve a variety of problems through programming and written work. After students complete this course, they will be ready to take Computational Thinking.
SC210: ENGINEERING DESIGN
Fall or Winter Term: 1 credit
The Engineering Design class introduces students to the resources available in the Kwok Engineering Center, including 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, and various hand and power tools. These resources will transform students’ ideas from virtual to physical worlds. Students will learn about the engineering design process by completing three major projects and instant challenge group projects. The initial project involves
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designing, using CAD software to model, and then building a game out of wood. Finally, groups of students must design an underwater ROV for competition in the school’s pool. Through these projects, students will learn and practice problembrainstorming techniques and best practices for successful group work. The class will reference and use the MIT 2.0:0:7 Design and Manufacturing Course notes to learn about deterministic design and essential machine components.
SC210: FIRST ROBOTICS ENGINEERING TEAM
Winter Term: 1 credit
The students in this class are part of the St. Paul’s School Team 1512 FIRST Robotics team. This course engages students in a challenging problem that allows them to put deterministic design techniques into practice. Near the start of the Winter Term, specifications for the international FIRST Robotics Competition (https://www. firstinspires.org/robotics/frc) will be received and studied. In January, the students may travel to a kickoff event in Manchester to learn about the new challenge. The remainder of the Winter Term will be spent brainstorming, designing, manufacturing and programming the team’s entry. At the end of the Winter Term, the team will compete with its robot “Big Red” in various regional competitions. Essential to the course will be the completion of periodic self-reflection journals that allow the students to reassess and refine their problemsolving and engineering-design techniques. This course can be taken multiple times to broaden students’ experience in solving problems using an engineering-design process. Students taking the course a second time are expected to work on more advanced projects and serve as teachers/ mentors to first-time students.
SC210: BUILDING WITH STEAM POWER
Spring Term: 1 credit
This course is designed for students interested in exploring the intersections of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Students will engage in hands-on projects that will challenge them to apply the STEAM principles to real-world
problems. The course will be held in a maker space lab, providing students access to various tools and materials, including 3D printers, laser cutting/ engraving, machine tools, hand tools and software.
The course will allow students to expand their problem-solving skills, foster creativity, and develop a deeper understanding of the relationships between science, engineering, mathematics and art.
SC230: ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Engineering Design or FIRST Robotics or by teacher approval
The Spring Term course allows students to work on large-scale engineering projects to further their understanding of the engineering design process. Students are asked to identify a project that meets the criteria for “Engineering a Better World.” Projects dealing with energy, the environment and adaptive technology are encouraged, but students are open to considering other challenges. In this engineering research course, students may work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem by applying the engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APPB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students will perform research to choose, validate and justify a technical problem. After carefully defining the problem, individuals or teams of students will design, build and test their solution, ultimately presenting and defending their original solution to an outside panel. Students will work closely with experts while progressing through the engineering design process. They will continually hone their organizational, communication and interpersonal skills as well as their creative and problem-solving abilities and understanding of the design process.
SC310: PROJECTS IN ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
Fall or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Computer Programming using Arduino-C, Computer Programming using Java or permission of the Science Department
This is an applied science course for students who, due to the independent nature of the course, are self-motivated and have a deep understanding of desktop programming and/or microcontroller programming. This self-directed course is projectoriented and driven solely by student interests; students will work at the advanced level on these projects. Building upon their previous coding and possibly physical computing experiences, students will design, develop and write code for one or more projects. These may be applications in desktop computing, autonomous robotics, physical computing, machine learning or other computer-related disciplines. Projects often will solve societal problems or fill a gap in some aspect of everyday living. While this is not an engineering class, computer-aided design (CAD), 3D design, mechanical engineering, electronic circuit design and printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication may be employed in studentdirected projects. Collaborative team-building skills also will be developed. Students in this course will be expected to work independently throughout the term. Students will show off their finished projects to the SPS community at the end of the term.
SC310: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Computer Programming using Java or permission of the Science Department
We will explore the fundamentals of object-oriented programming using Java. Topics covered will include the construction of classes, creating objects, object encapsulation, arrays, array lists and recursion. The course stresses the understanding of problem solving in terms of algorithmic development. After students complete this course, they will be ready to take Advanced Programming in Java.
