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AFTERNOON BLOCK REQUIRED CLASSES Grades 7 – 12 Each student completes all of the following main block courses: English Courses Each English course incorporates grammar, the eight parts of speech, cases, advanced phraseology, clauses, complex sentence structure and English usage. A formal expository paper three times a year is required at the end of each English block. Each of the following is a year-long course. European Youth Classics Robert Coles' studies reveal that children worldwide have an openness to inquiry joined with a profoundly moral capacity for kindness despite their lack of maturity. As youngsters mature, they are faced with the choice to commit to compassion and imagination or to conform to a harsh, prejudiced world view. These themes are explored in each of the class readings. Sample Sources:
American Youth Classics Maslow's theories of moral development provide a framework to evaluate the actions of each literary character in each of our class readings. Sample Sources:
Ancient Classics and Mythology The concept of the mythic journey is studied in this course. The theme of the “common man” as hero is introduced in the first English novels. Students write original fairy tales patterned after the mythic journey. Sample Sources:
Shakespeare Class readings, literary studies and 3 expository papers are based on themes inherent in various Shakespeare plays. Creative writing evolves from freestyle poetry to Elizabethan style sonnets. Shakespeare Plays:
World Literature Involves studying a large selection of neo-classic, romantic, realistic, symbolist and impressionist works and basing 3 expository papers on these works. Focus is given to identifying various moods and structures from the literature studied and developing poetry and prose in each of these styles. Sample Sources:
Two classic film nights at HSC are required in addition to class time in grades 9-12. Social Studies: Junior High We expect students will leave with the knowledge and appreciation of the many diverse cultures of our world. Geography and World Cultures The geography and general histories of Africa, Asia and South America are explored in addition to each region’s indigenous culture. This is enriched through pictures, stories, music, dance, art, food, field trips and speakers. Washington State History and Government Original source materials are extensively used. Students study and compare cultures and values of Pacific Northwest Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and historic Seattleites. Students visit local Suquamish natives and learn authentic tribal art forms. They create their own myths, wood paintings of guardian spirits and reed baskets, using the knowledge they have acquired of these traditions. The course includes study of the state government and considers solutions to environmental problems. Sample sources:
Social Studies: Senior High Through study of primary sources and analysis of art, music, literature, politics, and philosophy, students are challenged to analyze, to think critically, to look beneath the surface of a work, to find and evaluate the ideas and point of view it expresses—as well as to develop a sense of compassion. Students explore the frames of reference of cultures and individuals and are encouraged to look beyond simple answers to explore the complexity of character and motive in history. Preparation, writing and revision of two research papers help to train students for comparable college work. The culminating activity—based on each student’s research of an historical character—is the scripting and dramatization of a meeting of minds where students engage each other’s characters in conversation and respond to questions from an audience. Western Civilization: Ancient through Renaissance A survey of ancient, medieval, and renaissance history, this course traces the roots and development of civilization’s ideas, creations and problems. Using original source materials such as art, music and texts, we look at the evolution of western attitudes toward the individual, religion, government and the nation-state. Sample Sources:
Western Civilization: Modern World A survey of the history of the modern world, this course traces scientific and political revolutions and their practical and philosophical backgrounds as well as their expression in the contrasting styles of classical and romantic art, music and literature. We explore nationalism as both an ideal and a source of conflict. We study the economic systems of capitalism and socialism and their consequences and critics. We debate Colonialism, 20th Century conflicts, the Cold War, and current problems. We discuss the possibilities of conflict resolution through alternatives such as those adopted by Gandhi or the village of Le Chambon. Original sources include works by Moliere, Hobbes, Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Marx, Conrad and others. Sample Sources:
United States History We discuss and debate themes of independence, both personal and political, the ongoing tension between freedom and security in government, and the meaning of America. Diverse roots of American political ideas and archetypes are reviewed through sources from the Bible to John Locke. Students learn to apply methods of historical inquiry. After studying primary sources, they take roles and debate Independence, the Constitution, the causes of the Civil War, and US policy in Vietnam. Music history becomes another avenue for understanding. In one unit, we examine how Rock 'n' Roll is a unique American amalgam of African and European traditions arising from a creative response to tragedy and loss. Sciences Physics Demonstration - Junior High Students learn basic concepts and explanations for each demonstration. At the end of the class, students perform a physics demonstration show for parents. General Science - Junior High More advanced scientific topics are introduced using the following textbooks: Chemical Building Blocks provides an introduction to matter, solids, liquids, and gases; and atoms and the periodic table; Earth in the Universe explores stars, galaxies, place and time, the solar system, the moon and Earth; Life Science introduces the human body, its systems, parts, and how they operate. Students actively participate in many activities and experiments to aid understanding of each topic. Concepts in Physics Topics studied include Newton’s three laws, properties of matter, atomic and nuclear physics, and nuclear fission and fusion. Lessons are supplemented and enriched by daily activities and experiments. Biology Students’ curiosity about the living world is stimulated, encouraging a lifelong sense of discovery and stewardship. Areas explored include study of life, change and diversity, history of life, human history, classification, biosphere, populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, and people and the environment. Daily lab work and activities and frequent field trips enhance textbook learning.
Visual Arts Arts and Crafts – Junior High Emphasizes drawing and design skills. Students work with a variety of media, drawing both from life and imagination while practicing the basics of composition and perspective. Various 3-D and craft media are explored such as weaving, papier-mâché and clay. Art and Art History – Ancient through Early Renaissance The four overlapping areas of emphasis:
Drawing and painting includes exploration of still lifes, the figure and portraiture. Tone and line are realized using a wide variety of wet and dry media. Design and composition examines balance, symmetry, pattern, use of negative shapes, value, and color theory. Projects range from simple design problems in cut paper and poster paints to more complex design applications such as linoleum block printing and package design. Sculpture and crafts projects include basketry, fabric painting and dyeing, ceramics, jewelry design, wire sculpture, and architectural models. Art History surveys primitive and non-Western art, and Western art from Greek through early Renaissance. Art projects relate to the periods studied. Art and Art History - Renaissance through Contemporary Drawing and painting, design and composition, sculpture and crafts, and art history are further explored. Perspective is presented through Renaissance art; landscape is introduced. Line drawings from nature are used to compose paintings in watercolor, then oil paint, in a stepped exploration of dry & wet media. Principles in composition and design are studied and used in calligraphy, logo design, and commercial design-oriented problems. Crafts and sculpture projects include inkle weaving and other fiber arts; paper marbling and book binding; papier-mâché and plaster casting. Art History surveys Western art and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. Art projects relate to the periods studied. |
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