Course catalog 2017-2018 - Kent School
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course catalog 2017-2018
2 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018
Academic Information
Graduation Requirements Course Selection
In order to receive a diploma, each student must meet both credit In preparation for a student’s first year at Kent, the Director
and course requirements for graduation. The number of credits of Studies reviews admissions files, placement tests and other
required varies with the form (3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th) in which a materials and consults with new students and their parents to
student enters Kent. develop a plan of courses for each student.
Entering Year Credits Required During orientation, before the first day of classes, new students
3rd form 18 review their proposed course schedules with faculty advisors.
4th form 13
5th form 9 In the spring of each year, courses are chosen for the following
6th form 4 year with the advisor’s counsel and reviewed with the Director of
Studies. Parents are advised of the selections and their questions
There are two types of courses at Kent. Major courses meet daily, and comments are invited.
some with an extra lab period, some with an omit day. Minor
courses meet less often, generally three or four times in each six- Requests for placement review may be made at any time.
day rotation. Placement review is typically collaborative and involves the
The course load for students is five major courses, with the student, parents, advisor and department head. Final program
required minor courses generally added in the 4th form year. authority rests with the Director of Studies.
Each major year-long course counts as 1 credit.
Each major term-contained course counts as 1/3 credit.
Each minor term-contained course counts as 1/6 credit.
The courses required are:
Major Independent Study
• English - each term, every year A student interested in an original project or course of study
not regularly offered by the School may apply to pursue a major
• History - a minimum of two years, one of which must be independent study. Major independent studies are graded,
United States History in the 5th or 6th form year
for-credit programs conducted under the sponsorship of a
• Language - either classical or modern, through the Kent faculty member with the approval of the Director of Studies
third-year level and the Independent Study Committee. In recent years, many
• Mathematics - through Algebra 2 & Trigonometry students have completed major independent studies. Topics
or the 5th form year (whichever is later) include multivariate calculus and its applications to Physics, the
interpretation of dreams, Etruscan funerary urns, fashion design
• Science, a minimum of two year-long laboratory sciences
and conversational Russian. Applications for major independent
• Theology - a major, term-contained course in the 5th or 6th study require a faculty sponsor, must be approved by the Director
form year* of Studies before the start of the term of intended study and are
• Art & Music - Minor courses in both art and music, usually granted on merit.
taken in the 4th form year*
All 3rd form and new 4th form students take the New Student
Advanced Placement (AP)
Seminar.
Kent School participates in the College Board Advanced
Students entering in the 4th form year must also meet the Western
Placement (AP) program, offering twenty-five different AP
Civilization requirement by completing one of the following:
courses. Kent also assists students who choose to pursue other
• Two years of a classical language (at least one at Kent) or AP examinations that are not formally offered. AP curricula are
• Classical Civilization or designed by a national committee of university professors and
• Modern European History high school teachers and cover skills and content typical of a
corresponding introductory-level college course. AP teachers are
* Courses in theology, art, and music taken at a previous school certified by the College Board. The AP exams are administered
may not be used to satisfy the Kent School diploma requirements. during the first weeks of May and comprehensively assess
the year’s material. All students enrolled in an AP course are
They may enable placement in a higher level course.
required to sit for the corresponding AP exam. Each college
decides whether or not to grant credit or placement based on AP
coursework. Please see www.collegeboard.com/AP for detailed
descriptions of individual courses and the overall program.
KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018 3Courses at a glance
Art (p.6) † Medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin English as a Second
‡ Art Survey † Ecclesiastical Latin language (p.12)
ESL
† Electives in Art History † Roman Lyric Poetry
ESL Literature
† Architecture † Roman Comedy
† Ceramics
Computer Science (p.10) History (p.12)
† Drawing Ancient and Medieval World History/
AP Computer Science Principles
Honors Ancient and Medieval World
† Oil Painting † Computer Science Principles 1 History
† Film Photography † Computer Science Principles 2 Modern European History
† Advanced Photography AP Computer Science A AP Modern European History
† Digital Imaging United States History
English (p.10)
† Sculpture English 1 AP United States History
AP Studio Art Drawing Honors English 1 Selected Topics in
United States History
AP Studio Art 2-D English 2
AP Economics
AP Studio Art 3-D Honors English 2
AP United States Government
English 3
Classical studies (p.7) and Politics
Honors English 3
Classical Civilization † American Mosaic: Immigration,
AP English Literature Ethnicity, and Race in the United States
Greek 1
English 4 † Introduction to International
Greek 2
Relations
† Acting - Scenes and Monologues
Advanced Greek Studies
† China: From Mao to the Present
† The American Drive
† Herodotus
† 20th Century Capitalism
† The Art of the Personal Essay
† Homeric Epic 1, 2, 3
† Irish in America
† Asian Literature and Film
† The Greek New Testament
† Soviet Communism
† Contemporary Short Fiction
† Aristophanes
† The Modern Middle East
† Contemporary Young Adult Fiction
† Euripides
† Financial Systems of The United States
† Native American Literature
Latin 1
† Contemporary Issues in the Middle
† Playwriting
Latin 2 East
† Reading and Writing Poetry
Advanced Latin Studies: † Soldiers, Slaves, and Scalawags: A
† Reading the American South History of the Civil War Era
Latin 3
† Russian Literature † World War II
† Honors Latin 3: Cicero
† Shakespeare for the Stage † Global Economics
† Honors Latin 3: Virgil
