Sparhawk High School
Thematic Course Catalog
Spring 2011
The Renaissance
What was “The Renaissance”? Why did the Renaissance first
begin in Italy? Why was Florence at the heart of the Italian
Renaissance? What role did the Medici family play in Renaissance
Florence? What are the characteristics of humanism? How was it
different from medieval scholasticism? From nominalism? Why
is Petrarch considered to be the "Father of Humanism"? Why was
Cicero a favorite classical figure of Renaissance humanists? What
was the goal of a "liberal arts" education? What were core subjects
taught? What is meant by the term "civic humanism"?
Science
Chemistry 2
1/2 Credit Scientific Process
Teachers: Bob Spillman
The fundamental concepts needed to succeed in Sparhawk’s advanced multidisciplinary
science classes will be introduced to incoming students in this course. The natures of
matter, energy, and chemical composition are intertwined at the level of atomic structure.
In this class, we will discover the way that properties of matter are studied, measured, and
organized by scientists. These fundamentals will prepare you with the “hard science”
basics that will let you tackle upper level thematic science courses with confidence, and
is therefore a prerequisite for most science classes.
Biology 2
1/2 Credit Science
Teacher: Kate Yeomans
REQUIRED OF ALL FRESHMEN; OPEN TO ALL
Biology is the study of living organisms and the nonliving factors that affect them.
This spring, we will build upon our understanding of the natural world from the
earth’s biosphere to the smallest, one-celled organisms by continuing our
investigation of the common threads that link us all together: cell growth,
genetics, evolution, taxonomy and classification. As time allows, we will also
explore the diverse characteristics of plants and animals through our ongoing
nature study. We will be busy in class with hands-on exploration of key concepts
as well as frequent outdoor expeditions to examine the natural world in our
neighborhood as it transitions from mid-winter into late spring.
Evolution of Science
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Bob Spillman
Exploring the how and why of scientific development, students will gain an
understanding of the philosophy of science. Students will discover how the sciences
connect and will practice the scientific method daily in their Socratic Seminars. From
early astronomers to the current boom of scientific discovery, students will replicate
experiments and monitor their own semester long experiments.
Physics
1/2 Credit Science
Teacher: Bob Spillman
Physics is sometimes called the basic science or natural philosophy. It is the study of
unanswered questions about nature. As mankind learned more of the world, was slowly
split into branches of science. The study of living things is called life sciences and
includes biology, botany and zoology. The study of non-living is called physical sciences
and includes areas such as chemistry, astronomy, geology and physics. Today, physics is
dedicated to the study of basic things such as motion, forces, energy, heat, sound, light
and the composition of atoms. The ideas of physics are fundamental to all of the
sciences. This class will explore the basic laws starting from the days of Newton and
Galileo. It will explore the principal aspects of the scientific method, an approach to
exploration and discovery that has shown to be the most productive in unraveling
nature’s mysteries. Knowledge of physics is useful for many careers since it provides a
basic understanding of what is going on around us. One can see and utilize knowledge of
physics in much that is happening in current events. Shuttle space flights; the Hubble
Telescope and operation of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Europe are common
news features. Issues concerning use of nuclear energy and high-efficiency electric cars
are key issues that all involve physics. This course will provide some of the detail
necessary for understanding and participating in society’s decisions on these programs.
Good math skills are very useful for this class
Literature
Creative Writing Fiction: Influence of the Renaissance
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Kevin Fanning
Through writing, students will learn to craft dialogue, scene, setting and detail. Students
will write several short stories throughout the semester, revising work before a final
submission. Students should expect to read short fiction, to write prose discussing the
elements and craft of fiction, to write multiple pieces of short fiction, and to learn and
participate in workshops.
World Literature: Scripture as Literature
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Kevin Fanning
With the advent of the movable type printing press in the mid-1400's, knowledge became
democratized. With identical copies of texts existing in studies, libraries and universities
across Europe, analysis and comparisons could be made and discussed. As thousands of
Gutenberg Bibles spread throughout Europe (coupled with the rise of Lutheranism),
scholars began to study biblical texts as forms of literature. In this class we will undergo
the same pursuit as the intelligentsia of centuries ago. In this class, we will engage in
serious discussion and examination of the Shared and New Testaments. Students in this
class should expect to read and write on a nightly basis.
World Literature: Dante's Inferno
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Emily White
In this course, we will spend the entire semester exploring Dante’s
Inferno, the first canticle of his three-part poem The Divine Comedy.
In the seven centuries since this Italian epic was penned, countless
writers and artists have found inspiration in his gruesome and often
moving account of this imagined passage through the layers of hell.
This course will consider the innovative and unique ways in which Dante
crafted his vision of hell by thoroughly examining the cultural,
political, and religious themes of the canticle. If you wish to journey
through hell and back, come follow Virgil and Dante in the exploration
of a poem that is an indelible part of the western literary canon.
