Upper School Division Course Descriptions

English

English I: Western Literature and Themes
Coordinated with History I, this purpose of this course is to give students a solid understanding of the literary foundations of our western culture. This course focuses on classic writings from the ancient world through he Middle Ages. In addition to works such as Gilgamesh, Greek tragedies, the Old and New Testaments, Beowulf, and The Canterbury Tales, students will read more modern works that revisit the themes of the earlier periods. A variety of genres will be addressed including mythology, epics, drama, poetry and novels. In addition to reading and discussion, students will write a combination of written responses, essays and creative pieces. They will analyze literary structure and elements while working on supporting a well-crafted thesis statement with specific evidence. Students will review elements of grammar in practice as well as in application to their writing.

English II: European Literature
Coordinated with History II, the purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to major movements in European literature. Students will extend their knowledge of British literature while experiencing elements of Europe’s many cultural literary offerings. As in ninth grade, a variety of genres will be addressed. Writing will continue to be a focus with emphasis on a multi-draft process, working to improve analysis, mechanics, and coherence with each revision.

English III: American Literature
Using a selection of fiction and non-fiction, this survey course of American Literature aims to introduce students to the major movements and authors in American literature from the time period of the native Americans to 20th century writers. Students will use writing as a major tool in discovering their understanding of American literature, practicing both analytical and creative writing processes.  In addition, students will practice finding and using suitable secondary sources and furthering their understanding of the conventions of MLA format.  

AP English
AP English Language and Composition is based on the expectations and objectives set forth in the AP English Course Description published by the College Board.  In this class, students will “write in both formal and informal contexts to gain authority and learn to take risks in writing.” In doing so, they will move beyond the basic five-paragraph essay—students will learn to gauge their audience, evaluate their purpose, and write accordingly.  Much of their writing will be responses to different types of reading, including letters, speeches, essays, novels, short fiction, articles, and image-based texts.  Types of writing will include expository, argumentative, and analytical writing. Some assignments will be formal essays that move through a writing process while other more informal assignments help students become aware of their own writing style. Students will also focus on reading and evaluating secondary sources, synthesizing materials to include in their writing, and citing materials using the conventions of MLA.

This course is designed not only for those students who have demonstrated skill in writing and rhetoric in their previous humanities courses, but also for those students willing to challenge themselves with critical reading and thinking. Participation in AP English requires the approval of the teacher and the Assistant Head of School.

English IV
Students are required to take English in 12th grade. Options will include World Literature
 And semester-long elective courses.

Journalism
This course will introduce and further develop students’ understanding of journalistic composition. Students will be members of the school newspaper staff, gain responsibility for the printed word, and learn to discriminate while reading, viewing and listening to mass media. Students will perform such roles as writers, reporters, copy editors, and layout editors. This experience will acquaint students with the possibility of pursuing an internship or career in mass media. Student articles will be posted on the Oakwood website and will be compiled into an Oakwood newspaper for distribution. This semester-long class will meet 2 times per week. If there is sufficient demand, it may be offered in both semesters. (1/4 credit per semester)

Yearbook
Under a teacher's direction, students will conduct all the major business of planning, selling advertising, photography, layout and production of the Oakwood yearbook. This class will meet 2 times per week; participation for the entire year is required. (1/2 credit)

Foreign Language

Spanish I
The primary goal of this course is to promote students’ ability to communicate in Spanish. With the approach of this course being as interactive as possible, instruction provides students with experience performing a variety of functions in real-life contexts. These include: Introducing yourself; Meeting new friends and classmates; Talking about family; Explaining things you like to do; Eating in a restaurant; Going shopping; Celebrations and Vacations. Students develop these skills through dialogs, presentations and informal conversations.

Emphasis is placed on speaking and listening comprehension while the acquisition of basic grammar, vocabulary and spelling is addressed through reading and writing exercises. Grammatical topics include: Punctuation; definite/indefinite articles; Interrogatives; Noun-Gender agreement; pronouns, plurals, and prepositions; tag questions; Present tense (Ar,Er & IR ending verbs); Irregular verbs; Stem changing verbs and Past tense; Negation; Possessive adjectives; and Diminutives.

In Spanish 1 students develop an awareness of the range of cultural and geographic diversity in the Spanish-speaking world. By studying customs and lifestyles in several Spanish-speaking regions, students reinforce their ability to communicate about everyday experiences.

Spanish II
The communicative/interactive model introduced in Spanish 1 progressively demands more oral and written complexity and accuracy in Spanish 2. Real-life contexts include:expressing likes/dislikes and feelings; describing your city/town; visiting a local city and taking a trip abroad; daily routines and responsibilities; hobbies.