AP Latin Vergil and Caesar
† Petronius
4 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018Mathematics (p.15) Spanish 1/Honors Spanish 1 ◊ AP Physics C
Algebra 1 Spanish 2/Honors Spanish 2 AP Psychology
Honors Algebra 1 Spanish 3/Honors Spanish 3 ◊ AP Environmental Science
Geometry † Spanish 4: Conversation † ◊ Ecology 1, 2, 3
Honors Geometry AP Spanish Language † Genetics
Accelerated Geometry & Advanced Spanish Literature † ◊ Biotechnology
Trigonometry
Italian Language and Culture † Human Anatomy
Algebra 2 & Trigonometry
† Geology
Honors Algebra 2 & Trigonometry Music (p.18)
‡ Music Survey † Pandemics
Accelerated Algebra 2 & Trigonometry
† Music Theory 1, 2, 3 † History of Life on Earth
Precalculus with Statistics
Applied Music Courses
† Precalculus with Statistics 1, 2, 3 Theology (p.22)
Private Instrumental or Vocal Lessons ‡ Theology 1: Foundations
Honors Precalculus with Statistics of Christian Faith
‡ Music Technology 1, 2, 3
Introduction to Calculus † Theology 2: Theology and Culture
† Introduction to Calculus 1, 2, 3 Pre-Engineering (p.20) † Psychology and Religion
† Manufacturing Engineering
Honors Introduction to Calculus † Dreams
† Structures: Design and Testing
Accelerated Introduction to Calculus † World Religions
† Engineering Design
Calculus † Philosophy
AP Calculus AB Research & academic
Non-credit Courses (p.24)
AP Calculus BC skills (p.20)
Confirmation
‡ New Student Seminar 3rd Form
† Postcalculus 1, 2, 3
Private Instrumental or Vocal Lessons
‡ New Student Seminar 4th Form
AP Statistics
Kent School Sports Medicine
Science (p.20)
Modern Languages (p.17)
◊ Biology 1
Chinese 1
◊ Honors Biology 1
Chinese 2 † Indicates a term-contained major course
◊ AP Biology
Chinese 3 ‡ Indicates a term-contained minor course
◊ Chemistry 1
Chinese 4 ◊ Indicates a lab science course
◊ Honors Chemistry 1
French 1/Honors French 1
◊ Accelerated Chemistry 1
French 2/Honors French 2
◊ AP Chemistry
French 3/Honors French 3
◊ Physics 1
† French 4: Conversation
◊ Honors Physics 1
AP French Language
◊ Accelerated Physics
Advanced French Literature
KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018 5Departments & Courses
Art we traced the origins of art during the Advanced Placement 2-D and/or 3-D
prehistoric period through the grandeur Design portfolio. There is an additional fee
Art is never created in a vacuum; therefore, of Hellenistic Greece. In the winter, we for this course.
the Art Department supports building begin investigating the art and architecture
inter-disciplinary bridges for and by our of the Roman Empire and conclude our
† Ceramics
students. Student artwork is exhibited discussion with the Renaissance. During (fall, winter, spring)
throughout the campus to showcase our the spring term, we investigate artwork Ceramics focuses on the use of the
talented students, but also to stimulate from the late Renaissance through the 20th potter’s wheel, but also involves some
dialogue between academic departments. century. hand-building techniques. Students
Our students work is exhibited in local and are instructed in a range of decoration
national competitions yearly. If a student wishes to take The College methods including slip, oxides, and
Board exam, he/she begins to prepare glaze techniques. Firing techniques and
All studio art courses are term contained; during the summer and in tandem with physical considerations such as drying
therefore, a student may take three our classes. Our term contained courses and shrinking problems are also discussed.
different courses in one year. Since the will assist greatly in his/her preparation, Work from this course may contribute to a
syllabi change each term, a student may but since we would not cover all the student’s Advanced Placement 3-D Design
also elect to take the same class more than specific required masterpieces, such a portfolio. There is an additional fee for this
once. Art Survey is the only minor course student would need to complete additional course.
offered in the Art Department and all research. Once the teacher knows of his/
Advanced Placement courses (Art History, her ambition, the teacher can also provide
† Drawing
Drawing, 2-D Design, 3-D Design) require additional guidance and support during (fall, winter, spring)
at least one year to complete successfully. conference periods. Drawing is the study of a variety of
Each year several students also complete techniques within the context of still
independent studies to follow their creative In addition to the western canon, the art life, portraiture, and landscape. A wide
inspiration beyond the courses offered of several nonwestern cultures and regions range of aesthetic challenges inherent in
including fashion design, video, and including; the Aboriginal, Navajo, Sepik drawing or “work on paper” are considered.
illustration. To complete an independent River Tribe, and the Islamic world are Representational study, the work of
study, the student is required to develop a considered. “Art Across Time”, by Dr. historical periods, and abstract concepts
clear concept for approval. By the end of a Laurie Schneider-Adams and Jansen’s inspire class projects. Each student keeps a
term, independent study students complete “History of Art” serve as our texts, but sketchbook for his/her research. Students
a portfolio consisting of four to eight students also reference numerous museum learn to use a wide range of traditional and
coherent pieces. web sites and several art monographs in contemporary drawing media including;
The John Gray Park Library throughout graphite, watercolor, ink, charcoal, colored
the year. In addition, students take two
† Art Survey pencil, Xerox-transfer, and collage. Work
trips to major museums in New York to
(fall, winter, spring) created in this class can contribute to a
enhance their classroom experience. There student’s Advanced Placement Drawing
Art Survey is an introductory art course
is no fee for this course portfolio. There is an additional fee for this
addressing 2-D and 3-D design, art history
and contemporary ideas, independent † Architecture course.
and collaborative work. Classes meet on (fall, winter, spring) † Oil Painting
alternate days each week. Students are Architecture is a study of perspective
(fall, winter, spring)
instructed in several studio techniques and drawing and the construction of models. This class probes the techniques and
are assisted and encouraged to develop The course reflects the dynamic nature of materials of oil painting within the context
individual responses to a variety of contemporary architecture and design, but of still life, portraiture, and landscape.
