High School Courses

• This survey course presents students with an overview of the structure and process associated with the United States political system with a strong focus on the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the government. Students will explore the core principles of the American political tradition and the ideological underpinnings of American political culture. There is a brief comparison of politics outside of the United States to the US political system. (Prerequisite: B or better in US History)

• This advanced course challenges students to develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and to express historical understanding in writing.
  Since the class is directed towards preparing students for the AP Exam, this course in European History will give priority to understanding and comprehending primary documents, historical context and the student’s ability to reformulate arguments and discussion. (Prerequisite: B or better in World History)

• This course provides students with an analytical perspective on the government and politics existing in the nations of Great Britain, Russia, Mexico, Iran, China, and Nigeria. Students learn of the constitutional underpinnings of these nations, and the political systems that govern each state. Topics include: ideology, political culture, institutional development, interest group politics, political participation, decision-making, economic development and underdevelopment, collective violence and stability, and political, economic, and bureaucratic elites. This course prepares students to master the AP Comparative Government & Politics exam, held each year in May. To that end, it focuses student learning on the key goals expressed by the AP. (Prerequisite: B or better in US History)

• The ultimate goal of this course will be to analyze how the features of the constitutional structure of American Government affect the policies that our government creates. Put another way, the primary goal of this course is to help students become more critical, refined observers of American politics. This will be achieved through lecture, reading assignments from both a primary textbook and a supplementary reader, development of critical thinking skills, document and data analysis, and writing skills. Another goal is to make students proficient in the analysis and interpretation of data and relationships in U.S. government and politics. The subject matter of this class will be structured in a way to pique interest in students by tying the course subjects to outcomes that directly affect each of us. Policy implementation will be taught concurrently with broad exposure to the following core political subjects: the Constitution, patterns of political behavior, political institutions, public policy, political parties, public opinion, elections, and state and local government. To bring the course full circle, students will evaluate to what extent the United States political system is fit for contemporary society and question what aspects of the Constitution and its political system may be outdated.

• Students will examine the development of the United States from pre-Columbian America to the present through readings, discussion, and debates. Students will learn to assess historical materials (both written and art historical) through weighing the evidence and various interpretations to establish their validity. Students will also participate in debates and complete AP-based essays that will ask them to think critically about a historical question and consider various angles in interpreting the problem.
  One of the main goals of this course is to orient students to history as it relates to themselves and the world they live in. They will be taught to apply their knowledge to political, social, and cultural issues, and will learn about current events that have implications in society. (Prerequisite: B or better in World History)

• The AP World History course challenges students to examine the development of world history in a comparative format that will focus on continuity and change during five major periods of world history from the beginnings of human civilization c. 8000 BCE to the present:
  • Unit 1: Foundations, c. 8000 BCE to 600 CE
  • Unit 2: 600 CE to 1450
  • Unit 3: 1450 to 1750
  • Unit 4: 1750 to 1914
  • Unit 5: 1914 to the present
• Focusing on these themes will serve both to unify the course and to permit a greater degree of comparison between societies flourishing during their historical context and between societies across time. Additionally, this thematic approach will help students develop the skills necessary to explore other cultures and historical processes on their own.

• This course will promote understanding of European political, social, cultural, economic, and environmental contexts. It will provide the opportunity for students to study historical development of local and regional societies, and to cross-disciplinary and geographical boundaries to appreciate an increasingly interdependent world as seen in the European Union. This pedagogical approach will emphasize the interconnectedness and uniqueness of all peoples. It will elucidate the contributions of culturally diverse groups. The course also seeks to develop each student’s writing and reading skills. In order to pass this course, students must successfully complete several expository assignments that demonstrate a superior understanding of historical events. Students will complete several written and oral assignments, and examination, to show proficiency in historical understanding in each course chapter.
  This course arms students with an understanding of the principal themes in European history, and an ability to analyze historical evidence in the context of differing historical interpretations. The course is designed to facilitate the development of students’ critical thinking, close-reading, and analytical writing skills. Students do daily writing activities in which they demonstrate their understanding of each country under review. Similarly, each semester, a research paper – the thesis of which is proposed by the student – enables students to delve into a significant historical or contemporary issue and present their analysis in a sustained, cogent argument.

• This survey course in American Government presents students with an overview of the structure and process associated with the United States political system. Students will achieve a strong understanding of the three branches of US government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the government. Students will explore the core principles of the American political tradition and the ideological underpinnings of American political culture. Towards the conclusion of the course, students will learn briefly about politics outside of the United States to put the US political system into comparative perspective. To achieve these goals, students will read a number of primary and secondary sources from a wide range of political thinkers and commentators. Students will learn to critically analyze contemporary political rhetoric and will ultimately become more effective citizens. (Prerequisite: United States History)

• This course is meant to be a survey course in US History. The course has been designed to introduce students to the history of the United States and how these concepts, people, and events currently affect the nation, the world, and the lives of everyday people. This class is focused on providing an overview of the most historically significant events of the last 250 years, specifically focusing on the 20th century. Students will study US history from the founding of the pre-colonial period to the present day. The course focuses on the major political, social, cultural, and economic developments from the late 19th century to the present day. Students will learn about the evolution of American institutions and ideals, from founding to the present, and the role religion played in the development of American culture. Students will explore major events in US History such as the Civil War, the Progressive Movement, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the New Deal, World War II, the Affluent Society of the 1950’s, and the Civil Rights movement. The course also explores the evolution of the conceptions of race and gender in America. The course is intended to challenge students to critically analyze historical documents and various historical perspectives to identify their own opinions that can be supported with historical evidence. The course will also serve to rigorously promote reading, research, expository writing, verbal and written evidentiary argument, and critical thinking skills to not only provide the challenge of an honors course, but to also build skills that will be vital to their success at the university level. (Prerequisite: B or better in World History)

• This course is meant to be a survey course in US History. The course focuses on the major political, social, cultural, and economic developments from the late 19th century to the present day. Students will learn about the evolution of American institutions and ideals, from founding to the present, and the role religion played in the development of American culture. Students will explore major events in US History such as the Civil War, the Progressive Movement, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the New Deal, World War II, the Affluent Society of the 1950’s, and the Civil Rights movement. The course also explores the evolution of the conceptions of race and gender in America. (Prerequisite: World History)

• Along with studying the Earth in terms of places, regions, and other physical systems, students will learn about the structure and dynamics of human cultures and social institutions from a comparative perspective with special attention to American cultures and their roots. There will be an emphasis on analyzing maps and diagrams of regions throughout the globe. By the end of this course, students should be able to use intelligent vocabulary when describing the world, ensured by weekly vocabulary quizzes. Students will be expected to be familiar with the specific important physical regions and cultural characteristics of the regions covered, ensured by exams after instruction on each region is complete.

• This course traces the evolution of the world from Ancient Greece and Rome through the global interdependence that emerged in 1500 and continues to the present day. The emphasis will be on tracing the emergence of the interdependence between world regions, an interaction that was stimulated by the European invasions and colonization, and sustained by the contributions of the non-western regions. Together these forces shaped the modern world. In analyzing and understanding global histories as inter-connected, we will pay close attention to the social, cultural, political, economic, demographic, and ecological implications of this history. Class lectures and readings will stress issues of diversity, power imbalances, and the interactive workings of race, ethnicity, class, gender and national variables. Though primarily a course in global history, it will draw upon materials and pedagogical approaches from other disciplines, such as feminist studies, anthropology, literature, political science, and art.

