Pingree School



PINGREE SCHOOL256603558420COURSE DESCRIPTIONS2015-2016GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSSuccessful completion of 45 credits, to include:ENGLISH: one for each semester enrolled (through level 4) to include 2 semesters of American Literature/American Cultural Studies or a department approved equivalent course.MATHEMATICS: 6 semesters.FOREIGN LANGUAGES: 6 semesters (3 consecutive levels).HISTORY: 6 semesters, to include Themes and Issues in World History, Modern European History, and U.S. History or American Cultural Studies.SCIENCE: 6 semesters to include Biology, Chemistry and Physics.ARTS: 2 credits or approved equivalent.SENIOR PROJECT: All seniors must pass all requirements of their senior project.Students must take a minimum of 5? credits each semester for 11 credits each year. Students may not take more than 6? credits in a semester without special permission from the Curriculum Committee. Students wishing to take 7 credits must submit a petition with their course requests. No student may take more than 7 credits in a semester.Twelfth graders, in order to receive their diplomas/certificates, must pass all year-long courses and pass all courses during the second semester.A student cannot be promoted with more than one failure in a course on his/her record.Students taking AP and some honors courses are advised to pay close attention to course descriptions as extra class meetings may be required. The frequency of these extra classes will be decided by the particular department and may be added to in the case of excessive cancellations due to inclement weather. No student may enroll in more than 3 AP courses. Students must petition the Curriculum Committee to enroll in more than 4 Honors courses or 4 Honors/AP courses combined. Students who enroll in an AP course must sit for the AP exam in May.All courses are year-long unless otherwise indicated. The school reserves the right to cancel a class for which there is insufficient enrollment.Pingree is proud of the quality of its faculty. Our teachers are hardworking, highly qualified in their disciplines, and committed to their students. Because of our confidence in the ability and professionalism of every one of our faculty, we ask you to trust our judgment by not requesting specific teachers.Independent CourseworkFrom time to time and by special permission, a student is allowed to complete an independent course or project for credit. Such a course is permitted for students who have shown themselves capable of working independently and who have a special interest which goes beyond the ordinary curriculum of the school. Independent projects must receive the approval of the department involved as well as the Curriculum Committee. An independent study course must be in addition to the five-and-a-half course minimum requirement. Any student interested in pursuing an independent study and/or auditing a course must speak directly with the relevant department chair and submit a proposal with their course request form.Drop/Add/Withdraw PoliciesDrop/Add: Students will have a two-week drop/add period during which they may drop or add courses based on class space availability and the provision that they will still be carrying the minimum number of required credits. For 2015-2016, the drop/add period ends Monday, September 21.Withdrawal from Courses: All students must take a minimum of 5 1/2 credits each semester although they may challenge themselves further by enrolling in courses beyond this minimum requirement. However, when the challenge becomes an obstacle to success in other courses, after consulting with his/her teacher, advisor, college counselor (for seniors), and parents, a student may withdraw from an extra non-required course without penalty according to the policy and explained deadlines below. Seniors should consult with the College Office before such withdrawals and understand that the school must notify any colleges to which transcripts have been sent of any changes in the status of the course load they are taking. ? A student may not withdraw from any course that would bring his/her total load to below 5 ? credits. ? Students may not withdraw from any ? credit course (after the drop/add period).? Students may withdraw from any course with no penalty (nothing showing on the transcript) by the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. After this date, a student may not withdraw from an Honors or AP course. If a student withdraws from any other course after this date, it will appear on the transcript as a withdraw-pass (WP) or a withdraw-fail (WF). ? A student may not add a course after the drop/add period (to replace a dropped course) unless he/she is moving down or up a level – and only if it fits with the schedule. (Note: there are no guarantees that a lower level course will be available to a student who withdraws from a course.) ? When a student does withdraw from an Honors or AP course and drops down a level, the student’s grade will travel with him/her to the new course and the student will get 5 points added to his/her average (what is lost in the weighting for Honors/AP courses). ENGLISHEnglish classes begin with the premise that listening, thinking, speaking, reading, and writing skills are best developed through working with specific material of significant literary value. At all levels of the program, therefore, literature, language, and expression are taught in combination. All courses are designed to foster a close working relationship between teacher and student, and we try to expose students to the teaching styles of different members of the department during their four years here. We work towards student independence by trying to build confidence, encouraging flexibility as well as respect for structure, fostering curiosity and appropriate risk-taking, and developing an awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures. SHARING VOICESRequired of all Freshmen.Ninth grade English students focus on reading, discussion, and writing strategies they will use throughout their four years at Pingree. Students will read, discuss, and write about a variety of texts exploring different voices, perspectives, genres and time periods, encouraging them to tell their own stories and discover and experiment with their own voices. Readings include Sandra Cisneros’ House on Mango Street, Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, and a Shakespeare play. Vignettes, a persuasive essay, a memoir, and literary analysis, in addition to shorter creative and analytical works will be assigned. Classes will emphasize student participation in class discussions.LITERARY FORMSRequired of all Sophomores.The Tenth Grade curriculum will continue to develop writing strategies, reading practices, and discussion principles established in Ninth Grade through a study of the development of different genres -- short story, novel, poetry and drama. Possible course texts include 1984, Oedipus Rex, A Room with a View, City of Glass, Macbeth, Master Harold and the Boys, short stories and poetry. There are frequent writing assignments based on the reading, both analytical and creative, and an emphasis on learning vocabulary from the reading and implementing a variety of the literary terms used in discussing the literature. Students will continue to develop and explore a discussion-based classroom.AMERICAN LITERATUREJuniors must take either American Literature or American Cultural Studies.A study of the formation of American character and culture, the course examines works of American writers from the seventeenth century to the present, exploring conflicts between indigenous and imperialist cultures, between natural harmony and industrial expansion, between the individual and society in terms of race, gender and economic issues. We will also study literary and artistic movements such as classicism, romanticism, and realism. Possible texts include The Great Gatsby, The Scarlet Letter, Death of a Salesman, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Things They Carried, and The Bluest Eye. This course also includes intensive work on vocabulary and writing, in conjunction with the literature, both personal and analytical, from short paragraphs and timed essays in class to short and long polished pieces written at home.AMERICAN CULTURAL STUDIESEnrollment determined by departmental (English & History) recommendation.American Cultural Studies, an interdisciplinary yearlong course taught jointly by the History and English Departments, moves beyond the traditional classroom model. This course will meet during two periods and students will receive full credit in both English and History. We’ll study key historical topics and read influential literary texts, as well as consider how art, music, film, and popular culture all play a role in shaping our culture and defining who we perceive ourselves to be as individuals and as a nation. As we draw upon these media and other disciplines, students will make cross-curricular connections, visit significant local sites, read and research independently, bring their personal histories and stories to bear on the course material, and play a key role in selecting and introducing course topics. Possible texts include The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Sister Carrie, The Great Gatsby, The Jungle and Moby Dick. The course includes field trips to local sites like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isaac Royall House in Medford. A Note on College Testing: The Literature SAT subject test primarily draws upon poetry and prose by English and American authors, from the Renaissance to the present, though it is largely a skills-based test. Over the course of freshmen, sophomore, and junior years (including both American Literature and American Cultural Studies), students will read many texts that fall in these categories. Those students for whom understanding and evaluating literature is a strength—who are in good command of literary terms, possess keen close-reading and analytical skills, and who are adept at interpreting poetry as well as prose—should consider taking this SAT subject test. Our English program prepares students for the AP exams in Language and Composition and Literature and Composition in much same way it does for the SAT subject tests, though one of the key differences with the AP tests is that they contain far more writing. Thus, juniors and seniors who possess strong writing skills and are adept at close-reading and analysis may – with the teacher’s recommendation – take the AP English Exam in Language and Composition or Literature and Composition. American Cultural Studies may also prepare some students for the US History SAT subject test: please see the History Department course descriptions for more specific information.SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINARSSenior Seminars are designed to serve as a transition from high school to college level English. Typically the seminars are thematic or focus on the literature of a particular area, author, or time period. Students read a variety of works; there are frequent papers, and most seminars conclude with a final test or a term paper. Since enrollment in each seminar is limited, students are asked to abide by class lists once these are released. Seminars offered for first semester include the following:SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINAR: CREATIVE NONFICTIONThe field of Creative Nonfiction is exploding in popularity. We’ll examine how writers are moving beyond journalistic approaches to profile, dramatize, and explain real-life subjects and situations; and then we’ll try some of their techniques in our own creative pieces. Books may include David Eggers’ A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Robert Sam Anson’s Best Intentions, and Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family. We may also read selections from David Foster Wallace, David Sedaris, Diane Ackerman, Tracy Kidder, Maya Angelou, Sebastian Junger, Susan Orlean, John McPhee, Joan Didion, Tom Wolfe, E.B. White, Maxine Hong Kingston, James Baldwin, Tobias Wolff, Annie Dillard, John Edgar Wideman, and Hunter S. Thompson.SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINAR: AMERICA FAMILY DRAMAFamily dynamics, relationships, and dysfunction have long been the focus of American playwrights as a vehicle to explore and expose the American Experience. The dichotomy of a country that expounds true personal freedom against the social acceptability of consumerism and financial success creates pressures that American playwrights have mined for decades to show the effects on husbands, wives and children. This course will look at several landmark American dramatic works that involve the tension, heartbreak, success and failure within troubled family units. Possible works: Long Days Journey Into Night - Eugene O'Neill, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Tennessee Williams, Fences - August Wilson, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf - Edward Albee, The Clean House -Sarah Ruhl.SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINAR: PLAYWRITINGPlaywrights take on the unique challenge of creating material that exists beyond the page. Each playwright introduces a unique style and perspective and strives to develop a captivating story, dynamic characters, and an authentic connection with the audience.Renowned writer and poet Oscar Wilde states, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” This?course?will introduce the basic principles of dramatic writing and encourage students to explore human connections through live performance. Students will examine a variety of styles through exercises, discussions, and a brief survey of dramatic literature. They will work independently and collaboratively to create monologues, scenes, and short plays. In addition, the course will include?a unit on Dramaturgy. Using Tennessee Williams' play?A Street Car Named Desire, students will develop practical perspectives on theater composition and demonstrate understanding through the construction of a scene inspired by an influential moment in American History. Additional possible works: Antigone - Sophocles, The Taming of the Shrew - William Shakespeare, The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde, A Doll’s House - Henrik Ibsen, Fences - August Wilson, How I Learned to Drive - Paula Vogel, 9 Parts of Desire - Heather Raffo.SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINAR: MIDDLE EASTERN LITERATUREWe hear about the Middle East in the news daily, but what exactly is the Middle East? In this course, we will learn about the varied nature of Middle Eastern peoples, cultures, and history by exploring a partial survey of the literature of the region. We will examine such topics as identity, gender norms, community, tradition, and religion.?Units will cover classical literature, as well as contemporary Afghan, Turkish, Iraqi, Palestinian, and Israeli literature.?Readings may be drawn from such authors as Khaled Hosseini, Rumi, Hafiz, Edward Said, Sinan Antoon, Heather Raffo, Ghassan Kanafani, and Yehuda Amichai, to name a few.SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINAR: THE NATURE OF THE PLACE: LANDSCAPE & LITERATURE At the heart of human existence is our relationship with place and one another. Over the fall semester we will read and write about landscape & community by searching upstream (literal and figurative, origins and roots) attending each student’s town of origin and their place in it. At the core of the intellectual and experiential journey is expression in all forms -- speaking, reading, and writing. Through journaling, expository and analytical essays, projects, and narrative, students will examine human storytelling and its connection to place through a patient interrogation of humankind’s relationship with the land. Students will reflect on and write about their experience of place and community from the perspective of informed observers, critical thinkers, active doers, and curious travelers. Students will also explore, challenge, examine, and express their thinking through work in the Pingree greenhouse.?Readings considered: The Pilgrim At Tinker Creek, Annie Dillard; Fidelity, Wendell Berry; Basin and Range Essays, John McPhee; The Old Ways, Robert Macfarlane; Opened Ground, Seamus Heaney; and assorted articles and essays. SENIOR ENGLISH SEMINAR: LITERATURE OF THE AMERICAN WESTThe American West has always tantalized our collective imagination and informed an enduring national identity.? The West is a place rich with diverse people, history, culture, geography, and more, but there’s always been an imbalance in the representation of the great variety of human voices and experiences.? In this course, we’ll endeavor to look beyond and beneath the often falsely mythologized concept of the “winning” of the West, and examine the less glorified, often brutal, but vital-to-acknowledge pieces of our national (and pre-national) story. ?We’ll read from a broad swath of writers from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries (excerpts as well as complete texts), view several representations of the west on film, and forge our own understanding of the human and natural forces that have led us to the modern West.? Some possible authors include Wallace Stegner, N. Scott Momaday, Annie Proulx, Rudolfo Anaya, James Welch, Sherman Alexie, Leslie Marmon Silko, Edward Abbey, and Willa Cather. Students will write weekly essays and will complete a culminating project. H BLOCKSCREATIVE WRITING (Half credit – Pass/Fail)A half-credit, pass/fail course. Enrollment is limited. Permission of the instructor and writing sample required. This course cannot fulfill the regular English course requirement but must be an additional elective. Open to students in grades 10-12. Offered both semesters.LANGUAGESThe Pingree School Language Department believes that learning another language prepares our students for the multilingual and multicultural world of today. The ability to communicate in more than one tongue enriches our understanding of other cultures and also broadens our view of the diversity within our own culture. The language of the classroom is the target language, and the goal of the department is for students to be conversant in another language.Students