materials. As an introductory studio class, also investigates numerous architectural Students also explore color as a means of
students are also introduced to the masterpieces each term. Students create artistic expression, and they are encouraged
individually and collaboratively in the
† Electives in Art History to complete oil sketches and monotypes
studio to think deeply about structures
(fall, winter, spring) to stimulate their creative process. Topics
for private or public use. Work from this
This year, we began teaching art history include; color theory, the importance
course could contribute to a student’s
as term contained courses. In the fall, of drawing, design issues with color,
6 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018developing ideas for painting, abstraction, † Digital Imaging AP Studio Art
and contemporary approaches to painting. (fall, winter) (Drawing, 2-D, 3-D)
Various historical periods serve as direct Digital Imaging teaches students how This college foundation course prepares
inspiration for class assignments, and an to use a digital camera and manipulate students to submit a portfolio to the
“apprenticeships with a master” may also their files using the Adobe Creative Suite. College Board by taking three major
be part of the term of study. Each student Students explore the digital image and classes. A total of 20-29 artworks are
keeps a sketchbook of research to help digital capture while expanding their required to fulfill the three separate sections
develop ideas for his/her paintings. Work understanding of the use of computers in of the portfolio--Quality, Concentration,
created in this class can contribute to a imaging. Since the computer has become and Breadth, and a student may begin
student’s Advanced Placement Drawing an important tool for the design and the the process during the winter term of the
portfolio. There is an additional fee for this manipulation of images, the process’ instant 5th form year. Independent study is also
course. results help to increase the rate of learning. required during the summer following
Work created in this class can contribute the 5th form year to complete at least four
† Film Photography
to a student’s Advanced Placement 2-D finished pieces. It is also advantageous,
(fall, winter, spring)
Design portfolio. There is an additional although not required, to work on the
If a student is interested in photography,
fee for this course. Prerequisite: Advanced portfolio during one term in the afternoon
we recommend starting with film and
Photography, departmental approval during Art Deca. There is an additional fee
a manual camera. Not only is film still
for this course.
relevant for fine art photography, but † Sculpture
studying film first will improve a student’s (fall, winter, spring)
digital images. Some students choose
to work in film through the Advanced
This course addresses the inclusive nature
Classical Studies
of contemporary sculpture and 3-D design.
Placement level, but others transition into Traditional and innovative materials and Classical Studies at Kent are designed to
digital images after the completion of one techniques are explored. Students may acquaint students with the most salient
term. create small studio pieces and/or large and lasting characteristics of Greek and
earthworks set in the landscape; students Roman civilization. Latin is not, because
† Advanced Photography
may work independently or collaboratively it was not, a prerequisite for the study of
(fall, winter, spring)
to create their sculptures. Topics vary Greek. A student may choose a program
This course involves refining the skill of
each term and have included: ceramic in either area. Each year several students
black and white photography. Students
sculpture, portraiture, earthworks, site- elect to take courses in both languages. We
are instructed in the use of 35mm, mid-
based installation, modular constructions, approach the elements of the two languages
format, and digital cameras. Advanced
relief sculptures, and mobiles. The through a combination of modern
Photography also guides students in
curriculum recognizes the broad definition linguistic techniques and traditional rigor.
refining printing techniques using filters,
of contemporary sculpture, and students We place equal emphasis on the unique
fiber paper, and toning. By the end of the
are required to view art monographs, and intrinsic merits of literary works,
term, each student submits a portfolio and
magazines, and websites to inspire their and on their role as the source of later
has learned to discuss his/her imagery with
creative process. We use of a wide range of Western literature. A full program of
confidence. Finally, depending on student’s
materials each term including: clay, wire, visual instruction is offered, in order to
interest, negatives or prints may be altered
paper, cardboard, fabric, plastic, wood, relate literature to its attendant art and
with the use of digital technologies. The
aluminum, and found objects. Work architecture. Special attention is paid to the
work created in this class may contribute
created in this class can contribute to a wide range of classical mythology.
to a student’s Advanced Placement 2-D
Design portfolio. There is an additional fee student’s Advanced Placement 3-D Design
portfolio. There is an additional fee for this
Classical Civilization
for this course. Prerequisite: two terms of Classical Civilization is year-long course
Introduction to Photography. course.
that combines lectures on Greek and
AP Studio Art Drawing Roman history with extensive reading
AP Studio Art 2-D and discussion of the major stories of
classical mythology. The art, science,
AP Studio Art 3-D and philosophy of the ancient world are
KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018 7presented and explored in their historical Herodotus † The Greek New Testament
and mythological context. The spring At the pleasure of the instructor, selections (winter)
term includes readings in translation from from Herodotus of Halicarnassus’ Histories A close examination of selections from
primary sources including the Aeneid of (Researches) are read, including the conflict the Greek New Testament provides the
Virgil and the Histories of Herodotus. between East and West, the tale of Croesus basis of this study. The selections come
and happiness and the legend of Cyrus, primarily from Luke, John, Acts, and Paul’s
Greek 1 paying attention to Herodotus’ place as a Epistles. There are lectures by members
This course trains the student in the basic “historian.” of the theology department in order to
structure and elements of Attic Greek, the relate ancient Judeo-Christian ideas to the
† Homeric Epic - The Iliad
dialect of fifth-century Athens. Graded concepts of present-day Christianity.
readings provide a window into Greek (fall, winter, spring)
history, culture, mythology, and daily
† Aristophanes
Homeric Epic is a series of term-contained
life ranging in subject and time from the
(winter)
courses that allow students of advanced Attic comedy as political and social satire
Homeric poems to the Peloponnesian war. Greek to immerse themselves in Homer’s is studied intensively through close reading
Students are introduced to the peculiarities Iliad. Each term highlights a different of Aristophanes’ Acharnians in Greek
of the Greek noun and verb systems, and aspect of the work or the society in which and one other comedy in translation.
build a basic vocabulary as a foundation for the Iliad was created. Students may take all The course includes an introduction to
further study. three or fewer, translation techniques.
