Course catalog 2019-2020 - Kent School
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course catalog 2019-2020
2 KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020
Academic Information
Graduation Requirements Course Selection
In order to receive a diploma, a student must meet both the In preparation for a student’s first year at Kent, the Director
credit and the course requirements for graduation. Kent does not of Studies reviews admissions files, placement tests and other
award credit for work done at other schools and so the number materials and consults with new students and their parents to
of credits required for the diploma varies according to the year a develop a plan of courses for each student.
student enters Kent.
During orientation, before the first day of classes, new students
Entering Year Credits Required review their proposed course schedules with faculty advisors.
3rd form 18 In the spring of each year, courses are chosen for the following
4th form 13 year with the advisor’s counsel and reviewed with the Director of
5th form 9 Studies. Parents are advised of the selections and their questions
6th form 4 and comments are invited.
Requests for placement review may be made at any time.
The course load for students is five major courses, with the Placement review is typically collaborative and involves the
required minor courses generally added in the 4th form year. student, parents, advisor and department head. Final program
Each major year-long course counts as 1 credit. authority rests with the Director of Studies.
Each major term-contained course counts as 1/3 credit.
Each minor term-contained course counts as 1/6 credit.
Major Independent Study
The required courses, for which a student must earn credit, are:
• English each year, A student interested in an original project or course of study
not regularly offered by the School may apply to pursue a major
• Language, either classical or modem, through the Kent third independent study. Major independent studies are graded,
year level, for-credit programs conducted under the sponsorship of a
• Mathematics - Geometry and Algebra 2 plus enrollment in faculty member with the approval of the Director of Studies
math through the fifth form year, and the Independent Study Committee. In recent years, many
• Science- a minimum of 2 year-long laboratory sciences, students have completed major independent studies. Topics
include multivariate calculus and its applications to Physics, the
• Theology - a major, term-contained course in the fifth or interpretation of dreams, Etruscan funerary urns, fashion design
sixth form year, and conversational Russian. Applications for major independent
• History- a minimum of two years, one of which must be study require a faculty sponsor, must be approved by the Director
U.S. History in either the fifth or sixth form year, of Studies before the start of the term of intended study and are
• Minor, term-contained courses in art and music, usually granted on merit.
taken in the fourth form year.
Advanced Placement (AP)
A student entering in the third form year must take the New
Student Seminar, a minor term-contained course in study skills. Kent School participates in the College Board Advanced
Placement (AP) program, offering twenty-five different AP
A student entering in the fourth form year must take the New courses. Kent also assists students who choose to pursue other
Student Seminar, a minor term-contained course in study skills AP examinations that are not formally offered. AP curricula are
and Wellness, a minor term-contained course. designed by a national committee of university professors and
The course load for students is five major courses, with the minor high school teachers and cover skills and content typical of a
courses in art and music generally added to the load in the fourth corresponding introductory-level college course. AP teachers are
form year. Please note that courses in theology, art, and music certified by the College Board. The AP exams are administered
taken at a previous school may not be used to satisfy the Kent during the first weeks of May and comprehensively assess
School requirements. the year’s material. All students enrolled in an AP course are
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 | 2019-2020 3Courses at a glance
Art (p.6) † Medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin History (p.12)
‡ Art Survey Ancient and Medieval World History/
† Ecclesiastical Latin
Honors Ancient and Medieval World
† Electives in Art History † Roman Lyric Poetry History
† Architecture † Roman Comedy Modern European History
† Ceramics AP Modern European History
Computer Science (p.10)
† Drawing AP Computer Science Principles United States History
† Oil Painting † Computer Science Principles 1 AP United States History
† Film Photography † Computer Science Principles 2 Selected Topics in
† Advanced Photography United States History
AP Computer Science A
† Digital Imaging AP Economics
English (p.10)
† Sculpture AP United States Government
English 1
and Politics
AP Studio Art Drawing English 2
† American Mosaic: Immigration,
AP Studio Art 2-D English 3 Ethnicity, and Race in the United States
AP Studio Art 3-D Honors English 3 † Introduction to International
Relations
AP English Literature
Classical studies (p.7) † China: From Mao to the Present
Classical Civilization English 4
† 20th Century Capitalism
Greek 1 † The Once and Future King
† Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and
Greek 2 † Playwriting
the Supreme Court
Advanced Greek Studies † Art and Literature
† Irish in America
† Herodotus † The Sixties
† Soviet Communism
† Homeric Epic 1, 2, 3 † Hobbits and Witches and Dwarves -
Oh My! † The Modern Middle East
† The Greek New Testament † Financial Systems of The United States
† The New Yorker
† Aristophanes † Contemporary Issues in the Middle
† Detective Elective
† Euripides East
† The Long Recovery After Disaster
Latin 1 † Soldiers, Slaves, and Scalawags: A
† Why Poetry? History of the Civil War Era
Latin 2
† Sports Writing as a Literary Genre † World War II
Advanced Latin Studies:
† Global Economics
Latin 3 English as a Second
† Honors Latin 3: Cicero language (p.12)
ESL
† Honors Latin 3: Virgil
ESL Literature
AP Latin Vergil and Caesar
† Petronius
4 KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020Mathematics (p.15) Spanish 1/Honors Spanish 1 ◊ Accelerated Physics
