Sparhawk High School
Thematic Course Catalog
Fall 2009
Becoming Human
Discover the origins of humanity through a multidisciplinary
study of our human experience from pre-history to the dawn
of first societies: What does it mean to be human? How
have human beings evolved over time? How did our
ancestors live? How do we know what we know about our
pre-historic past? Who were we? Who will we become?
Scientific Process
Chemistry
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Bob Spillman
This course provides students with a foundation of understanding that will allow further
studies in the hard sciences in our ever-changing scientific world. Focusing on
contemporary and emerging applications of chemistry, we will also examine: the
chemical properties of elements, compounds and mixtures; the formation of ionic and
covalent bonds; and the basics of chemical reactions (acids, bases, oxidation, reduction,
gas laws, and stoichiometry). This course includes lab-work, research, writing, and
practice in the scientific method, and prospective students should be prepared for the
joyous challenge of deep inquiry into chemistry. Students in their second semester of
chemistry may opt to take this course for double credit and prepare for the AP Chemistry
examination.
Biology
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Bob Spillman
REQUIRED OF ALL FRESHMEN; OPEN TO ALL.
This course will begin with the intensive microscopic study of single cells, and a layer in
complexity at the tissue, organ, and system level. By the time we reach the level of
whole organisms, we will be looking for overall ecological systems, and introduce largescale cycles that mirror the physiology of individual cells. Throughout the semester,
students will explore the physiological and behavioral evolution of hominids through an
exploration of important studies and current theory. This course is fundamental to our
entire thematic catalog: the literal experience of what it is to become human.
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.
Literature
Early English Literature
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Margo Nothnagel
Caedmon’s Hymn. Beowulf. The Canterbury Tales. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
The Faerie Queen. These are just a few examples of the early literature to be studied in
this course. Students will study the transition from Old English to Middle English while
researching early influences on motif, theme, symbolism, and narrative device. Be
prepared for adventure, monsters, knights, and mysticism as you indulge yourself in the
rich beginnings of English literature.
Creative Writing: Poetry
1/2 Credit Literature
Teacher: Kaitlyn MacDonald
What is poetry? What makes a poem “good”? Is a poem’s meaning dependent on the
reader’s impression or on the poet’s design? These are just a few of the questions we will
entertain as we learn the technical elements of both free and formal verse, workshop each
other’s and established writer’s poems, and develop our own portfolios. Readings will be
in prosody poetics and comparative study of different genres and time periods.
This class is limited to 8 participants.
World Literature: Dante’s “Inferno”
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: 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: Human Behavior and the Philosophy of Fear
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Norah Tinti
Frankenstein, Dracula, The Odyssey and other myths and legends that have driven
cultures to personify fear will be studied. Not only do they create a living (or at least
walking) vehicle for that fear, but they also define the ways in which we fight that fear.
This class will study the heroes and anti-heroes in literature throughout the ages. We will
discuss the aspects of fear and how it can control human behavior. We will also discuss
the difference between instinct and logic and how the fight or flight response is alive and
well with in us all. PS. Pay no attention to the man without a head. He still has the ability
to think.
Ancient Drama: History in Translation
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Norah Tinti
We will be studying the writings of the great orators and leaders of the Roman Empire, as
well as some of the plays and literature that led this Empire into greatness. We will also
be translating some of these texts from the Latin into English and working with the
vocabulary and syntax of the universal language of this Empire.
Global Understanding and
History
World History: Cultural Anthropology
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Luis Moreno
The field of Cultural Anthropology is concerned with the study of learned customs of
human thought and behaviors, or culture. In this course, we will explore the different
aspects of culture including cultural patterns and definitions, language, modes of
production and economies, domestic life, kinship and descent, rites of passage, social
class, government, religion, and art.