• This course is a survey of world history and the cultures of the world with an emphasis on the Modern Era from the Renaissance to the present. The focus of the course is the major ideas, people and events from the eastern and western hemispheres that have shaped our world today. The course will include historical, multicultural, geographical, economic, technological, social, political, and current strands designed to demonstrate continuity and change over time. It is foundational that students learn to integrate historical context, perspective, analytical thought, and articulate communication through the process. Students will be given the opportunity to become involved in rigorous learning and writing activities requiring critical thinking, research, making inferences, generalizing and drawing conclusions. Students will be expected to read extensively beyond the assigned textbook and routinely undertake independent research projects. Students are expected to use complete sentences, proper grammar and correct spelling in all written work and projects.

• Through the integrated use of reading, writing, class discussion, and technology, English 9 students learn to analyze poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and to draft and revise essays according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) guide. Students also develop their knowledge of grammar, learn 100 new words per semester, and exit the course with the skills needed for future literature courses. (Prerequisite: English 8)

• In this advanced course, students will further develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing, including writing a memoir. These skills will prepare students for sophomore level coursework (including Honors English 10), as well as AP tests, college preparation tests (i.e. the PSAT, SAT), and university-level work. While this course incorporates components of the English 9 curriculum, it asks students to engage in deeper analysis and more sophisticated writing through a greater workload and more nuanced class discussions at an advanced level. Ultimately, students will exit this course with a toolbox of techniques that they can carry into standardized testing contexts, other academic institutions, the workplace, and the world at large. As such, the course includes various essay forms, a variety of texts from different time periods and genres, close reading exercises, and discussion. (Prerequisite: B or better in English 8)

• English 10 continues with the tools acquired in English 9 to respond critically to literature, identifying its relevance in today's world. Students interpret and analyze various genres of literature, and read at least two novel-length works per semester. Students continue to practice drafting and revision (using MLA format) through essays and reading responses, develop their knowledge of grammar, and learn 100 new words per semester. (Prerequisite: English 9)

• In this advanced course, students will further develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing. These skills will prepare students for junior level coursework (including Honors English 11), as well as AP tests, college preparation tests (i.e. the SAT), and university-level work. While this course incorporates components of the English 10 curriculum, it asks students to engage in deeper analysis and more sophisticated writing through a greater workload and more nuanced class discussions at a collegiate level. Ultimately, students will exit this course with a toolbox of techniques that they can carry into standardized testing contexts, other academic institutions, the workplace, and the world at large. As such, the course includes various essay forms, a variety of texts from different time periods and genres, close reading exercises, and discussion. (Prerequisite: B or better in English 9)

• English 11 students further develop their use of language as a tool for learning and analysis, focusing on American Literature from an array of time periods. Students analyze literature’s reflection of different points of view, and learn to expand on their writing skills, with an increased focus on persuasive writing. Students read at least two novel-length works per semester, and write both poetry and essays, with an option for a creative final project that integrates the skills they have acquired. Students learn 100 new SAT words per semester. (Prerequisite: English 10)

• In this advanced course, students will further develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing, including writing a memoir. These skills will prepare students for senior level coursework (including Honors English 12), as well as AP tests, college preparation tests (i.e. the SAT), and university-level work. The course includes various essays forms, a variety of texts from different time periods and genres, close reading exercises, and requires a high level of discussion reflecting thoughtful analysis of the works. (Prerequisite: B or better in English 10)

• Students are introduced to British literature from various time periods, and further hone their research and writing skills in preparation for the pursuit of a college degree and other future endeavors. Using MLA format, students write expository and persuasive essays in relation to the readings, and in addition to shorter pieces and poetry, read at least two novel-length works per semester. Students learn 100 new words per semester. (Prerequisite: English 11)

• This advanced course is a survey of British literature where students will further develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills, with a focus on in-depth literary analysis and essay writing. These skills will prepare students for AP exams, college preparation tests (i.e. SAT), and university-level work. As such, the course includes a variety of texts from different time periods and genres, close reading exercises. Students are expected to engage in advanced-level discussions demonstrating comprehensive and thoughtful analysis. (Prerequisite: B or better in English 11)

• This AP English course introduces students to the rigor of college-level literature and composition. Students read, discuss, and write about literature with attention to its stylistic elements, connecting form with content. In preparation for the AP exam, students practice timed essays, learn AP-specific literary vocabulary, and read a broad range of literature of all genres, learning how to analyze poetry, excerpts, and novels with confidence and expertise. (Prerequisite: B or better in English 10)

• This AP English course introduces students to the rigor of college-level literature and composition. Students read, discuss, and write about literature with attention to its stylistic elements, connecting form with content. In preparation for the AP exam, students practice timed essays, learn AP-specific literary vocabulary, and read a broad range of literature of all genres, learning how to analyze poetry, excerpts, and novels with confidence and expertise. (Prerequisite: B or better in English 11)

• Contemporary Literature surveys the last ten years of literature from a cultural, social, and historical perspective. Students explore and analyze full-length works from recent anthologies of fiction and nonfiction, current literary quarterlies, journalistic publications, and new mediums of writing such as literary blogs, and discuss these works within the context of an ever-changing society.

• Students explore the fascinating genre of magical realism. Considering the origins and tropes that set magical realism apart from genres such as science fiction, students read, analyze, and discuss classic magical realist texts, as well as contemporary works those texts have influenced. Students write three essays throughout the semester in response to readings, and do a final project for which they write a short story in the style of magical realism.

• Students explore various branches of philosophy and the literature they inform. Using philosophical questions of language and morality as a foundation, students investigate some of the most influential and seminal philosophical works, exploring how authors use literature to deconstruct such questions. Students write four essays throughout the semester, the last of which has an oral presentation component, critically analyzing the intersection of philosophy and literature.

• Students investigate the oldest expressive form of the written word, the poem, as it has existed, evolved, and expanded throughout the centuries, analyzing poems’ content and form. In addition to studying major poetic movements, and analyzing the poetry thereof, students will compose and revise their own original works of poetry, culminating in a short collection by the end of the semester.

• This course uses the works of influential American writers like Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, Miller, Tan, and Walker as the focus for studying the literary tools of composition, as well as American thoughts and values. There is particular emphasis on writing critical responses to each text, examining the way each text examines and portrays "the American dream."

• In this elective, students will be exposed to works from the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy. They will read a versatile selection of material including works of J.R.R. Tolkein, Madeleine L'Engle, Orson Scott Card, Margaret Atwood, William Goldman, Gregory Maguire, Peter S. Beagle, Daniel Keyes, Octavia Butler, and H.G. Wells. These novels and other written works will expose students to a broad array of social issues. Students will consider major themes including the role of hero, the commonality of human experience, criticism of value systems, loss of humanity, and the possibilities and dangers of technology.

• Course Overview: In this English course, students will be exposed to works from various genres written by African American authors. Students will further develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing. They will read a versatile selection of material including works by Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Octavia Butler, Tony Morrison, Ralph Ellison, Lorraine Hansberry, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Sapphire, Langston Hughes, Amiri Baraka, Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks, Phillis Wheatley, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Nikki Giovanni. These novels and other written works will expose students to a broad array of social issues. Students will consider major themes and trace the development of African American literature through time. Ultimately, students will exit this course with a toolbox of techniques that they can carry into standardized testing contexts, other academic institutions, the workplace, and the world at large. As such, the course includes various essay forms, a variety of texts from different time period and genres, close reading exercises, and discussion.

• In this course, students will develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing through a study of the works of dystopian literature. Students will be introduced to the concept of dystopia. They will both the mechanisms of control employed by the authors and examine how the works serve as a social commentary. Students are expected to engage in close-reading of the text and nuanced discussion with the instructor. They will be expected to respond to the works as they are meant to be performed and watch various productions and evaluate different interpretations. They will also examine critical interpretations.