Algebra 1 Spanish 2/Honors Spanish 2 ◊ AP Physics C
Honors Algebra 1 Spanish 3/Honors Spanish 3 AP Psychology
Geometry † Spanish 4: Conversation ◊ AP Environmental Science
Honors Geometry AP Spanish Language † ◊ Ecology 1
Accelerated Geometry & Advanced Spanish Literature † Marine Biology
Trigonometry
Russian Language and Culture † ◊ Ecology 2
Algebra 2 & Trigonometry
Italian Language and Culture † Genetics
Honors Algebra 2 & Trigonometry
† ◊ Biotechnology
Accelerated Algebra 2 & Trigonometry Music (p.19) † Human Anatomy
‡ Music Survey
Precalculus with Statistics
† Geology
† Music Theory 1, 2, 3
† Precalculus with Statistics 1, 2, 3
† Pandemics
Applied Music Courses
Honors Precalculus with Statistics
† History of Life on Earth
Private Instrumental or Vocal Lessons
Introduction to Calculus
† Astronomy
‡ Music Technology 1, 2, 3
† Introduction to Calculus 1, 2, 3
† Meterology
Honors Introduction to Calculus Pre-Engineering (p.20)
Accelerated Introduction to Calculus † Manufacturing Engineering
† Structures: Design and Testing Theology (p.23)
Calculus
† Theology
AP Calculus AB † Engineering Design
† Psychology and Religion
AP Calculus BC
Research & academic † Dreams
† Postcalculus 1, 2, 3 skills (p.20) † World Religions
AP Statistics ‡ New Student Seminar 3rd Form
† Philosophy
‡ New Student Seminar 4th Form
Modern Languages (p.17) ‡ wellness (p.24)
Chinese 1 Science (p.21) Wellness
Chinese 2 ◊ Biology 1
Chinese 3 ◊ Honors Biology 1 Non-credit Courses (p.24)
Confirmation
Chinese 4 ◊ AP Biology
Private Instrumental or Vocal Lessons
French 1/Honors French 1 ◊ Chemistry 1
French 2/Honors French 2 ◊ Honors Chemistry 1
French 3/Honors French 3 ◊ Accelerated Chemistry 1
† Indicates a term-contained major course
† French 4: Conversation ◊ AP Chemistry
‡ Indicates a term-contained minor course
AP French Language ◊ Physics 1
◊ Indicates a lab science course
Advanced French Literature ◊ Honors Physics 1
KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020 5Departments & Courses
Art using a variety of media. masterpieces each term. Students create
individually and collaboratively in the
Art is never created in a vacuum; therefore,
† Electives in Art History studio to think deeply about structures
the Art Department supports building (fall, winter, spring) for private or public use. Work from this
inter-disciplinary bridges for and by our This year, we began teaching art history
course could contribute to a student’s
students. Student artwork is exhibited as term contained courses. In the fall,
Advanced Placement 2-D and/or 3-D
throughout the campus to showcase our we traced the origins of art during the
Design portfolio. There is an additional fee
talented students, but also to stimulate prehistoric period through the grandeur
for this course.
dialogue between academic departments. of Hellenistic Greece. In the winter, we
Our students work is exhibited in local and begin investigating the art and architecture † Ceramics
national competitions yearly. of the Roman Empire and conclude our (fall, winter, spring)
discussion with the Renaissance. During Ceramics focuses on the use of the
All studio art courses are term contained; the spring term, we investigate artwork potter’s wheel, but also involves some
therefore, a student may take three from the late Renaissance through the 20th hand-building techniques. Students
different courses in one year. Since the century. are instructed in a range of decoration
syllabi change each term, a student may methods including slip, oxides, and
also elect to take the same class more than If a student wishes to take The College
glaze techniques. Firing techniques and
once. Art Survey is the only minor course Board exam, he/she begins to prepare
physical considerations such as drying
offered in the Art Department and all during the summer and in tandem with
and shrinking problems are also discussed.
Advanced Placement courses (Art History, our classes. Our term contained courses
Work from this course may contribute to a
Drawing, 2-D Design, 3-D Design) require will assist greatly in his/her preparation,
student’s Advanced Placement 3-D Design
at least one year to complete successfully. but since we would not cover all the
portfolio. There is an additional fee for this
Each year several students also complete specific required masterpieces, such a
course.
independent studies to follow their creative student would need to complete additional
inspiration beyond the courses offered research. Once the teacher knows of his/ † Drawing
including fashion design, video, and her ambition, the teacher can also provide (fall, winter, spring)
illustration. To complete an independent additional guidance and support during Drawing is the study of a variety of
study, the student is required to develop a conference periods. techniques within the context of still
clear concept for approval. By the end of a In addition to the western canon, the art life, portraiture, and landscape. A wide
term, independent study students complete of several nonwestern cultures and regions range of aesthetic challenges inherent in
a portfolio consisting of four to eight including; the Aboriginal, Navajo, Sepik drawing or “work on paper” are considered.
coherent pieces. River Tribe, and the Islamic world are Representational study, the work of
considered. “Art Across Time”, by Dr. historical periods, and abstract concepts
‡ Art Survey Laurie Schneider-Adams and Jansen’s inspire class projects. Each student keeps a
(fall, winter, spring) “History of Art” serve as our texts, but sketchbook for his/her research. Students
Art Survey is the only art class required students also reference numerous museum learn to use a wide range of traditional and
for the Kent School diploma. We have web sites and several art monographs in contemporary drawing media including;
designed this minor course to introduce The John Gray Park Library throughout graphite, watercolor, ink, charcoal, colored
students to the basic tenets of visual art the year. In addition, students take two pencil, Xerox-transfer, and collage. Work
including: two and three-dimensional trips to major museums in New York to created in this class can contribute to a
studio projects, independent and enhance their classroom experience. There student’s Advanced Placement Drawing
collaborative work, and art history as an is no fee for this course portfolio. There is an additional fee for this
inspiration for studio assignments. In course.