Students expand the range of their vocabulary and grammatical proficiency through focused exercises and communication activities including dialogs, presentations and informal conversations. Wide ranges of authentic documents are presented to practice reading skills.

During Spanish 2, additional emphasis is placed on exploring cultural expressions of the Hispanic world including: describing your friends and yourself; making suggestions and sharing opinions; talking about the past.

The second year of Spanish completes the minimum Foreign Language requirement for most university acceptance in the United States.

Spanish III
The goal of Spanish 3 is for students to be able to engage in complex communication in spoken and written contexts. Students continue to expand the range of their vocabulary and grammatical proficiency through focused exercises and communication activities including dialogs, presentations and informal conversations. Students will also practice reading and writing with assignments in Spanish. Examples of real-life topics include: talking about the past and the future; expressing emotions, opinions and beliefs; writing a formal letter.

Note: Students who took Spanish 3A in 2006-07 will take Spanish 3B in 2007-08. As our Spanish program continues to develop, we are working to align our courses with college expectations for a course labeled Spanish 3. Rather than rushing many of our students into a Spanish 4 curriculum, we are focusing on providing a strong foundation in Spanish 3 so that students who wish to pursue Spanish 4 will be well prepared. Teachers will provide additional enrichment opportunities for students who are ready to go beyond the Spanish 3 curriculum.

History

History I:  Western Civilization through the Middle Ages
In conjunction with English I, this course focuses on western history from Mesopotamia through the end of the Middle Ages. With an emphasis on reading, research, debate, and writing, the class explores a variety of themes including power, historical patterns, religion and ethics that tie the earlier societies to our own. Working with both modern texts and primary sources, students complete projects, engage in simulations, and write papers about questions developed in class. Students will develop skills including reasoning, making connections, evaluating different kinds of sources and weighing arguments in order to understand the genesis of our western heritage.

History II: European History
In conjunction with English II, this history course will focus on European history from the Middle Ages through modern times. The class will explore ideas such as revolution, impetus for change, power of the ruling of elite, and the power of the masses. Students will engage in reading, writing, research and debate to build on skills of making connections and drawing conclusions as they view emerging modern history.

History III: American History
In conjunction with English III, American Literature, this survey history course will cover United States history from its founding to the present. As a survey, the breadth of material will be significant. However, by studying distinct units, students will have the opportunity to learn in depth, discuss and debate important themes that have shaped American society. Through readings, discussions and written assignments, students will practice critical thinking skills and thoughtful expression. Periods and topics likely to be covered include: the founding and expansion of the United States; the Civil War and Reconstruction; immigration and industrialization; the Progressive Period and the Great Depression; World Wars I and II; the Cold War; Civil Rights and Vietnam; US involvement in current world affairs.

History IV
World History (AP)
Additional elective courses
(to be offered in 2008-09)

Mathematics

Algebra I
Algebra I continues the study of algebraic concepts. It includes operations with polynomials and matrices, creation and application of linear functions and relations, algebraic representations of geometric relationships, and an introduction to nonlinear functions.

Students will be expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular, and verbal representations of relations and use those representations to solve problems. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and application software, will be used regularly for instruction and assessment.

Geometry
Geometry continues students’ study of geometric concepts building upon middle school topics. Students will move from an inductive approach to deductive methods of proof in their study of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures. Reasoning skills will be emphasized and students will broaden their use of the coordinate plane. Trigonometry will be introduced and utilized with triangles.   Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and graphics software, will be used regularly for instruction and assessment.

Algebra II
Algebra 2 continues students’ study of advanced algebraic concepts including functions, polynomials, rational expressions, systems of functions and inequalities, trigonometric functions, and matrices. Students will be expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular, and verbal representations of relations and use those representations to solve problems. Emphasis should be placed on practical applications and modeling. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and application software, will be used regularly for instruction and assessment.

Pre-Calculus
This course prepares students with a bridge between Algebra 2 and Calculus. Students will learn techniques with higher level concepts such as exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Students will also use and manipulate systems of equations, matrices, and conic sections. Technological applications will be employed in the exploration and expression of these concepts.

Calculus
This course explores complicated and powerful areas of mathematics.  Students will learn concepts including advanced functions, graphs, derivatives, integrals and limits.  Students will practice problem-solving skills with various problems such as related rates, area underneath the curve, and polynomial approaches to infinity. Technological applications will be employed in the exploration and expression of these concepts.