• In this course, students will develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing through a study of the works of William Shakespeare with a focus on comparison to modern interpretations. Students will examine the works in context of tragedy and comedy. Students are expected to engage in close-reading of the text and nuanced discussion with the instructor. They will be expected to respond to the works as they are meant to be performed and watch various productions and evaluate different interpretations. They will also examine critical interpretations.

• In this single semester English course, students will be exposed to works from various genres from queer literature. Students will further develop their reading and writing skills, with a focus on literary analysis and essay-writing. They will examine a versatile selection of material including works by Tony Kushner, Alison Bechdel, Kate Bornstein, James Baldwin, and Ursula LeGuin. These novels and other written works will expose students to a broad array of issues involving gender, identity, and sexuality as well as societal views on these subjects. Students will consider major themes including and trace the development of queer literature through time, relating the works to the major themes and issues of the era. Ultimately, students will exit this course with a toolbox of techniques that they can carry into standardized testing contexts, other academic institutions, the workplace, and the world at large. As such, the course includes various essay forms, a variety of texts from different time periods and genres, close reading exercises, and discussion.

• This course presents the fundamental concepts of algebra, such as: integers, linear equations, how to add, subtract, multiply and divide monomials and polynomials, how to factor polynomials and solve quadratic equations. This course will also cover radicals and exponents. (Prerequisite: Prealgebra)

• This course introduces a more advanced study of algebra in the areas of logarithmic functions, conics, matrices, sequences series, and probability. It provides the student with mathematical skills and background required for the more advanced high school and college math courses. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry)

• This one-year course continues the study of algebra and includes a thorough study of trigonometry. This course studies patterns and structure within the real and a complex number system. The course introduces a more advanced study of algebra in the areas of logarithmic functions, conics, matrices, sequences series, and probability. It provides the student with mathematical skills and background required for the more advanced high school and college math courses. The course introduces trigonometric functions and identities in preparation for the study of calculus. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry)

• This one-year course continues the study of algebra and includes a thorough study of trigonometry. This course covers all the same topics as Algebra 2, as well as introduces trigonometric functions and identities. It provides the student with mathematical skills and background required for the more advanced high school and college math courses. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry)

• This college-level course develops students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and provides experience with its methods and applications. Topics covered include: Functions, Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, Intro to Anti-differentiation, Integration, and Differential Equations. This course includes time to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB test. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

• This college-level course is an extension of AP Calculus AB. Topics covered include: Functions, Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, Intro to Anti-differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations, Parametric Equations and Polar coordinates, Sequence and Series. This course includes time to prepare students for the AP Calculus BC test. (Prerequisite: Precalculus, AP Calculus AB preferred)

• This is an introductory Calculus course. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a strong conceptual understanding of Calculus and prepare them for rigorous Calculus courses in the future. Topics covered include: Functions, Limits and Continuity, Differentiation, and Intro to Anti-differentiation. This course is not designed to prepare students for the AP test. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

• In this one year course, students will continue their study in advanced mathematics by introducing them to calculus. Topics will include functions, limits and continuity, differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, and applications of integration. This course will solidify problem solving and logical reasoning skills that will be foundational for higher levels of mathematical study including college-level calculus. Students will engage with the material at a deeper level through the completion of projects with each unit. This course is not designed to prepare students for the AP test. (Prerequisite: Precalculus)

• This is a comprehensive course featuring coverage of geometric terms and processes, logic and problem solving. It includes topics such as parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, inequalities and quadrilaterals. Various forms of proofs will be studied. An emphasis will be placed upon reasoning and problem solving skills gained through study of similarity, areas, volumes, circles and coordinate geometry. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1)

• Honors Geometry is a two semester course providing exceptionally well-prepared and highly motivated students with a more rigorous and challenging introduction to Geometry than our regular Geometry course. The course covers the same topics as the regular Geometry course, but explores those topics in greater depth. Topics include geometric terms, logic, problem-solving, parallel lines and planes, triangle congruence and similarities, quadrilaterals, areas, volumes, circles and coordinate geometry. The course places greater emphasis on constructing proofs of theorems and corollaries, as well as applying geometric concepts to solve more challenging problems. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1)

• This course introduces the basic theory of linear algebra, as students study sets of linear equations and their transformations. Linear algebra makes it possible to consider a complex geometric shape as it undergoes rotations, reflections, and translations in space. Students study equations and matrices, real vector spaces, bases and dimension, rank, nullity, linear transformations as matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, inner product spaces, and the diagonalization of symmetric matrices. (Prerequisite: Honors Multivariable Calculus)

• This college-level course is a continuation of AP Calculus AB/BC intended for highly motivated students. It covers the following topics: vectors and the geometry of space, vector functions, partial derivatives, multiple integrals and vector calculus. Graphing in higher three dimensions will be covered in depth. (Prerequisite: Calculus BC)

• Precalculus is a college-preparatory course intended for highly motivated students who have successfully completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trig. A variety of topics are reviewed and expanded upon including trigonometry, complex numbers, functions, graphing, and logarithms. Many topics are combined to explore new areas such as polar coordinates, polar graphing, conic sections, vectors, matrices, polynomial theory and induction proofs. (Prerequisite: Algebra 2)

• Honors Precalculus is a college-preparatory course intended for highly motivated students who have successfully completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra II/Trig. A variety of topics are reviewed and expanded upon including trigonometry, complex numbers, functions, graphing, and logarithms. Many topics are combined to explore new areas such as polar coordinates, polar graphing, conic sections, vectors, matrices, polynomial theory and induction proofs. Limits and derivatives will be introduced. (Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra 2)

• This is an introductory course that will teach students to identify data distributions, recognize relationships and learn how to produce data. Students will learn probability and sampling distributions. Students will be introduced to inference and learn how to use inference for distributions, proportions, and regression. Finally, students will analyze two-way tables. (Prerequisite: Algebra 2)

• Statistics is a field that uses concrete, numerical inferences to explain puzzling questions or observations. Though mathematics will be used, the weight will be on critically thinking about quantitative data. Students will learn the difference between controlled and observational experiments, learn to accurately analyze the data gained from each of these types of studies using histograms, the average and the standard deviation, the normal curve and its approximations, and be able to recognize the degree of significance of their study. Students will learn about correlation; an in-depth look at regression analysis will help students understand how to discern the extent of a relationship between two variables, and how to make reliable predictions on the effect of a change in one parameter on another. Statistical inference will include confidence intervals and using sample data to predict population data. (Prerequisite: Algebra 2)

• In this one year course, students will be introduced to basic strands of algebra, geometry, and statistics to emphasize the interconnected nature of mathematics. Topics covered in this introductory course will include sequences, linear & exponential functions, feature of function, equation & inequalities, systems of equations & inequalities, transformations & symmetry, congruence, construction, & proof, connecting algebra & geometry, and modeling data. The course is designed to align with Common Core mathematics standards. Math I will solidify basic problem solving and logical reasoning skills that will be foundational for higher levels of study in mathematics.

• In this one year course, students will be introduced to strands of algebra, geometry, and statistics to emphasize the interconnected nature of mathematics, building on topics learned in Math I. Topics covered in this introductory course will include quadratic functions, structure of expressions, quadratic equations, more function, more features, geometric figures, similarity and right triangle trigonometry, circles from the geometric perspective, circles and other conics, and probability. The course is designed to align with Common Core mathematics standards. Math II will solidify problem solving and logical reasoning skills that will be foundational for higher levels of study in mathematics.