World Literature: Shakespeare
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Kevin Fanning
The purpose of this class is to expose students to timeless Shakespearian dramas from the
Elizabethan Period. In addition to reading a number of plays, we will also read and
discuss the theory, development, construction and influence on later literature. You will
be expected to discuss the texts in class as well as in writing.
World Literature: The Actor’s Shakespeare
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Norah Tinti
There is so much that can we learned from the playwright’s turn of phrase. How the
dramatic pause and the accurate timing of a comedian can make a series of works come
to life. Through the words and works of the Bard students will develop skills for public
speaking, for the stage and of course continue to develop their analytical skills. From the
Sonnets to “The Tempest”, this discussion and paper heavy course will focus on the
language of Shakespeare: his is themes of love, life and loss, as well as how popular
culture will never tire of the performance of his works.
World Literature: The Creation of an Empire
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Norah Tinti
From the bloody battles of Steven and Maude to the enforcement of trials, the early times
as England rose to greatness are marked by power plays. The English throne moved from
French rulers to those born and bred in England. Before there was a Lion Heart or a
Tudor there was Henry II. This course will explore themes of leadership, integrity, trust,
and disintegration of power amongst others in a look at the birth of a nation. Through
fiction written from the authors of 3 different centuries students will delve into novels
that revolve around some of the worlds unsolved mysteries. Come look at a time when
chivalry was a code not just a word and Kings created mazes to baffle intruders.
History
History: The Medieval Mind
1/2 Credit History
Teacher: Luis Moreno
The cultural legacy of the Middle Ages continues to challenge us into revising
conventional assumptions about the role it played on the development of the Western
tradition. This course explores the genius of the medieval mind and its transcendent
vision of life. A major focus of the course will be the influence of medieval Christianity
on Western institutions; from the role of monks and monasteries to the splendor of arts,
architecture, and music; from the creation of universities and libraries to the
consolidation of Roman law; from the development of natural sciences to the
establishment of charitable organizations, and from the creation of hospitals and care
centers to the place of sex and family in human society. Readings may include selections
from the Old and New Testament, Dante's Divine Comedy, Aquinas' Summa Theologica,
Fr. Roger Bacon’s Opus Majus, as well as samples of Chivalric French romance and
Spanish Epic and Mester de Clerecía. The course may include a field trip to the Cloisters
(New York City) and to the MFA museum in Boston.”
History: The Renaissance
1/2 Credit History
Teacher: Luis Moreno
The Renaissance period has been traditionally considered as the "rebirth" of classical
antiquity. We will explore the rich historical mosaic of the Italian peninsula that inspired
and guided the artists, architects, engineers, statesmen, popes, salaried-workers, and
women, toward naturalism and human dignity, thus, setting the stage for the modern
world. We will focus on central issues and ideas that comprised the consciousness of the
masters of aesthetics of the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance and their passion for
beauty and human dignity. Readings may include: Dante’s Divine Comedy and Vita
Nuova, Saint Augustine’s Confessions, Petrarch’s Poetry, Leonardo Da Vinci’s
Notebooks, Nicolaus Copernicus On the Revolutions of the Heavens, and Thomas More
Utopia. The course includes a field trip to the MFA museum in Boston.”
History: Britain, Feudalism through the Reformation
1/2 Credit History
Teacher: Kaitlyn MacDonald
Students will study British history from Medieval times through the Reformation. There
will be particular attention paid to the influence and changes to the monarchy, and the
various royal families that fought for power. Students will write papers and produce
projects of high quality. This is a hands-on course where we will, together, explore the
great changes in Britain from 750AD to 1700AD, and will learn just how important
documents like the Magna Carta are to our current rights and privileges. Students will
learn how to analyze historical research and develop evidentiary support for
individualized thesis statements.
Geography
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Joe Chamberlain
How much do we know about the planet we live on? How do geographers and scientists
study and describe our world? This class will consist of two intertwining themes and
incorporate many different approaches and activities in the study of our planet and its
landforms. Our focus is the three continents of the Old world: Europe, Asia and Africa.
We will create, study and interpret many different kinds of maps and learn how
cartographers describe and classify the surface of our planet. We will study the
formation, structure and composition of the Earth. We will discover how the Earth
changed during the different epochs of geological time. We will investigate the theory of
plate tectonics and seek the cause of continental drift, earthquakes, volcanoes and the
formation of mountain ranges.
Creative Arts
Historical Music Exploration: Music in the Renaissance
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
Imagine a strong cultural tide that is slowly moving across Europe. As it moves, societies
are shifted and people begin contemplating the meaning of their lives. Through this
thoughtful contemplation a desire arises to express the complex emotions exposed by this
shift; the result is the music of the Renaissance. In this course students will explore
Renaissance music through listening, attending performances and some composition.
Students enrolling in this course are not required to read music and will not be required to
play an instrument or sing. The most important requirement is an open and curious
mind!!!
Music Theory: The Guidonian Hand and Beyond!!!