Greek 2 † Homeric Epic 1 † Euripides
Greek 2 reviews and completes the (fall) (spring)
structure of Attic Greek. Reading in the Students read Book I of the Iliad The Bacchae is read in its entirety in
winter term includes selections from the and examine the archaeological and this introduction to Euripidean drama.
Greek New Testament. In the spring, the mythological background of Homeric epic. Students examine the controversy
student completes a dialogue of Plato, the A special topic for consideration is the surrounding Euripides’ notions of dramatic
Crito. The spring term closely examines “oral” nature of Homeric verse. form, Athenian democracy, and Greek
the development of democracy in fifth- † Homeric Epic 2 religion.
century Athens. The concept of the “social
(winter) Latin 1
contract” is studied by way of the Crito,
Students read selections from Books II, V, This introductory Latin course introduces
selections from Mills’ On Liberty, and
XVI, and XIX of Homer’s Iliad. Special the student to the language and culture of
Thoreau’s essay On Civil Disobedience.
attention is paid to characterization within ancient Rome. In preparation for reading
Prerequisite: Greek 1 the context of social hierarchies, both the classical authors, Latin is approached
Advanced Greek Studies human and divine. as a practical means of communication
To continue the study of Greek beyond † Homeric Epic 3 through reading, writing, and conversation.
Greek 2, the department offers a series Special attention is also given to the
(spring)
of term-contained courses. No course is acquisition of vocabulary through an
The third of the Homeric epic courses
taught in consecutive years. Thus a student engaging narrative with numerous
reads Book XXII of Homer’s Iliad in Greek
may complete four full years of Greek with digressions into the fields of astronomy,
along with selections from Book XXIV.
six different term-contained courses. The biology, chronology, geography, and
Students also read much of the rest of the
prerequisite for any course at this level is meteorology.
poem in English. Particular attention is
two years of Greek. The content of the
courses (author and work) may vary from
paid to questions of structure: for instance, Latin 2
can the Iliad be seen as a self-contained Latin 2 stresses the development of
year to year; current possibilities include
poem with a pattern of development from reading skills through connected prose
the following units:
beginning to end? readings in the form of short stories. The
study of Roman culture is continued and
particular attention is given to classical
8 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018mythology during the second half of the against the conspirator Catiline and study social, political, and historical contexts and
year. The texts for the course include Edith in depth the political and social events examines the role of “novel” literature in
Hamilton, Mythology, and Ritchie, Fabulae of the late Roman Republic. Background the history of Western civilization.
Faciles. Prerequisite: Latin 1 readings include selections from Sallust
† Medieval and
in translation. Prerequisite: Latin 2,
Advanced Latin Studies departmental approval. Ecclesiastical Latin
To continue the study of Latin beyond (winter)
Latin 2, the curriculum divides into two † Honors Latin 3: Virgil Medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin
tracks: the Honors sequence is primarily (spring) examines sacred and secular Latin texts
for future AP candidates but is open to Students read selections from Book II from the Middle Ages, when Latin was
6th formers on a term-contained basis of Virgil’s Aeneid (the “Fall of Troy”) a living language of scholarship and
with permission of the department and primarily as an introduction to Roman communication throughout Western
the Studies Office. The “regular” track is culture and mythology, though some Europe. Texts studied include selections
a third-year course for completion of the attention is paid to the literary techniques from the Latin Vulgate, the tenth-century
language requirement. Beyond the third of Virgilian epic. Facility in the reading of Colloquy of Aelfric in Latin and Old English
year we offer two more years of instruction Latin poetry is emphasized. Prerequisite: and the Roman Missal. Attention is given
in Latin: a full-year AP course, AP Latin Latin 2, departmental approval. to the art and technique of medieval
Virgil, and an alternative course which illuminated manuscripts and to musical
can be broken into term-contained units
† AP Latin Vergil and Caesar
The Advanced Placement Latin course settings of the Mass by Palestrina, Bach,
for the convenience of the student. Most Mozart, and other composers.
offers students the opportunity to read,
underformers completing the regular Latin
analyze and gain an appreciation for † Roman Lyric Poetry
3 course enroll in the term-contained
Golden Age Latin poetry and prose
sequence, though promotion to AP work (spring)
through the works of Vergil’s Aeneid and
is possible. Underformers who have Roman lyric poetry through close reading
Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico
completed the AP course are welcome to of selections from Catullus and Horace is
Latin readings include (but are not limited
enroll in our term-contained offerings. examined in this course. The Greek lyric
to) selections from Books 1, 2, 4 and 6
Some underformers completing the term- background is treated fully. Special topics
of The Aeneid and Books 1, 4, 5 and 6 of
contained sequence are candidates for AP include the emergence of a true love lyric,
Commentarii de Bello Gallico. Additional
work the following year. the use of word order in Latin poetry and
readings in English of both works is the structure of the lyric poem.
Latin 3 required, with a view toward recognition
(fall, winter, spring) of themes, central characters and key † Roman Comedy
Latin 3 begins with a thorough review of ideas. Period tests will require students to (spring)
grammar and vocabulary. By the end of translate familiar and unfamiliar passages Through close reading of one comedy by
the fall term, the course focuses on the as literally as possible, identify passages in either Terence or Plautus we examine the
reading of Latin prose. The winter term context and analyze and comment upon nature of Roman comedy. Several other
features the reading of heroic legends in content with respect to style, rhetorical comedies, both Greek and Roman, are
Latin and a thorough study of Greek and aspects and theme. Departmental read in translation to afford a view of the
Roman myths by way of Edith Hamilton’s permission is required. development of this genre in the ancient
Mythology. The goal of this course is to world.
† Petronius
prepare students for selected readings from
a Roman author during the spring term.
(fall)
In recent years these authors have included Petronius examines Roman life during
Cicero and Virgil. Prerequisite: Latin 2, the reign of the emperor Nero through a
departmental approval. comprehensive study of Petronian satire.