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SC310: PHYSICAL COMPUTING AND ROBOTICS
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Computer Programming using Arduino-C, Computer Programming using Java or permission of the Science Department
The focus of this course is mobile robotics. Students will build upon their coding foundations by learning to control small two-wheeled robots and other physical devices such as relays, actuators, and a wide range of input devices and sensors. Students are also introduced to electronics, circuits, soldering and 3D design and fabrication. Students will have time and freedom to create, build and program several robotic applications that perform routine and autonomous tasks, usually incorporating basic feedback control systems. Applications may include robotic dance, line-following robots, obstacle avoidance, tabletop navigation, maze navigation, robot soccer, remote-controlled robotics, facial expressive robotics and robotic art.
Students spend much of the course designing, building and coding robotic projects of their choosing. Collaborative team-building skills also will be developed. The language used in this course is Arduino-C, and the Teensy 3.2 microcontroller provides an easy interface between the virtual and real worlds.
SC410: ADVANCED PROJECTS IN ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
Fall or Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Physical Computing and Robotics or Computational Thinking
This is an applied science course for students who, due to the independent nature of the course, are self-motivated and have a deep understanding of desktop programming and/or microcontroller programming. This self-directed course is projectoriented and driven solely by student interests; students will work at the advanced level on these projects. Building upon their previous coding and possibly physical computing experiences, students will design, build and write code for one or more
projects. These may be applications in desktop computing, autonomous robotics, physical computing, machine learning or other computer-related disciplines. Projects will often solve societal problems or fill a gap in some aspect of everyday living. While this is not an engineering class, computer-aided design (CAD), 3D design, mechanical engineering, electronic circuit design and printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication may be employed in student-directed projects. Collaborative teambuilding skills also will be developed. Students in this course will be expected to work independently throughout the term. Students will show off their finished projects to the SPS community at the end of the term.
SC410: AUTONOMOUS DATA COLLECTION AND SENSOR DESIGN
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Physical Computing and Robotics or Computational Thinking
This is an applied science course for students who, due to the independent nature of the course, are self-motivated and understand desktop programming and/or microcontroller programming. The focus of this advanced course is sensor design and data collection techniques for scientific as well as everyday purposes. This self-directed course is project-oriented and driven largely by student interests. Building upon their previous coding and possibly physical computing experiences, students will use non-proprietary and student-made sensors to collect data on a wide array of phenomena. What will be measured will largely depend on student interest but may include data for an experiment in an SPS science class, atmospheric data collected from a drone or model rocket, in situ environmental measurements of one of the many local bodies of water or long-duration arrayed temperature measurements of one of the campus buildings. Real-time clocks will be used to ensure accurate data collection and flash memory modules will be used to store large amounts of data. Computer-aided design (CAD), 3D design, mechanical engineering, electronic circuit design
and printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication are other possible aspects of the course. Collaborative team-building skills will be developed. Students in this course will be expected to work independently on projects of their own choosing.
SC450: ADVANCED PROGRAMMING IN JAVA
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Computational Thinking
This course allows students to write and examine more complex programs consisting of multiple classes. Topics covered will include interfaces, inheritance, polymorphism, recursion, searching and sorting. The course stresses the understanding of problem solving in terms of efficient algorithmic development. Upon the completion of this course, students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement CS-A exam.
SC 460: ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE: MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisites: Advanced Programming in Java, completion or co-enrollment in Calculus or permission of the Science Department
This course delves into the fundamental mathematical concepts that underpin computer science. Students will explore set theory, logic, discrete mathematics, graph theory and combinatorics. Students will develop a strong mathematical foundation for understanding and analyzing algorithms, data structures and computational processes through lectures, problem-solving sessions, and hands-on exercises. Emphasis will be placed on applying mathematical principles to analyze algorithms’ efficiency and correctness and model computational problems. By the end of the course, students will have a solid grasp of mathematical tools and techniques essential for computer science. They will be equipped to tackle advanced algorithms, cryptography and theoretical computer science topics.
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SC470: ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE: DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS
Winter Term: 1 credit
Prerequisites: completion or co-enrollment in Calculus, plus completion of Advanced Programming in Java and Mathematical Foundations in Computer Science
This course introduces students to computer science’s fundamental data structures and algorithms. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical implementation exercises, students will explore various data structures such as arrays, linked lists, trees, heaps, hash tables and graphs. They also will learn algorithm design techniques, including divide and conquer, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms and graph algorithms such as breadth-first search and depth-first search. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing algorithms’ time and space complexity, understanding algorithmic paradigms and applying appropriate data structures and algorithms to solve real-world problems efficiently. By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms, enabling them to design efficient and scalable solutions to computational problems.