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
What is a neume? Why was music written in circles, instead of in lines? Who was
Josquin des Prez? In this course students will explore the basic building blocks of music,
with a focus on music theory of the Renaissance. Students will learn to interpret
Renaissance music and will even compose some of their own. Students enrolling in this
course do not need music reading ability and will not be required to play an instrument or
sing.
Music Appreciation: “If music be the food of love, play on.” A Study of Selected
Symphonic, Operatic and Ballet Music Inspired by the Works of Shakespeare
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
Scene: Famously obsessive composer Hector Berlioz in a Parisian theatre to watch his
lady love, Harriet Smithson, perform Romeo and Juliet. Sitting alone in the theatre
listening to the words so eloquently strung together he is inspired to rewrite Romeo and
Juliet… in music. How does a composer transpose a story told in words to a story told in
sound? How have composers intimately tied the writings of Shakespeare to music? In this
course students will study major symphonic, operatic and ballet music inspired by the
works of William Shakespeare. This course will focus in particular on the plays and
sonnets of Shakespeare.
Choir
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
Do you love music? Have you always wanted to learn to read music and sing? If so, then
the Sparhawk Choir is for you! This course is a continuation of the course from Fall
semester. If you were not in the choir fall semester but would like to join you should talk
to Vanessa before signing up. All are welcome! This course has an emphasis on learning
the mechanics of singing but will also explore the vocal repertoire of the Renaissance.
Band
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a wind instrument in a unique and fun environment the
Sparhawk High School Band is the place to do it! Have you played a wind instrument for
a while, but not had any place to perform? You should join the Sparhawk High School
Band!!! This class will be a continuation from last semester for those who were in it but
any and all new members are welcome and encouraged to join! We will be performing at
Arts Night as well as at other school events. Prior experience playing an instrument is not
a prerequisite for this class, but what is prerequisite is a strong work ethic and love of
music!!!
Project “Pathway”
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
Renaissance is a French word that means “rebirth”. Working from the concept of Project
Runway, students will engage in different projects designing, sewing, and creating items
inspired by renaissance fashion. Students will create clothing, shoes, accessories, and
more, using a variety of materials. We will be working with paper, recycled items, mixed
media, as well as fabric. Examples of work, studio visits and/or an exhibition visits are
required.
Ceramics: Potter’s Wheel and Extruder
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
Unity is an important theme in Renaissance art. Unity is created when every part of a
work of art seems to be correctly placed. In this course, Students will be creating a series
of pieces that will explore the theme of unity. This course is an introduction to the
sculptural and functional approaches to ceramics, including basic hand building
techniques, wheel throwing and ceramic sculpture, use of the extruder, and glazing and
finishing techniques. Students will explore examples of work, studio visits and/or an
exhibition is incorporated.
Advanced Ceramics: Potter’s Wheel
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
Unity is an important theme in Renaissance art. Unity is created when every part of a
work of art seems to be correctly placed. This class is for advanced ceramics students,
and is an opportunity for them to challenge themselves within the realm of the sculptural
and functional approaches to ceramics. Students will work on the potter’s wheel as well
as learning how to load and run the kiln. Examples of work, studio visits and/or an
exhibition visits are required.
You need special permission
Renaissance Painting
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
Renaissance artists used the rules of formal composition, scientific perspective, accurate
proportion, lifelike detail, and shading. Students will learn various painting techniques
and work with media used by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The
processes of mixing color, color theory, building and preparing a canvas, and Art History
will be discussed. Students will explore both the traditional and contemporary approaches
in painting, including still life, landscape, and imaginative works in acrylic and
watercolor. Examples of work, studio visits and/or an exhibition visits are required
Dance: Inspiration and Choreography
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Norah Tinti
“Art inspires Art” in this innovative course where students will take paintings, sculpture,
prose and poetry from the Renaissance and create living works of art. Through
knowledge of the artists that created these works, students will use their own skills to
create still, movement and full dance pieces.
Woodworking
½ Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Greg Noyes
This class will focus on Renaissance building techniques.
Personal Development
Beginnings: First Year Seminar
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: Vanessa Davis and Cathy Mannheimer
REQUIRED OF FRESHMEN
First-year students will learn the basics of writing research papers, note taking, time
management, and how to be a Sparhawk student. There will be ample amounts of time
for work on large projects or papers. This is a required course of all freshmen.
Media Literacy and Current Events: Sophomore Seminar
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: Kevin Fanning and Vanessa Davis
REQUIRED OF SOPHOMORES
Second-year students will learn how to read media, both televised and written. The New
York Times, Boston Globe, and television news will be our guides, as well as the writings
of American philosopher, Neil Postman. Students will follow current events and be
responsible for participating in debates and Model U.N.
College Readiness
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: Barbara Coutinho
REQUIRED OF JUNIORS
In this course, juniors will take their college applications from initial search to finalized
and mailed. Using our ConnectEdu software, students will, with guidance, move from
high school junior to college applicant. Please note that this is a two semester course,
which students complete in the Fall of their senior year.
Senior Seminar
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: To be determined
REQUIRED OF SENIORS
In this course, seniors will prepare their portfolio for graduation by exhibition.