World History: Early African and Middle-Eastern Cultures
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Luis Moreno
As “Man” arose from the womb of Kenya, he moved out beyond its borders to develop
cultures in and around Africa. This course will explore those earliest of cultures, from
hominid to Homo sapiens to Sumerians and Babylonians. How did identity form in these
cultures? How did humanity develop? How can these cultures tell us who we will
become?
Psychology
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Luis Moreno and Cathy Mannheimer
This course will examine the history of psychology from its origins in the 1800’s. Prior
to this time period, depression, mood swings, psychosis were considered to be from evil
spirits. As post-modern thinking spread through the sciences, a new way of thinking
about mental illness was born. Some of this new thinking reflected the need for social
control in an ever-changing society, and some of this post-modern thinking created new
and bizarre forms of treatments for unhappy people. We will review where the field of
psychology began, and where it has taken us.
Woodworking
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Greg Noyes
In this course, we will study the early styles of woodworking. From tool creation
through rudimentary shelter design, students will gain new knowledge of this early art
form.
Creative arts
Music Theory: The Musical Ear
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Margo Nothnagel
This course will seek to understand and develop the human musical ear. We will explore
how music expresses emotion; can be used for communication, and why it has existed
since the beginning of human history. Music Theory elements include ear training and
dictation that will begin to prepare students for further composition. Further elements of
music theory including chords, form, scales, keys, and active music listening will be
explored.
The Soloist: Performance Class
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Margo Nothnagel
This course explores the individual music maker as representative of human culture. We
will analyze a variety of solo performers from varying genres and then have the
opportunity to create and perform music ourselves. Instrumentalists and vocalists are
welcome and we will create a supportive environment in which to perform. Aspects of
performance anxiety and preparation will also be addressed.
Choir
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Margo Nothnagel
Sing popular, classical, multi-cultural, and folk music in this hands-on course and
perform as well. Develop your singing technique, sight-reading skills, and have fun with
others making music. All abilities are welcome.
Choreography: Myths and Legends
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Norah Tinti
Exploring myths from several different cultures, students will explore how to transfer
their emotional impressions and themes into dance. We will uncover how to create an
intricate picture of the words in movement. Students will be responsible for creating
their own combinations and full two-minute dances for the midterm and final. All skill
levels are welcome.
Ceramics
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
Clay is a medium which use has spanned the ages. From its geological origin to the use
of its properties as a functional, architectural, and sculptural instrument, clay possesses a
rich history. It offers a sensorial quality unlike any other medium. This course is an
introduction to the sculptural and functional approaches to ceramics. We will explore
basic hand building techniques, wheel throwing and ceramic sculpture, as well as the
basic use of glazing and finishing techniques. Examples of work, studio visits and/or an
exhibition is incorporated. This class will also serve as forum for discussion of historical
and contemporary art making issues in the medium of clay.
Drawing and Painting
1/2 Credit: Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
Cave drawings stand as both one of the first “written” and artistic expressions. In this
course, students will develop their drawing and painting skills. Students will learn
different techniques and experiment with materials.
Art History: Cave Drawing to Ancient Civilizations
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
From Namibia to Altamira, cave and rock art mark the beginnings of art’s long,
complicated, enduring history. This course will allow students to develop their inner
artist and replicate the process that early man and woman developed thousands of years
ago.
Woodworking
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Greg Noyes
In this course, we will study the early styles of woodworking. From tool creation
through rudimentary shelter design, students will gain new knowledge of this early art
form.
Personal Development
and Philosophy
Beginnings: First Year Seminar
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: Kaitlyn MacDonald
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: Kaitlyn MacDonald
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.
Test Prep
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: Joe Chamberlain
REQUIRED OF JUNIORS
This course is required of all third-year students. Students will learn test-taking
techniques in preparation for the SAT and ACT exams. Students will be required to take
the PSAT in the Fall.
College Readiness
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
Instructor: Barbara Coutinho
REQUIRED OF SENIORS
In this course, seniors will take their college applications from initial search to finalized
and mailed. Using our ConnectEdu software, students will, with guidance, move from
high school senior to college applicant.