• In this one year course, students will be introduced to strands of algebra, geometry, and statistics to emphasize the interconnected nature of mathematics. Topics covered in this introductory course will include functions and their inverses, logarithmic functions polynomial functions, rational expressions, modeling with geometry, trigonometric functions, modeling with functions, and statistics. The course is designed to align with Common Core mathematics standards. Math III will solidify problem solving and logical reasoning skills that will be foundational for higher levels of study in mathematics.

• Honors Math I/II covers all topics from Math I and the first half of Math II for students who intend to move at an accelerated pace to pursue higher levels of math including AP Calculus. Students will be introduced to basic strands of algebra, geometry, and statistics to emphasize the interconnected nature of mathematics. Topics covered in this introductory course will include sequences, linear & exponential functions, feature of function, equation & inequalities, systems of equations & inequalities, transformations & symmetry, congruence, construction, & proof, connecting algebra & geometry, modeling data, quadratic functions, structure of expressions, quadratic equations, and more function, more features. The course is designed to align with Common Core mathematics standards. Honors Math I/II will solidify basic problem solving and logical reasoning skills that will be foundational for higher levels of study in mathematics.

• Honors Math II/III covers the second half of Math II and all of Math III for students who intend to move at an accelerated pace to pursue higher levels of math including AP Calculus. Students will be introduced to basic strands of algebra, geometry, and statistics to emphasize the interconnected nature of mathematics. Topics covered in this course will include geometric figures, similarity and right triangle trigonometry, circles from the geometric perspective, circles and other conics, probability, functions and their inverses, logarithmic functions polynomial functions, rational expressions, modeling with geometry, trigonometric functions, modeling with functions, and statistics. The course is designed to align with Common Core mathematics standards. Honors Math II/III will solidify basic problem solving and logical reasoning skills that will be foundational for higher levels of study in mathematics.

• This course explores the structure and function of the human body. The areas covered will include: cell and tissue structure, anatomical descriptions, biochemical composition, and pathology with a focus on the impact of life choices. Students will gain practical skills during the completion of labs, which include an optional, but encouraged, dissection.

• This is an advanced, college-level course that engages students in investigating observable phenomena and describing their causes. Through discussions and experiments, students will hone their understanding of the complexity and diversity of life. The course will cover the "Four Big Ideas" and laboratory exercises suggested by the College Board, covering all the necessary topics needed to succeed on the AP exam.

• The AP Chemistry course is the equivalent of a one-year collegiate general chemistry course. The "Six Big Ideas" of the College Board’s AP Chemistry curriculum will be emphasized, as well as the "Seven Science Practices." Laboratory work will focus on inquiry-driven methodologies, and completion of classwork and labs will provide many test-taking techniques needed for the AP exam.

• This is a college-level course that is designed to introduce students to environmental science and prepare them for the AP Exam. Students will practice the basic skills associated with the scientific method by conducting controlled investigations and systematic observations (laboratories). There are seven major topics that are covered, and after completing this course, students should have a clear understanding of environmental issues.

• AP Physics 1 is an introductory algebra-based, collegiate-level course which introduces students to the fundamental and advanced concepts of physics, and guides them through the derivation of pertinent mathematical models and inquiry-based, quantitative laboratory investigations. Through lectures and classroom discussions and demonstrations, mathematical derivation and application of numerical models, guided and inquiry-driven laboratory experiments, and AP test strategies, students expand their understanding of the laws of physics. Over the course of two semesters, students refresh their knowledge of the scientific method, data collection and laboratory procedures, and learn more advanced methods for analyzing physical constructs, defining computational values of universal constants, and predicting the behavior of physical systems. Course topics will include kinematics, forces, mechanical energy, harmonic motion, rotational motion, electrostatics, DC circuits, and mechanical waves/sound.

• AP Physics 2 is an introductory algebra-based, collegiate-level course which introduces students to the fundamental and advanced concepts of physics, and guides them through the derivation of pertinent mathematical models and inquiry-based, quantitative laboratory investigations. Through lectures and classroom discussions and demonstrations, mathematical derivation and application of numerical models, guided and inquiry-driven laboratory experiments, and AP test strategies, students expand their understanding of the laws of physics. Over the course of two semesters, students refresh their knowledge of the scientific method, data collection and laboratory procedures, and learn more advanced methods for analyzing physical constructs, defining computational values of universal constants, and predicting the behavior of physical systems. Course topics will include thermodynamics, fluids, electrostatics, DC and RC circuits, magnetism, induction, optics, and basic quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.

• All fields of science investigate systems that are based upon the laws of physics, making this a foundational area of scientific study. This advanced course provides students with a college-level introduction to classical mechanics. Mechanics is designed for students who have some prior physics experience and are interested in majoring in technical science or engineering in college. This advanced course uses introductory differential and integral calculus to provide students with a detailed study of classical mechanics. As students work to understand the underlying laws that govern the workings of our universe, they will gain valuable preparation for the AP exam.

• Electricity and Magnetism is designed for students who have some prior physics experience and are interested in majoring in technical science or engineering in college. This advanced college-level course uses introductory differential and integral calculus to provide students with a detailed study of electricity and magnetism. For students planning on taking both AP Physics C courses, the AP Physics C: Mechanics course is usually taught first.

• This course explores living organisms and biological phenomenon. The processes of life are investigated at all scales, from molecules to organisms to ecosystems. Students also engage in laboratory experiments as they learn to use the scientific method to investigate biological concepts.

• The primary difference between Honors Biology and regular Biology is increased coverage of biodiversity. Students who are primarily interested in learning about botany (plants) and zoology (animals) would do well to take this course since these topics are not covered in any other biology class, including AP Biology.

• This course is intended to provide each student with a deeper understanding of the structure, composition and behavior of matter. Students will also learn basic laboratory techniques while directly applying the scientific method to concepts learned in class. Topics include the structure of the atom, the Periodic Table of Elements, chemical reactions and chemical quantities.

• Honors Chemistry is a rigorous college preparatory course that thoroughly explores fundamental concepts and familiarizes students with advanced topics in the field. This course is intended for students who are serious about demonstrating their preparedness for collegiate level work and are considering a specialization in the sciences. Students develop their understanding of the laws of chemistry, how chemical processes drive macroscopic phenomena, topics of interest to modern chemists, and the role of chemistry in society during lectures and discussions, independent research, and laboratory experiments. Over the course of two semesters, students acquire knowledge and abilities critical to a variety of fields, and examples of some skills developed in this course include quantitative analysis, practical laboratory technique, and the construction of succinct yet salient academic compositions and presentations. Laboratory work, emphasizing inquiry-driven methods, is a significant component of Honors Chemistry, comprising 20-25% of the course.

• Geology is a rigorous, college preparatory course that thoroughly explores fundamental geological concepts, highlighting Californian examples of geological phenomena as often as possible. The course is intended to either stimulate an interest in the collegiate study of geology or facilitate geological literacy in students who will continue their education in a different field. During lectures and discussions, independent research, and laboratory experiments students develop their understanding of general geological concepts, distinctive phenomena and features observable in California, topics of interest to modern geologists, and the relevance of geology to society. Over the course of two semesters, students acquire knowledge and abilities critical to a variety of fields of study, and examples of some skills developed in this course include quantitative analysis, practical laboratory technique, and the construction of succinct yet salient academic compositions and presentations. Laboratory work, emphasizing inquiry-driven methodologies, is a significant component of Geology, comprising 20-25% of the course.