Students read the Cena Trimalchionis in its
† Honors Latin 3: Cicero entirety, along with other fragments of the
(winter) Satyricon in English. The course focuses on
Students read Cicero’s First Oration
the development of satire within ancient
KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018 9Computer Science † Computer Science Principles 2 English 1
See course description for AP Computer English 1 introduces you to literary genres:
Computer Science offerings impart the Science Principles, above. poetry, short stories, novels, essays, and
knowledge and skills necessary for students Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles 1 plays. Students write essays, both personal
to participate in the digital revolution that and analytical, and will be involved in
defines the current and future generations. AP Computer Science A class discussions. Works studied vary from
Students in these courses develop This course prepares for the AP Computer
teacher to teacher, but will include reading
algorithmic thinking and problem-solving Science A exam. Problem-solving
Shakespeare and major novels. An honors
skills while experiencing the collaborative applications are the focus for studies
section is offered each year. Department
and creative nature of the discipline. The of iterative and recursive algorithms.
permission required.
courses offer introductions to a broad Techniques for updating, sorting, and
range of topics in computer science, searching both static and dynamic data English 2
including programming, algorithms, data structures are investigated. Programs are English 2 students read British literature:
structures, and abstraction. Students may written in Java. Emphasis is placed on Shakespeare, Milton, Austen, and
also independently pursue specialized program style and documentation as well Romantic, Victorian, and modern poetry,
computer science interests under faculty as correctness. All students take the AP prose, and drama. Students will develop an
guidance. Courses assume no prior Computer Science A exam. Prerequisite: understanding of major literary periods,
experience with the subject. Mathematics departmental approval. write frequent analytical essays, and even
try your hand at writing poetry. English
AP Computer Science 2 Honors sections are offered each year.
Principles English Department permission required.
AP Computer Science Principles
introduces students to seven big ideas of English is a required subject in each year English 3
computer science: creativity, abstraction, of a student’s career at Kent. The English English 3 students survey American
data and information, algorithms, Department has two primary aims, which literature, from its beginnings as a colonial
programming, The Internet, and global depend upon and support one another. or post-colonial literature to the present.
impact. It is a project-based course built Readings include Transcendentalist essays,
One, we want students to become avid,
around Android app development, slave narratives, short fiction, novels, plays,
perceptive readers. To that end, we teach
discussion, and collaboration. Students will and poems. Honors sections are offered at
the means of understanding a range of
develop technological and computational this level. Department permission required.
texts, both contemporary and classic, so
thinking skills useful for solving problems that students might be “conscious…of
across a variety of disciplines. Individual
AP English Literature
what is already living.” The middle two AP English Literature is an advanced
digital portfolios will be created and years of our curriculum are dedicated to course in criticism and style. Students
submitted to the College Board as a part historical surveys of British and American read a wide range of literature, including
of the AP course evaluation, in addition literature, and in every course we Greek, Shakespearean, and modern drama,
to the traditional sit-down exam in May. familiarize students with several genres. We novels, essays, and poetry. The course aims
Students may take the first units of the also continually encourage students to read at a successful undertaking of the AP exam
course as a fall term-contained elective work we love during the school year and in English Literature and Composition
(Computer Science Principles 1) and during vacations. offered by the College Board.
subsequently a second set of units as a
Two, and of equal importance, we Prerequisite: departmental approval.
winter term-contained elective (Computer
Science Principles 2). Students taking the challenge students to express themselves
English 4
term-contained electives will not submit a with grace and clarity in many settings.
Qualified sixth formers can enroll in the
digital portfolio to the College Board or sit The critical essay is the main focus, but
year-long AP Literature and Composition.
for the AP exam. we are increasingly emphasizing personal
Alternatively, they might prefer the
narratives, fiction, and poetry.
† Computer Science Principles 1 flexibility and focus of the sixth-form
See course description for AP Computer electives. All sixth formers not enrolled
Science Principles, above. in the AP course take a fall term course
that is centered on Hamlet—and they
10 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018write personal essays in preparation for the will read personal essays from antiquity Being A Wallflower, and The Hunger Games.
college application process. For the winter to the present. They will study the formal Assessment will be through lively class
and the spring terms, students can choose features of the personal essay and write participation, quizzes and written response
from a list of elective offerings (students their own essays, drawing on nature, assignments, 1-2 tests, and 2-3 formal
in AP English are also eligible for electives childhood, school, sports and other essays. Final evaluation will be through a
courses during the winter and spring subjects for inspiration. researched critical paper.
terms). This past year’s list of electives
† Asian Literature and Film † Native American Literature
follows:
Had your fill of Shakespeare, Austen and This course is an introduction to the
† Acting – Scenes and Fitzgerald—of depressed Danish princes, wide variety of literature that comes from
Monologues stuffy English aristocrats, and shady the Native American tradition. Native
There are as many ways to learn acting American Dreamers? Explore themes of American literature is the oldest linguistic
as there have been teachers of acting. In family honor,generational conflict and legacy in North America, dating back to
this course, we will explore the techniques cultural identity in some of the finest oral traditions and a 40,000 year history of
of some of the greatest teachers of all contemporary literature from South Korea, a people. The course will sample literature
time, including Uta Hagen, Sanford China and India. Texts include Kyung- from the written period beginning in 1772,
Meisner, Lee Strasbourg, Michael Chekov, Sook Shin’s prize-winning novel Please including poetry, short stories, essays,
Stella Adler, and, of course, Constantin Look After Mom, Yu Hua’s once-banned and memoirs from the anthology Native
Stanislavski. Stanislavski’s eight principles To Live, and Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of American Literature. Two novels from
will be employed as students work on Maladies. Also on tap: a film version of To the recent renaissance by Native authors
scenes and monologues to be presented Live and the South Korean film Poetry. will also be read to better understand the
in class. Improvisation, scene study, and contemporary Native American experience:
† Contemporary Short Fiction Ceremony, by Leslie Marmon Silko, and
text analysis techniques will be developed, In this course, students will read and
and students will leave the course with a Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven,
examine a sampling of contemporary
thorough understanding of how actors by Sherman Alexie. The course will briefly
American short stories as they work to
approach their craft. In addition to present the history of the Native American
better understand the elements of short
performing, students will give a final people, with attention to the tribes of
fiction writing. Students will write several
presentation in class on the work and Connecticut and New England. The class
original short stories in a workshop setting
techniques of a great acting teacher or will include a field trip to the Institute of
in an effort to showcase their grasp of the
director. American Indian Studies in Washington,
aforementioned elements, including but
Connecticut, and non-fiction writing on
† The American Drive not limited to plot, character, setting and
course themes will be an important part
This reading-heavy course will tag along point of view. The term will culminate
of the class. We will also be viewing the
on four different purpose-seeking road- with students revising and compile their
PBS film series We Shall Remain and the
trips across America. We will examine completed stories into a portfolio for
independent film Smoke Signals, based on
John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, submission. the Sherman Alexie novel.
Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, Hunter S. † Contemporary Young Adult
Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las † Playwriting
Fiction
Vegas, and Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Experience the excitement of seeing your
In this course, we will examine bestselling
Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. The course written work come to life! Students in
young adult novels from a critical
will explore the visions of four very this class will write short original plays,
perspective. Beginning with Newberry
different men as each finds his own sense after spending the first portion of the term
Award-winning novel The Graveyard Book,
of place, on the road. learning “tricks of the trade” from some
we will consider questions of good and
† The Art of the Personal Essay evil, the development of identity, and the of the masters of the art. Students will
interaction between the individual and study the work and criticism of a wide
The personal essay is a unique hybrid
society as they are presented through young variety of authors, from Aristotle through
combining the intimacy of the memoir
adult literature. Other texts will include Shakespeare to contemporary playwrights
and the creativity of the short story. In
American Born Chinese, The Absolutely True and theorists. Students will develop their
“The Art of the Personal Essay,” students
Diary of A Part-Time Indian, The Perks of work in class through weekly presentations
KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018 11of their newest scenes, and will revise their beyond the English-speaking world? ESL
plays based on both peer and instructor Travel to nineteenth century Russia and The two levels of ESL stress the acquisition
criticism. All students will seek to finish the read the great works of Russian literature of academic language skills through reading,
semester with polished, dramatically sound in translation. Texts include Fyodor writing, listening, and speaking.
works. We will end the term with in-class Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and
readings of the completed plays. Leo Tolstoy’s Death of Ivan Ilyich. ESL Literature
The two levels of ESL Literature provide
† Reading and Writing Poetry † Screenwriting an introduction to works of British and
From finding inspiration, to drafting and Screenwriting exposes students to the art American literature. In these courses,
re-drafting, to printing the final product, and craft of an often overlooked, but critical students become familiar with the basic
the course will examine the creative process. genre within the 20th and 21st centuries: elements of critical analysis through readings
From abecedarian to villanelle, students screenwriting. Throughout the term, we of, and written response to, novels, short
will examine different forms of poetry, and analyze published screenplays and view films stories, poetry, essays, and plays. Students
they will produce their own versions of in an effort to grasp the genre’s conventions, are assigned to the ESL courses after
each studied form. In a workshop setting, including format, dialogue, plot structure, placement testing when they arrive at Kent.
students will read and discuss each other’s and character development. Students extend There is an additional fee for this course.
written work. Students who take this course their understanding of these conventions by
can expect to write 15-20 poems. developing and writing original screenplays
in a workshop environment. History
† Reading the American South † Shakespeare for the Stage History is the record of a nation or a
This course will center on three novels You will have fun playing all of the community’s heritage and environment
exploring three distinct moments in Shakespearean roles you always coveted and the development of political, social,
American history: In Light in August but may never have been cast in! Students and economic institutions. The History
(1932), William Faulkner examines race, will work on a variety of scenes from program at Kent explores epochs in which
class, religion, and the legacy of the Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and extraordinary activity and intellectual
Confederate “Lost Cause” in the fictional tragedies, exploring the text and developing ferment created spirit, enterprise, and
Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. In effective, memorized performances. A advancement in human development.
Salvage the Bones (2013), Jesmyn Ward close study of Shakespeare’s language will The History Department encourages a
paints an intimate portrait of a poor give students the confidence to deliver his healthy skepticism by stressing the many
Mississippi family in the days leading lines with ease, and the course will include sides of each historical question and
up to Hurricane Katrina. In Billy Lynn’s considerable focus on acting techniques teaches students to extract the significant
Long Halftime Walk (2012), Ben Fountain used in Shakespeare’s time. There will be information from readings in primary
explores Texas’ complex relationship with readings and some writing related to past and secondary sources. Students learn to
war and football through the eyes of a actors’ approaches to the challenges posed synthesize data into meaningful hypotheses
19-year old home from a tour in Iraq. We’ll by the greatest roles, with active in-class from which they can express ideas clearly
supplement our reading of Ward with a application of techniques the primary focus. in discussion, examination, and extended
viewing and close analysis of Benh Zeitlin’s
research. The term-contained History
2012 film Beasts of the Southern Wild. In
electives below are generally taken in the
addition to writing critical essays, students English as a second 6th form.
will be expected to complete regular language
reading responses and take leadership (in Ancient and Medieval
pairs or groups of three) of two Harkness The English as a Second Language program World History/Honors Ancient
discussions over the course of the term. (ESL) comprises two courses, ESL and ESL Ancient and Medieval World
Literature. Students are assigned to one History
† Russian Literature or both courses as required. Students are Designed for new 3rd and 4th formers,
Have you had your fill of Shakespeare and assigned to the ESL courses after placement Ancient and Medieval World History
Dickens, Fitzgerald and Twain? Are you testing when they arrive at Kent. There is an introduces students to the major
ready to expand your literary horizons additional fee for this course. civilizations of the Ancient Western World
12 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018and Medieval Europe. Students examine and Jacksonian democracy. It also examines focus placed on written assignments and
the economic, social, political, and cultural manifest destiny, slavery, and states’ classroom discussions.