addition to specific class projects, each
† Architecture
(fall, winter, spring)
† Oil Painting
student is required to complete a sketch
folder. The sketch folder serves as the Architecture is a study of perspective (fall, winter, spring)
drawing and the construction of models. This class probes the techniques and
backbone of the class because within
The course reflects the dynamic nature of materials of oil painting within the context
its pages each student completes several
contemporary architecture and design, but of still life, portraiture, and landscape.
research, drawing, and design assignments
also investigates numerous architectural Students also explore color as a means of
6 KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020artistic expression, and they are encouraged Introduction to Photography. AP Studio Art
to complete oil sketches and monotypes
† Digital Imaging (Drawing, 2-D, 3-D)
to stimulate their creative process. Topics This college foundation course prepares
include; color theory, the importance (fall, winter)
students to submit a portfolio to the
of drawing, design issues with color, Digital Imaging teaches students how
College Board by taking three major
developing ideas for painting, abstraction, to use a digital camera and manipulate
classes. A total of 20-29 artworks are
and contemporary approaches to painting. their files using the Adobe Creative Suite.
required to fulfill the three separate sections
Various historical periods serve as direct Students explore the digital image and
of the portfolio--Quality, Concentration,
inspiration for class assignments, and an digital capture while expanding their
and Breadth, and a student may begin
“apprenticeships with a master” may also understanding of the use of computers in
the process during the winter term of the
be part of the term of study. Each student imaging. Since the computer has become
5th form year. Independent study is also
keeps a sketchbook of research to help an important tool for the design and the
required during the summer following
develop ideas for his/her paintings. Work manipulation of images, the process’ instant
the 5th form year to complete at least four
created in this class can contribute to a results help to increase the rate of learning.
finished pieces. It is also advantageous,
student’s Advanced Placement Drawing Work created in this class can contribute
although not required, to work on the
portfolio. There is an additional fee for this to a student’s Advanced Placement 2-D
portfolio during one term in the afternoon
course. Design portfolio. There is an additional
during Art Deca. There is an additional fee
fee for this course. Prerequisite: Advanced
for this course.
† Film Photography Photography, departmental approval
(fall, winter, spring)
If a student is interested in photography,
† Sculpture
we recommend starting with film and (fall, winter, spring) Classical Studies
a manual camera. Not only is film still This course addresses the inclusive nature
Classical Studies at Kent are designed to
relevant for fine art photography, but of contemporary sculpture and 3-D design.
acquaint students with the most salient
studying film first will improve a student’s Traditional and innovative materials and
and lasting characteristics of Greek and
digital images. Some students choose techniques are explored. Students may
Roman civilization. Latin is not, because
to work in film through the Advanced create small studio pieces and/or large
it was not, a prerequisite for the study of
Placement level, but others transition into earthworks set in the landscape; students
Greek. A student may choose a program
digital images after the completion of one may work independently or collaboratively
in either area. Each year several students
term. to create their sculptures. Topics vary
elect to take courses in both languages. We
each term and have included: ceramic
approach the elements of the two languages
† Advanced Photography sculpture, portraiture, earthworks, site-
through a combination of modern
(fall, winter, spring) based installation, modular constructions,
linguistic techniques and traditional rigor.
This course involves refining the skill of relief sculptures, and mobiles. The
We place equal emphasis on the unique
black and white photography. Students curriculum recognizes the broad definition
and intrinsic merits of literary works,
are instructed in the use of 35mm, mid- of contemporary sculpture, and students
and on their role as the source of later
format, and digital cameras. Advanced are required to view art monographs,
Western literature. A full program of
Photography also guides students in magazines, and websites to inspire their
visual instruction is offered, in order to
refining printing techniques using filters, creative process. We use of a wide range of
relate literature to its attendant art and
fiber paper, and toning. By the end of the materials each term including: clay, wire,
architecture. Special attention is paid to the
term, each student submits a portfolio and paper, cardboard, fabric, plastic, wood,
wide range of classical mythology.
has learned to discuss his/her imagery with aluminum, and found objects. Work
confidence. Finally, depending on student’s created in this class can contribute to a Classical Civilization
interest, negatives or prints may be altered student’s Advanced Placement 3-D Design Classical Civilization is year-long course
with the use of digital technologies. The portfolio. There is an additional fee for this that combines lectures on Greek and
work created in this class may contribute course. Roman history with extensive reading
to a student’s Advanced Placement 2-D and discussion of the major stories of
Design portfolio. There is an additional fee classical mythology. The art, science,
for this course. Prerequisite: two terms of and philosophy of the ancient world are
KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020 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)
† Aristophanes
history, culture, mythology, and daily 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 through reading, writing, and conversation.