• Marine Biology engages students in exploring the rich diversity of organisms that inhabit the world's oceans. Frequent labs — including dissections — provide students the opportunity to practice scientific inquiry, and unit projects allow students to integrate their own creativity and interests into the daily classwork.

• This course provides an introduction to physical concepts. Students will learn concepts related to motion, energy and electromagnetic phenomena. Students also engage in laboratory experiments as they learn to apply the scientific method to physical problems.

• Honors Physics differs from regular physics in the depth and detail of topics as well as covering fluid mechanics. Students will use of the scientific method and data collection to study linear and projectile motion, Newton’s laws, rotational motion, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. Laboratory experimentation is a significant component of Honors Physics, comprising more than 20% of the course.

• Sciences of the Earth will provide students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts and issues of Earth Science using real world scenarios and inquiry-based learning techniques. Earth’s materials, sculpting Earth’s surface, forces within, historical geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy will all be explored. Students will practice the basic skills associated with the scientific method, develop their reasoning ability, and perform research. Students will explore the methods employed by scientists to study and monitor the Earth through hands-on lab activities. Students will be able to identify and describe major geological concepts and problems, as well as to explain or design potential solutions.

• American Sign Language 1 is designed to give students the tools necessary to begin communication with the Deaf world. Students will be introduced to basic vocabulary, grammatical points, forms of expression, idioms, and techniques that will increase comprehension. The areas of focus will be: interpreting Sign; expressing thoughts in Sign; fingerspelling and its interpretation; and an increased understanding of Deaf and hard of hearing culture.

• American Sign Language 2 further explores interpreting Sign; expressing thoughts in Sign; and fingerspelling and its interpretation. Emphasis is also placed on the understanding of issues surrounding Deaf and hard-of-hearing culture, including the history of Deafness, society's ways of dealing with Deafness, the history of Sign, the history of American Sign Language, and contemporary issues regarding education and communication within Deaf society. (Prerequisite: American Sign Language 1)

• American Sign Language 3 expands on the grammar and vocabulary fundamentals, with a new emphasis on applying these in real conversation and with reduced reliance on fingerspelling, as� vocabulary expands and pantomime improves. The course emphasizes practical expression, continuing development of fingerspelling, emphasizing fluidity (course aim is 300 letters per minute) and integration into conversational context. Class instruction will be primarily in ASL. (Prerequisite: American Sign Language 2)

• Honors American Sign Language 1 is designed to give students the tools necessary to study non-oral communication and Deaf culture. Students will be introduced to basic vocabulary, grammatical points, forms of expression, idioms, and techniques that will increase comprehension. Comprehension, expression, and functional conversational skills are emphasized, as well as familiarity with non-hearing culture.

• This course further explores fingerspelling, basic vocabulary, grammatical points, forms of expression, idioms, and techniques that increase comprehension, interpreting Sign, and expressing thoughts in Sign. Emphasis is also placed on the history of Deafness, society's ways of dealing with Deafness, the history of Sign and of American Sign Language, and contemporary issues regarding education and communication. Class instruction will be primarily in ASL. (Prerequisite: American Sign Language 1)

• Honors American Sign Language 3 expands on the grammar and vocabulary fundamentals of ASL with a new emphasis on applying these in real conversation. The primary focus is on practical expression (describing locations, making polite requests, etc.), with a secondary emphasis on performance. In addition, there’s a continuing development of fingerspelling, emphasizing fluidity (course aim is 300 letters per minute) and integration into conversational context, along with a reduced reliance on fingerspelling, as vocabulary expands and pantomime improves. Class instruction will be primarily in ASL. (Prerequisite: American Sign Language 2)

• French 1 introduces students to French grammar and vocabulary. Students learn key introductory vocabulary with an emphasis on verbs. Students begin reading simple stories in French.

• French 2 is an intermediate academic course that deepens knowledge of the French language. Students continue to learn French grammar and vocabulary to understand expressions indicating emotion, make requests, and understand and express important ideas in the present, past, and future tenses. (Prerequisite: French 1)

• French 3 is an advanced course that enables students to understand and communicate in French. Students sharpen their four basic language skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. The course also deepens the student's cultural and historical knowledge of France. (Prerequisite: French 2)

• French 3 Honors enables students to understand and communicate more fluently in French by intensifying the four communication skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Students are expected to obtain a deeper understanding of French grammar, additional vocabulary and French idioms that comprise a deeper level of fluency. (Prerequisite: B or better in French 2)

• French 4 is an advanced course usually taken in preparation for AP French. This course brings students to a very advanced level of speaking, reading, writing and understanding French by focusing on a real appreciation of contemporary and past French culture. (Prerequisite: French 3)

• French 4 Honors is an advanced course that students usually complete either as a final language requirement course or as preparation for AP French. This course adds fluency and depth to students' already advanced level in their ability to speak, understand, read and write French. It also provides students with a real appreciation of contemporary and past French history and culture. (Prerequisite: B or better in French 3)

• Students who enroll in AP French Language already have a very strong command of French grammar and vocabulary and are very competent in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. These four skills form the basis of the AP French Test and this course focuses on near-total fluency in order to achieve an excellent test score. (Prerequisite: B or better in French 3)

• This course introduces students to the Japanese culture and language. The course instills basic listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities in Japanese. Students will learn how to accurately listen to and pronounce Japanese vocabulary, communicate well, speak intelligently about daily activities, and understand daily conversation. Students will learn to read and write over 150 Japanese characters and write Japanese characters and short sentences legibly.

• This course continues to instill basic listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities in Japanese. Students will continue to accurately listen to and pronounce Japanese vocabulary, communicate well, speak intelligently about daily activities, and understand daily conversation. Students will learn to read and write an additional 150 Japanese characters and write Japanese characters and short sentences legibly. (Prerequisite: Japanese 1)

• This course requires students to listen to and understand daily conversation and expand their ability to perform all the functions developed in Japanese course 1 and 2. Students will be expected to be able to learn over 100 kanji characters. Students should be able to write journals and essays legibly. Cultural activities are structured to provide each student with opportunities to enhance language and cultural learning; these activities include seeing Japanese movies and performances, field trips to museums, markets, and/or restaurants, and learning about Japanese traditional arts and crafts. (Prerequisite: Japanese 2)

• This course is designed to be an overall review and expansion of the basic skills of Japanese. It is intended, through an in-depth examination of grammar, to increase accuracy and consistency in reading, listening, and writing, and to develop oral proficiency. In addition, students will be expected to be able to read and write over 200 kanji characters and more than 160 compounds. Students will also learn to write letters, journals and essays legibly. Cultural activities are structured to enhance each student’s with enhance language and cultural learning. The class is conducted almost exclusively in Japanese. (Prerequisite: Japanese 3)

• This course offers an in-depth examination of grammar, and is intended to increase accuracy and consistency in reading, listening, and writing, and to develop oral proficiency in formal situations using keigo (polite, honorific and humble forms). In addition, students will be expected to be able to read and write about 400 kanji characters and over 200 compounds. Students will write letters, journals, and essays legibly, and will also express their own thoughts on a variety of topics that relate to everyday life and contemporary society of Japan. The class is conducted almost exclusively in Japanese. (Prerequisite: B or better in Japanese 3)

• This course is designed to develop Japanese proficiency equivalent to a college course, and prepares students to be able to demonstrate their proficiency in interpersonal communication, interpreting authentic written and spoken Japanese, and give oral and written presentations. Students will be able to understand Japanese culture by studying traditional and modern society of Japan and Japanese life, and recognize distinctive viewpoints that are unique to Japanese culture. This course is conducted almost exclusively in Japanese (Prerequisite: B or better in Japanese 3)

• Latin I is a student’s introduction to the whole new world of Latin. It focuses on the student mastering the basics: the declensions, verb conjugations, adjectives, imperative, pronouns, etc. Students do translations throughout the course. There is also considerable emphasis on how they can use Latin to understand English vocabulary, and vice versa. Students get the flavor of Roman life and history, and the classical world, through in-class photos, videos and research projects.