at Pingree are required to fulfill three consecutive levels of their chosen language, and may choose from French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. An Advanced Literature and Civilization course is offered in French and Spanish. Pingree’s language program is proficiency-oriented. Starting in the beginning levels year, the focus is on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Extensive use is made of our Language Lab.Language Department RequirementsIn order to remain in advanced/honors courses, a student must have at least an 87% average. Students in regular language classes levels 1-3 who have an average of 93% or higher (or, in Beginning Spanish, 95% or higher), will be given the opportunity to move up to advanced/honors courses. Those students who do not meet these standards may choose to sign a Language Department summer contract, follow a prescribed course of work during the summer, and take a qualifying assessment at the end of August. Given successful completion of the summer work and the assessment, these students may then receive permission from the department to move into the advanced/honors level.Note: Students who have been recommended by the department to bypass a level, who have requested to bypass a level, or who wish to move up to the AP level after achieving an average of 93% or better at the 4R or Lit./Civ. levels, will be required to follow a prescribed course of extra work during the summer as well as take a qualifying assessment at the end of August. Given successful completion of the summer work and the assessment, they may then receive permission from the department to move into the higher levels.FRENCHFRENCH IThis first level course is designed for those students who are either starting the language or who have some background but need greater reinforcement of basic skills. Emphasis from the start is on all four-language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will also explore the cultures of France and other French-speaking countries. The program includes short reading selections and specific programs for listening and pronunciation practice. Audio materials, communicative activities, and videos are used to reinforce concepts. Primary Text: C’est à Toi 1 (EMC / Paradigm).FRENCH IIIn this second level course, students continue to strengthen all four-language skills. Emphasis is placed on further developing speaking and listening skills. Students begin writing short essays while sharpening control of essential grammar. Further study of French and Francophone culture is included. Audio materials, communicative activities, and videos are used to enhance the classroom experience and increase cultural awareness. Short Story selections are used as reading reinforcement. Primary Text: C’est à Toi 2 (EMC / Paradigm).FRENCH IIIThis third level course continues to develop the student's knowledge of the language and culture of Francophone people. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all emphasized in this program. More complex grammar is presented at this level, and vocabulary is greatly expanded through the readings and discussions based on themes in each chapter. Audio materials are used to promote aural/oral skills and cultural awareness. Several readers and various selections of poems and short stories are used as reading reinforcement. Primary Text: C’est à Toi 3 (EMC / Paradigm).HONORS FRENCH III In this intensive third level course, students continue to strengthen proficiency in their language skills and to broaden their knowledge of Francophone cultures. All four- language skills are emphasized as students acquire more complex grammar and vocabulary. Audio materials and internet-based listening and self-recording exercises are used to reinforce concepts, enhance the material, and increase cultural awareness. A collection of short stories as well as popular French-language movies are used as reading and speaking reinforcements. As part of this advanced class, students are required to participate regularly in class discussions in French. Primary Text: Cinéphile (Focus).FRENCH IVThis fourth level course includes the study of more complex grammatical structures and the further development of proficiency in all four language skills. Vocabulary is expanded through the reading of short stories and the viewing of short theme-based and feature films from the Francophone world. Throughout the year, students write short essays and do oral presentations on a variety of topics to expand their written and speaking skills. Primary Text: French Four Years (Prentice Hall).HONORS FRENCH IV This is an intensive fourth level course that includes an in-depth study of more complex grammatical structures and the further development of proficiency in all four-language skills. The course is designed to expand students' vocabulary and prepare students for the AP level. In addition, students read and critique a variety of excerpts and short stories and view several theme-based videos and news reports from the Francophone world. Throughout the year, students write essays and regularly do short presentations on a variety of topics to expand their written and speaking skills. As part of this advanced class, students are required to participate regularly in class discussions in French. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to take the French SAT subject test. Primary and Current Sources: Francophone news, culture, and language sites from the Internet.ADVANCED FRENCH LITERATURE and CIVILIZATION This advanced level course is designed to offer students an opportunity to apply the language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing as they explore the history, geography, culture, and literature of the French-speaking world. The course includes excerpts of short stories, plays, and poems by French writers such as Villon, Rabelais, Ronsard, La Fontaine, Molière, Maupassant, and Camus. Students learn to read literature in a historical and cultural context, to discuss characterization, theme, and literary form, and to write essays. Both language labs and audio-visual technology will be used to reinforce the material. Primary Text: Trésors du Temps (Glencoe). Supplemental readings come from La Collection Littéraire Lagarde & Michard and Sommets Littéraires Fran?ais. Prerequisite: French level IV and department recommendation. Note: This course will be offered depending upon departmental recommendation and sufficient enrollment. AP FRENCH VThis intensive advanced placement course is designed to prepare students to perform at the advanced level of proficiency in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. A thorough review of complex grammatical structures is included. Students write longer, more refined essays and do weekly readings selected from cultural and literary excerpts and current news articles from the Internet. The language lab is used extensively for repeated practice in speaking and listening. This course prepares students for the French Language AP examination. Students in this Advanced Placement course should expect to attend an extra class during a break period twice a month. In addition, they will be required to complete extensive summer work, meet for a session prior to the opening of school, and attend one additional after school session each season. Prerequisite: French level IV and department recommendation. Primary texts: Allons au-delà (Pearson) and AP French: Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination 2012 Edition (Pearson).SPANISHBEGINNING SPANISHThis introductory level course is designed for those students who are either starting the language or for those who have already taken Spanish, but who according to Pingree standards, need to strengthen their basic language skills. Emphasis from the start is on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. A variety of audio materials and the video program “En Vivo” are used to reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and increase cultural awareness. Reader: Las Aventuras de Miguelito (Teacher’s Discovery). Text: Teacher-created materials. ACCELERATED SPANISH 1 This accelerated first level course is designed for students who have already taken Spanish and have demonstrated reasonable basic language skills, but who according to Pingree standards, still need to develop a better language foundation before moving on to the next level. Emphasis from the start is on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The study of the Hispanic culture is stressed. Audio materials, communicative activities, thematic reading selections, and the video program En Vivo is used to reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and expand cultural awareness. Text: Teacher-created materials. SPANISH IIIn this second level course, students continue to strengthen all four-language skills. Emphasis is placed on writing skills and control of essential grammar. Reading, listening and speaking skills are further developed and the study of the cultures of the Hispanic world is continued. A variety of audio materials and reading selections along with the video series La Catrina Episodes 1- 6 are used to reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and expand cultural awareness. Reader: Cartas a Susana (Teacher’s Discovery). Text: Paso a Paso 2 Workbook, Chapters 1-6 (Prentice Hall); Teacher-created materials. ADVANCED SPANISH II This accelerated second level course continues to strengthen proficiency in all four- language skills. Emphasis is placed on oral practice and grammar competence. Students will write short compositions utilizing thematic vocabulary. Reading and listening skills are further developed. Audio materials, reading selections, and the video series La Catrina Episodes 1-8 are used to reinforce material, enhance the classroom experience, and expand cultural awareness. Reader: Cartas a Susana (Teacher’s Discovery). Text: Paso a Paso 2 Workbook, Chapters 1-6 (Prentice Hall); Teacher-created materials. SPANISH IIIThis third level course broadens the student's knowledge of the language and culture of the Hispanic people. Communicative and listening activities as well as reading, writing and student presentations are integral parts of this program. Grammar is explored in more detail. Audio materials, short stories, and the video series La Catrina Episodes 9-14 are used to reinforce the material, enhance the classroom experience and increase cultural awareness. Primary texts: Paso a Paso 3 Workbook, Chapters 1-6 (Prentice Hall); Teacher-created materials. HONORS SPANISH III This intensive third level course covers the four language skills in depth while broadening the student's knowledge of the culture of the Hispanic people. Communicative and listening activities as well as reading and writing are integral parts of this program. The program includes literary selections and grammar is explored in great detail. Audio materials and the video series La Catrina Episodes 9-14 are used to reinforce the material, enhance the classroom experience, and increase cultural awareness. SPANISH IVIn this fourth level course, students will continue to focus on the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing while completing all essential grammar with emphasis on the subjunctive. Episodes 1-17 of the Destinos video course are incorporated in the second semester to reinforce the material, increase vocabulary, enhance listening and speaking skills, and increase cultural awareness. Students will have the opportunity to read historical excerpts and shorts stories and will write essays based on thematic vocabulary. This course is designed to expand students’ knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in preparation for Advanced Spanish Literature and Civilization. Primary texts: Teacher-created materials, Destinos 1-17 (McGraw-Hill Inc.), selected historical excerpts, and Spanish and Latin American short stories.HONORS SPANISH IV In this intensive fourth level course, students will study the more complex grammatical aspects of the language in depth and will gain advanced proficiency in all four language skills. Episodes 1-17 of the video series Destinos is incorporated in the second semester to reinforce the material, increase the vocabulary, enhance listening and speaking skills, and increase cultural awareness. Students will have the opportunity to read historical excerpts and short stories and will write essays based on thematic vocabulary. This course is designed to greatly expand students' knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in preparation for AP Spanish V. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to take the Spanish SAT subject test. ADVANCED SPANISH LITERATURE and CIVILIZATION In this advanced level course, students will read short stories by Latin American writers. In addition, this course will include a semester based on the history, geography, culture, and literature of Spain. Students will read historical excerpts and will read poems by García Lorca and Machado. The Language Lab and audio-visual technology will be used; among others, the Spanish film Mariposa will be viewed. Throughout this course, students will be exposed to reading literature in an historical and cultural context; to discussing characterization, theme, and literary form; and to writing essays based on readings. Primary texts: Album (D.C.Heath & Co.); and selected Spanish and Latin American short stories, prose, poetry, and drama. AP SPANISH VThe objective of this intensive Advanced Placement course is to enable students to develop a strong command of the Spanish language and to prepare them for advanced Spanish studies at the college level. In this class, students regularly practice speaking, listening, reading and writing in formal and informal settings. The Spanish Language and Culture AP Examination assesses students on language and culture of the Spanish speaking world through topics dealing with Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. Literary focus will be on short stories by prominent Spanish and Latin American writers, such as Imbert, Dolón, Jiménez, Rulfo, Adolph, Cortázar, and Márquez. In addition, a variety of authentic resources, such as: newspapers, magazines, podcasts, advertisements, music, and video clips, will be used to strengthen cultural awareness. Grammar and vocabulary will be developed through contextualized study. Students in this Advanced Placement course should expect to attend an extra class during a break period twice a month. In addition, they will be required to complete extensive summer work, meet for a session prior to the opening of school, and attend one additional after school session each season. Prerequisite: Spanish level IV and department recommendation. Primary texts: Abriendo Paso: Temas y lecturas (Pearson) and AP Spanish: Preparing for the Language Examination (Pearson). CHINESEMANDARIN CHINESE 1 This beginner level course is designed for those students who are starting Chinese or who have had little previous Chinese language background. Emphasis from the start is on all four-language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Communicative activities are used to reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and increase cultural awareness. Students also learn to look up words on-line for correct usage and to type Chinese characters. In addition, students will be expected to participate in the Chinese New Year Celebration.MANDARIN CHINESE 2In this second level course, students continue to strengthen all four-language skills. Emphasis is placed on writing skills and control of essential grammar. Reading, listening and speaking skills are further developed and deeper study of the culture of the Chinese world is included. Communicative activities are used to reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and increase cultural awareness. Students will continue to look up words for correct usage and to type Chinese characters online. Students will be expected to participate in the Chinese New Year Celebration.MANDARIN CHINESE 3In this third level course, students will continue to strengthen all four-language skills. Heavier emphasis will be placed on writing skills and control of more advanced grammar. Reading, listening and speaking skills will be further developed and study of the culture of the Chinese world will continue to be stressed. Communicative activities will reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and increase cultural awareness. Students will continue to look up words for correct usage and to type Chinese characters online. In addition, students will be expected to participate in the Chinese New Year Celebration.MANDARIN CHINESE 4In this fourth level course, students will continue to strengthen all four-language skills.Much heavier emphasis will be placed on writing skills and control of advanced grammar. More complex sentences will be emphasized at this level and various themes and advanced vocabulary will be introduced. Speaking fluency will be heavily stressed. Reading and listening skills will be further broadened and study of the culture of the Chinese world will continue to be a focal point. Communicative activities will reinforce basic concepts, enhance the classroom experience, and increase cultural awareness. Students will continue to look up words for correct usage and to type Chinese characters on-line. In addition, students will be expected to participate in the Chinese New Year Celebration.ADVANCED MANDARIN CHINESE 5In this intensive fifth level course, students will study the more complex grammatical aspects of the language in depth and will gain more advanced proficiency in all four-language skills. This course is designed to expand students’ vocabulary extensively. Reading and listening skills will be further broadened and the study of the culture of the Chinese world will continue to be a focal point. A variety of audio and video materials will be used to reinforce concepts and expand cultural awareness. Students will also write compositions based on the thematic vocabulary. As part of this advanced class, students will be required to participate in class discussions in the target language and will be expected to participate in the Chinese New Year Celebration.H BLOCKSCONVERSATIONAL SPANISH (Half credit – Pass/Fail)Conversational