† Homeric Epic 3
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
paid to questions of structure: for instance, Latin 2
courses (author and work) may vary from
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 | 2019-2020mythology during the second half of the † Honors Latin 3: Cicero entirety, along with other fragments of the
year. The texts for the course include Edith (winter) Satyricon in English. The course focuses on
Hamilton, Mythology, and Ritchie, Fabulae Students read Cicero’s First Oration the development of satire within ancient
Faciles. Prerequisite: Latin 1 against the conspirator Catiline and study social, political, and historical contexts and
in depth the political and social events examines the role of “novel” literature in
Advanced Latin Studies
of the late Roman Republic. Background the history of Western civilization.
To continue the study of Latin beyond
readings include selections from Sallust
Latin 2, the curriculum divides into two † Medieval and
in translation. Prerequisite: Latin 2,
tracks: the Honors sequence is primarily
departmental approval.
Ecclesiastical Latin
for future AP candidates but is open to (winter)
6th formers on a term-contained basis † Honors Latin 3: Virgil Medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin
with permission of the department and (spring) examines sacred and secular Latin texts
the Studies Office. The “regular” track is Students read selections from Book II from the Middle Ages, when Latin was
a third-year course for completion of the of Virgil’s Aeneid (the “Fall of Troy”) a living language of scholarship and
language requirement. Beyond the third primarily as an introduction to Roman communication throughout Western
year we offer two more years of instruction culture and mythology, though some Europe. Texts studied include selections
in Latin: a full-year AP course, AP Latin attention is paid to the literary techniques from the Latin Vulgate, the tenth-century
Virgil, and an alternative course which of Virgilian epic. Facility in the reading of Colloquy of Aelfric in Latin and Old English
can be broken into term-contained units Latin poetry is emphasized. Prerequisite: and the Roman Missal. Attention is given
for the convenience of the student. Most Latin 2, departmental approval. to the art and technique of medieval
underformers completing the regular Latin illuminated manuscripts and to musical
3 course enroll in the term-contained
† AP Latin Vergil and Caesar
settings of the Mass by Palestrina, Bach,
sequence, though promotion to AP work The Advanced Placement Latin course
Mozart, and other composers.
is possible. Underformers who have offers students the opportunity to read,
completed the AP course are welcome to analyze and gain an appreciation for † Roman Lyric Poetry
enroll in our term-contained offerings. Golden Age Latin poetry and prose (spring)
Some underformers completing the term- through the works of Vergil’s Aeneid and Roman lyric poetry through close reading
contained sequence are candidates for AP Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico of selections from Catullus and Horace is
work the following year. Latin readings include (but are not limited examined in this course. The Greek lyric
to) selections from Books 1, 2, 4 and 6 background is treated fully. Special topics
Latin 3 of The Aeneid and Books 1, 4, 5 and 6 of include the emergence of a true love lyric,
(fall, winter, spring) Commentarii de Bello Gallico. Additional the use of word order in Latin poetry and
Latin 3 begins with a thorough review of readings in English of both works is the structure of the lyric poem.
grammar and vocabulary. By the end of required, with a view toward recognition
the fall term, the course focuses on the of themes, central characters and key † Roman Comedy
reading of Latin prose. The winter term ideas. Period tests will require students to (spring)
features the reading of heroic legends in translate familiar and unfamiliar passages Through close reading of one comedy by
Latin and a thorough study of Greek and as literally as possible, identify passages in either Terence or Plautus we examine the
Roman myths by way of Edith Hamilton’s context and analyze and comment upon nature of Roman comedy. Several other
Mythology. The goal of this course is to content with respect to style, rhetorical comedies, both Greek and Roman, are
prepare students for selected readings from aspects and theme. Departmental read in translation to afford a view of the
a Roman author during the spring term. permission is required. development of this genre in the ancient
In recent years these authors have included world.
Cicero and Virgil. Prerequisite: Latin 2,
† Petronius
departmental approval. (fall)
Petronius examines Roman life during
the reign of the emperor Nero through a
comprehensive study of Petronian satire.
Students read the Cena Trimalchionis in its
KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020 9Computer Science † Computer Science Principles 2 the placement of every student at the end
See course description for AP Computer of every year to make sure each is in the
Computer Science offerings impart the Science Principles, above. right course, so some move into honors
knowledge and skills necessary for students Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles 1 sections, and some out.
to participate in the digital revolution that
defines the current and future generations. AP Computer Science A English 1
Students in these courses develop This course prepares for the AP Computer English 1 invites students to develop
algorithmic thinking and problem-solving Science A exam. Problem-solving their reading and writing skills in a
skills while experiencing the collaborative applications are the focus for studies collaborative classroom environment. By
and creative nature of the discipline. The of iterative and recursive algorithms. reading and discussing works of various
courses offer introductions to a broad Techniques for updating, sorting, and genres (Macbeth and The Odyssey, along
range of topics in computer science, searching both static and dynamic data with a variety of poetry, plays, novels,
including programming, algorithms, data structures are investigated. Programs are short stories, and essays), students develop
structures, and abstraction. Students may written in Java. Emphasis is placed on analytical abilities essential to their careers
also independently pursue specialized program style and documentation as well at Kent at beyond. Through both critical
computer science interests under faculty as correctness. All students take the AP and creative written responses, as well as
guidance. Courses assume no prior Computer Science A exam. Prerequisite: instruction in grammar and mechanics,
experience with the subject. Mathematics departmental approval. students learn to share their ideas in
writing that is effective, persuasive, and
AP Computer Science engaging. Honors-level sections of English
Principles English 1 are offered each year; departmental
AP Computer Science Principles permission is required.
