2009-2010 COURSE OFFERINGS

(Course descriptions are subject to change)

English courses at Green Fields Country Day School are designed to meet three objectives: (1) to teach reading with maximum comprehension so that students may meet the challenge of whatever other academic studies they may pursue, and of whatever career choices they may eventually make; (2) to develop clear, effective expression in both written and spoken English; (3) to provide an introduction to the broad cultural heritage of literature and to techniques of literary analysis. All levels of English may require outside reading of at least one book per quarter in addition to regular course work, with emphasis on reading for pleasure, for information, and for expanding awareness of self and of the world in which we live. Summer reading is required for all courses. Courses in the English Department should be taken in sequence; transfer students to 10th or 11th grade generally begin with Literature and Writing.

Literature and Writing

American Literature

British Literature

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

This course will engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students should deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Students will consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as elements such as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. The course will include intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods. The reading will emphasize breadth and depth, building upon reading done in previous English courses. Writing will include responses and reaction papers along with making and explaining judgments about a work's artistry involving analysis, interpretation, and argument. During the second semester, each student is expected to read a substantial body of work by one American or British author, to read literary criticism on the works both online and at the University of Arizona library, to give a seminar presentation to the rest of the class, and to write a paper of approximately 2500 words reporting the interpretation of his/her work. Students must receive credit for both semesters of this course and take the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Exam to receive AP credit. Serious summer reading, in addition to the required selections, is encouraged to provide background knowledge in Biblical literature and Greek and Roman mythology.

Creative Writing

This is a one-semester course with writing opportunities in poetry, fiction, and critical non-fiction writing. Approximately half of the course will require responses to assigned “approaches” with the remainder allowing for student “personal” interests. The class is student centered and “workshop” directed, requiring the sharing of the created texts in a supportive yet critical atmosphere. This class is limited to twelve students with a focus on 11th and 12th graders (10th graders may be admitted by special application). It is the expectation that student work from this course will be submitted to PRISM, the Green Fields literary publication.

Connections

This semester elective course is intended to supplement and expand curriculum offerings in English and/or Social Studies for older students interested in increasing their critical thinking and analytical skills. The course is designed as a transitional class to help students to begin to experience the rigors of a college seminar approach and contains elements of philosophy while it draws on artistic, cinematic, and musical elements along with its literary base. Among the writers often included in the reading list are Shakespeare, Conrad, Kafka, Camus, Salinger, Merwin, and Sexton.

World History

This one-year freshman survey course covers world history from the ancient world to the early Renaissance. In the process of illuminating the major events of the human experience, this course promotes global responsibility and understanding, as well as social justice and an appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. This course addresses the political developments, scientific and technological advancements, and cultural changes (artistic, philosophical, literary, musical and religious) through history. Time is devoted to geography, international current events and a focus on our place in society. Written assignments in the form of essays, book reports, personal response and reflection, research papers, and cooperative learning projects are emphasized.

European History

U. S. History

Advanced Placement U.S. History

This one-year course is intended for qualified students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a college introductory U.S. History survey course. It is designed to provide students with analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with historical themes. A complete chronology of U.S. History will be covered. Students will also study current affairs. A research paper will be required. Students receiving AP credit must fulfill the following requirements:

a. Successful completion of both semesters of U.S. History

b. Mandatory attendance at extra class sessions (to be determined)

United States Government and Politics

Advanced Placement Government and Politics

With completion of additional work in U.S. Government and Politics, students will receive an AP designation on their transcript. Students receiving AP credit must fulfill the following requirements:

a. Successful completion of both semesters of U.S. Government and Politics.

b. Mandatory attendance at extra class sessions (to be determined)

c. Completion of the Advanced Placement U. S. Government and Politics Examination in May.

The Green Fields Country Day School mathematics program provides the student with general math skills upon which, through the sequence of courses, the student learns the interrelation between the various disciplines of mathematics. Students who complete the entire course of study will be well prepared for entry at a high level of college mathematics. Courses should be taken in sequence. Students who complete Algebra 210 in middle school are required to take four more years of math in upper school. The student with a strong math aptitude, and those pursuing math/science-oriented careers, should conclude the upper school math sequence with the calculus course.