Spanish will be devoted entirely to speaking Spanish in everyday situations.? The course will be catered to the interests and needs of the students in the class.? Students will learn key phrases and vocabulary as well as helpful hints related to speaking the language.? It will be an entirely interactive course with activities and games requiring each participant to step outside of their comfort zone and speak 100% in Spanish during class.? In the past, topics for discussion have included vocabulary and phrases related to travelling, giving/receiving directions, describing people and places, talking in general social situations, cooking Latin America/Spanish food, navigating a restaurant situation and learning from popular movies such as?Finding Nemo,?The Incredibles, Home Alone?and?The Princess Bride.??Students do not need to have any experience with Spanish in order to take this course. Pass/fail grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Open to Grades 9 - 12 by permission of instructor only. Offered both semesters.CONVERSATIONAL CHINESE (Half credit – Pass/Fail)This course is for students who are interested in learning conversational Chinese and prior knowledge of Chinese is not required. It will focus mainly on speaking and will not involve writing. The course provides an opportunity for students to learn authentic dialogues for daily use. Theme topics will be discussed and chosen based on students’ interests. Vocabulary and phrases will be chosen in collaboration between the students and the teacher. In the past, students learned how to greet someone in Chinese, and the vocabulary necessary to discuss sports, hobbies, directions, dating, ordering food in restaurants, colors, animals, etc. Students learned conversations through interactive activities, video clips, and Chinese cultural activities. Open to Grades 9 - 12 by permission of instructor only. Offered both semesters.HISTORYThe primary task of Pingree’s History Department is to help our students achieve a deeper and clearer understanding of the world in which they live and to equip them with the tools and information which will enable them to become informed and thoughtful citizens of their world. In the three-year requirement, Pingree students pursue a thematic approach to their study of World History, exploring a wide range of political, social, economic, and cultural events, ideas and issues. Although we value chronology and incorporate it thoughtfully into each of our courses, we believe that the interdisciplinary and thematic approach encourages students to think more abstractly and critically about history, to draw connections across a wide continuum of time and place, and to connect the past to the present. We intend that their study of the significant events, ideas, and individuals that constitute the history of our world will provide our students with a solid context for their own development as citizens and as young adults.We believe that we can best support this development by helping our students acquire and refine the analytical skills they will find necessary to succeed both at Pingree and in the future. We are specifically concerned with teaching our students to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly. To achieve the former, students are introduced to a wide range of traditional and non-traditional source materials ranging from textbooks to fiction, film, and art, with a particular focus on primary sources. To achieve the latter, we actively encourage excellent research and writing skills in all of our students. In the course of their three-year requirement, students will write analytical and evaluative essays, as well as creative essays, source analyses and research papers.Students will also be allowed ample opportunity to merge their developing technological skills with their study of history in the form of webquests, electronic newspapers, short films, web-pages and the like. Lastly, we emphasize the development of excellent research skills across the curriculum, providing students with continuous experience in seeking and identifying a wide range of legitimate and useful sources, and practice in evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing this source material effectively.The History requirement is broken down as follows: All freshmen take THEMES AND ISSUES IN WORLD HISTORY; sophomores, MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY; and juniors, U.S. HISTORY or AMERICAN CULTURAL STUDIES. Electives are offered contingent upon sufficient student enrollment and are open to juniors (with departmental permission) and seniors.History Department Honors RequirementsThe History Department offers two Advanced Placement courses: one in AP U.S. History (grade 11) and one in AP Art History (grade 12). Enrollment in these courses is determined by departmental recommendation. Recommendations are based on a series of objective criteria, discussion with department members currently teaching sophomores and juniors, and performance in the student’s current history course. Enrollment is limited to students who have proven that they possess the advanced skills and commitment to succeed in an Advanced Placement level course. Juniors recommended for AP U.S. History will be so indicated on the course sign-up materials circulated in the spring of their sophomore year. Additionally, enrollment in the American Cultural Studies course – though not an honors course – is also determined by departmental permission. The History and English departments will work in coordination to oversee the process that will determine enrollment in this course. NOTE: AP courses require an additional time commitment of students. These include an additional activities block once every two week cycle, one afternoon session each season, and scheduled review sessions throughout the course of the year, with an emphasis in the second semester.THEMES & ISSUES IN WORLD HISTORYRequired of all freshmen.This course explores significant issues, individuals and moments in world history by examining particular case studies that reflect on a theme fundamental to the history of human civilization. ?Students circulate through two separate curricular units, one per semester, each taught by a different teacher and each exploring a distinct case study in world history. ?The material in each unit encourages students to examine the designated theme from a different time, place and perspective. ?It is our hope that by exploring one theme across time and place, students will learn how to draw connections between individuals, ideas and issues, think more conceptually and creatively about history, and thus arrive at a better understanding of their own relationship to the past, present and future. 2015-16: Cultures In ConflictThis year “Cultures in Conflict” is the central theme of the freshman course. Ours is a global society, one in which individuals and nations find themselves in a state of mutual reliance and dependence. Yet despite this, our world is rife with conflict, much of it derived from the clash of divergent cultures which hold very different world views. In this course, students will explore the concept and construction of culture, examining not only the fundamental definition of this term, but the elements –political, religious, philosophical, geographical, intellectual, social, and economic – and forces that contribute to developing culture over time. Students will delve into the history that unfurls when cultures based around competing values and interests meet. Our focus will be on modern history, the era when European imperialism engendered a period of active, aggressive interaction between cultures. This period of history planted the seeds of modern globalization and gave birth to many of the ongoing issues and conflicts that dominate our headlines today. This is a skills-oriented course, and we will work closely with students to develop their capacity to think, read, and write critically. We will establish and nurture a history vocabulary and toolbox, emphasizing strong organizational skills as well as analytical and independent thinking and effective research practices. Close reading of primary sources will be emphasized. Students should anticipate exploring a wide range of source material and assessments in this course, with a particular focus on assignments designed to develop and strengthen writing skills. This course engages students in an active learning experience: students should expect to participate in role-plays, simulations, debates and discussions as they cultivate the skills of the historian. The curricular units offered this year include Modern China, Modern Latin America, Indigenous Peoples, and Nonviolent Resistance (India, So. Africa, US Civil Rights Movement). It is our hope that through their study of this history, students will come to understand the ways in which culture is constructed, countered and reconstructed, and to recognize and appreciate the value of independent action, democratic systems, and cultural diversity in an interdependent and interconnected world.MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORYRequired of all sophomores.This is a year-long course in which students explore the development of modern European history and culture from the 16th Century Reformation through the 20th Century. ?Students will examine the fundamental ideas, events, figures and issues which have helped to define modern Europe and much of the world. ?Students will sharpen their critical thinking as they consider the significant social, intellectual, political, cultural and economic developments which have emerged from Europe, and evaluate Europe’s impact on and changing role in the world. ?Primary sources are the textual basis of this course, supplemented with secondary sources, as well as art and artifacts, poetry, literature, film and the like. ?This course engages students in an active learning experience, with a particular focus on developing research, writing and communication skills. ?Students write document-based, creative and analytical essays, explore historiography, and expand their research skills. ?Teachers will offer regular opportunity to engage students in creative projects, simulations, role-plays and other assignments which will cultivate each student’s capacity to think, write, imagine and debate like an historian.UNITED STATES HISTORYJuniors must take US History, AP US History or American Cultural Studies.United States History is a year-long survey of American history in which students examine the political, economic, social, and intellectual forces that have shaped our national character. ?Though the course takes a chronological approach, special emphasis is devoted to the recurrent themes of the American experience: state and federal development, balancing of powers, national expansion, government's role, and reform. Through regular debates, simulations and discussions, students will refine their critical thinking and speaking skills. ?Regular creative, analytical and research-based writing assignments will encourage students to continue to deepen their writing skills as well as their ability to process and synthesize information. ?Primary and secondary sources provide the textual basis for the course, regularly supplemented with a wide range of less traditional sources such as literature, poetry, art, political cartoons and the like. ?This course will engage students in an active learning experience and will provide them with ample opportunity to think more creatively and critically about American history. ?The capstone project in this course is the Junior Research Paper which students will craft over an extended period of time and with generous support and organization on the part of their teachers. ??Successful completion of this paper is a requirement for this course. ?Finally, though students should expect to refine skills of critical thinking, close textual and primary source analysis, research, synthesis and historical writing which are tested on the US History SAT subject test, this course will not cover all of the content required. Students interested in taking the SAT subject test should meet with their history teacher early in the year to identify target content areas on which they will work independently to prepare for the SAT subject test in US History.ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORYEnrollment determined by departmental recommendation.Similar in scope to the regular sections of United States History, the AP course prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam given nationally in May. This course is a largely chronological survey of American history that emphasizes the trends and themes that recur in our nation's history. Work in the AP course includes extensive reading of primary and secondary sources, writing critical and analytical essays and intensive research papers, debating controversial issues in U.S. history, and developing a working fund of historical information. Not only does this course prepare for the AP exam, but it strives to develop a student's ability to think and write critically about the issues and events of U. S. history. Enrollment in this advanced honors course is determined by departmental recommendation and is limited to students who have proven that they possess the advanced skills and commitment to succeed in an Advanced Placement level course. Note: This course will require both additional summer reading and additional class meetings throughout the year. Students should plan on committing one scheduled activity period per week for an additional class meeting and one afternoon session each season. Students will also be required to attend review sessions in the second semester in preparation for the AP exam. Students who complete this course should be well-prepared for the SAT subject test in US History, but the new format of the AP exam may mean that students will be responsible for additional independent work to prepare for the US History SAT subject test. Students interested in taking the SAT subject test should meet with their teacher early in the year to identify any such content areas. AP Students are also expected to meet additional class and review sessions as indicated above (Honors Requirements).AMERICAN CULTURAL STUDIESEnrollment determined by departmental (English & History) recommendation.American Cultural Studies, an interdisciplinary year-long course taught jointly by the History and English Departments, moves beyond the traditional classroom model. This course will meet during 2 periods and students will receive full credit in both English and History. We’ll study key historical topics and read influential literary texts, as well as consider how art, music, film, and popular culture all play a role in shaping our culture and defining who we perceive ourselves to be as individuals and as a nation. As we draw upon these media and other disciplines, students will make cross-curricular connections, visit significant local sites, read and research independently, bring their personal histories and stories to bear on the course material, and play a key role in selecting and introducing course topics. Possible texts include The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Sister Carrie, The Great Gatsby, The Jungle and Moby Dick. Field trips may take us to Plymouth, New Bedford, Newport, Lowell, Salem, Lexington, Boston and Canterbury, NH. ACS will prepare students in part for the SAT subject test in US History. The interdisciplinary nature of this course means that some historical content typically included in a traditional American History survey will not be covered. However, the course will develop the skills of the historian -- critical analysis, deep thinking, primary source/textual analysis, historical writing and the like which are evaluated on the US History SAT subject test. Students interested in taking the SAT subject test should meet with their history teacher early in the year to identify content areas for independent work. ACS may also prepare ready students for the Literature SAT subject test: please see the English Department course descriptions for more specific information.HISTORY ELECTIVESHistory Electives are open to seniors and juniors (with Department permission) and are offered contingent on sufficient enrollment. Please read the descriptions closely to determine the semester in which each course is offered. All seminars are one semester courses with the exception of AP and Honors Art History which are year-long, honors level courses. Enrollment in both AP and Honors Art History is based on departmental recommendation. Additional electives may be offered in a given semester, and those course descriptions will be included in the course sign-up materials. Seniors interested in pursuing independent study in history may petition the History Department to do so, and all formal requests for such study must be approved by both the History Department and the Curriculum Committee.HONORS ART HISTORYEnrollment determined by departmental recommendation.This year-long senior elective explores the history of art from the prehistoric age to the late twentieth century. There is no prerequisite for this course; however, the material is presented with the assumption that students have a working knowledge of European, American and some World history. Although this course focuses mainly on the art of Western Europe, students will explore some art movements in Asia, Africa and the Americas. This is a fast-paced, honors level course which requires that students work both independently and cooperatively to balance a rigorous workload. Although students will attend class with the AP Art History students, they will complete only a portion of the AP requirements and will find more flexibility, choice and freedom in their assignments. As in the AP course, emphasis will be placed on developing critical writing and thinking skills, and honors students should still expect to complete a significant amount of writing as well as a research paper in the first semester. Select honors students may be encouraged to take the AP exam in the spring, but will not be required to do so. Full Year Course.ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORYEnrollment determined by departmental recommendation.This year-long senior elective is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Art History. The course explores the history of art from the prehistoric age to the late twentieth century. There is no prerequisite for this course; however, the material is presented with the assumption that students have a working knowledge of European, American, and some World history. Although this course will focus mainly on the art of Western Europe, students will explore some art movements in Asia, Southeast Asia and the Americas. This is a rigorous course which requires that students work both independently and cooperatively to balance a challenging workload. Emphasis will be placed on developing students’ critical writing and thinking skills, and students will complete many creative, comparative and analytical essays. Additionally, students will deliver oral presentations, a significant research paper, and technology-based research projects. Enrollment in this advanced honors course is limited to students who have proven that they possess the advanced skills and commitment to succeed in an AP Art History course. Note: This course will require both additional summer work and additional scheduled class meetings (every other week) throughout the year, as well as one afternoon session each season. Students are also expected to attend a series of scheduled review sessions in preparation for the AP exam. Full Year Course.FIRST SEMESTER ELECTIVESADVANCED SENIOR HISTORY SEMINAR: HISTORY OF RACISM IN THE USAThis senior elective is designed to expose the student to the ideology, history and practice of racism, both subtle and extreme, in the United States. Throughout the course we draw upon a number of resources to develop a clearer understanding of how racism has affected and continues to affect our everyday life and how those brave enough have fought against it. Culminating assessment will take the form of a research paper. Pre-requisite: US History or permission of the Department Chair and instructor. First semester.ADVANCED SENIOR HISTORY SEMINAR: THE ECONOMICS OF GLOBALIZATIONThis course will focus on the growing debate regarding Globalization: the increased mobility of goods, labor, technology and capital throughout the world. In the modern era, business increasingly operates without regard for national borders. This course aims to provide the student with a historical perspective on how international and domestic economics have arrived at the stage today where the free market is transforming the once isolated global universe into a symbiotic global village. The first half of this course will emphasize the economics of globalization, where students will study revolutionary economists such as Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes. Armed with this historical background students will then apply traditional economic concepts to our modern society in an effort to determine whether globalization is a positive or a negative force in the world today. Students will explore the growing anti-globalization movements in an effort to gain an understanding of the negative impact inherent in globalization. It is the hope that through this course the students will have a greater appreciation and understanding for the complexities of our modern world and the intricacies of a global economy. Culminating assessment will take the form of a research paper. Prerequisite: US History or permission of the Department Chair and instructor. First semester.ADVANCED SENIOR HISTORY SEMINAR: JUST WARWhat is a just war? Can war be just? When is it just to go to war? Once at war, what conduct is considered acceptable? This course will examine just war theory in the context of 20th and 21st century wars. We will begin with a unit on just war theory, including an opportunity for students to clarify their own views on the nature of war. With the theory as our basis, we will then examine several different wars, some in their entirety and some in part, to further explore the nature of war. Topics will include the causes of World War I, the use of strategic bombing in World War II including the use of the atomic bombs, the Cold War with particular emphasis on the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Finally, we will apply the lessons learned about contemporary just war theory to recent military conflict in the 21st Century including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as modern war practices such as predator drone strikes, the concept of the “dirty war”, and counter-terrorism methods. Students will be required to write a final research paper on a topic of their choosing as it relates to just war causes and/or practices in the 21st century. Prerequisite: US History or permission of the Department Chair and instructor. First semester.ADVANCED SENIOR HISTORY SEMINAR: CENTURY OF GENOCIDEThe 20th century witnessed the death of over 170 million civilians as a result of government genocidal policies. This is nearly four times the number of people who died in all of the wars during the same century. This course seeks to examine several of these genocides (Armenia, the Holocaust, Indigenous people of the Amazon, Rwanda, Sudan and beyond) and draw comparisons between each to note what makes each of these tragedies strikingly unique. Students will examine the term genocide, considering both its formal definition as well as its political implications. The course will explore and evaluate the forces that contribute to the emergence of genocide in the 20th century, and the results of these tragic moments in history. Close scrutiny of primary and secondary sources will enable students to consider the concepts of moral responsibility, power, racism and citizenship and their relationship to genocide. Students will learn about the victims as well as the perpetrators of these events and will examine the role of bystanders as well as the international community. This course places heavy emphasis upon critical thinking. As such, interactive discussions and writing assignments will form the crux of the class, as well as cooperative learning in the form of debates, projects and simulations. The final, and most crucial, element of this course is to consider our responsibility for active learning. This means that we will pay close attention to current events in order to relate course material to contemporary issues. As a class we will seek out ways to be engaged and active global citizens regarding human rights. Culminating assessment will take the form of a research paper. First semester.PSYCHOLOGYPsychology at Pingree consists of a one-semester course that introduces a history of ideas in the broad and ever-changing field of psychology.? We start with summer reading by a pair of popular neuropsychologists, who have made the science of brain and behavior accessible to everyone with their bestselling book,?Welcome to Your Brain: ?Why You Lose Your Car Keys but Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life.? From there we move into a basic understanding of behavioral research, which allows us to analyze and appreciate the research underpinning the big ideas we’ll cover for the rest of the semester.? We will read a mix of primary source material and popular psychology literature to introduce students to major theories in the areas of human cognition, behavior and emotional functioning.? Culminating assessment will take the form of a research paper. First semester.H BLOCKSCONSTITUTIONAL LAW (Half credit – Pass/Fail)This course will consider and discuss the key Supreme Court cases that have shaped the principles that guide our country and society since the ratification of the Constitution in 1791. Principal emphasis will be placed on cases decided in the 20th and 21st century. The selected cases will be read as written and class discussion will involve examining the ruling of the case and its reasoning . Periodic written assessments will be assigned, debates will held and a short paper at the end of the semester will be the final project. This course will be open to juniors and seniors. While some of the concepts may be similar, this course will not repeat the cases read and discussed in 2014-2015. Accordingly, students who enrolled in this course in 2014-2015 will be eligible to enroll in this class. First semester.MATHEMATICSIn addition to providing students with the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest, the Mathematics Department cultivates mathematical thinking through curriculum and pedagogy. When students graduate, they should be able to:(A) Produce an argument that is logical, coherent, and easy to follow. (B) Explore with confidence problems that they have not seen before and know how, where, and when to look for information that will help them investigate what they think they do not know. (C) Capitalize on class time as an opportunity to build meaning together and to see classmates as partners in the learning process. Honors/AP Program Mission Statement: The Pingree math department offers honors courses beginning with Honors Math 3. The successful honors/AP student is an independent, self-motivated learner. The student has a strong foundation and can easily retrieve and use the skills and concepts from previous levels. The student appreciates the opportunity to explore topics in greater depth and enjoys the challenge of applying skills to unfamiliar scenarios. An honors/AP student always demonstrates a desire to understand why things work the way they do. The student is accountable and recognizes the personal responsibility that must be taken to ensure mastery over the course material. Furthermore, the student is a team player who enjoys and learns well in collaboration with others. Finally, honors/AP math courses are best suited for students who consistently show that a faster paced class, in which less time is dedicated to step-by-step explanations and reinforcement exercises, will maximize learning. Honors/AP Requirements: For entry into an honors/AP math course, students will be assessed based on the following criteria. 1. The student has the recommendation of the current teacher. The opinion of the student’s previous year’s teacher may also be considered. In addition, the student’s advisor may be asked to share input (factors such as the student's cumulative academic and co-curricular schedule, performance across disciplines, and accountability may be considered). 2. The student has consistently proven to be a self-motivated, organized and independent learner, who thinks critically and feels comfortable with the ambiguity inherent in more complex problems. 3. The student is comfortable experimenting with and interpreting new material without direct instruction. 4. The student can easily recall concepts and skills learned in previous math classes and can apply them to new situations without having to be told or re-taught the old skills. 5. The student works well with peers and appreciates the advantages of collaborating with classmates when learning new skills; the student eagerly fulfills the obligation to contribute productively to group assignments. 6. When course recommendations are made (April), the student’s current full year (non-honors) average is at least an A-. It is expected that the student will maintain this grade for the remainder of the year. (For students currently in an honors course: The math department will consider the above criteria when making a decision about future courses, but the grade may vary from honors course to honors course.) MATHEMATICS 1: METHODS IN ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY AND PROBABILITYMath 1 aims to give students deep understanding of, and confidence in, fundamental mathematical practices that will carry them through the rest of their mathematical coursework, and lives beyond school. The practical aspects of math topics (such as order of operations, calculating, using graphing utilities and computer applications), as well as theoretical concepts fundamental to algebra (such as coefficients, exponents, operations and inverses), are all covered in the first half of the year. Much of this is done through units on linear and quadratic equations and their graphs. The second semester explores data analysis and the many ways in which statistics can be applied and represented (box and whisker, stem and leaf, normal curve, etc.) to inform our daily lives. In addition, probability and counting, and an introduction to the essential concepts of geometry and basic right triangle trigonometry are explored. Extensive use of the web, graphing calculators, GeoGebra, tutorial videos, and a Math 1 Course Reader provide students with multiple approaches to the topics. Summer work through Khan Academy (an online resource) will be assigned prior to the start of the school year. MATHEMATICS 2: METHODS IN ALGEBRA, TRIGONOMETRY AND NUMERICAL ANALYSISMath 2 introduces students to the world of functions; students learn how to recognize functions graphically, numerically, and algebraically, and they become fluent in the language of function notation. Students delve deeply into the study of four function families–linear, quadratic, exponential, and radical; and an introduction to how algebraic transformations affect the graphs, domain and range of each family is also presented. In addition, Math 2 students begin their study of linear systems, matrices, conceptual probability and statistics, and trigonometry, with particular focus on right triangles, similarity, and the geometric mean. Students are regularly asked to investigate concepts collaboratively, and developing confident problem solvers, who are excited about taking risks, is a goal of the course. To further develop problem-solving skills and to encourage students to approach challenges with a patient and flexible attitude, students will take part in a 2-week computer programming “mini-term” in January. The introduction to computer programming is also intended to introduce students to the field of programming in the hopes that they may elect to take a full-credit programming course during their time at Pingree. To master the Math 2 syllabus, students will make use of multiple resources, including a Math 2 Course Reader, tutorial videos, the web, graphing calculators, and GeoGebra. Summer work through Khan Academy (an online resource) will be assigned prior to the start of the school year. MATHEMATICS 3: METHODS IN ADVANCED ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY & PROOFMath 3 builds upon the topics covered in both Math 1 and Math 2 and also introduces students to new material not covered in the previous courses. The year begins with inductive and geometric proof, centering upon the study of parallel lines and polygons, and extends to coordinate proofs and proofs by contradiction. Students then move onto trigonometry, reviewing right-triangle trigonometry before delving into the Law of Sines, the Law of Cosines, and polar coordinates. Further exploration of topics in statistics are incorporated into the course, as well as an essential refresher unit on functions and function notation through the review of quadratic, rational, and exponential functions and an introduction to logarithmic functions. To adequately prepare students for Pre-calculus, the unit circle is presented with particular attention paid to measuring angles in both degrees and radians. The year also includes units on sequences and series and transformational geometry, including an introduction to graphing both the sine and cosine curves by hand. To master the Math 3 syllabus, students will make use of multiple resources, including a Math 3 Course Reader, tutorial videos, the web, graphing calculators, and GeoGebra. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to take the Math Level 1 SAT subject test. Summer work through Khan Academy (an online resource) will be assigned prior to the start of the school year. HONORS MATHEMATICS 3: METHODS IN ADVANCED ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY & PROOFHonors Math 3 explores the topics covered in Math 3 in greater detail, stressing the application and synthesis of material. Students gain a deeper understanding of the topics through intensive investigation into more complex and unfamiliar problems. Furthermore, students are expected to show greater independence and comfort with uncertainty and exploration, both individually and collaboratively. Beyond the Math 3 topics, the Honors Math 3 syllabus presents students with a unit on linear programming and introductions to limits and trigonometric identities. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to take the Math Level 1 SAT subject test. Departmental permission is required to enter Honors Math 3, and a significant skills packet must be completed prior to the start of the school year. PRECALCULUSThe first semester of Pre-calculus is dedicated to a complete study of trigonometry, which requires students to synthesize and apply the algebraic, graphical, and numerical skills developed in Math 1 – Math 3. The second semester offers an in depth study of functions (polynomials, exponential, logarithmic, rational, and radical). Additional topics covered in the course include complex numbers, polar coordinates, vectors and limits. When time permits, the course extends the study of limits to incorporate an introduction to the derivative. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to take the Math Level 1 SAT subject test and, potentially, the Math Level 2 subject test. We recommend that students take the free online practice tests for Level 1 and Level 2 to help them gauge which test assesses the material with which they are most confident. Prerequisite: Math 3 or permission of the Department. HONORS PRECALCULUSHonors Pre-calculus explores the topics covered in Pre-calculus in greater detail, stressing the application and synthesis of material. In addition, the honors course explores units on mathematical induction and sequences and series. Students preparing for AP Calculus will gain a deeper understanding of topics through a comprehensive investigation of, and an intense exposure to, a wide range of additional problems. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to take the Math Level 2 SAT subject test. Departmental permission required. CALCULUSThis course is a study of the concepts and skills of differential calculus, which deals with rates of change, and integral calculus, which deals with accumulation. In both branches, concepts learned in algebra and geometry are extended using the idea of limits, and The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is presented in detail to bring the two branches together. Applications drawn from the physical, biological, and social sciences are investigated, and significant use of the graphing calculator is incorporated into the course to enhance learning and efficiency. Departmental permission required. AP CALCULUS ABDesigned for the most motivated and proficient mathematics students, this course prepares students for the successful completion of the Advanced Placement AB Examination in the spring. The AP course must move at a significantly faster pace than the non-AP calculus class to ensure that students have adequate time to merge and apply the skills of differential and integral calculus to more complex problems. Take-home problem sets throughout the year will require students to independently synthesize and apply skills developed throughout their high school careers to challenging AP Calculus questions. The AP Examination is a course requirement and students will also be expected to attend two classes per month during an activities period and one afternoon session each season. Furthermore, a significant summer assignment is assigned prior to the start of the school year. Departmental permission required. AP CALCULUS BCThe BC course is an extension of the AB course, both in terms of content and pedagogy. The BC syllabus contains all of the topics covered at the AB level, but it moves faster, goes into greater depth, and covers additional topics, such as parametric equations, vectors, and Taylor series. The AP Examination is a course requirement and students will also be expected to attend two classes per month during an activities period and one afternoon session each season. Furthermore, significant summer work is assigned throughout the summer. Departmental permission required. INTRODUCTORY STATISTICSThis course will provide students with a foundation that will be useful long after leaving Pingree, whether they go on to study math, biology, economics, psychology, history, business, law or medicine. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include experimental design, sampling, graphing, summarizing data, and linear regression. First priority is given to seniors, but if space permits, juniors may enroll in this course with departmental recommendation. Furthermore, the course can be taken in addition to Pre-calculus or Calculus. First semester *Students enrolled in this course will also be required to work together on a Service Learning component. During the first semester students will design a survey and collect required data from faculty, staff and students as directed by the instructor.INFERENTIAL STATISTICSThis course continues to build upon the strong foundation started in Introductory Statistics. The course focuses on statistical inference, confidence intervals, and tests of significance. Topics include probability, random variables, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and treatment testing. First priority is given to seniors, but if space permits, juniors may enroll in the course with departmental recommendation. Furthermore, the course can be taken in addition to Pre-calculus or Calculus. Prerequisite: Introductory Statistics. Second semester. *Students enrolled in this course will continue to work together on the Service Learning component from Introductory Statistics. During the second semester, students will display (using appropriate graphs) and analyze the data that was collected during the first semester. Hypothesis testing may also be used to further analyze the data. AP STATISTICSThis full-year course is in preparation for the AP Statistics exam. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. First semester topics include interpreting, summarizing, comparing, and exploring distributions of data and methods of data collection, such as surveys, experimental, and observational study. Second semester topics explore statistical inference – confidence intervals, and tests of significance. Course supplements include newspaper and magazine articles. The course is open to seniors and can be taken in addition to Pre-calculus or Calculus. The AP Exam is a course requirement, and students will also be expected to attend two classes per month during an activities period and one afternoon session each season. Departmental permission required.SCIENCEThe goal of the Department is to introduce students to a body of knowledge in each scientific discipline so that they develop scientific literacy, become responsible citizens, and confront issues in today's society. ?At the same time, it is hoped that students will become more curious, acquire an interest in science, and improve their independent thinking in problem-solving situations. Students are required to take a three-year sequence of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in which the core scientific principles are investigated. Only students who have demonstrated excellent ability and interest in science are allowed to add an elective science to their schedule in the sophomore, junior or senior year. ?Permission for a second science must be granted by the Chair of the Science Department.BIOLOGYBiology provides continued instruction in the area of scientific research with emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, and conclusions. ?Topics include, but are not limited to, biological chemistry, cell structure, ecology, genetics, and evolution. ?Weekly labs reinforce course concepts, and projects expand areas of student interest. Students will be placed into Biology or Accelerated Biology by the science department based upon application information and science placement test results.BIOLOGYThis biology course is offered to freshmen and incoming sophomores/juniors who have not previously taken a secondary level biology course. This course will cover the fundamental principles of biology and introduce students to the rigors of a lab inquiry- based course. Students will have the opportunity to work both collaboratively and independently on relevant biological issues and the implications on modern society.ACCELERATED BIOLOGYBiology course offered to freshmen (and incoming sophomores/juniors who have not previously taken a secondary level biology course) who have acquired a solid foundation in science through courses in their former schools and have obtained a high score on the science placement exam for incoming students. ?Maturity and the ability to learn material through independent work are critical. Additionally, students must be able to synthesize facts and data using critical thinking skills to solve new problems and draw logical conclusions.AP BIOLOGYAP Biology is a biology course designed for students interested in pursuing college level science courses or programs requiring college biology. This course follows the AP Examination Syllabus suggested by the College Board. The curriculum is designed around four main ideas: 1) evolutionary mechanisms driving diversity and explaining unity, 2) the utilization of free energy and molecules by living organisms, 3) the storage of, retrieval of, transmission of, and response to information by living systems, and 4) the complex interactions that lead to emergent properties of living systems at various levels of organization. Students are expected to take the AP exam upon completion of the course. Students will also be prepared for the SAT subject test in biology upon successful completion of the course. All participating students and their parents must sign an AP Science contract. Additionally, graded summer assignments and the first exam in September are used to assess a student’s probable success in the course. ?Note: Requires summer assignments as well as December and March break assignments. Course also requires additional class meetings during Thursday lab blocks twice a month.CHEMISTRYAn introductory, laboratory-oriented course that covers fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical periodicity, chemical bonds, gas laws, concepts of energy, solubility, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions, and nuclear chemistry. ?Students will be placed into Chemistry, Accelerated Chemistry or Honors Chemistry by Science Department recommendation and placement test results.CHEMISTRYChemistry is an introductory class using a conceptual approach with scientific information to analyze problems and suggest solutions to situations faced by today’s society. ?It is a goal of the course to present to the student the need and skills to acquire technical knowledge to make intelligent decisions for themselves and for the communities in which they belong.ACCELERATED CHEMISTRYAccelerated Chemistry is a traditional approach to chemistry emphasizing the mathematical aspects of problem solving. The pace of the course will be based on the needs of the students; however students are expected to work independently on a daily basis. Class time will be preserved for lab work, discussion of challenging problems, and some review before the tests. A student may elect to take the SAT subject test in chemistry after successful completion of Accelerated Chemistry with the understanding that additional coursework and review will need to be completed by the student outside of class. Any Accelerated Chemistry student interested in taking the SAT subject test in chemistry should speak to the teacher before the close of semester one, for a list of additional topics to focus on and to set a plan of preparation. HONORS CHEMISTRYHonors Chemistry is a chemistry course taught at an honors pace. ?Students must have strong math and reading skills to learn independently, and will be expected to do so on their own daily. ?Class time will be preserved for discussion of challenging problems and on lab work. Students will be expected to work collaboratively with other students during lab activities and discussions on challenging problems. A student who successfully completes Honors Chemistry should be prepared to take the SAT subject test in chemistry. Two Activities Blocks per month are required.AP CHEMISTRYAP Chemistry is a chemistry course designed for students interested in pursuing college level science courses or programs requiring college chemistry. This course follows the AP Examination Syllabus suggested by the College Board. The curriculum is designed around advanced topics in structure of matter; properties of matter such as characteristics, states, and forces of attraction; chemical reactions; kinetics; thermodynamics; and equilibrium. Students are expected to take the AP exam upon completion of the course. Students will also be prepared for the SAT subject test in chemistry upon successful completion of the course. An AP Science contract must be signed by all participating students and their parents. Note: Requires summer assignments, winter break assignments, and a March break assignment. Course also requires additional class meetings during Thursday lab blocks twice a month, as well as one afternoon session each season.PHYSICSThe physics courses include a common group of recommended core topics which provide foundation, beginning with the great themes of physics - matter, motion, forces, energy, and the nature and concepts of electricity and magnetism. ?The courses build on that basic knowledge and perspective with progressively more sophisticated mathematical techniques and “hands-on applications” depending on the course taken. ?Placement in some courses may depend on Science Department recommendations and placement tests.PHYSICSAn introductory course in physics designed to give students a comprehensive exposure to physical concepts explaining events that are familiar in the everyday environment. ?The course emphasizes an understanding of the fundamental concepts, answering the “How do we know?” questions, and developing strong reasoning skills. ?Students understand the exploratory nature of physics as they participate in hands-on labs and observe demonstrations. ?Any mathematics in this course is primarily at the algebra level and serves as a “guide to thinking.”ACCELERATED PHYSICSAccelerated Physics is a physical science course, which deals with topics in kinematics, dynamics, statics, optics, waves, electricity and energy transformations. ?Students will be engaged in problem-solving, evaluating data, searching for connections and utilizing math skills learned in prerequisite courses. ?It is expected that students taking this course will be able to accurately use scientific and technological nomenclature in stating hypotheses, drawing conclusions and evaluating scientific data. ?A student may elect to take the SAT subject test in physics after successful completion of Accelerated Physics with the understanding that additional coursework and review will need to be completed by the student outside of class. Any Accelerated Physics student interested in taking the SAT subject test in physics should speak to the teacher before the close of semester one, for a list of additional topics to focus on and to set a plan of preparation. AP PHYSICS 1An introductory course in physics designed to prepare future science and pre-medical students for a first-year college physics course. This course replaces Honors Physics in 2014-15. Students will explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six “Big Ideas”, which encompass core scientific principles, theories and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Upon completion of the course students will be prepared to take the AP examination designed for this course. Students will also be prepared for the SAT subject test in physics upon successful completion of the course. Note: Requires summer assignments, winter break assignments, and a March break assignment. Course also requires two activities blocks each month as additional class meetings and one afternoon session each season.AP PHYSICS 2An advanced second year course in physics designed to further investigate the major fundamentals of physics for those students who which to major in science in college. Students explore principles of fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. The course is based on seven Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Upon completion of the course students will be prepared to take the AP examination designed for this course. Students will also be prepared for the SAT subject test in physics upon successful completion of the course. Note: Requires summer assignments, winter break assignments, and a March break assignment. Course also requires additional class meetings during Thursday lab blocks twice a month and one afternoon session each season. ?ADVANCED ELECTIVE COURSESECOLOGYThis laboratory and field course examines the basic principles of ecological study: ?co-existence and interdependence in biological communities, major habitats and biomes, relationships to the physical environment, evolution and population ecology. ?Man's place in the natural world and current environmental issues are considered. ?Prerequisite: Biology. ?First semester only.OCEANOGRAPHYThis laboratory course combines a study of the geological, chemical, and physical properties of oceans with the study of biological oceanography. ?Special emphasis is given to human dependence and impacts on ocean systems and inhabitants. ?The laboratory component enhances the understanding of key concepts. ?Second semester only.ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGYThis year-long course is devoted to understanding the human body. ?The principles of structure and function of each body system will be taught and then integrated with the other systems to gain an appreciation for the exquisite balances necessary for good health. The laboratory portion of the course adds an important experiential aspect, providing opportunities to learn anatomy from several required dissection specimens. ?Prerequisites include successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. ?Limited to 11th and 12th graders.ENGINEERINGIntroductory engineering emphasizes problem solving, design based project work, teamwork, and the communication and documentation of the engineering process. The course provides a broad-based understanding of the disciplines within engineering, and covers general engineering principles and analysis. Projects are founded in civil, environmental, mechanical, industrial, and electrical engineering. Students work on teams to solve open-ended problems that do not have one simple solution, often using local and current examples. Engineering is open to juniors and seniors who have completed or are concurrently taking physics and Math 3. The course may be taken as a semester one course, semester two course (with approval by the science department), or full year. AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEThe AP Environmental Science course is a year-long course and is equivalent to a one-semester college course. ?The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. ??Open to 11th and 12th grade students only. ?Students are expected to take the AP exam upon completion of the course. An AP Science contract must be signed by all participating students and their parents. Note: Requires summer assignments, winter break assignments, and a March break assignment. Requires additional class meetings and one afternoon session each season. ?THE ARTSArt is humanity’s most essential, most universal language. ?Therefore, the Arts are an integral part of the Pingree experience. ?Through the study of visual and performing arts, students gain intellectual and analytical skills, learn to interpret and communicate profound concepts and ideas, and discover new and fresh perspectives on life and the human experience. Talented faculty members are all practicing artists, gifted in inspiring and mentoring students. ?They foster strong relationships and offer individualized instruction guiding the budding artist to discover their own unique form of expression and creativity. ?This department is dedicated to honing the young artist’s technical and practical skills, as well as celebrating the power and wonder of imagination. The Arts at Pingree are rich with humor, empathy and an awareness