introduces students to seven big ideas of English is a required subject in each year
computer science: creativity, abstraction, of a student’s career at Kent. The English English 2
data and information, algorithms, Department has two primary aims, which By carefully analyzing works of British
programming, The Internet, and global depend upon and support one another. Literature (including The Tempest, Paradise
impact. It is a project-based course built One, we want students to become avid, Lost, and Frankenstein, as well as Romantic,
around Android app development, perceptive readers. To that end, we teach Victorian, and modern poetry), English
discussion, and collaboration. Students will the means of understanding a range of 2 students discover what literature reveals
develop technological and computational texts from several different genres, both about our humanity and the contemporary
thinking skills useful for solving problems contemporary and classic, so that students age. Through both critical and creative
across a variety of disciplines. Individual might be “conscious…of what is already written responses, as well as continued
digital portfolios will be created and living” (T.S. Eliot). We also continually instruction in grammar and mechanics,
submitted to the College Board as a part encourage students to read work we students learn to share their own ideas in
of the AP course evaluation, in addition love during the school year and during writing that is effective, persuasive, and
to the traditional sit-down exam in May. vacations. Two, and of equal importance, engaging. Honors-level sections of English
Students may take the first units of the we challenge students to express themselves 2 are offered each year; departmental
course as a fall term-contained elective with grace and clarity in many settings, permission is required
(Computer Science Principles 1) and including during class discussions. The
critical essay is the main focus of writing
English 3
subsequently a second set of units as a
English 3 students read a variety of
winter term-contained elective (Computer instruction, but we also emphasize
American literature (including The
Science Principles 2). Students taking the expression in personal narratives, fiction,
Underground Railroad, The Things They
term-contained electives will not submit a and poetry.
Carried, The Great Gatsby and a selection
digital portfolio to the College Board or sit
AP and honors sections expect you to have of narratives, short fiction, plays, essays,
for the AP exam.
already developed critical perceptiveness and poems) in order to develop a broad
† Computer Science Principles 1 and a graceful prose style. They are understanding of American voices and
See course description for AP Computer for those students who readily see the perspectives. Through both critical and
Science Principles, above. connections between a text’s form and creative responses, English 3 students will
content. The English department reviews build upon the skills developed in earlier
10 KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020classes to express their ideas in writing also consider the role of fantasy literature † The Sixties
that is effective, persuasive, and engaging. as both an escape from and an engagement In this course we will explore the dynamic
Honors-level sections of English 3 are with the difficult questions of modern cultural milieu of the 1960s through
offered each year; departmental permission society. representative literature, music, and
is required. cinema. Texts will include Tom Wolfe’s
† Playwriting
Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and the New
AP English Literature Experience the excitement of seeing your
Yorker Magazine’s The 60s: The Story of a
AP English Literature is an advanced AP written work come to life! Students in
Decade.
English Literature is an advanced course this class will write short original plays,
in both critical analysis and style. Students using Louis E. Catron’s seminal text † Contemporary Short Fiction
read a wide range of literature, including Playwriting as a constant companion and In this course, students will read and
Greek, Shakespearean, and modern guide. Students will develop their work examine a sampling of contemporary
drama, novels, essays, and poetry, and in class through weekly presentations of American short stories as they work to
write frequent essays in multiple formats their newest scenes, and will revise their better understand the elements of short
analyzing those texts. The course aims at plays based on both peer and instructor fiction writing. Students will write several
a successful undertaking of the AP exam criticism. All students will seek to finish original short stories in a workshop setting
in English Literature and Composition the semester with polished, dramatically in an effort to showcase their grasp of the
offered by the College Board. sound works. We will end the term with aforementioned elements, including but
Prerequisite: departmental approval. in-class readings of the completed plays. not limited to plot, character, setting and
point of view. The term will culminate
English 4 † Art and Literature
with students revising and compile their
All sixth-formers not enrolled in AP What do the visual arts have in common
completed stories into a portfolio for
English Literature (described above) with the literary arts? How do the visual
submission.
begin the year with a fall term course that arts and literary arts complement and
encourages students to develop their own influence one another? How can one † Hobbits and Witches and
authentic written voice. Using the summer convey experience through images and Dwarves - Oh My!
reading, The Art of Loneliness by Marina words? By looking at literature inspired Fantasy novels purportedly take us out of
Keegan, as model and inspiration, students by paintings, sculpture, and other art our world, but often they intend to make a
will workshop and revise personal and forms and by writing about visual statement about our very own problematic
college essays. Students will then read a art forms, students will explore these or mundane world. We will read the first
variety of texts to examine how different questions and more. Students may also book of two different fantasy series (leaving
authors, from Shakespeare to David Foster be asked to draw, depict, or otherwise it up to you to read the rest, if you so
Wallace, have addressed the development make manifest what the readings bring choose!). What similarities can we identify
of identity and the human desire to to mind. Major assignments will include between the worlds of the novels and our
understand the self in relationship to the an analytical paper on a painting or own? What similarities between the authors
world and others. In the winter and spring sculpture, a multimedia project, and and their intentions or inspiration? For the
terms, English 4 students can choose from various other responses to the course two main authors, questions about faith
a variety of elective courses (open also to materials. Readings will be drawn from will also be considered. Assignments will
AP English Literature students). A list of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of include analytical comparisons, reviews of
courses offered last year follows: Experience, Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, film adaptations, and an attempt to create
and Terrance Hayes’s How to be Drawn. a short fantasy story of your own. Texts:
† The Once and Future King Readings will be supplemented with The Fellowship of the Ring (J.R.R. Tolkien),
We will read T.H. White’s adaptation of images and video, including parts of John The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
the Arthurian legend for the twentieth Berger’s documentary Ways of Seeing. (C.S. Lewis), and assorted short stories and
century, written against the backdrop Students should leave this class with a poems.
