Sparhawk High School
Thematic Course Catalog
Spring 2010
The Global Village
Scientific Process
Chemistry 2
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Bob Spillman
Chemistry 2 is a continuation of the Chemistry class offered in the 2009 fall semester.
More advanced concepts such as equilibrium reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions and
the field of organic chemistry are covered. The basics of organic chemistry include
nomenclature and fundamental reactive groups. Organic chemistry covers the entire field
of any molecules that contain carbon, and thus covers fields ranging from biology to
polymers/plastics. Completion of Chemistry 1 is required for this class.
Biology 2
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Bob Spillman
REQUIRED OF ALL FRESHMEN; OPEN TO ALL.
Biology 2 is a continuation of the Biology class offered in the 2009 fall semester. More
advanced biology concepts are introduced, particularly with respect to DNA/
Biotechnology and various metabolic processes of living organisms. Biological
principles of human metabolic processes are emphasized. Factors such as inheritance,
reproduction, sell differentiation and genes are examines. The impact of culture on
human biology is also explored. The class ends with a study of man’s interdependence
with the environment.
Forensics
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Bob Spillman
Forensics is the study of evidence left at a crime scene. This class examines the legal
requirements for obtaining evidence and the methods by which evidence can be linked to
the crime. Students will explore the techniques used by crime labs to prove a crime
scenario sufficient for use in court. Forensic scientists cover many areas of science:
biology (DNA, Fingerprints, etc.), chemistry (gunpowder, drugs, etc.), physics (shattered
glass, blood spatter, etc.) and anthropology (bones, etc.). Students will apply these
techniques to solving cases.
Earth Science
1/2 Credit Science
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.
Introduction to C++
1/2 Credit Science
Instructor: Kathleen Petrowicz
Maximum # of Participants: 7
C++ is a computer programming language used by Google and NASA. Programming
involves solving logic problems in an abbreviated language that gets translated into
machine language. It requires extreme attention to detail, precise syntax, and the ability
to anticipate errors by the user. Focus will be on console applications in which student
will code programs that interact with a console user by retrieving input, processing input,
and formatting output. Students will apply logic, flow-charting, and specialized
algorithms to write, test, and debug source code. Pre-requisites: Math placement should
be Algebra II or higher, minimum grade of B-.
Literature
Literature: The Travel Narrative
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel through an unfamiliar country
and feel the pang of homesickness? Are you the kind of person who just feels like you
need to get away sometimes? This course will explore books associated with travel and
the impact that travel has on us as a culture and as an individual. In addition, students
will be asked to write their own fictional travel short stories and poetry associated with
feelings a person might experience being abroad and away from familiarity.
African Literature
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Emily White
Some of the most highly acclaimed novels of Africa, Things Fall Apart, Nervous
Conditions, and Cry, the Beloved Country will provide a basis for the exploration of
African literature. The course will serve as an introduction to this continent’s literary
contributions of the twentieth century and will address such issues as the colonization of
Africa and racial inequality in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Nigeria. We will discuss the
effects that colonization has had on African peoples as reflected in literature, as well as
themes like identity, self-discovery, cultural preservation, and gender roles within these
diverse societies.
World Literature: Drama of Asia
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Norah Tinti
Students will explore Asian culture through a variety of media in this class. We will
learn about classical Asian theater and techniques. We will take a look at the culture
through the eyes of the western world in plays such as “Miss Saigon”, “The Mikado”,
and “Mme. Butterfly”. Also, we will experience the culture through films such as
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Raise the Red Lantern. We will discuss how these
different interpretations of the same culture tell a story, whether it be that of
miscommunication and lack of understanding or a a story of acceptance and fusion. How
you explain and interpret others can give you a better understanding of yourself. We will
explore these themes through a variety of stories, theatrical structures and films to gain a
better understanding of the Asian world, past, present and future.
World Literature: The Role of Women in Asian Culture
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Norah Tinti
The role of women in Asian culture has changed greatly over the centuries. We will
study these changes and many of the misconceptions of their roles through literature.
Focusing on novels such as The Joy Luck Club and Memoirs of a Geisha we will explore
the public and private worlds of some extremely enigmatic women. Themes of the loss
of soul, inverted dominance and resurrection will be called into play as we navigate a
world of courtesans, arranged marriages, and the byplay of male/female dynamics in the
Asian world.