history of these major civilizations while rights. During the winter term, the course
exploring their lasting influence on examines four distinct domestic epochs: the
AP Economics
AP Economics is a study of the principles
us today. The course provides a sound Civil War and Reconstruction, the Gilded
of both micro and macro economics. The
background for future history courses, Age and Populism, Progressivism, and
goal of the course is to achieve a working
especially Modern European History and World War I. Readings focus on domestic
knowledge of the problems and issues in
AP Modern European History. and foreign policy during these periods. In
the economy of the United States. Among
the spring term, analysis of the shaping and
Modern European History conduct of domestic and foreign policy
the concepts covered are: the ways in
The study of political and cultural which land, labor, and capital (the factors
focuses on the 1920s and the beginning of
developments since the Renaissance. of production) contribute to the growth
the Great Depression, the New Deal, the
Students are exposed to concepts such as and operation of a market economy,
Cold War Years, the liberal reform decades
the nature of power, nationalism, mass the ways in which supply and demand
of the 1960s and 1970s and the conservative
movements, republicanism, Marxism, affect price and output levels of goods,
retrenchment of the 1980s and 1990s.
propaganda, and the origins and the ways in which government policies
Specific emphasis is placed on themes such
consequences of a totalitarian state. In alter the natural working of the market,
as government regulation of the economy,
addition, their skills in the use of historical and how international factors influence a
civil rights, neutrality, balance of power,
evidence in essay writing are developed. nation’s domestic economic conditions. All
collective security, and the United States’
The course uses textbooks as well as students in the course take the AP exam.
role in Central and South America.
primary and secondary source materials. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
AP United States History
AP Modern European History AP United States History is a year-
AP United States Government
AP Modern European History is designed long course which focuses on selected
and Politics
to stimulate and challenge 4th, 5th, and Offered to 5th and 6th formers who
individuals and groups, their ideas and
6th form students. The course strives to have met their United States History
the political, social, and economic effects
improve analytical skills by demonstrating requirement, AP U.S. Government and
of their thinking. The course is intended
that history is a series of interpretations as Politics is a year-long study of varied
to develop skill in the use of evidence and
well as the study of the ongoing relationship themes such as Constitutional history,
in writing essays as a means of analyzing
between cause and effect. Students learn political beliefs, political parties, interest
the American past. The course prepares
to think about history, what it is, what groups, governmental institutions, public
students to sit for the AP exam, which all
it means, and why events happen. In policy, civil rights, and civil liberties in
students in the course take.
addition, the course prepares students preparation for the AP exam, which all
Prerequisite: departmental approval.
for the AP exam, which all students in students in the course take. The course
the course take. The course considers Selected Topics provides a detailed examination of the
political, economic, military, and cultural in United States History political landscape of the United States
developments in Europe beginning with Selected Topics is a survey course in and prepares students for government and
the Renaissance. The course uses textbooks United States History specifically designed political science coursework in college
as well as primary and secondary source for English as a Second Language Prerequisite: departmental approval.
materials.m Prerequisite: departmental students. The course develops a deeper
approval. understanding of the core ideals and American Mosaic: Immigration,
philosophies that make up the foundation Ethnicity, and Race in the
United States History of the form of government in the United United States
United States History is a required States and the history that has shaped such
course and may be taken in the 5th or
(fall)
a diverse society. Emphasis is placed on This course is broad introduction to
6th form year. In the fall, the course understanding the major themes, events, American immigration, ethnicity, and
considers revolutionary principles and the and figures in the history of the United race. Reading and class discussions deal
establishment of the republic, emphasizing States. The course engages students to with immigrant life in the old world, the
the principles of Hamiltonian, Jeffersonian, improve their English language skills, with causes and processes of immigration, how
KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018 13these immigrants and their descendants the civil war between Chiang Kai-shek and are Marx, The Communist Manifesto;
interacted with Americans, one another, Mao Tse Tung, Japan’s ruthless occupation McClellan, Russia: The Soviet Period
and changed and adjusted to the new in WWII, Mao’s Cultural Revolution and and After; Koestler, Darkness at Noon;
world. The course covers numerous Great Leap Forward, and China’s evolution and selected readings from Arbatov, The
themes: gender, family, politics, economics, into a world economic power. System; Remnick, Lenin’s Tomb; and
and culture. Ethnicity and race are also Dobbs, Down with Big Brother: The Fall
discussed at length, and addressed as
† 20th Century Capitalism of the Soviet Empire.
powerful social constructs that change over
(fall)
time and space that had and continue to
An inquiry into the recent growth of the † The Modern Middle East
have a significant impact on the historical
United States’ national productivity and (winter)
the perils we have encountered as a nation The goal of the Modern Middle East
experience and identity of various groups.