of the second world war. Round-table better understanding of and a greater
discussions will include chivalry, justice, appreciation for the many ways we see,
the role of government, and relationship experience, and interpret the world.
of humans to the natural world. We will
KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020 11The New Yorker except for the victims. In this class we will English as a second
The sole text for the term will be a consider how writers imagine post-disaster language
subscription to the literary and current spaces during the long, slow recovery.
events magazine, The New Yorker. Each What happens when victims return to their The English as a Second Language program
week, students will read all components destroyed communities? How do local (ESL) comprises two courses, ESL and ESL
of the magazine: political, sociological, communities reconstruct their lives? How Literature (note: there is an additional fee
and scientific reporting, criticism, fiction, do victims understand their relationships for this course). Students are assigned to
and humor. Discussion and analysis of to place after such destruction? We will one or both courses as required, following
the articles will focus on the content but primarily focus on Hurricane Katrina and a placement test at the beginning of the
also the structure and writing techniques 9/11, and our primary texts will be Zone academic year.
employed. At the end of the course, One by Colson Whitehead and A.D.: New
ESL
students will create their own individual Orleans After the Deluge by Josh Neufeld.
The two levels of ESL stress the acquisition
versions of the magazine, but with a of academic language skills through reading,
focus on content that appeals to the Kent † Why Poetry? writing, listening, and speaking.
community: an interview with a member This course will acquaint students with
of the thirds hockey, a review of the One a handful of poets publishing in the past ESL Literature
Acts, or an investigation into the history of hundred years or so, including Sherman The two levels of ESL Literature provide
the bell tower, for example. Text: 12-week Alexie, Elizabeth Bishop, e. e. cummings, an introduction to works of British and
subscription to The New Yorker (print and Robert Frost, Louise Gluck, Seamus American literature. In these courses,
digital). Heaney, Philip Larkin, Denise Levertov, students become familiar with the basic
Sharon Olds, Mary Oliver, and Richard elements of critical analysis through readings
† Detective Elective Wilbur, among others. Our goal will be of, and written response to, novels, short
This spring English elective is for those enjoyment as well as edification. Text: stories, poetry, essays, and plays. There is an
interested in uncovering some of literature’s Matthew Zapruder’s Why Poetry. additional fee for this course.
greatest capers, puzzles, and mysteries.
† Sports Writing as a Literary
As a class, we will conduct research and
discuss some of the world’s most famous Genre History
unsolved “whodunits” and examine several The best sports writing is more than a box
score and trying to make something out History is the record of a nation or a
controversial court cases. We will explore community’s heritage and environment
the “genre” through class discussions, of the cryptic and evasive comments of a
paranoid coach. The best sports writing and the development of political, social,
creative and analytical writing assignments, and economic institutions. The History
movie viewings, and a forensics lab. Major includes all the elements of the human
condition: ambition, disappointment, program at Kent explores epochs in which
texts will include Agatha Christie’s And extraordinary activity and intellectual
Then There Were None, short stories written jealousy, deception, and betrayal. It also
employs some of the devices of great ferment created spirit, enterprise, and
by Dashiell Hammett, and excerpts from advancement in human development.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes literary fiction and non-fiction – strong
characters, conflict, and suspense. In this The History Department encourages a
anthology. Students will also analyze a healthy skepticism by stressing the many
Hitchcock film and watch episodes of Law course, we will study some of the best sports
writing of the past and present. Course sides of each historical question and
and Order teaches students to extract the significant
texts will include The Best American Sports
† The Long Recovery After Writing 2018 and The Only Game in Town: information from readings in primary
and secondary sources. Students learn to
Disaster Sportswriting in the New Yorker. Students
will be asked to write in a variety of sports- synthesize data into meaningful hypotheses
Disasters grab the world’s attention by the
related modes from the game recap to the from which they can express ideas clearly
sheer scale of their destruction. The 21st
sports profile to the opinion piece. For in discussion, examination, and extended
century has seen a rise in the number of
sports and non-sports fans alike, if you research. The term-contained History
disasters, and news cycles move so quickly
appreciate idiosyncratic characters, drama, electives below are generally taken in the
from one catastrophe to another that long-
and good writing, this may be the class for you. 6th form.
term issues of recovery are largely ignored...