SC480: ADVANCED COMPUTER SCIENCE: MACHINE LEARNING
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisites: completion or co-enrollment in Calculus, plus completion of Advanced Programming in Java, Mathematical Foundations in Computer Science and Data Structures and Algorithms
This course introduces machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to learn from and make predictions or decisions based on data. Students will explore various machine learning concepts, including supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning. Topics covered will include linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machines, neural networks, clustering algorithms and dimensionality reduction techniques. Students will gain practical experience implementing and evaluat-
ing machine learning algorithms using popular libraries and frameworks through lectures, handson programming assignments and case studies. Ethical considerations, model evaluation and real-world machine-learning applications also will be discussed. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the principles and techniques of machine learning. They will be prepared to explore advanced artificial intelligence and data science topics.
APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Program
SC480: APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEMINAR
Spring Term: 1 credit
This course is the first in the Applied Science and Engineering Program. Students interested in the Program should register for this course during the course-selection process in the Spring of their Fourth Form year. During the Fall and Winter Terms of their Fifth Form year, students must complete the non-credit Applied Science and Engineering Prep Seminar. In addition, students must secure a summer externship before the end of the Winter Term of their Fifth Form year and must be selected by the Applied Science and Engineering Committee in order to enroll in this course
Prerequisites depend on the type of externship:
BIOLOGY: Chemistry and either completion or current enrollment in Biology.
ENGINEERING: Conceptual Physics or Chemistry and at least one engineering course.
COMPUTER SCIENCE: Conceptual Physics or Chemistry and at least one computer science or artificial intelligence course.
OTHERS: Prerequisites depend on field of interest (Determined by the Director).
In the Applied Science and Engineering Program Seminar, students work to prepare for their externships. They complete a variety of projects throughout the Spring Term that help them develop skills
necessary for their summer externships. All students complete research to become more familiar with the topics relevant to their summer experience. Biology students learn a variety of molecular laboratory techniques as well as reading scientific journal articles provided by their labs. Engineering and Computer Science students master a relevant programming language, complete machine shop and CAD techniques and learn a variety of relevant software, such as MATLAB. Students in other fields are assigned relevant tasks in accordance with their field of interest. In addition, students learn important lessons about how to act in the lab environment and how to interact with colleagues in preparation for their summer experience.
SC490: APPLIED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CAPSTONE
Fall Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of the Applied Science and Engineering Program Seminar and an externship the summer between their Fifth and Sixth Form years
[Required for all students in the Applied Science and Engineering Program.]
The Applied Science and Engineering Program experience culminates in a Sixth Form science capstone project based on the student’s externship research. Over the summer, students coordinate with their organization and their assigned St. Paul’s faculty mentor to determine a capstone project that is both rigorous and feasible. Students complete a capstone proposal that outlines their project before they return to school in the Fall. Upon their return to campus, students carry out their capstone projects under the supervision of the Applied Science and Engineering Faculty. Students present their progress at weekly lab meetings and receive feedback from program mentors and other students. Students share their summer and capstone research with the School community in the St. Paul’s Friday Night Lecture Series and write a final scientific journal article to be printed in the Journal of Applied Science & Engineering.
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Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary courses are designed to more fully integrate understandings from multiple disciplines. Having established proficiency with the habits of mind and skills of the traditional disciplines, students in these courses are presented with an opportunity to form stronger connections among multiple areas of study and ways of thinking.
Enrollment in Interdisciplinary courses is subject to permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs. Students in the Fifth and Sixth Forms are eligible for these courses.
INTERDISCIPLINARY Courses
IS410: HISTORY OF ILLUSTRATED NARRATIVES
Fall Term: 1 credit
[Does not fulfill the Arts graduation requirement.]
This course explores the history of storytelling through the structure of the “book” and its conceptual iterations. Analysis of historical creative work will begin with codices from Ancient Greece and Rome to Medieval Europe, leading to writing and record keeping practices of non-Western traditions from Asia, Africa and the Americas. In addition to learning the historical traditions of narrative and storytelling, students will discuss structures of contemporary illustrated narratives, including graphic novels, comics, ephemera and digital media. This course offering is designed for those who have no experience or confidence in their artistic abilities, and simultaneously allows students in advancedlevel art courses to explore their work through new and different perspectives/processes. Projects are based on studying actual works of art, slide studies, online research and class discussions. Students will practice studio techniques such as book binding, papermaking, painting, creating ink from raw materials and multiple printing processes.
