Biology
1/2 Credit Science
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 large-scale 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.
Chemistry
1/2 Credit Science

REQUIRED OF ALL SOPHOMORES; OPEN TO ALL
Chemistry is a full year course. The field of chemistry is dedicated to the understanding of matter. We will learn about the elements and how they combine to form the compounds that we take for granted in our lives. We will study their interactions with each other and learn how to predict those interactions. Much of our learning will come from laboratory work, based on our own observations. Branches of chemistry include physical, organic, analytical, and inorganic. We will cover portions of each of these disciplines. Chemists are working to develop better polymers, catalysts, investigative tools, pharmaceuticals, etc. We will explore how they conduct their research and how to structure the experiments to yield useful data.
Earth Science
1/2 Credit Science
Earth Science is a term used to describe the wide variety of sciences that serve to provide us a better understanding of the Earth and the role that its various ecosystems have on the overall environment. This covers a diverse range of topics, including the Earth ’ s structure, its rocks, oceans, and landmasses, its weather, resource locations, and the various “ cycles ” of energy, carbon, water, etc. The role of an Earth Science researcher is to help locate earth ’ s resources and to understand the symbiotic process of nature. Earth science is key in understanding how to preserve scarce resources and protect the delicate balance of natural processes that make Earth so convivial for humans. For centuries, man has wanted better tools to predict weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and Red Sox championships. Through this course, you ’ ll become more aware of the vast range of ways in which scientists have developed or are developing these tools (with the exception of sports predictions). The course is intended to help students understand the ways in which science can help mankind coexist with the environment.
Engineering
1/2 Credit Science or 1/2 Credit Math (after completion of Algebra 2)
Engineering is a term used to describe a broad field of technology development that covers the design and development of processes and products that incorporate technology. Technology refers to everything that researchers do to change the world to meet human needs and wants. Technologies aren ’ t just objects like computers, telephones, or satellites, but complex systems, like those found in factories, waste treatment facilities, schools, and even homes. Through this course, you ’ ll become more aware of the vast range of ways in which you interact with technologies every day. In

brief, the course is intended to help students understand the ways in which they will engineer the world of the future — whether or not they choose to pursue technical careers.
Essentials of Writing
1/2 Credit Literature
REQUIRED OF ALL FRESHMEN AND TRANSFER SOPHOMORES, OPEN TO
ALL
The purpose of this class is to help students develop their basic writing skills. We will write a number of short papers, learning how to strengthen thesis statements, grammar, and paragraph transitions. We will practice our writing in class, paying particular attention to persuasive writing, but exploring creative writing, as well. Most readings and writing will be short, but expect to do both frequently.
Creative Writing Poetry
1/2 Credit Literature
Indigenous Civilizations ushered in the explosion of poetic aesthetics in newly developed landscape of verse. We will study the great changes that have marked poetry for the past one thousand years and use this understanding to enhance our own writing. Writing workshops will pay particular attention to narrative voice and language use. Students will create portfolios and must be willing to have their work carefully critiqued by their peers.
American Literature: Legends
1/2 Credit Literature
Pirates, masked heroes and chieftains, oh my! Historical and fictional characters that fought, bled and died for what they believed formed our legends. Where is the line to be crossed or the wrong to be righted for these individuals? Where does the legend lend itself to reality? In this course we will analyze several texts, including “ Bury my heart at wounded knee ” , to discover the truth behind legends like Zorro and Geronimo. We will look at the dynamic dichotomy of European and Native influences in the shaping of our

nation. This course will challenge what has been taught as truth. Through Socratic seminar, a multitude of projects and experiences we will try to gain a better understanding of our world and our legends.
American Literature: Mythology
1/2 Credit Literature
This course will uncover the myths and legends of the Mayans, Incas and Aztecs. It will delve into their gods, culture and icons to discover elements of philosophy, education and life. In this course will analyze the stories as well as write some of their own. Why discuss the pyramids of Giza when we have our own in the Americas? We will look at aspects of communication, discuss major figures and make our own versions of sundials.
This course will challenge students creatively and academically to process mythology as textual evidence of cultures. By gaining a better knowledge of those that came before us we can better our understanding of our present world.
World History: Latin American History at the Cinema
1/2 Credit History
This course will explore Latin American history and culture using film as a lens through which to view significant events and interregional experience. While furnishing students with the essentials of cinematic analysis, this course will address historical issues ranging from the fate of indigenous cultures at the hands of the conquistadors to political and economical revolutions that have transformed the New World in more recent experience.
It will require intensive weekly writing projects and oral presentations. It will conclude with individual or small group projects, (re)-interpreting a scene we have viewed or a concept discussed over the course of the semester.
American History: Pre-Columbian Civilizations of North America
1/2 Credit History