12 KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020Ancient and Medieval United States History of the form of government in the United
World History / Honors Ancient United States History is a required States and the history that has shaped such
Ancient and Medieval World course and may be taken in the 5th or a diverse society. Emphasis is placed on
History 6th form year. In the fall, the course understanding the major themes, events,
Designed for new 3rd and 4th formers, considers revolutionary principles and the and figures in the history of the United
Ancient and Medieval World History establishment of the republic, emphasizing States. The course engages students to
introduces students to the major the principles of Hamiltonian, Jeffersonian, improve their English language skills, with
civilizations of the Ancient Western World and Jacksonian democracy. It also examines focus placed on written assignments and
and Medieval Europe. Students examine manifest destiny, slavery, and states’ classroom discussions.
the economic, social, political, and cultural rights. During the winter term, the course
AP Economics
history of these major civilizations while examines four distinct domestic epochs: the
AP Economics is a study of the principles
exploring their lasting influence on Civil War and Reconstruction, the Gilded
of both micro and macro economics. The
us today. The course provides a sound Age and Populism, Progressivism, and
goal of the course is to achieve a working
background for future history courses, World War I. Readings focus on domestic
knowledge of the problems and issues in
especially Modern European History and and foreign policy during these periods. In
the economy of the United States. Among
AP Modern European History. the spring term, analysis of the shaping and
the concepts covered are: the ways in
conduct of domestic and foreign policy
Modern European History which land, labor, and capital (the factors
focuses on the 1920s and the beginning of
The study of political and cultural of production) contribute to the growth
the Great Depression, the New Deal, the
developments since the Renaissance. and operation of a market economy,
Cold War Years, the liberal reform decades
Students are exposed to concepts such as the ways in which supply and demand
of the 1960s and 1970s and the conservative
the nature of power, nationalism, mass affect price and output levels of goods,
retrenchment of the 1980s and 1990s.
movements, republicanism, Marxism, the ways in which government policies
Specific emphasis is placed on themes such
propaganda, and the origins and alter the natural working of the market,
as government regulation of the economy,
consequences of a totalitarian state. In and how international factors influence a
civil rights, neutrality, balance of power,
addition, their skills in the use of historical nation’s domestic economic conditions. All
collective security, and the United States’
evidence in essay writing are developed. students in the course take the AP exam.
role in Central and South America.
The course uses textbooks as well as Prerequisite: departmental approval.
primary and secondary source materials. AP United States History AP United States Government
AP United States History is a year-
AP Modern European History and Politics
long course which focuses on selected
AP Modern European History is designed Offered to 5th and 6th formers who
individuals and groups, their ideas and
to stimulate and challenge 4th, 5th, and have met their United States History
the political, social, and economic effects
6th form students. The course strives to requirement, AP U.S. Government and
of their thinking. The course is intended
improve analytical skills by demonstrating Politics is a year-long study of varied
to develop skill in the use of evidence and
that history is a series of interpretations themes such as Constitutional history,
in writing essays as a means of analyzing
as well as the study of the ongoing political beliefs, political parties, interest
the American past. The course prepares
relationship between cause and effect. groups, governmental institutions, public
students to sit for the AP exam, which all
Students learn to think about history, policy, civil rights, and civil liberties in
students in the course take.
what it is, what it means, and why events preparation for the AP exam, which all
Prerequisite: departmental approval.
happen. In addition, the course prepares students in the course take. The course
students for the AP exam, which all Selected Topics provides a detailed examination of the
students in the course take. The course in United States History political landscape of the United States
considers political, economic, military, and Selected Topics is a survey course in and prepares students for government and
cultural developments in Europe beginning United States History specifically designed political science coursework in college
with the Renaissance. The course uses for English as a Second Language Prerequisite: departmental approval.
textbooks as well as primary and secondary students. The course develops a deeper
source materials. Prerequisite: departmental understanding of the core ideals and
approval. philosophies that make up the foundation
KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020 13American Mosaic: † China: from Mao to the Present † Irish in America
Immigration, Ethnicity, and (fall) (winter)
Race in the United States Chinese History is a term-contained As a case study in the history of American
(fall) introduction to major themes and trends immigration and ethnicity, the Irish in
This course is broad introduction to from early Chinese history as they relate America addresses the history of Irish
American immigration, ethnicity, and to the events of the late nineteenth and Americans from the seventeenth century
race. Reading and class discussions deal twentieth centuries. The course of study to the present. The course examines the
with immigrant life in the old world, the includes the origin and development dynamic and changing nature of the Irish-
causes and processes of immigration, how of Chinese philosophy, the legacy of American experience, which encompasses
these immigrants and their descendants authoritarian rule in the Ming and at once, sorrow and happiness, poverty
interacted with Americans, one another, Qing dynasties, the impact of foreign and success, peace and violence, hatred
and changed and adjusted to the new domination, the origin and development of and acceptance, racism and tolerance,
world. The course covers numerous the civil war between Chiang Kai-shek and radicalism and conservatism. Students
themes: gender, family, politics, economics, Mao Tse Tung, Japan’s ruthless occupation are required to read from a wide array of
and culture. Ethnicity and race are also in WWII, Mao’s Cultural Revolution and primary and secondary sources in order to
discussed at length, and addressed as Great Leap Forward, and China’s evolution address the major themes in Irish-American
powerful social constructs that change over into a world economic power. history: religion, gender and family,
time and space that had and continue to politics, nationalism, and race.
† 20th Century Capitalism Prerequisite: completion of United States
have a significant impact on the historical
(fall) History
experience and identity of various groups.