of the interconnectedness of the arts with the world at large.Our program includes a wide variety of academic courses for half credit, full and honors credit. The program also offers opportunities to pursue different performing and visual arts experiences as independent study projects, H block half credit offerings, after school seasons, and private lessons through our Music Studio. The Arts program at Pingree meets or exceeds the National Standards for Arts Education.Advanced/Honors Vocal and Instrumental EnsemblesStudents who meet the grade requirements are eligible to apply for either Advanced or Honors level study in Instrumental Ensemble, and Honors level study in Vocal Ensemble. There is no option for Advanced level study in Vocal Ensemble. Advanced Instrumental Ensemble will involve additional rehearsal and performance responsibilities. Rehearsals will be regularly scheduled during designated H block or Activities periods and will be mandatory. Honors level Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble are year-long and require additional assignments involved in creating an academic portfolio, the focus of which will be determined collaboratively by the student and the teacher based on goals established for the year. Following the application process, students may be recommended for either Advanced or Honors level in Instrumental Ensemble. The application form must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, and advisor and is available from the Art Department Chair.Advanced/Honors Vocal and Instrumental EnsemblesStudents who meet the grade requirements are eligible to apply for either Advanced or Honors level study in Instrumental Ensemble, and Honors level study in Vocal Ensemble. There is no option for Advanced level study in Vocal Ensemble. Advanced Instrumental Ensemble will involve additional rehearsal and performance responsibilities. Rehearsals will be regularly scheduled during designated H block or Activities periods and will be mandatory. Honors level Instrumental and Vocal Ensemble are year-long and require additional assignments involved in creating an academic portfolio, the focus of which will be determined collaboratively by the student and the teacher based on goals established for the year. Following the application process, students may be recommended for either Advanced or Honors level in Instrumental Ensemble. The application form must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, and advisor and is available from the Art Department Chair.FULL CREDIT CLASSESFRESHMAN ART PROGRAMAll first-year students participate in the Freshman Arts program that includes a rotation through each visual and performing art discipline. ?Courses include Artist Bookmaking, Ceramics, Dance, Drawing, Music, Photography, Printmaking, Public Speaking, Technical Theater, and Theater Arts. We will examine the elements, vocabulary and technical skills involved in each discipline and discover the concepts that interconnect all creative art forms. ?Students will learn respect for the intellectual aspects of the arts and will also explore the creativity and different perspectives that are necessary to develop one’s unique, creative voice through a variety of artistic media. Both semesters.DRAWING AND PAINTINGA study of the basic elements of drawing and painting. Entrance second semester by permission of instructor.DRAWING AND PAINTING 2This offering is considered an advanced class for students with prior studio art experience. ?We will build upon lessons from Drawing and Painting Part 1 with an emphasis on original thinking and developing your personal style. ?Attention will be paid to students planning to develop a college portfolio. ?Previous studio experience (D&P, H block D&P, Ceramics, Photo, Bookmaking, Sculpture) required or by permission of the Art Department. Entrance second semester by permission of instructor.SCULPTUREAn introduction to the methods, material and tools of sculpture. Entrance second semester by permission of instructor.CERAMICSClay is the medium used to create expressive as well as functional pottery and sculpture. Students learn the techniques of hand building: Slab, coil, pinch, use of plaster molds and throwing on the potter's wheel. ?Imaginative use of the materials is stressed as well as development of a personal aesthetic style. Offered both semesters.CERAMICS 2An advanced clay class for students who have completed a previous semester course in Ceramics (beyond freshman year) or a Ceramics H block class. ?The approach to creative work will be more challenging and independent. ?Assigned projects will deal with creative thought, personal reflection and will include the study of ceramic artists and various cultural approaches to clay work.?There will be a service component to this class. Entrance second semester by permission of instructor.PAINT, PRINT, REPEAT: 2D MIXED MEDIA (full credit, graded)Working thematically, students will explore the intersections of painting, printmaking, drawing, and collage techniques. This course will give students the opportunity to work with and combine a variety of art media as they build their personal aesthetic. Students will be encouraged to play with materials and to take an experimental approach as they develop their personal imagery. Material demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the course, and we will look at the work of mixed media contemporary artists to fuel our conversations. Offered both semesters.PHOTOGRAPHYThis course is designed to give the student a foundation in the aesthetics of film and digital photography. ?Students learn how to use the camera, apply systems of exposure, process film, print negatives and present finished work. Second semester emphasizes the computer as a digital darkroom including scanning and Photoshop software. ?Presentations of historical and contemporary photographers as well as regular critiques are included in the course. ?Limited cameras are available on request. ?Students may choose to take this course for successive semesters/years. Offered both semesters.PHOTOGRAPHY 2This is a course for serious photography students who have completed a year of Photography. Students will be expected to take creative risks and work independently on projects of their own design. ??In addition, there will be class assignments that build on darkroom and digital skills learned in previous photography classes. A portfolio of finished work will be required at the end of each term. It is highly recommended that students have access to cameras they can use for the duration of the course. Entrance second semester by permission of instructor.PINGREE VOCAL ENSEMBLEStudents will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as sight-reading, vocal production, and performance technique. Ensemble type and voicing may vary due to enrollment. ?The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals, and at times, combine with other ensembles during activity or H periods. ?Choirs will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as recitals, outreach concerts, competitions, and other field trips and festivals. ?Only those students enrolled in choir will be permitted to audition for district and all-state choir. Offered both semesters.HONORS PINGREE VOCAL ENSEMBLEIn addition to the regular level course work Honors Vocal Ensemble students will commit to taking the class for a full year, attending extra rehearsals and performances as required, and will also complete additional coursework as indicated by the department honors requirements. ?Students will be expected to fulfill a service-learning component in this course through work with Express Yourself of Beverly. Both semesters.INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLEInstrumental Ensemble offers all students who play an instrument the opportunity to explore musical creativity by developing skills in performance, instrumental technique, improvisation, and composition. The instrumentation and musical direction of this ensemble varies from year to year and encourages the exploration of a wide variety of musical genres. As this ensemble functions in a workshop setting, significant time is devoted to developing skills in active listening, musical collaboration, and creative interaction. Students are encouraged to suggest repertoire, create original works and arrangements, make use of our recording studio, and perform in small and large ensemble contexts. Every effort is made to establish and achieve the musical goals of the individual players as well as those of the collective ensemble. Students will perform in music concerts at the end of each semester and may also be required to perform at other events in and outside of the Pingree community. Additionally, students are encouraged to audition for local and state music festivals. Only those students who are registered for this course may attend field trips or audition for music festivals. Both Semesters.ADVANCED/HONORS INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLEIn addition to the regular level course work, students taking Instrumental Ensemble for advanced credit will be required to attend additional rehearsals and performances. Honors students will commit to taking the class for a full year, attending extra rehearsals and performances, and will also complete additional coursework as indicated by the department honors requirements. Both semesters.PLAYWRITING AND DRAMATIC LITERATUREMay be taken for English credit by seniors. ?May be taken for Art credit by juniors with permission of instructor.Playwrights take on the unique challenge of creating material that exists beyond the page. Each playwright introduces a unique style and perspective and strives to develop a captivating story, dynamic characters, and an authentic connection with the audience. Renowned writer and poet Oscar Wilde states, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” This course will introduce the basic principles of dramatic writing and encourage students to explore human connections through live performance. Students will examine a variety of styles through exercises, discussions, and a brief survey of dramatic literature. They will also work independently and collaboratively to create monologues, scenes, and short plays. Possible works: Antigone - Sophocles, The Taming of the Shrew - William Shakespeare, The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde, A Doll’s House - Henrik Ibsen, Fences - August Wilson, How I Learned to Drive - Paula Vogel, 9 Parts of Desire - Heather Raffo. Offered first semester only.BUILDING ARTS The Pingree Scene Shop is an active workshop for students interested in the arts of carpentry, metal smithing, garment making, mechanics, electrics and technical drawing. This course will give students the opportunity to both gain exposure to the basics of all these disciplines with primary focus on wood, textile, and cold metal work. The structure of the class will involve teaming together students from different areas of interest to design and build larger scale objects that address certain challenges or aesthetic themes. In the collaborative problem-solving process, students will find themselves working on unique and functional projects (storage units, shop aprons, unique musical instruments) for display or use in the community. Additionally, students will be involved with creating the set for the fall and winter productions, making for a great hands-on opportunity for those interested in pursuing Engineering, Architecture, Project Management and Design of all types. Students may be tested on some material, have homework assigned, and will be required to participate in some winter and spring school events. Building Arts students should be comfortable learning to work with a variety of hand and power tools. Entrance into the course at the semester break is possible with the permission of the instructor. Course may be taken multiple times.HONORS BUILDING ARTSStudents taking Building Arts for honors credit will have more opportunity to delve into drafting, hot metal work, mechanics and electrics as areas of focus. In addition to the regular level course work, students taking Building Arts for honors credit will be required to produce and present research papers on topics of building methods, manage the group design blog, and create a digital portfolio. Additional documented research and design homework should be expected.PERFORMING ARTS LAB (PAL)As Performing Artistry, at its core, focuses on collaboration and understanding a variety of different skill sets used to tell stories, we believe in a fully integrated approach across disciplines in these courses. Taught in conjunction with each other, PAL classes give students the opportunity to focus on their discipline of choice while continually exposing them to the ways movement, design, and character building are all part of the narrative. Through collaborative projects and performances, Master Class workshops, and observations of one another’s work, students will engage in the work of multiple performing arts disciplines. Entrance into or movement between courses at the semester break is possible with the permission of the instructors. All courses are Full Credit-graded. PERFORMING ARTS LAB - ACTING & DIRECTING (Full Credit– graded)Taught in conjunction and collaboration with all other PAL courses and through close examination of a variety of theories and styles, this class will produce and present a fully realized theater performance for both the winter and spring concerts. As theater is all about integrating a variety of different skill sets, students in these classes will have the opportunity to engage in all of the various theatrical disciplines throughout the year, while still focused on the “side of the curtain” they are most interested in. In Acting & Directing, students will learn and practice skills in the areas of acting, directing, design, and dramaturgy. Students will gain a greater understanding of all elements involved in bringing a piece to life on stage. They will work extensively with a play of their choice to create a “director’s working script” that will explore each stage of the production process. The course will also focus on the development of acting skills through practice with monologues, scene work, improvisation, and audition techniques. Entrance second semester is possible with permission of the instructor. Both semesters.HONORS PERFORMING ARTS LAB - ACTING & DIRECTING (Full Credit– graded)In addition to the regular level course work, students taking Theater Lab for honors credit will be required to prepare a number of class presentations and an independent performance project. Both semesters. PERFORMING ARTS LAB - PRODUCTION & DESIGN (Full-Credit Graded)Taught in conjunction with Acting & Directing and Dance Ensemble, PAL P&D will allow students to focus on research, design and development while continually exposing them to the movement and performance skills used to create other parts of the narrative. We will explore the theoretical and practical elements (scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, effects) that create the worlds in service of creating fully realized performances and students will also examine how the processes and techniques of this “backstage” work - design and execution as well as management and operation - can be applied outside of the theatre. PAL P&D students should be comfortable learning to work with power tools, electricity and ladders. They may be tested on some material, have short papers assigned and will be required to participate in winter and spring school events. Both semesters.HONORS PERFORMING ARTS LAB - PRODUCTION & DESIGN (Full Credit– graded)In addition to the regular level course work, students taking Production & Design for honors credit will be required to take a lead design role for one of the major, after-school productions (taking tech as an after school activity not required), produce and managee a group design blog, and create a digital portfolio. Additional documented research and design homework should be expected. Both semesters.?PERFORMING ARTS LAB - DANCE ENSEMBLE (Full Credit– graded)This course is taught as a part of Performing Arts Lab. Within this workshop-structured course, intermediate to advanced technical skills will be practiced, key performance skills will be discussed, and fundamental team building skills will be highlighted. Creative processes and improvisation will be explored, and multiple genres and styles will be taught and may include but are not limited to: contemporary, ballet, creative movement, musical theater, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern. The ensemble will rehearse and be encouraged to provide their own ideas and creative input throughout the year, and will be asked to collaborate in a variety of ways in order to achieve goals set by the class. In addition, students will have the opportunity to create their own dance works by learning skills in choreography, improvisation, and composition. This course will also offer students the opportunity to develop a greater sense of body awareness, self-confidence, and self-discipline by learning to use the body as an expressive instrument. Students in this class will be required to perform in multiple events in and outside the Pingree community throughout the school year. Both semesters.HONORS PERFORMING ARTS LAB - DANCE ENSEMBLE (Full Credit– graded)In addition to regular course level work dancers will be required to create a piece for both Winter and Spring Dance Concerts. Dancers will take all completed work from both semesters and create a Dance Reel in Spring Semester to be showcased at end of the year. A journal will be required to collect all creative processes throughout the year. Students will also assist with dance productions/concerts, costume selections, music choices, guest artist workshops/performances, field trips, and various dance events throughout the Pingree community. All honors level work will be compiled into a portfolio to be assessed by the department at the end of each semester. Both semesters.HONORS MUSIC THEORY, COMPOSITION AND IMPROVISATIONIn this honors level course, students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of music theory and how to apply them through the art of composition and improvisation. ?Using