Algebra

This course provides the fundamentals of a standard algebra course with emphasis on polynomials, exponents, factoring, solving equations, inequalities, fractional expressions, radical expressions, quadratic equations, sets functions, relations and graphing of linear equations. This class is required for graduation.

Pre-requisite: Transitional Math (Pre-algebra)

Geometry

This course includes the study of parallel lines, congruent triangles, polygons, right triangles, circles, and constructions. The course introduces proofs with definitions, postulates, and theorems used to construct two column proofs. A brief introduction to coordinate and transformational geometry that relates the concepts of geometry to previously learned algebraic concepts is also included in the curriculum. This class is required for graduation.

Pre-requisite: Algebra

Advanced Algebra

This course builds upon the concepts covered in the first year Algebra course, such as polynomials, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, fractional expressions, exponents, and word problems. Additional concepts covered are the use of quadratic formula, graphing of parabolas, and introduction to trigonometry. The text for this course provides regular review of past concepts in order to enhance students' problem-solving abilities. This class is required for graduation.

Pre-requisite: Geometry

Function, Statistics, and Trigonometry

Pre-requisite: Advanced Algebra

Pre-calculus and Discrete Math

This class will cover advanced topics in math such as logic, polynomial and rational functions, polar coordinates, complex numbers and combinations. This class will prepare students for college math in the areas of study such as calculus, physics, engineering, and accounting.

Pre-requisite: Function, Statistics, and Trigonometry

Function, Statistics and Trigonometry/Precalculus

This course is designed to bridge the gap from advanced algebra to calculus in one year. Students in this class will work at an accelerated pace. The focus of the class will be on the analysis of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. It is the expectation that students taking this course will enroll in Advanced Placement Calculus AB the following year.

Pre-requisite: grade of B+ or higher in Advanced Algebra, or a B+ or higher on the semester exams in

This course is designed for prospective mathematics majors, as well as students who may be interested in engineering, physics, chemistry, business, social sciences, or non-technical fields. The course begins with a thorough review of functions, preparing students for the two major parts of the class: differentiation and integration, and their applications in real-world situations. Applications include optimization, sketching graphs, related rates, area, volume, work, and solids of revolution. This course is offered only to 12th grade students or to students with the permission of the Math Department. It is the expectation that students taking this course will take the Advanced Placement AB Calculus exam in May.

Pre-requisite: Pre-calculus and Discrete Math or FST/Pre-calculus

The objective of the Science Department is to develop the students' skills of observation, evaluation and understanding of the physical, chemical and biological world. The department seeks to expand student horizons beyond the classroom through the use of projects and through teaching the scientific method of problem solving. It is recommended that students take a science course each high school year. Realizing that many students have varying proficiencies in math, individual progress through the science courses will be staged in such a way that the student's math skills will be at an adequate level to do the required math applications in each course. It will be expected, however, that by the end of the sophomore year, all students will have taken two lab courses that will consist of Biology and a physical science course (Conceptual Physics or Chemistry). When making course selections in the sophomore year, be sure to consider the pre-requisite for the various elective courses at the Junior and Senior grades. Certain courses are offered only in alternate years and should be taken in the last two years of high school after fulfilling the prerequisite requirements.

Note the prerequisites for the following courses:

Advanced Chemistry- Chemistry

A.P. Biology – Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology (recommended)

Advanced Physics – Enrolled in Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry, preferably in Pre-Calculus

Marine Biology – Biology, Chemistry

Anatomy and Physiology – Biology, Chemistry

Biology

This course is directed towards achieving an understanding of the balance between the diversity and the unity of living things. The format follows an ecological approach to the study of life. Topics of study include basic biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, human physiology, plant anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course curriculum.

Conceptual Physics

Conceptual Physics builds knowledge and understanding through a sequence of qualitative studies of the basic concepts of physics. In the laboratory, exploratory activities will introduce students initially

to the concepts; then quantitative experiments will reinforce these concepts. Emphasis will be placed upon mental imagery that relates to objects and events that are familiar in our everyday environment. This course satisfies the University Regents' requirement in physical science, and offers students an alternative to the more math-focused physical sciences.