IS410: ART HISTORY: RENAISSANCE TO MODERN ART
Winter Term: 1 credit
[Does not fulfill the Arts graduation requirement.]
This course explores major European art historical movements from the Gothic through Impressionism and ending with Modern Art. Taught in conjunction with the SPS gallery, students study the history and techniques of various artists through research, visual analysis and in-studio projects. A general unit will start with a full exploration of a period in art history followed by the creation of a work in the style of that era by employing historic materials and techniques. This offering is designed for those who have no experience or confidence in their artistic abilities, and simultaneously allows students in advanced-level art courses to explore their work
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through new and different media. Projects include, but are not limited to, creating and painting with raw pigments using tempera, oil, and encaustic methods; preparation of board and canvas supports using Medieval and modern techniques; printmaking in intaglio and exploring oil painting by glazing and impasto methods. Historical analysis will be done by studying actual works of art, slide studies, online research and class discussions.
IS410: THE SCIENCE OF MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATIVE PRACTICE
Winter Term: 1 credit
This interdisciplinary course explores the spiritual, psychological and medical aspects and benefits of mindfulness/meditation. The course includes research-based inquiry into case studies as well as the neurology behind the amazing benefits of mindfulness/meditation. Students will spend one day per week in practice and the class will shift between mindfulness-based activities and guided and silent meditation from week to week. We will have at least two guest speakers from the psychosocial and medical fields. The major assessment occurs during the last two weeks of the course, when each student will present a case study in which subjects used mindfulness to overcome various spiritual, psychological and/or medical challenges. Ongoing assessment will include weekly journal entries, participation and student-led discussions based on the topic for each week.
IS410: CURATORIAL STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY ART
Spring Term: 1 credit
[Does not fulfill the Arts graduation requirement.]
Using the Crumpacker Gallery as a classroom, this course explores what is required for the collecting, handling, cataloging and exhibiting of art. Students will study contemporary art movements in the context of recent art history from the latter half of the 20th century. Movements studied include feminist art, conceptual art, performance art, diasporic art and the many facets of high- and low-brow art. Visits to nearby museums and galleries to view exhibits and to meet with gallery directors and curators are scheduled throughout the term. Students work in the gallery lab/studios to explore techniques of restoration and presentation. Emphasis is placed on building observational skills and visual analysis. The St. Paul’s Permanent Collection is an important resource and teaching tool in this course.
IS410: FOOD, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY
Spring Term: 1 credit
How people produce, obtain and prepare their food says something important about their values, health and relationship to the land. In this course, students will investigate the typical modern “Western” diet, how it is produced and what these things say about society and ourselves. Students will meet farmers and chefs, prepare and share food and get their hands dirty. The course focuses on the particular impacts food has on the climate and opportunities for positive action. It considers the historical developments in agriculture and examines the science of agriculture, ingredients and cuisine as well as the practices of farmers and advocates working to improve our food system. The course draws on a variety of sources, from poetry to non-fiction novels to scientific literature. Ultimately, students will consider and answer for themselves this question: If we are what we eat, then what are we?
IS410: IN TUNE WITH NATURE: A LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE NATURAL WORLD
Spring Term: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of, or current enrollment in, Biology
[NCAA English core course]
This course will be a literary and scientific study of the natural world. Looking closely at the natural world around us, journaling about our own observations and conducting scientific field studies are the essentials of this course as we read and discuss the work of a number of nature writers to help inspire our own writing and reflection. How can we learn to become more environmentally aware through our close observations, labwork, reading and discussions about nature? What defines celebrated nature writers and why are they such accomplished writers? How do we model that in our own writing? Students will investigate and present a native species of interest to them. They also will complete a final project exploring an ecological issue of interest to them, including interviewing a professional in the field and proposing a possible solution or solutions.
48 INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
We admit qualified students of any race, color, disability, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin, and sexual orientation to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school. We do not discriminate in violation of any law or statute in the administration of our educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and athletics or other school-administered programs.
325 PLEASANT STREET • CONCORD, NH 03301 • 603-229-4700 • SPS.EDU
@StPaulsSchoolNH