critical music listening and the development of aural skills as a springboard, students will acquire understandings of fundamental music theory concepts including rhythm, harmony, melody, form, timbre, and texture. ?Students will develop a vocabulary of terminology and concepts that will help them to analyze and create music in aural and written forms. ?Students will learn how to apply music theory concepts in practice in the musical styles that are most meaningful to them. ?All students will be required to complete a portfolio that will include original compositions, recorded improvisations, and written analyses. ?In order to take this honors level course, students are required to pass a music proficiency assessment that measures technical ability on an instrument or voice, aural skills, and the ability to read and process music notation. Students with significant prior music theory experience may petition the teacher for permission to take the course during second semester only. Only students who take the course for the full year will receive honors credit. Students taking this course can expect to complete part of the curricular content in preparation for the AP Music Theory exam. ?Full preparation for the AP Music Theory exam would require additional independent work outside of this course. This course is open to juniors and seniors. Full year course.MUSIC TECHNOLOGY LABStudents will develop skills in the creation, performance, and recording of electronic music through the use of a variety of digital technologies including iPads, synthesizers, and the latest in computer hardware and software. Students will also develop skills in audio recording, engineering, music production, and sound design. Students can expect to learn how to use and operate all of the hardware and software involved with the Pingree Recording Studio. This course is open to all students, no prior musical experience is required, and it may be taken progressively over multiple years. Students taking the course beyond the first year will develop a personalized course of study that focuses on independent and/or small group projects that are connected to their particular music technology interests. Students in the course will have the opportunity to work collaboratively and will have opportunities to perform and to have their musical creations heard in and around the community. Entrance second semester by permission of instructor.H BLOCKSDANCE TODAY: DANCE FUSION (Half credit - pass/fail)Students will explore the elements of various dance forms across the world. Students will share their thoughts on the world of dance today by using video and other media resources, and will learn the expressive and functional benefits of different dance forms and the ways they relate to one another. Along with basic dance techniques, students will develop physical strength, coordination, and flexibility. Multiple genres of dance will be covered including Hip Hop and Contemporary. Additionally, students will study and practice the ways in which yoga and Pilates might inform and enhance their athletic abilities. This exciting class will emphasize active participation and students will have the opportunity to perform in events in and around the school community. Offered both semesters.PINGREE SINGERS (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to any student who would like to participate in a large choir. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, vocal solo and ensemble technique, and choral arrangement. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block, and at an alternate time for the concert dress rehearsal. Pingree Singers will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. A letter grade will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Offered both semesters.PINGREE A CAPPELLA (Half credit - graded)With artists like the Pentatonix and television shows like "The Sing Off," the popularity of a cappella singing is on the rise. In this performance-based ensemble class, and in the tradition of a cappella singing at Pingree, students will explore many genres of music as they relate to the unaccompanied voice. Students will perform pieces from the Early Renaissance all the way through popular songs by contemporary artists. This ensemble will be asked to perform at various school and community events and may participate in vocal competitions. Grading is based on participation in the rehearsal process as well as in attending performing events. This is the place to sing your heart out! Students must successfully pass an audition to be accepted into this course and must also be simultaneously enrolled in either Vocal Ensemble OR Pingree Singers. Offered both semesters.CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to any student who would like to participate in a large instrumental ensemble. This ensemble can incorporate any instrument, and even those who may be interested in incorporating digital music technology in live performance. ?The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of contemporary musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and improvisation. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?This ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.CLASSICAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to those students who would like to participate in an instrumental ensemble that focuses on more classically oriented repertoire and can incorporate any instrument. ?The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of classically based musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and arranging. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?This ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.ROCK ENSEMBLE (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to those students who would like to gain more experience playing guitar and bass with others, and will also incorporate vocals and percussion. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and improvisation. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?Rock ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (Half Credit-graded)This half credit course is offered to those students who would like to gain more experience playing a variety of percussion instruments with others. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and traditions from all over the world, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and improvisation. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensemble will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Percussion ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.THEATER IMPROVISATION (Half credit – graded)This half-credit course will introduce the essential skills and techniques necessary for becoming a successful improviser. Through a series of theater games and improvisational structures, students will learn to work both independently and collaboratively on acting “in the moment”. The course will focus on creating an ensemble, building confidence on stage, making unique and interesting character choices, and developing comedic timing. There is the potential for work generated in class to be performed in the Winter and Spring Dance/Theater concerts, during Morning Meetings, and at Comedy Night. All levels. Offered both semesters.TECHNICAL THEATER (Half credit – graded) Students in this class will learn and be actively engaged in applying the skills required to manage, troubleshoot, and repair the technical systems in the Pingree theater (i.e. lighting, sound, video, and rigging). In addition, they will have creative opportunities to build and operate these systems for a variety of school events and performances. Open to all students, this course is great for all experience levels serving as both an introduction for those new to the “backstage arts” and as a way for seasoned veterans of the program to stay involved with tech when other obligations prevent deeper commitment. Course may be taken multiple times. Offered both semesters.DRAWING & PAINTING (Half credit – Pass/Fail)Open to students in grades 9-12, this course is a study of the basic elements and principles of drawing and painting. ?Using examples in art history as a guide throughout the course, students will complete a series of still-life and figure drawings, manipulating a broad range of media with confidence and intent. ?Students will be strongly encouraged to explore and take risks with their materials and ideas. This class will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Offered both semesters.OFFERED FOR FIRST SEMESTER ONLYPUBLIC SPEAKING (Half credit – graded)Speaking in public is an opportunity to connect, to educate, to motivate, and to inspire. This course will introduce students to a wide variety of types of public speaking – narrative, informative, symposium, persuasive and impromptu. We will especially focus on the art of communication and connection with an audience by strengthening skills in voice, diction, posture and gesture. Students will prepare a series of solo and group 1-5 minute presentations over the course of the semester. Students will also learn techniques to overcome anxiety about public speaking and self-expression. ?Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?This course is open to students in grades 10-12. First semester only.YEARBOOK (Half credit - Pass/Fail)Students in this class will develop the skills required to communicate ideas and information, reflecting various aspects of the 2015 - 2016 Pingree school year. They will be involved in the production of layouts, photographs, graphic design (use of the online page design website) and digital imaging. Students will be assigned specific pages to complete and will be involved in theme development and cover design for the 2016 yearbook, "Gadfly". Open to juniors and seniors. Pass/fail grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. First semester only.PORTFOLIO PRACTICUM (Non credit workshops during both H1 and H2 blocks)This non-credit workshop series is offered during both H1 and H2 to all seniors who are compiling college portfolios. ?Students will be provided session to learn basic digital photography skills as they apply to shooting art pieces, as well as the necessary Photoshop techniques needed to effectively edit the images and burn the disc for submission. ?Individual appointments will be made for advanced Photo students and/or faculty members to photograph students' work and select the appropriate pieces for the portfolio. ?Any student who wishes to have the art department's assistance with this process should be sure to have one H block free to attend these workshops and must indicate on their sign-up sheet that they are working on a portfolio for college applications. ?Additional faculty input and guidance beyond this H opportunity may not be guaranteed. ?Seniors only. ?First semester only.OFFERED FOR SECOND SEMESTER ONLYADVANCED THEATER IMPROVISATION (Half credit – graded) H BlockThis advanced level course will build on the skills introduced in Theater Improvisation. Students will explore in-depth scene work and long form improvisation structures that require an understanding of character and scene development. The class will continue to focus on essential improv skills including, creating an ensemble, building confidence on stage, making unique and interesting character choices, and developing comedic timing. There is the potential for work generated in class to be performed in the Winter and Spring Dance/Theater concerts, during Morning Meetings, and at Comedy Night. Open to students having taken Theater Improvisation. Second semester only.AUDIO RECORDING AND PRODUCTION (Half-Credit - graded) H BlockThis half-credit course will introduce the skills necessary in order to engineer, record, and produce audio and music using the equipment and facilities of the Pingree Recording Studio. Students will explore audio recording fundamentals including principles of acoustics, signal flow and routing, microphone selection and placement, and techniques for recording music from a variety of sources. The course will also focus on production techniques including effects processing, mixing, and mastering. Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills by working with and in other H-block performing arts classes and through the recording of community events. Students who successfully complete this course will will develop the necessary understandings to use the Pingree Recording Studio in order to manage future recording sessions within the school community. Second semester only.CERAMICS: EXPLORING SURFACE TECHNIQUES IN CLAY (Half credit – Pass/Fail)In this class students will form hand built (coil, slab, pinch) or wheel thrown clay pots, on which we will experiment with a variety of additive and subtractive decorating methods. Sgraffito, image transfer, carving, relief, stamping, slip trailing and piercing, are some of the ways students will create interesting textural surfaces that may convey emotion or tell a story. Prerequisites: Freshman Art (Ceramics) or equivalent. Open to grades 10, 11 and 12. Second semester only.MUSIC STUDIOPingree takes great pride in offering private music instruction to students of all levels for an additional fee during the academic day. ?Students do not receive academic credit for private instruction. ?Disciplines offered include percussion, voice, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and piano. The Director of Music schedules lessons with our adjunct instructors during students’ free PUTERS/TECHNOLOGYINTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IOpen to grades 10-12, this course introduces students to several structured programming?languages including Scratch and Python. It relies heavily on lab work and individual?projects to explore and develop a wide variety of programming tools and techniques.? Projects include designing computer games, finding the day of?the week for any given date, rolling dice, sorting/managing lists, and performing?calculations. Students are required to maintain an electronic portfolio of their?work. First semester.INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING?IIIn this course, students continue to explore computer programming tools and techniques.?The course will be tailored to student interest and experience. Programming languages?include Java and a culminating project using the language of the student's choice.? GUI's?and more complex interfaces will be introduced.? We will also work with Arduino Boards, Finch Robots and Raspberry Pi's.? Students are required to maintain an electronic portfolio of their work. Prerequisite:?Introduction to Computer Programming I or instructor permission. Second semester.INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN IThis is a lab-oriented course that will focus on using computers as a tool for creative expression. ?Topics will include the use of digital paint programs (Photoshop, GIMP) for photographic enhancement and composition, the use of digital drawing programs (Illustrator, Inkscape) for the creation of vector-based drawing. ??Students will complete a variety of tutorials and projects and be required to maintain a digital portfolio of their work throughout the course. ?Real world application of the skills learned is an important feature of the class. ?Students will design posters and other promo material for Pingree events. ?Familiarity with computers and operating systems is recommended. First semester.INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN IIThis course is a one-semester sequel to Graphic Design I. Its purpose is to draw upon the techniques introduced during the first semester and apply them to other areas of graphics design. ?Topics will include an introduction to 3D modeling using Sketchup, designing for the web with html and Dreamweaver, and possibly some animation with Flash. Students will work on a variety of tutorials and short tasks culminating in a substantial independent project, and they will maintain a digital portfolio of their work throughout the course. ?Prerequisite: Graphics Design or instructor permission. ?Second semester.H BLOCKSRASPBERRY PI AND PRIVACY (Half credit - Pass/Fail)The Raspberry Pi is a complete computer that is the size of a deck of cards and costs $35. It utilizes the free, open?source operating system Linux. The existence of such an inexpensive computer invites users to step away from “for-?profit” companies like Apple, Microsoft, Dell and Google, but is it possible? In this course students will build their own Raspberry Pi computer and attempt to use it for fundamental computing tasks without using any commercial software or products that mine personal data. In addition to the hands on work, a large component of the course will consist of writing papers and conducting discussions exploring issues of personal privacy online and how to protect it. Open to all grades. First semester only.H-BLOCK CLASSESOFFERED BOTH SEMESTERS:CREATIVE WRITING (Half credit – Pass/Fail)A half-credit, pass/fail course. Enrollment is limited. Permission of the instructor and writing sample required. This course cannot fulfill the regular English course requirement but must be an additional elective. Open to students in grades 10-12.CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH (Half credit – Pass/Fail)Conversational Spanish will be devoted entirely to speaking Spanish in everyday situations.? The course will be catered to the interests and needs of the students in the class.? Students will learn key phrases and vocabulary as well as helpful hints related to speaking the language.? It will be an entirely interactive course with activities and games requiring each participant to step outside of their comfort zone and speak 100% in Spanish during class.? In the past, topics for discussion have included vocabulary and phrases related to travelling, giving/receiving directions, describing people and places, talking in general social situations, cooking Latin America/Spanish food, navigating a restaurant situation and learning from popular movies such as?Finding Nemo,?The Incredibles, Home Alone?and?The Princess Bride.??Students do not need to have any experience with Spanish in order to take this course. Pass/fail grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Open to Grades 9 - 12 by permission of instructor only. Offered both semesters.CONVERSATIONAL CHINESE (Half credit – Pass/Fail)This course is for students who are interested in learning conversational Chinese and prior knowledge of Chinese is not required. It will focus mainly on speaking and will not involve writing. The course provides an opportunity for students to learn authentic dialogues for daily use. Theme topics will be discussed and chosen based on students’ interests. Vocabulary and phrases will be chosen in collaboration between the students and the teacher. In the past, students learned how to greet someone in Chinese, and the vocabulary necessary to discuss sports, hobbies, directions, dating, ordering food in restaurants, colors, animals, etc. Students learned conversations through interactive activities, video clips, and Chinese cultural activities. Open to Grades 9 - 12 by permission of instructor only. Offered both semesters.DANCE TODAY: DANCE FUSION (Half credit - pass/fail)Students will explore the elements of various dance forms across the world. Students will share their thoughts on the world of dance today by using video and other media resources, and will learn the expressive and functional benefits of different dance forms and the ways they relate to one another. Along with basic dance techniques, students will develop physical strength, coordination, and flexibility. Multiple genres of dance will be covered including Hip Hop and Contemporary. Additionally, students will study and practice the ways in which yoga and Pilates might inform and enhance their athletic abilities. This exciting class will emphasize active participation and students will have the opportunity to perform in events in and around the school community. Offered both semesters.PINGREE SINGERS (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to any student who would like to participate in a large choir. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, vocal solo and ensemble technique, and choral arrangement. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block, and at an alternate time for the concert dress rehearsal. Pingree Singers will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. A letter grade will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Offered both semesters.PINGREE A CAPPELLA (Half credit - graded)With artists like the Pentatonix and television shows like "The Sing Off," the popularity of a cappella singing is on the rise. In this performance-based ensemble class, and in the tradition of a cappella singing at Pingree, students will explore many genres of music as they relate to the unaccompanied voice. Students will perform pieces from the Early Renaissance all the way through popular songs by contemporary artists. This ensemble will be asked to perform at various school and community events and may participate in vocal competitions. Grading is based on participation in the rehearsal process as well as in attending performing events. This is the place to sing your heart out! Students must successfully pass an audition to be accepted into this course and must also be simultaneously enrolled in either Vocal Ensemble OR Pingree Singers. Offered both semesters.CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to any student who would like to participate in a large instrumental ensemble. This ensemble can incorporate any instrument, and even those who may be interested in incorporating digital music technology in live performance. ?The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of contemporary musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and improvisation. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?This ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.CLASSICAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to those students who would like to participate in an instrumental ensemble that focuses on more classically oriented repertoire and can incorporate any instrument. ?The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of classically based musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and arranging. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?This ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.ROCK ENSEMBLE (Half credit – graded)This half credit H block course is offered to those students who would like to gain more experience playing guitar and bass with others, and will also incorporate vocals and percussion. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and improvisation. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensembles will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?Rock ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (Half Credit-graded)This half credit course is offered to those students who would like to gain more experience playing a variety of percussion instruments with others. The ensemble will rehearse and perform a wide variety of musical styles and traditions from all over the world, as well as work on basic musical skills such as music literacy, solo and ensemble technique, and improvisation. Students will also be encouraged to provide their own ideas for concert repertoire as the year progresses. The ensemble will meet in full and sectional rehearsals and at times combine with other ensembles during H Block. Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Percussion ensemble will be performing in the two major concerts of the year, as well as other school events. Offered both semesters.THEATER IMPROVISATION (Half credit – graded)This half-credit course will introduce the essential skills and techniques necessary for becoming a successful improviser. Through a series of theater games and improvisational structures, students will learn to work both independently and collaboratively on acting “in the moment”. The course will focus on creating an ensemble, building confidence on stage, making unique and interesting character choices, and developing comedic timing. There is the potential for work generated in class to be performed in the Winter and Spring Dance/Theater concerts, during Morning Meetings, and at Comedy Night. All levels. Offered both semesters.TECHNICAL THEATER (Half credit – graded) Students in this class will learn and be actively engaged in applying the skills required to manage, troubleshoot, and repair the technical systems in the Pingree theater (i.e. lighting, sound, video, and rigging). In addition, they will have creative opportunities to build and operate these systems for a variety of school events and performances. Open to all students, this course is great for all experience levels serving as both an introduction for those new to the “backstage arts” and as a way for seasoned veterans of the program to stay involved with tech when other obligations prevent deeper commitment. Course may be taken multiple times. Offered both semesters.DRAWING & PAINTING (Half credit – Pass/Fail)Open to students in grades 9-12, this course is a study of the basic elements and principles of drawing and painting. ?Using examples in art history as a guide throughout the course, students will complete a series of still-life and figure drawings, manipulating a broad range of media with confidence and intent. ?Students will be strongly encouraged to explore and take risks with their materials and ideas. This class will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Offered both semesters.OFFERED FOR FIRST SEMESTER ONLYCLIMATE CHANGE, CLIMATE JUSTICE, AND FILM (Half credit - Pass/Fail)In the 1970s, a handful of scientists grew alarmed at what they identified as human? caused global warming, but their concern was largely unheeded. In the 1980s, NASA scientist James Hansen and others reiterated this alarm, and in 1989, Bill McKibben published The End of Nature, a loud warning which, again, world leaders widely ignored. It was not until former Vice? President Al Gore, in 2006, produced An Inconvenient Truth, his transformative documentary that connected global warming, climate change, and the threatened human prospect, that the world began to listen. Since release of Gore’s movie, numerous others have chosen film as a vitally effective medium for calling attention to climate issues.In this pass/?fail course, in 2015, we’ll examine the primary causes of climate change, the various available solutions, and the path toward preserving a habitable planet. In large part through a series of mostly feature ?length films, we’ll study fossil fuel extraction and consumption, food production practices, renewable energy options, extreme weather, threatened habitats, and the scientific and socio?political movements necessary to halt warming. We’ll spend most class time on film study, short readings and discussion, eventually shifting to short film?making as well. Students will, either individually or in groups, create their own short films on climate topics which (though completed by the end of Semester One) will be screened during Pingree’s Earth Week, 2016 Film Festival. GoPro Studio and iMovie will be among our film editing tools. Grades 9-12. First semester only.CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (Half credit – Pass/Fail)This course will consider and discuss the key Supreme Court cases that have shaped the principles that guide our country and society since the ratification of the Constitution in 1791. Principal emphasis will be placed on cases decided in the 20th and 21st century. The selected cases will be read as written and class discussion will involve examining the ruling of the case and its reasoning . Periodic written assessments will be assigned, debates will held and a short paper at the end of the semester will be the final project. This course will be open to juniors and seniors. While some of the concepts may be similar, this course will not repeat the cases read and discussed in 2014-2015. Accordingly, students who enrolled in this course in 2014-2015 will be eligible to enroll in this class. Open to grades 10 - 12. First semester only.FINANCIAL LITERACY (Half credit – Pass/Fail)This course will expose students to the fundamental principles of personal finance. Students will learn about credit and debt, saving and investing, money management, risk management, income and careers, and taxes. The goal is to equip students to make responsible, informed financial decisions now and in their future. Assessment will be based on participation and projects. Open to grades 10 - 12. First semester only.MINDFULNESS (Half credit – Pass/Fail)Do you ever feel as though there is simply too much to do, with no time to do it and in the meantime, your teachers, friends and phone are all begging for your full attention when you hardly had time to eat lunch, let alone finish your English homework, but then soccer practice starts at 5 tonight when you can only get out of play practice at 4:59 and then you need to scarf down dinner so that you can do your group project before brushing your teeth, but who has time for that anyway (?) because you are trying to get the necessary 9.25, but realistically more like 6, hours of sleep each night… only to do it again tomorrow… Don’t you wish you had a pause button? Please stop. Take a deep breath. Notice where your feet are and what it feels like when the air fills your lungs and flows back up and out again. Take in this moment. Mindfulness practice involves learning to direct your attention to the present moment without judgment, and with curiosity, patience, acceptance, and your full attention. The course will be taught with the .b (dot-b) Mindfulness in Schools program. .b, which stands for “Stop, Breathe and Be!”, leads students through a nine week series of lessons and exercises in mindful practices. The objective of the course is to present mindfulness as a life-long skill and practice. In the words of the .b program, “Students use it: to feel happier, calmer and more fulfilled; to get on better with others; to help them concentrate and learn better; to help cope with stress and anxiety; to perform better in music and sport.” This course is open to all students who have not already taken the class and will be graded Pass/Fail based on attendance and willingness to engage in class exercises with an open mind. First semester only.PUBLIC SPEAKING (Half credit – graded)Speaking in public is an opportunity to connect, to educate, to motivate, and to inspire. This course will introduce students to a wide variety of types of public speaking – narrative, informative, symposium, persuasive and impromptu. We will especially focus on the art of communication and connection with an audience by strengthening skills in voice, diction, posture and gesture. Students will prepare a series of solo and group 1-5 minute presentations over the course of the semester. Students will also learn techniques to overcome anxiety about public speaking and self-expression. ?Letter grades and comments will be recorded on the student’s transcript. ?This course is open to students in grades 10 - 12. First semester only.RASPBERRY PI AND PRIVACY (Half credit - Pass/Fail)The Raspberry Pi is a complete computer that is the size of a deck of cards and costs $35. It utilizes the free, open?source operating system Linux. The existence of such an inexpensive computer invites users to step away from “for-?profit” companies like Apple, Microsoft, Dell and Google, but is it possible? In this course students will build their own Raspberry Pi computer and attempt to use it for fundamental computing tasks without using any commercial software or products that mine personal data. In addition to the hands on work, a large component of the course will consist of writing papers and conducting discussions exploring issues of personal privacy online and how to protect it. Open to all grades. First semester only.YEARBOOK (Half credit - Pass/Fail)Students in this class will develop the skills required to communicate ideas and information, reflecting various aspects of the 2015 - 2016 Pingree school year. They will be involved in the production of layouts, photographs, graphic design (use of the online page design website) and digital imaging. Students will be assigned specific pages to complete and will be involved in theme development and cover design for the 2016 yearbook, "Gadfly". Open to juniors and seniors. First semester only.PORTFOLIO PRACTICUM (Non credit workshops during both H1 and H2 blocks)This non-credit workshop series is offered during both H1 and H2 to all seniors who are compiling college portfolios. ?Students will be provided session to learn basic digital photography skills as they apply to shooting art pieces, as well as the necessary Photoshop techniques needed to effectively edit the images and burn the disc for submission. ?Individual appointments will be made for advanced Photo students and/or faculty members to photograph students' work and select the appropriate pieces for the portfolio. ?Any student who wishes to have the art department's assistance with this process should be sure to have one H block free to attend these workshops and must indicate on their sign-up sheet that they are working on a portfolio for college applications. ?Additional faculty input and guidance beyond this H opportunity may not be guaranteed. ?Seniors only. ?First semester only.OFFERED FOR SECOND SEMESTER ONLY (additional courses will be offered on topics to be determined)ADVANCED THEATER IMPROVISATION (Half credit – graded) H BlockThis advanced level course will build on the skills introduced in Theater Improvisation. Students will explore in-depth scene work and long form improvisation structures that require an understanding of character and scene development. The class will continue to focus on essential improv skills including, creating an ensemble, building confidence on stage, making unique and interesting character choices, and developing comedic timing. There is the potential for work generated in class to be performed in the Winter and Spring Dance/Theater concerts, during Morning Meetings, and at Comedy Night. Open to students having taken Theater Improvisation. Second semester only.AUDIO RECORDING AND PRODUCTION (Half-Credit - graded) H BlockThis half-credit course will introduce the skills necessary in order to engineer, record, and produce audio and music using the equipment and facilities of the Pingree Recording Studio. Students will explore audio recording fundamentals including principles of acoustics, signal flow and routing, microphone selection and placement, and techniques for recording music from a variety of sources. The course will also focus on production techniques including effects processing, mixing, and mastering. Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills by working with and in other H-block performing arts classes and through the recording of community events. Students who successfully complete this course will will develop the necessary understandings to use the Pingree Recording Studio in order to manage future recording sessions within the school community. Second semester only.CERAMICS: EXPLORING SURFACE TECHNIQUES IN CLAY (Half credit – Pass/Fail)In this class students will form hand built (coil, slab, pinch) or wheel thrown clay pots, on which we will experiment with a variety of additive and subtractive decorating methods. Sgraffito, image transfer, carving, relief, stamping, slip trailing and piercing, are some of the ways students will create interesting textural surfaces that may convey emotion or tell a story. Prerequisites: Freshman Art (Ceramics) or equivalent. Open to grades 10, 11 and 12. Second semester MUNITY EDUCATIONThe Community Education program at Pingree is sustained over all four years of the students’ time here, but is pursued most intensively in ninth-grade, when freshmen meet once weekly for class.? The curriculum is a blend of “hard” and “soft” skills that do not fall into more traditional academic disciplines, but which we believe are vital to adolescent development and life skills acquisition.? In addition to short units on topics as diverse as individual learning style diagnostics and skills, proper citation and documentation, exit strategies, and exam preparation, Community Education focuses on three prominent areas: ?Media Literacy, Character Education, and Health and Wellness. ? ................
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