Chemistry

This laboratory course deals with the chemical and physical properties of matter. Topics highlighted include atomic theory, kinetic theory, mole concept, stoichiometry, chemical formulas, bonding and molecular structures, gases, acids and bases, and properties of solutions. This course emphasizes the understanding of the mathematical concepts needed for chemical calculations.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Algebra (Student must have completed/be currently enrolled)

Advanced Chemistry

The topics covered in this course are subjects that could not be included in a first year course. In this course topics covered include: colligative properties, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium, ionization and solubility product constants, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry.

Pre-requisite: A grade of B or higher in Chemistry

Advanced Placement Biology

Pre-requisites: Biology (required); Chemistry (required)

Advanced Physics

This course is a laboratory program designed to produce an intensive, realistic understanding of the physical laws fundamental to all sciences. The students experience the physical principles in action, in a laboratory setting. Physics concepts are reinforced through the use of problem solving. Derivations of the physical laws and their applications in problem solving will be emphasized. Topics to be covered are kinematics, work and energy, kinetic theory of matter, light and optics, magnetism, electricity, and nuclear physics. It is expected that a student enrolled in Advanced Physics will spend at least 30-45 minutes in homework preparation for every class hour in order to achieve success.

Pre-requisites: Enrollment in Advanced Algebra; preferably in Functions, Statistics Trigonometry

Marine Biology

Students will discover the wonderful processes of our oceans. Topics of study will include oceanography, biology of marine organisms, ecology, and environmental issues. The course will emphasize the importance of organisms in the oceans and how they are an integral part of global ecology. Labs will focus on the biology of animals and the human impact on the ocean. The course may include field trips to local aquaculture centers, the University of Arizona's Environmental Research Lab, or to the Center for the Study of Oceans and Deserts in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

Pre-requisite: Biology

Anatomy & Physiology

This introductory course will cover all the fundamentals of human anatomy. Comprehensive units cover support and movement, integration and coordination, transport, absorption and excretion, and the human life cycle. Laboratory work and dissections will be performed to help gain a better understanding of the anatomy of mammals. This course is strongly recommended for students looking to pursue college degrees in medicine, physical therapy, or sports medicine.

Pre-requisite: Biology, Grade 10-12

FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

The objective of the Foreign Language program is to develop competency and fluency in Spanish or French. Classes will be conducted in Spanish or French and whenever possible will serve as a mode of communication outside the classroom. This program will also include cultural enrichment by pointing out the different ways of experiencing the world found in Hispanic and French cultures. (Advanced Placement classes--Spanish V and French V--will be offered contingent upon adequate enrollment. If courses cannot be made available, alternate recommendations for continuing study will be discussed.)

French Course Offerings

French I

This first-year course will introduce students to French with a strong focus on foundational vocabulary and equal emphasis on aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Cultural learning takes place through a variety of activities, films, music and readings.

French II

This intermediate course will further strengthen the four basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing French. Students will continue their study of grammar in addition to developing their reading and oral language skills through a variety of activities.

Pre-requisite: French I or French A and B

French III

This more intensive course continues work on French grammar, conversation, composition, and reading, with an introduction to Francophone literature. Film, music and continued study of topics related to France and the Francophone world combine to create the cultural element of this course

Pre-requisite: French II

French IV

This advanced course continues work on all foreign language skills with increased emphasis on perfecting grammar, compositional writing and reading comprehension. Students will read a variety of short stories, one novel and selections from current media sources. Viewing and critiquing French films comprises one cultural component of French IV.

Pre-requisite: French III

French V

A highly advanced course for students of French who do not wish to take the AP French Exam; French V focuses on perfecting grammar exercises, readings and speaking skills. A variety of grammar exercises, readings and films are the basis for advanced conversation and composition. May be combined with AP French V.

Pre-requisite: French IV

Advanced Placement French V

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement French Exam by honing and perfecting skills in grammar, compositional writing, reading and speaking. A variety of grammar exercises, readings and films are the basis for advanced conversation and composition.