• This is the second year course of Latin in which students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of Latin grammar (morphology and syntax) and expand their knowledge of Roman history and culture. Students will continue to develop their vocabulary and they will translate their first long text (adjusted to the appropriate level). By the end of the course, students will be able to translate and sight read passages of appropriate level and be familiar with the history and culture of Roman society.
  Latin 2 is an intermediate academic course that increases the student’s facility in reading and translating Latin. All the lessons and activities build on what the student has previously learned. The emphasis remains on learning grammar so as to be able to use it to translate and read Latin, relate knowledge of Latin to English vocabulary mastery, and to appreciate the classical world. (Prerequisite: Latin 1)

• Latin 3 is an advanced course recognized by CSU and UC as the entrance requirement. This course enables students to review fundamental concepts of Latin grammar and also introduces more advanced elements, while continuing to build the student’s Latin vocabulary.

• The AP Latin course at Tilden Preparatory School is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills that will allow them to succeed on the College Board AP Latin exam offered in May. The core of the class will be translating through substantial passages from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid into English. These translations will focus on an understanding of the literal meaning of the Latin text, while in class discussions and exercises will help students understand the context each author was working in and the artistic and rhetorical tools they employed. The course will also provide students many opportunities to read and analyze prose and poetry written by other authors, allowing them to develop comprehension and analyze of a variety of classic texts. (Prerequisite: B or Latin 3)

• This course is designed as an introduction to the Chinese language. It focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing to help students build a solid foundation. Students will learn to spell characters in pinyin, make greetings, talk about family, tell time and date, tell direction, discuss hobbies, make appointments, shop and chat about the weather.

• This course is designed as an introduction to the Chinese language. It focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing to help students build a solid foundation. Students will learn to make requests and express needs, describe and compare, write letters and short compositions, geography, topography, directions, buildings and monuments, symbols, cultural and historical figures, places and events, colors, numbers, days, food and customs, transportation, travel, professions and work. (Prerequisite: Mandarin 1)

• This course emphasizes Chinese literature and classical Chinese poetry. It focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing to help students build a solid foundation. Students will learn over 220 new vocabulary words and 6 proper nouns as well as understand 36 new grammar and 22 cultural highlights. There is an emphasis on early Chinese thought by introducing the early Chinese thinker, Confucius, and his book The Analects. (Prerequisite: Mandarin 2)

• This course emphasizes Chinese literature and classical Chinese poetry. It focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing to help students build a solid foundation. Students will learn over 600 new vocabulary words focusing on living spaces, travel plans, Chinese holidays, geography, cultural and historical figures and places and events. Students will gain familiarity with Chinese literature and poetry in Chinese. (Prerequisite: Mandarin 3)

• This course introduces students to people, products, and themes in Chinese history. Students learn about various aspects of contemporary Chinese society, including geography and population, ethnic and regional diversity, travel and transportation, climate and weather, holidays and food, sports and games, and current affairs. The course emphasizes honing language skills by developing word processing ability using Hanyu Pinyin or Bopomofo, and by writing letters, formal papers, responses to narratives, and poetry. (Prerequisite: B or better in Mandarin 3)

• Spanish 1 is a communication-based course integrating all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a culturally authentic context. Receptive skills are stressed in the first semester. Students will comprehend vocabulary in context, taken from the Language Learning Continuum. Importance is placed on developing the student’s awareness of the culture of Hispanic people of Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain, as well as the role Hispanics have played in the history of the United States.

• Spanish 2 is an intermediate academic course which increases power in oral language, reading and writing in an authentic cultural context. Lessons present language, reading and writing in an authentic cultural context. All the lessons and activities also build on what the student has previously learned. Students move from Stage I of the Language Learning Continuum to internalizing and creating simple language (Stage II of the Continuum). Students learn to use and understand expressions indicating emotion, express needs, make requests, understand and express important ideas, as well as describe and compare, narrate, and understand narration in the present, past, and future. (Prerequisite: Spanish 1)

• Spanish 3 is and advanced course recognized by CSU and UC as the entrance requirement. This course enables students to understand and communicate in a second language. The four communication skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing are equally emphasized with a focus on real-world situations. The course also covers cultural and historical aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will acquire an ability to function at Stage II of the California Language Learning Continuum. (Prerequisite: Spanish 2)

• • This course is designed to be an overall review and expansion of the basic skills of Spanish. It is intended, through an in-depth examination of grammar, to increase accuracy and consistency in reading, listening, and writing, and to develop oral proficiency. Students will learn:
    1. Speaking skills
       
       1. Present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to your field of interest.
       2. Explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
       3. Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible.
       4. Take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining your views.
    2. Listening skills
       
       1. Understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar.
       2. Understand most TV news and current affairs programs.
       3. Understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
    3. Reading skills
       
       1. Read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
       2. Understand contemporary literary prose.
    4. Writing skills
       
       1. Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to your interests.
       2. Write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
       3. Write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

Some of the objectives of this course include: students will read and comprehend more sophisticated literature and short stories; students will write weekly journals while expanding their vocabulary; students will speak only Spanish in class, with clarity and confidence in familiar and more formal situations; students will understand more complex information, conversation, and all classroom instruction, given only in Spanish; students will recognize and appreciate cultural differences present in the various Spanish-speaking countries of the world. (Prerequisite: Spanish 3)

• This course provides a more in depth review of the vocabulary, grammar, listening, writing and speaking skills learned during Spanish I, II, and III, incrementally increasing the difficulty and adding new materials in order to improve the proficiency of the students in the Spanish language following Stage IV of the California State standards. Students will use more sophisticated vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures. The reading material includes not only stories about daily routines but also a variety of passages from Spanish and South American literature. Students are also required to develop their knowledge of the art, history, film, literature, and music from the Spanish culture. In general, Spanish IV Honors will prepare students so they can interact effectively in today's global society, develop the language skills necessary to promote peaceful relations, access employment and compete in the worldwide marketplace. This course serves as preparation for AP Spanish or future college Spanish courses. (Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish 3)

• This course is designed to prepare the student for the AP Spanish Language Exam through the tasks of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course will be conducted entirely in the Spanish language. The goal is also to create a familiarity with the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. We will be reviewing basic grammar as well as delving into the more complex grammatical structures and nuances of the language. The student will have an intimate knowledge of a wide array of authors from around the globe and from different time periods.
  We will focus on narrative and prose in the first half of the course, concentrating on fictional short stories and poetry. The second half of the course will focus more on oral comprehension, non-fiction, and intensive grammar review for the exam, as well as practice exams. There will be daily assigned homework, weekly assigned reading responses to Spanish news sources and periodicals, frequent quizzes, a mid-term, two to three oral presentations on various topics concerning cultural interests, and two research projects, all entirely in Spanish. The student is also expected to maintain a journal in Spanish that will be handed in to the instructor regularly, as well as a vocabulary list that the student will compile throughout the course. Writing is a very important component of the course; students will write both formal essays every few weeks and informal writings during most class sessions. (Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish 3)

• This course is designed to introduce students to the formal study of a representative body of Peninsular and Latin American literary texts, covering the major movements in Hispanic literature from the medieval period through the latest literary trends. It breaks down the barriers of national literatures to illustrate the ties that exist between the cultural productions of both sides of the Hispanic world.. Works are thematically related to each other to permit the tracing of themes, and subject matter is chosen to appeal to contemporary students. Students will discuss literary texts in a variety of interactive formats, and to make connections between written works and other artistic representations, audiovisual materials, and other expressions of the Spanish speaking cultures, such as movies, interviews, and music. The course is conducted completely in Spanish. (Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish 3)

• This course is designed to develop students' understanding and knowledge of diverse historical and cultural context of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other media. Through lectures, slide shows, museum trips and discussions, this course will enable students to examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present. This course emphasizes the history and evolution of Western art (from the Ancient Greeks to the present) but will also introduce artworks that lie beyond European Artistic Traditions, such as those from Africa, Asia and the global Islamic tradition.