World Literature: Sacred and Secular Voices
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Norah Tinti
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A TWO-BLOCK CLASS, TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION
WITH WORLD MUSIC: SACRED AND SECULAR VOICES
Have you ever wanted to find inner peace? Have a discussion with Buddha? Investigate
Nirvana? Chant like a Monk? In this class we will explore Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism
and Hinduism, and the countries that practice them, through literature and music. As a
class, we will discover how cultures are affected through philosophical discussions,
sacred literature, and the synthesis of music with religion. We will delve into how daily
life is affected by sacred experiences. Learn how music can be more than a song on an
ipod; it can be form of worship. This class is a double block class.
Global Understanding and
History
World History: Introduction to Chinese History
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Luis Moreno
This is the summarized introduction to Chinese cultural traditions-no single-semester
course can possibly do just ice to a culture that spans approximately 6,000 years. Even
so, this course will provide a basic understanding of the period from 2000 BC to 200 AD,
in which the idea of Chinese tradition and culture was invented and developed. This is an
ambitious hope but Sparhawk believes that the rewards will be worth it.
World History: Indo-Iranian Cultures
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Luis Moreno
You will be introduced to Indo-Iranian civilizations from ancient to contemporary times.
The course will begin with the Gathas of Zoroaster and the Rig veda of the vedic Indians
and culminate in an examination of the conflicted modern identity of Iranians and
Indians. Along this 4000 year journey, the major themes that will arise and be explored in
this course are:
• Pre-historic Period in the Indus Valley and Iranian Plateau
• Ancient Migrations, Plausible theories
• Zoroastrianism and Vedic Hinduism
World History: Eastern Philosophy
1/2 Credit History
Instructor: Luis Moreno
An introduction to the major South and East Asian philosophical traditions, such as
Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Material will cover both
original sources in translation and perspectives that stem from the traditions as they bear
on contemporary global issues.
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
World Music: Sacred and Secular Voices
1/2 Credit Literature
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A TWO-BLOCK CLASS, TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION
WITH WORLD LITERATURE: SACRED AND SECULAR VOICES
Have you ever wanted to find inner peace? Have a discussion with Buddha? Investigate
Nirvana? Chant like a Monk? In this class we will explore Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism
and Hinduism, and the countries that practice them, through literature and music. As a
class, we will discover how cultures are affected through philosophical discussions,
sacred literature and the synthesis of music with religion. We will delve into how daily
life is affected by sacred experiences. Learn how music can be more than a song on an
ipod; it can be form of worship. This class is a double block class.
African Drumming and Folk Song
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Margo Nothnagel
A music course designed to expose students to the basics of African drumming and folk
song performance while also teaching them about the origins of African music and
instruments through rehearsal, projects, papers and presentations. Students will give a
performance and presentation at the end of the semester on traditional African
instruments.
Choir
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Vanessa Davis
In this course students will continue to grow their sight-singing and music reading skills
by studying folk songs of the Middle East, East Asia, Africa and Australia. The
culmination of the semester’s work will be a performance in June. Students who did not
enroll in choir in the fall will be required to meet with Vanessa two afternoons a week
from 3-3:30pm to study music theory basic skills.
Ceramics
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
We will be looking at the different methods of hand building and ceramics used
throughout history. Get ready to create pieces that will test your patience, push your
skills, and explore your creativity.
Studio Art: Africa and Australia
1/2 Credit: Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
This studio course will explore the history of art in Africa and Australia. We will be
looking at examples of artwork from different cultures and draw inspiration for our own
pieces from these examples. You will be working in two and three dimensions in class
and outside of class.
Studio Art: Middle East and Asia
1/2 Credit Creative Arts
Instructor: Daniela Currie-Gutierrez
This studio course will explore the history of art from the Middle East and over Asia. We
will be looking at examples of artwork from different cultures and draw inspiration for
our own pieces from these examples. You will be working in two and three dimensions in
class and outside of class.
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.
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: Norah Tinti
REQUIRED OF SENIORS
In this course, seniors will prepare their portfolio for graduation by exhibition.