This course is a historical examination of
Prerequisite: completion of United States
the development of the economic system of † Soviet Communism
History
the United States. We first establish basic (winter)
† Introduction to economic principles and trace the roots of Emphasis is placed on the theories of
a free capitalistic society, then emphasize
International Relations Karl Marx and V.I. Lenin and their
three conceptual areas: production, implications for classless societies in
(fall)
Introduction to International Relations is distribution, and consumption. That is the 20th century. Soviet Communism
designed to integrate students’ knowledge followed by an inquiry into the recent examines why communism succeeded in
of current events into their historic context growth of the United States’ national Russia, how it was practiced globally and
and situate this understanding of global productivity and the perils we have why it ultimately failed. Among texts used
affairs within a body of International encountered as a nation in arriving at our are Marx, The Communist Manifesto;
Relations theory. Through the study of current level of affluence. McClellan, Russia: The Soviet Period
international organizations, students Constitutional Law: Civil and After; Koestler, Darkness at Noon;
develop their own analyses of events and selected readings from Arbatov, The
Rights and the Supreme
with the realities of how these events are System; Remnick, Lenin’s Tomb; and
Court
perceived, reacted to and addressed in the Dobbs, Down with Big Brother: The Fall
(winter) of the Soviet Empire.
international arena. Using research papers
This course focuses on the evolving
and presentations, debate, simulations, † The Modern Middle East
importance of the United States
analysis of news sources and global media,
and international relations theory, this
Constitution and the Supreme Court in (winter)
delineating the civil rights of minority The goal of the Modern Middle East
course challenges students to step outside
groups and protected classes in America is to introduce students to the major
themselves and understand the difficult
and in developing a more egalitarian, intellectual, political, social, and cultural
choices world leaders make while forging
integrated society. Students will research, issues and practices of the Middle East
their own ideas about how to build a better
prepare legal briefs and consider current from the beginning of the 19th through
world.
Supreme Court cases. Readings will be the 20th century. Many contemporary
drawn from case law and related materials. conflicts in the Middle East have deep
Prerequisite: completion of United States History historic roots that continue to shape
14 KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020this dynamic region’s place in our global † Soldiers, Slaves, and Mathematics
understanding. Created from the remains Scalawags: A History of the
of the Ottoman Empire, states and The Mathematics Department offers
Civil War Era
societies in the region still struggle to create appropriate challenges to students from
(spring) a wide range of backgrounds possessing
an identity separate from the Western This course covers the history of the United
imperialism that dominated following a wide range of interests and skills. At all
States from the Antebellum years
World War I. Looking at the history and levels, we emphasize reading mathematics,
through the Civil War and Reconstruction.
historiography of this period, we will solving problems, and communicating
Politics, economics, ideology, and
focus on important events, movements, results. Graphing calculators and computer
battlefield events are addressed, but in
and ideas that have shaped the Middle applications are often used in coursework.
the context of social history. Since the
East through three loosely defined periods The minimum requirement for graduation
complexity of the era is often understated,
of development: The Ottoman Empire is satisfactory completion of Geometry
the course emphasizes not only “typical”
and its Decline, World Wars I & II and and Algebra 2 & Trigonometry, as well as
narratives of historical subjects but delves
European Dominance, and Post-Colonial mathematics through the 5th form year.
into the lesser known, yet very common
Independence. Students are expected to work at a course
groups of the time. The tragic unfolding
level commensurate with their ability. All
† Financial Systems of The of Reconstruction and its long-term effects
course selections require approval of the
constitute the latter portion of the course.
United States mathematics department.
Prerequisite: completion of United States
(winter)
History Algebra 1
Using economic theory and principles,
This course presupposes a working
students will explore the various financial † World War II
knowledge of the skills necessary to
structures of the United States. Topics will (spring) begin algebra, along with a willingness
include: The Federal Reserve, Taxation,
World War II was the largest global to strengthen those skills while learning
GDP, and the Financial Markets. Students
conflict in world history. Over 100 million the fundamentals of algebra. Course
will also be introduced to financial
personnel were involved. Approximately content includes operations with algebraic
planning through the use of various
50 to 70 million people died as a direct expressions, linear equations and inequalities,
investment vehicles.
or indirect result of the war. The war polynomials, quadratic equations, and an
Contemporary Issues in the marked three major turning points in introduction to the notion of functions.
Middle East history: genocide on an unprecedented
Honors Algebra 1
(spring) scale, the use of nuclear weapons, and the
As above, but assumes prior experience
The Middle East frequents news headlines triumph of democracy over fascism. The
with algebra or a high degree of facility
and Hollywood billboards as its internal course offers a general survey of the war
with pre-algebra mathematics.
dynamics and foreign policy decisions as well an exploration of the motivations
attract the attention of the world. How and strategies of the architects of the war Geometry
much do we actually know and can we (Hitler, Tojo, Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill Geometry aims to advance the ability to
really appreciate this culturally rich and et al.) as well as the experiences of ordinary think logically and analytically. Properties
diverse region of the globe? Contemporary people affected by it. of plane and solid geometric objects are
issues in the Middle East examines some discovered and verified or deduced. The
† Global Economics
of the highly debated current issues in the student is taught to supply formal proof of
(spring) valid propositions and to recognize invalid
Middle East. Looking at modern history
Using economic theory and principles, ones. Algebra skill development continues
through academic texts and the media,
students will explore various global current and coordinate geometry is introduced.
this course introduces students to major
events and the impact economics plays Specialized computer software aids
political, social, and cultural issues in the
in decision making. Topics may include: discovery and visualization.
region through the study of both its history
Economics and the War on Terror, Prerequisite: Algebra I.
and historiography.
Minimum Wage, How oil rules the world,
and the urban struggle – the struggle with
economic mobility.
KENT SCHOOL | 2019-2020 15You can also read