• The Advanced Placement Studio Art course provides students with the opportunity to develop and prepare a portfolio at the college level. It is expected that students enrolled in this class have a strong technical background in tradition 2D media. Students are required to work more independently in developing a consistent and focused studio practice. Each student is expected to produce approximately 30 pieces of original work, utilizing a range of media, techniques, and materials. This body of work must fulfill the Breadth, Concentration, and Quality requirements of the AP course.

• The Advanced Placement Studio Art course provides students with the opportunity to develop and prepare a portfolio at the college level. It is expected that students enrolled in this class have a strong technical background in tradition 3D media. Students are required to work more independently in developing a consistent and focused studio practice. Each student is expected to produce approximately 13 pieces of original work, utilizing a range of media, techniques, and materials. This body of work must fulfill the Breadth, Concentration, and Quality requirements of the AP course.

• This course provides is an introduction of art theory and application in the areas of drawing, conceptual design, painting and color theory. Assignments are created to meet each of the 5 content strands of the Visual Art Standards: Artistic Perception, Creative Expression, Historical and Cultural Context, Aesthetic Valuing, and Connections, Relationships, Applications, with projects that focus on the principles of art and design. Projects will focus on line, color, shape/form texture, value and space, balance, contrast, dominance, emphasis, movement, repetition, rhythm, subordination, variation and unity. Students will continue to develop individual portfolios containing both class and independent projects. Research in art history will be an integral port of the course.

• This introductory course immerses students in the techniques, mediums, vocabulary, and tropes used in drawing and painting. Students are able to refine observational and accuracy skills that serve as the foundation of an artist's mastery of the craft in areas such as still-life drawing, contour, perspective, and landscape painting. At the conclusion of this course, students will come away with a diverse portfolio of work displaying proficiency in the various modes of mediums of the drawing and painting disciplines.

• This introductory course explores the fundamentals of the art of video and film production. The course will equip students with the skills they need to communicate effectively in the medium of video and film, and will arm students with a historical and contemporary perspective--and fluency of vocabulary--of the fine-art cinematic landscape. Students will learn the various aspects of script writing, pre-production, production, and postproduction in order to express their creativity clearly and concisely to an audience. This course will require a significant amount of time outside of class. Students will produce several short films and submit several written works of a creative and analytical nature.

• This introductory course guides students through the photographic workflow. Students may elect to shoot traditionally (with film) or digitally. Students learn and practice the technical and creative possibilities of the photographic medium through study of exposure and focus controls, lens selection, composition and design, lighting, how to use Photoshop to enhance and edit images, and how to create a visual narrative through image selection, sequencing, and contextualization.

• This course is designed to cover theater history as well as technical aspects of performance production. Students will also be introduced to acting theory, characterization, monologue performance, script writing, and critique to develop skills. Attendance of outside theatrical performance is required.

• The music theory course offered at Tilden Preparatory School is meant for students who wish to improve their musical skills in the domains of perception, analysis, application and expression. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of music and the global diversity of musical expression. These goals are achieved through a rigorous course of study incorporating textbook study, workbook exercises, multimedia musical examples, and creative portfolio development.

• This course focuses on the musical techniques, forms and styles used durin the Common Practice period (1600 – 1900). Students will learn Artistic Perception, Creative Expression, Historical and Cultural Context, Aesthetic Valuing and Connections Relationships and Applications.

• This course is a one semester advanced level Social Science elective that is designed to introduce students to the discipline of Philosophy and its key questions. Through a selection of core readings, students will consider seven key Philosophical Themes: Is there a God? What can I know? Is there free will? What are ethics? What is the meaning of life and death? What are the ethics of ending life? and What is Political Philosophy? by looking at the answers provided by philosophers such as Socrates, Rene Descartes, Plato, T. H. Huxley, Bertrand Russell, Jean Paul Sartre, and John Stuart Mill. This class is designed so that students can appreciate Philosophy as a living discipline; contemporary authors such as Richard Dawkins, Peter Singer, and Bruce Russell will be considered and we will also be supplementing our discussion from texts with excerpts from movies, television, and podcasts. Please ensure that you come to class prepared to discuss the issues at hand and ready to think deeply about these topics. By their successful completion of this course, students will not only be able to appreciate the nature of philosophical enquiries but also learn the techniques of philosophical reasoning through logic and argument. Assessment will consist of short answers to directed readings, a multiple-choice exam, and a major essay. Course duration, which will vary depending on the level of work that students complete outside of school hours, is approximately 60 hours. As this is an Honors level course, more depth will be added to each unit discussion and more work will be required from students in comparison to the standard college preparatory course.

• Macroeconomics is a field that uses simple models to generate realistic predictions about the behavior of a national or regional economy as a whole. Put another way, macroeconomics tries to explain why the economy grows and fluctuates as a series of business cycles over time. Any minor change in the economic environment can have both subtle and pronounced effects, and it will be the goal that the knowledge gained from this course will enable students to visualize how an economic decision will affect the economy holistically. For example, a student should be able to predict what effect a change in the interest rate, gross domestic product, the exchange rate, money demand, money supply, unemployment, foreign interest rates, foreign wealth, or inflation will have on the level of the rest of these key terms, in addition to being able to understand the significance of each term individually. This will be achieved through the use of several valuable and informative generalized economic relationships, such as those depicted in the Neoclassical Growth Model, the Multiplier Model, the Income-Savings (IS) Curve, The Liquidity Preference and Money Supply Equilibrium (LM) Curve, Okun's Law, and the Phillip's Curve.
  The final aspect of this course will be to apply these models to aid in understanding the current and historical macroeconomic developments in the United States and other industrialized nations, forecast future economic trends, and explain why some economies seem to be stuck on that beginner’s stage.

• Microeconomics is the study of human economic behavior on the level of individual households, industries, markets, labor unions, or trade associations. Resources are limited and human desire is infinite. The goal of this course will be to instill in students an understanding about human nature and decision making that will allow them to infer what will be produced in an economy with a given set of capital constraints. Though the stress will be on intuition, some mathematical knowledge will be assumed, such as taking very basic derivatives to calculate marginal values.
  Rational behavior on the part of both the consumer and firm will be analyzed, ranging from consumer choice to the labor supply curve and perfect competition to monopolistic markets. Once the strategies of both players in the economic relationship have been examined individually, the study of market price determination and the allocation of resources will begin, demonstrating the interplay between these two forces.
  Game theory will be another focus of this course, emphasizing the thought process that goes on when an amoral, rational, self-interested person makes a legal move in a game.

• Information and computing technology is becoming a bigger part of our world every day, and learning to understand and use these tools at an early age is becoming increasingly essential. This course introduces students to fundamental programming concepts and arms them with the logical faculties necessary for a problem-solving mindset. Upon completion, they will be fluent in the Python programming language with many fun, intellectually stimulating programs under their belt!