Pre-requisite: French IV

Advanced Placement French Literature

This course is offered for seniors who have already taken and passed the AP French Language Examination with a score of 3 or higher. This course is usually given as an independent study and its content is derived from the current AP French Literature reading list.

Pre-requisite: AP French V

Spanish Course Offerings

Spanish I

This first year course will introduce students to Spanish in a more formalized yet communicative manner. Equal emphasis will be given to the four basic skills of comprehension: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Cultural learning is ongoing through a variety of activities, videos, music and reading.

In this first intermediate course, attention is given to increasing grammatical structures including vocabulary and gaining more control over the material covered in Spanish I. Fluency of speech and use of additional verbal skills are stressed. Cultural learning takes place through a variety of activities, films, music and readings.

Pre-requisite: Spanish I

Continued work at this intermediate level includes grammar, correction of remaining deficiencies, and still wider fluency through intensive work with short stories.

Pre-requisite: Spanish II

The first half of this course stresses grammar and a more fluent and sophisticated development of writing and speaking skills. The second half introduces students to Spanish literature and to a variety of authors and genres with primary attention given to the modern period. Students who complete this course with a grade of A or B are encouraged to take the Achievement Test in Spanish language.

Pre-requisite: Spanish III

Advanced Placement Spanish V

This course in advanced Spanish literature and culture is a continuation of Spanish IV. In addition, it will offer students the opportunity to follow current events in the Hispanic world. Students who complete this course are expected to take the Spanish Language Advanced Placement Examination and will receive AP credit.

Pre-requisite: Spanish IV

This department offers courses in the visual arts, drama, and music. The fine arts program at Green Fields is designed to provide a wide variety of experiences in all areas of fine arts and meets these important objectives: 1) to provide skills for reaching an appropriate level of aesthetic experiences and performance; 2) to provide an opportunity for working together and promoting positive group interaction; 3) to provide an understanding and enjoyment of art forms within historical and cultural contexts; and 4) to enhance communication skills by providing ways to convey and express ideas and feelings.

Visual Arts Course Offerings

Visual Elements I

This course will focus on the study of the elements and principles of art related to the two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes. The curriculum will cover work with the following mediums: drawing, painting, printing, ceramics and photography. Observational drawing exercises are required each week as homework. Verbal and written work including interpretation and visual analysis of various art periods will be required. Students enrolled in this class must be available to work on preparation for the spring art show.

Visual Elements II

This class is a continuation of visual analysis of the elements of art with the addition of personal expression of ideas and concepts. Observational drawing exercises are required each week as homework. Verbal and written work including interpretation and visual analysis of contemporary artists and trends will be required. Students enrolled in this class must be available to work on preparation for the spring art show.

Advanced Art

In this course students are expected to have a personal commitment to a visual idea and particular mode of work. The emphasis will be on the expressive qualities of art related to the feelings and ideas of each artist. This course may be taken in the junior and senior year for elective credit. Advanced students who wish to prepare their portfolio for admission to art school may work in any media under the direction of the art teacher. Observational drawing exercises are required each week as homework. Verbal and written work including interpretation and visual analysis of one's own work and the work of peers will be required. Students enrolled in this class must be available to work on preparation for the spring art show.

Pre-requisite: Visual Elements I & II 

Advanced Placement Studio Art

The student taking this course will prepare a portfolio that will be submitted for evaluation by the Advanced Placement committee. AP artwork should reflect quality, concentration and breadth. This course is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. It requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Time spent outside of class on homework should equal, at the least, the four hours of time spent in class.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Art and recommendation

Theater Arts Course Offerings

Art of Acting

In this course students will work on basic acting techniques through a variety of theater exercises, games, scripted and original material. The focus of this class will be on building the skills of the individual actor and the ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting dramatic material and the character's intentions through the effective use of the actor's voice, body, imagination and concentration.