in arriving at our current level of affluence. is to introduce students to the major
Prerequisite: completion of United States
We first establish basic economic principles intellectual, political, social, and cultural
History
and trace the roots of a free capitalistic issues and practices of the Middle East
† Introduction to society, then emphasize three conceptual from the beginning of the 19th through
International Relations areas: production, distribution, and the 20th century. Many contemporary
(fall) consumption. Texts by Robert Heilbroner conflicts in the Middle East have deep
Introduction to International Relations is and C.J. Pusateri are our primary sources. historic roots that continue to shape
designed to integrate students’ knowledge this dynamic region’s place in our global
† Irish in America
of current events into their historic context understanding. Created from the remains
(winter)
and situate this understanding of global of the Ottoman Empire, states and
As a case study in the history of American
affairs within a body of International societies in the region still struggle to create
immigration and ethnicity, the Irish in
Relations theory. Through the study of an identity separate from the Western
America addresses the history of Irish
international organizations, students imperialism that dominated following
Americans from the seventeenth century
develop their own analyses of events World War I. Looking at the history and
to the present. The course examines the
with the realities of how these events are historiography of this period, we will
dynamic and changing nature of the Irish-
perceived, reacted to and addressed in the focus on important events, movements,
American experience, which encompasses
international arena. Using research papers and ideas that have shaped the Middle
at once, sorrow and happiness, poverty
and presentations, debate, simulations, East through three loosely defined periods
and success, peace and violence, hatred
analysis of news sources and global media, of development: The Ottoman Empire
and acceptance, racism and tolerance,
and international relations theory, this and its Decline, World Wars I & II and
radicalism and conservatism. Students
course challenges students to step outside European Dominance, and Post-Colonial
are required to read from a wide array of
themselves and understand the difficult Independence.
primary and secondary sources in order to
choices world leaders make while forging
address the major themes in Irish-American † Financial Systems of The
their own ideas about how to build a better
history: religion, gender and family, United States
world.
politics, nationalism, and race. (winter)
† China: from Mao to the Present Prerequisite: completion of United States Using economic theory and principles,
(fall) History students will explore the various financial
Chinese History is a term-contained structures of the United States. Topics will
† Soviet Communism
introduction to major themes and trends include: The Federal Reserve, Taxation,
from early Chinese history as they relate (winter)
GDP, and the Financial Markets. Students
to the events of the late nineteenth and Emphasis is placed on the theories of
will also be introduced to financial
twentieth centuries. The course of study Karl Marx and V.I. Lenin and their
planning through the use of various
includes the origin and development implications for classless societies in
investment vehicles.
of Chinese philosophy, the legacy of the 20th century. Soviet Communism
authoritarian rule in the Ming and examines why communism succeeded in
Qing dynasties, the impact of foreign Russia, how it was practiced globally and
domination, the origin and development of why it ultimately failed. Among texts used
14 KENT SCHOOL | 2017-2018Contemporary Issues in the scale, the use of nuclear weapons, and the introduction to the notion of functions.
Middle East triumph of democracy over fascism. The
course offers a general survey of the war
Honors Algebra 1
(spring) As above, but assumes prior experience
The Middle East frequents news headlines as well an exploration of the motivations
with algebra or a high degree of facility
and Hollywood billboards as its internal and strategies of the architects of the war
with pre-algebra mathematics.
dynamics and foreign policy decisions (Hitler, Tojo, Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill
attract the attention of the world. How et al.) as well as the experiences of ordinary Geometry
much do we actually know and can we people affected by it. Geometry aims to advance the ability to
really appreciate this culturally rich and † Global Economics think logically and analytically. Properties
diverse region of the globe? Contemporary of plane and solid geometric objects are
issues in the Middle East examines some
(spring) discovered and verified or deduced. The
Using economic theory and principles,
of the highly debated current issues in the student is taught to supply formal proof of
students will explore various global current
Middle East. Looking at modern history valid propositions and to recognize invalid
events and the impact economics plays
through academic texts and the media, ones. Algebra skill development continues
in decision making. Topics may include:
this course introduces students to major and coordinate geometry is introduced.
Economics and the War on Terror,
political, social, and cultural issues in the Specialized computer software aids
Minimum Wage, How oil rules the world,
region through the study of both its history discovery and visualization.
and the urban struggle – the struggle with
and historiography. Prerequisite: Algebra I.
economic mobility.
† Soldiers, Slaves, and Honors Geometry
Scalawags: A History of the As above, but at an intensive pace and
Civil War Era Mathematics greater depth. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra 1
(spring) The Mathematics Department offers
or strong performance in Algebra I.
This course covers the history of the United appropriate challenges to students from Accelerated Geometry &
States from the Antebellum years a wide range of backgrounds possessing Trigonometry
through the Civil War and Reconstruction. a wide range of interests and skills. At all This selective course is for students
Politics, economics, ideology, and levels, we emphasize reading mathematics, qualified to make rapid progress in a
battlefield events are addressed, but in solving problems, and communicating highly rigorous mathematical setting. The
the context of social history. Since the results. Graphing calculators and computer content of Geometry, described above, is
complexity of the era is often understated, applications are often used in coursework. studied thoroughly. Advanced topics from
the course emphasizes not only “typical” The minimum requirement for graduation algebra and trigonometry are incorporated.
narratives of historical subjects but delves is satisfactory completion of Geometry Investigations employ specialized software
into the lesser known, yet very common and Algebra 2 & Trigonometry, as well as and the Internet. Non-routine problems
groups of the time. The tragic unfolding mathematics through the 5th form year. are an integral part of the course.
of Reconstruction and its long-term effects Students are expected to work at a course Prerequisite: a first course in Algebra and
constitute the latter portion of the course. level commensurate with their ability. All indications of strong mathematical aptitude.
Prerequisite: completion of United States course selections require approval of the
History mathematics department. Algebra 2 & Trigonometry
Like Algebra I, this course stresses basic
† World War II Algebra 1 skills. Essential facts and techniques from
(spring) This course presupposes a working Algebra I are reviewed and the student’s
World War II was the largest global knowledge of the skills necessary to command of skills is strengthened.
conflict in world history. Over 100 million begin algebra, along with a willingness Manipulation of algebraic expressions,
personnel were involved. Approximately to strengthen those skills while learning equation solving, functions and their graphs,
50 to 70 million people died as a direct the fundamentals of algebra. Course complex numbers, exponents, logarithms,
or indirect result of the war. The war content includes operations with algebraic trigonometry, radian measure, sequences
marked three major turning points in expressions, linear equations and inequalities, and series, and probability are studied.
history: genocide on an unprecedented polynomials, quadratic equations, and an Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.
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