• Students will be introduced to two of the most popular and widely-used languages in today's computing world, C and Java, as they continue to master the elementary principles of software engineering and abstract data types. They will use C to get more of a taste of what's going on under the hood when software interacts with hardware, and Java to further explore object oriented programming and data structures. By the end of the course they will have implemented moderately complex C and Java programs with well-designed runtime efficiency.

• Having developed many core programming skills, the student will further explore the inner workings of Java and subsequently get their hands dirty with both desktop and web-based applications, using the Java Networking Library, HTML, CSS, Javascript, XML, HTTP, SQL, and Ruby on Rails. In the first semester, their mastery of Java will be further deepened in terms of algorithmic design, runtime efficiency, and data structures towards solving complex problems with myriad solutions. Then the second semester will focus on web design using the Ruby on Rails framework along with databases and model view controllers to build websites and web applications. Students will be empowered to master these concepts through independent study.

• AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level course in programming and problem solving methodologies. Its primary focus is on mastery of object-oriented program design and algorithms, and it includes core concepts such as abstraction, encapsulation, modularity, inheritance, and polymorphism. Students will learn to code fluently in Java, debug their own programs, utilize commonly used algorithms and data structures, and leverage internet resources. After demonstrating proficiency in software design, implementation and analysis, along with adherence to computing ethics, they will finish the course prepared to take the AP exam.

• Creative writing is a practice that involves digging beneath the surface of what we know, finding meaning where we might not have expected to find it, and conveying that meaning through character, dialogue, setting, and action. In this course, students will read an array of fiction and creative nonfiction works, and write several short pieces that utilize the literary tools of authors they have read, with an emphasis on figurative language, chronology, and narrative voice for effect. For a final project, students will gain newfound confidence in constructing characters and storylines by writing and revising a short story or piece of creative nonfiction.

• This course is an overview of economic principles and a comprehensive view on economic decision making. Due to the broad nature of this introductory course, microeconomics and macroeconomics will be covered. Allocation of scarce resources, the profit maximization of firms, perfect/imperfect competition, monopoly, unemployment, inflation, efficiency, long- term and short-term economic growth, and the role of government are all topics that will be covered. The overall goal will be to instill an understanding of the mechanisms by which all these issues aggregate to create the abstract concept of what is referred to as an economy.

• This course is an overview of economic principles and a comprehensive view on economic decision making. Due to the broad nature of this introductory course, microeconomics and macroeconomics will be covered. Allocation of scarce resources, the profit maximization of firms, perfect/imperfect competition, monopoly, unemployment, inflation, efficiency, long term and short term economic growth, and the role of government are all topics that will be covered in this course. The overall goal will be to instill an understanding of the mechanisms by which all these issues aggregate to create the abstract concept of what is referred to as an economy.

• This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and issues of Environmental Science using real world scenarios and inquiry-based learning techniques. Through this course, students will explore the interrelationships between human populations and the natural environment. Students will develop their research and reasoning abilities, and they will practice the basic skills associated with the scientific method and controlled investigations. The lab component of this course will introduce students to some of the methods used by scientists to study and monitor the environment. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify and describe major ecological concepts and environmental problems, as well as to explain and/or design potential solutions.

• In this course, students will learn the basic vocabulary and concepts that are necessary to understand the six major branches of psychology: Perception Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Social Psychology. Students will discuss an array of fascinating topics, including nature vs. nurture, the mind-body connection, and what’s considered a "disorder," as well as societal perceptions of behavior and how these perceptions inform diagnosis. Students will write reading responses and do a research-based final project.

• This advanced course introduces students to the topic of psychology in greater depth. The student will learn the basic vocabulary and concepts that are necessary to understand the six major branches of psychology. These branches are Perception Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Social Psychology. The course also seeks to develop a student's writing and reading skills. In order to pass this course, students must successful complete several expository assignments that demonstrate a superior understanding of Psychologyconcepts in addition to taking examinations on the topics. This course also seeks to develop our students logical reasoning skills. Students will learn the ins and outs of data analysis and will gain insight into what makes a good and a bad Psychological study. Students will complete several written and oral assignments or examination to show proficiency in each course chapter. They will complete two major projects each semester - a research project where students design their own experiment and a research paper in which they evaluate and synthesize the research of others.

• The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

• This history elective is an introductory survey course that provides students with an overview of issues related to social justice. The course begins with an investigation of what the term "social justice" refers to; as it turns out, the meanings vary according to context and are often disagreed upon. The course then turns to formal theories of social justice in philosophy, and includes the ideas of thinkers such as Hume, Bentham, Mill, Locke, Rawls, and Milton Friedman, among others. The course concludes with a consideration of various social problems (e.g., environmental issues, racism, classism, sexism, and ableism) and the conceptual frameworks developed to address them. 

• This elective survey class introduces students to the sociological study of society. Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. Broad themes driving the class include the interplay between the individual and society, how society is both stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life. More specifically, the class focuses on topics as diverse as research methods in sociology, deviance, group behavior, and class. Understanding sociology helps discover and explain social patterns and see how such patterns change over time and in different settings.

• This course is designed to introduce students to human anatomy and physiology, laying the foundation for further study. Students will understand how body systems function and interact during physical activity and the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. The course will also emphasize athletic training, sports and therapeutic equipment, nutrition, first aid, sport psychology, therapeutic modalities, injury assessment and management, and ethical and legal considerations associated with the field. Additionally, career preparation standards will be integrated into the course including problem solving, communication, interpersonal skills, and safety. Competencies in this course are aligned with California High School Academic Content Standards to reinforce skills learned in core curriculum, particularly science, English, and math, and the California Career Technical Model Curriculum.

• This course is designed to give students an overview of the history of America’s pastime: baseball. The course roughly follows Ken Burns’ Baseball documentary. The course will examine major historical developments within baseball such as the Black Sox scandal, the integration of Major League Baseball, and Flood v. Kuhn through a critical lens. Students will trace the development of baseball through history and examine the ways in which the history of the game was impacted by United States history. Ultimately, the course will ask students to consider the ways in which the game mirrors American culture and values and how it has captured the imagination of generations.

• This course focuses on having students explore identity, family history, and community history through the lenses of race, ethnicity, nationality and culture. Students will learn how race and racism, have been and continue to be powerful social and cultural forces in American history and society. This course examines the experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicanas/os & Latinas/os, Native Americans, the LGBTQIA community and other racialized peoples and groups throughout United States history. This course will also focus on Gender with each unit having a portion of it specifically dedicated to the role that gender plays within each unit. This course will examine and have students be aware of the contributions, experiences and impact that African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicanas/os & Latinas/os, Native Americans, the LGBTQIA community has had and continues to have on American history, culture and society. This course spans from the colonial era to the present, allowing students to see and identify patterns present in other groups and societies and their own. This course begins with a unit on Identity which will allow students to consider concepts that revolve and focus around their own personal, group, and/or national identity.

• This course will provide students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts and issues of Human Genetics using inquiry-based learning techniques and real world examples. The class will focus primarily on the molecular components of the cell. Students will begin by exploring the general cell functions associated with development, like DNA replication, mitosis, and meiosis. The class will then dive into topics such as autosomal and sex-linked gene inheritance, protein production, gene expression, epigenetics, population genetics, cancer genetics, and finally, genetic technology. Students will learn material through text and apply what they have learned using case study focused activities to gain a thorough understanding of human genetics and implications in related health and science fields.