Advanced Drama

This course continues to build on the insights and techniques studied in the Art of Acting class. Students will have a chance to more fully integrate imagination and intention into their voice and movement. The emphasis is on performance and developing techniques for preparing a role. Students will take part in selecting plays, rehearsing and performing each semester. While most rehearsals take place during class or immediately following school, students must be available for some evening and weekend rehearsals. This course may be repeated for elective credit. The pre-requisite for this class is Art of Acting. Experienced actors may audition for this class.

Music Course Offerings

Mixed Chorus

First semester is a pre-college level music theory course, which is a continuation of the skills taught in eighth grade music. The fundamentals of scales, intervals, keys, triads, rhythm and meter are covered as well as listening skills. Second semester students will apply the skills and concepts acquired to the art of composition. Students will use new music theory knowledge to create original music. Students must have taken eighth grade music at Green Fields and be studying an instrument.

Pre-requisite: Eighth Grade Music and must be taking private instrumental music lessons

AP Music Theory and Composition

This course begins with a review of the fundamentals of music theory. Students will be expected to have a firm knowledge of scales, intervals, keys, triads, rhythm and meter in order to advance their skills to voice leading, part writing and the basic concepts of harmonic progression. This is a college level course and is designed to prepare students to take the music theory AP test in May.

Pre-requisite: Music Theory and Composition class

The main objectives of the Physical Education Department are to teach the skills, strategies, and rules for a variety of sports within a cooperative environment and to promote lifelong fitness and health.

Physical Education/Sports

Students may satisfy the required physical education credit by playing three seasons of sports, participating in the weight training class for two semesters, or proposing an independent study that is based on participation in some form of physical activity. Students must write out their goals for an independent study and submit a one-page paper that discusses their progress during the course of the year. Both the goals and paper must be submitted to the athletic director.

TECHNOLOGY

No other area changes as quickly as technology. This is true not only of technology at Green Fields, but how technology is used academically worldwide. The necessity for flexibility and fluidity in addressing basic technology needs as well as standards and measurement of information literacy is mandated. The ongoing development of technology goals for Green Fields are based on the need for fluidity and future vision as students enter the school with increasingly sophisticated skill sets. The core of upper school computer-based technology remains intelligent web-based research in support of core curricular areas as well as the ability to use more sophisticated application components of word processing, database searching and style sheets in the production of papers and presentations. Students work with the librarian and instructors to thoughtfully integrate computer based components into a skill-based foundation for their areas of study. Library and lab computers feature up-to-date standard and advanced software applications as well as high-speed Internet access. Students with wireless laptops will enjoy the freedom of multiple access points across the campus and need not be tethered to the desktop.

Media Arts

This Challenging elective course explores the union of dynamic content web design and programming in the creation of interactive media, both online and as standalone presentations (DVD, CD etc.) Students will explore and learn tools and techniques to create individual websites and multimedia projects. The following concepts will be explored: CSS styles, open source PHP programming modification, design elements, aesthetics and protocols, digital photography and editing, audio and video creation and editing. A variety of software will be employed to create, edit and broadcast student work. Students will also become familiar with hardware, networks and peripherals.

Students who have completed all the required courses to satisfy their graduation requirements and who wish to pursue a course of study in a particular subject area, may petition to do an independent study. The student will need to request a faculty advisor and develop an outline of the course of study with the advisor. A written proposal in outline form must be submitted to the faculty advisor and the Principal for approval. An independent study will be graded on a pass/fail basis and .25 credit will be given for completion of the work over a semester. The faculty advisor will be responsible for meeting with the student once a week to assess the student's progress and will complete a student progress report and final assessment each semester.

Senior Masterwork Program

The Senior Masterwork is a project that is conceived, proposed, organized and executed solely by the student for the equivalent of a full course credit during the student's senior year at Green Fields. Each Masterwork must satisfy three criteria: focus on a particular passion the student wishes to explore; challenge the student beyond what he or she has previously experienced; put into practice various skills learned throughout the school. Each Masterwork requires an advisor who is not also a member of our faculty. This is to encourage students to discover the extent to which learning is larger than our campus. Each project is regularly reviewed and ultimately evaluated by a Masterwork committee comprised of the Head of School, Upper School Principal, Masterwork Coordinator and a faculty member of the student's choice. This is a voluntary program designed to take the place of a full course senior year.