This semester ’ s course will concentrate on the pre-Columbian background of North
America. It will also focus on enabling students to achieve a better understanding of historical approaches, as well as gaining skills in information literacy, writing, image analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively. The learning goals are as follows:
• To introduce students to some important chronologies, geographies, terms, and dynamics of pre-Columbian civilizations.
• To enable students to think critically and imaginatively about a number of cultural aspects through which one can approach the history of North
American, pre-Columbian civilizations.
American History: Pre-Columbian Civilizations of Mesoamerica and South
America
1/2 Credit History
This semester ’ s course will concentrate on the pre-Columbian background of
Mesoamerica and South America. It will focus on enabling students to achieve a better understanding of historical approaches, as well as gaining skills in information literacy, writing, image analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively. The learning goals are as follows:
• To introduce students to some important chronologies, geographies, terms, and dynamics of pre-Columbian civilizations.
• To enable students to think critically and imaginatively about a number of cultural aspects through which one can approach the history of
Mesoamerica and South American, pre-Columbian civilizations.
Ceramics: Indigenous Art of the Americas
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
In this class students will learn the techniques of hand-building and carving used in pottery throughout the Americas. Students will learn about pieces from places as diverse as the highlands of Peru and the lowland deserts of the American
Southwest. Students will apply their newfound knowledge to the design and

execution of unique their own pieces. The goal will be to produce unique new pieces by merging their personal styles with the traditional styles of the Americas.
3D: Alters and Icons of Mexican Art
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
This studio course will familiarize students with the art of Mexican altars and icons. In addition to religious art, students will research and create their own icons. We will also be exploring sculptures, folk art altars, and other forms of art created by the living to honor the dead in the celebration of del Dia del los
Muertos.
Drawing: Art of the Natives of the Americas
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
This studio course will strengthen students
’
drawing skills while exploring the history of drawing in the Americas. On the technical side, the course will cover shapes, shades, perspective, and dimensions in order to strengthen drawing skills.
We will then look to artists from the Americas past and present to learn different ways to apply these techniques. Be prepared to draw both in and outside of class.
Native American Drumming: Style, Technique, and Philosophy
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
“ Every culture holds the energy of the heartbeat that lives in the drum, giving all people this ability to share in the language of the universe, the sound of life. The drumbeat is a form of expression that allows our spirits to speak to each other ’ s heart. It is a way to connect to all life. Every living thing has a vibration, a heartbeat. This vibration has the power to heal, transform and raise consciousness to our minds, heal our hearts, activate our bodies and feed our spirit.
” In this course we will not only learn some of the basic techniques and styles of Native American drumming but will also study some of the philosophy behind the idea of the Native American drum circle as applicable to our very busy, instant gratification oriented modern lives. This course does not have any musical

prerequisites but what IS prerequisite is a strong desire to explore the musical philosophy of another culture.
Latin American Music: An Exploration
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Latin America is not only one of the oldest areas of North America, but also is the site of many political, social, and cultural developments over the course of history. Where there is a rich history, there is a rich musical canvas to be explored and experienced. This course will cover some folk music, some popular music and music modeled in the classical western style. What will make this course unlike any you ’ ve ever had is the journey of discovering where the roots of Latin America are present in the western classical music of the 20 th century.
Instrumental Instruction: Woodwinds
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
If you ’ ve ever wanted to learn a woodwind instrument in a unique and fun environment this class is the place to do it! Have you played a woodwind instrument for a while, but not had any place to perform? Sign up for this class!!! 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!!!
Instrumental Instruction: Brass and Percussion
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
If you ’ ve ever wanted to learn a brass instrument in a unique and fun environment this is the class for you! Have you played a brass instrument for a while, but not had any place to perform? You should join us!!! 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!!!
Dance, Drama, and Costumes
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
If you need a new outlet for your drama look no further than this course. We will explore the cultures of the new world through their pantheons, myths, legends and cultures centering on the elements. There are performances every week and the students get to choose which assignments they do from the list so that by the end of the course they have

completed them all. They will dance, act, direct, and create costumes thereby developing and honing these skills to their own personal best. All levels are welcome. This is a great course to work on your creativity, public speaking and group work.
Woodworking
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
This class will focus on the building techniques of indigenous cultures.
Beginnings: First Year Seminar
1/4 Credit PDV/Philosophy
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
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
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
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.