Students with adequate background and preparation may pursue the Advanced Placement Calculus AB syllabus based on expectations and objectives audited and approved by the College Board. Participation in the AP level of this course requires the approval of the teacher and the Assistant Head of School.
Discrete Math
(potentially offered in 2008-09)

Statistics
(potentially offered in 2008-09)

Science

Biology
This course builds on the foundations developed in physics and chemistry, applying that knowledge to the study of life sciences. In-depth, laboratory-based study of the following concepts is included: the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, the interdependence of organisms, matter, energy and organization in living systems, and the adaptive responses of organisms. In addition to principles of biology, laboratory activities are designed to promote the scientific process of discovery.

Chemistry
This course continues the investigation of the structure of matter along with chemical reactions and the conservation of energy in these reactions. Inquiry is applied to the study of the transformation, composition, structure, and properties of substances. The course focuses on basic chemical concepts, incorporating activities and investigations to reinforce these concepts. The curriculum is laboratory-based and includes inquiry into the following content areas: structure of atoms, structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, conservation of energy and matter, interaction of energy and matter. In addition to principles of chemistry, laboratory activities are designed for students to explore the relationship between theory and experiment. Students with a solid background in Algebra 1 should be well prepared for this class.

Physics
This course is quantitative in nature and uses the language of mathematics to describe natural phenomena. Inquiry is applied to the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Topics include conservation of mass and energy; conservation of momentum, waves, fields, and interactions of matter and energy; Newton's Laws of Motion and other topics.

AP Sciences
With permission, appropriate students may take AP Chemistry or AP Physics (for students with sufficient math background) in an online format in 2007-08. Please see ApexLearning.com for more information about these offerings.

Art

Computer Graphics
This semester-long course provides an introduction to computer-based graphic design. Applications used will include: Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, and InDesign CS2. Potential projects will include: logo design, brochure and pamphlet layouts, digital illustration, photo collage and designing for the web. This course will meet 2-3 periods per week. Students participating in this class may be expected to display their work in exhibits both at school and in the Greenville community. (1/4 credit)

Computer Graphics II
This semester-long course focuses on a continuation of computer-based graphic design and development of a personal portfolio of  digital work. Applications used will include: Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, and InDesign CS2. Potential projects will include:  creating brochures and pamphlets, working with digital photos, digital illustration, photo collage and designing for the web. This course will meet 2-3 periods per week. Students participating in this class may be expected to display their work in exhibits both at school and in the Greenville community.  (1/4 credit)

Graphic Design
This semester-long course provides an introduction to two-dimensional graphic design. Media used will include: ink, block printing, scratch-board, engraving, and paper making. Potential projects will include: sketchbook, creating stencils, embossing, print series, booking making, and paper molds. This course will meet 2-3 periods per week. Students participating in this class may be expected to display their work in exhibits both at school and in the Greenville community.  (1/4 credit)

Graphic Design II
This semester-long course focuses on a continuation of two-dimensional graphic design and development of a personal portfolio of work. Media used will include: acrylics, watercolor, mixed media design, ink, block printing, scratch-board, engraving, and paper making. Potential projects will include: developing a journal/sketchbook, creating stencils, embossing, print series, booking making, and paper molds. This course will meet 2-3 periods per week. Students participating in this class may be expected to display their work in exhibits both at school and in the Greenville community. (1/4 credit)

Music

Chorus
Chorus will combine Middle and Upper School students meeting twice per week. Students will learn 2- to 4-part music from different periods in music history. Singing in parts, sight-reading, rhythm and music theory will be emphasized. An initial audition will help place students in an appropriate chorus group. Participation in the winter and spring concert is required. (1/4 credit per semester)

Strings
Strings group will combine Middle and Upper School students meeting twice per week. Participation for the entire year is required. Participation in the winter and spring concert is required. (1/2 credit)

Physical Education

Oakwood Athletics
Students participating on Oakwood athletic teams receive credit for physical education with each season equaling half a credit. In order to receive credit for playing on a team, students must participate fully for the entire season. (1/2 credit per season)

Health and Wellness
This semester-long course will meet twice per week. The curriculum covers a number of topics that affect today’s youth and provides research-based information and activities to help students develop knowledge and practical skills. The HealthSmart High School program (from Education, Training and Research Associates) provides the foundation for this course. Topics covered will include: emotional and mental health; nutrition and physical activity; tobacco, alcohol and drug prevention; violence and injury prevention. This course is required for graduation and is recommended in 9th or 10th grade. (1/4 credit per semester)

Independent Study
In lieu of participation on Oakwood athletic teams, Upper School students may get credit for approved physical activities conducted outside of school. Approved activities might include: aerobics, yoga, pilates, walking, running, etc. Guidelines include regular meeting times (e.g. at least once per week) with a qualified instructor/supervisor. Credit will be awarded based on verification of regular participation and number of hours (e.g. two hours per week for the entire school year would equal half of a credit).