Courses within the newly established and comprehensive Department of Science, Math, and Technology help students develop logical thinking in order to understand the world around them. Courses center around developing students' thinking and problem solving.
These three disciplines, like any art form, are each comprised of a coherent and precise language, with its own logic, rules, and beauty. Through carefully tailored and differentiated curriculum, Academy students are inspired, challenged, and encouraged, regardless of ability, to obtain excellence and satisfaction in their work. The courses emphasize disciplined experimentation and encourage intellectual risks and creativity.
The mathematics courses range from algebra to BC calculus, with numerous AP and honors offerings. Each student will graduate having at least one course in biology, chemistry, and physics. There are also a variety of science and technology electives. The collaboration between all three of these disciplines provides students with a cohesive, consistent education that allows for deep and rich cross-curricular experiences.
Science, Math, and Technology Department Courses
American Literature is a survey course that introduces students to a range of the best and most seminal works of literature of various forms and genres and from various historical contexts and literary movements in American culture. This course will build upon the methods of literary analysis introduced in Freshman English in order to provide students with the necessary tools for more complex written analysis. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the form-content relationship in order to make cogent arguments about the literature studied.
Analysis and Composition is designed to advance students' skills in The Academy's "what-how-why" methodology by incorporating non-fictive texts to introduce critical themes in two specific literary subjects. Through two quarter long units, Analysis and Composition investigates Justice and Sexual Identity through critical essays, drama, works of fiction, films, and graphic novels to locate salient themes, convergent and divergent understandings, and work towards complex, synthetic interpretations regarding justice, the state, and ethics, as well as sexual discourse and expression.
Algebra I provides students with the time and focus needed to develop fundamental ways of thinking mathematically. Students will engage with ideas and problems as preparation for moving from concrete problem solving to abstractions and general theories. Topics covered include but are not limited to: the Real Number System, absolute value, equations and inequalities, graphing, linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, radicals, and rational expressions.
Ballet classes presuppose a beginning knowledge of the technique. They foster strength, balance, and dexterity. At the barre, traditional exercises condition and prepare the musculature to anticipate the execution of virtually all movements of the classical vocabulary. The nature of the exercises allows students to widen their personal range of motion. The concepts learned at the barre are tested in the center through the adagio (lyrical quality, balance), and allegro (small and big jumps) components of the lesson. The knowledge and dexterity acquired in Ballet C are applied to more challenging usage of the exercises and center floor combinations for levels B and A.
Jazz classes are based in ballet technique with heavy reliance on the combination of African and modern dance idioms. All exercises stress central strength, with an emphasis on expressiveness through the torso, the isolation of the head, shoulders, rib cage and hips. Rhythmic patterns, dynamic variations, and strong and subtle qualities of movement are explored. Dancers are given combinations that are challenging at their level, depending on their level of technique.
Modern classes introduce the concepts of movement used in Martha Graham Technique. Strength is fostered through floor-work exercises designed to teach the initiation of movement from the back and lower spine. Flexibility is increased through a variety of stretching components within the exercises. The forms and patterns learned in floor work are applied to center work and to combinations across the floor. Movement and principles learned in level C (beginning) are furthered explored in B (intermediate) and A (advanced) classes. Accuracy and dexterity are emphasized. The complexity of movement increases as students become familiar with the Graham vocabulary.
Dance Composition enables students to explore their individual creativity. Through compositional studies, students learn to articulate and communicate ideas, as well as to analyze and to critically evaluate movement. Students will gain the ability to compose short movement phrases as well as more lengthy compositions that will be performed at the Senior Choreographed Dance Concert. Dance Composition is taken by students during their junior and senior years.
Students will learn and practice animation techniques guided by the study of the 12 Principles of Animation. As skills develop, they will investigate more experimental techniques. By exploring the animation process, students will create smaller works from flip books to motion graphics.
Chamber performance ensemble focuses on developing individual musicianship through a small group setting. Students will work on specific repertoire with an ensemble coach while developing note reading skills, intonation, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, and balance. Ensembles will study individual and group practice and rehearsal techniques, interpretive and stylistic decisions as an ensemble, and performance skills.
Honors Algebra I builds upon the knowledge students have gained in previous classes and lays the foundations for rigorous mathematical studies. Topics are covered at an advanced pace and include but are not limited to: the Real Number System, absolute value, equations and inequalities, graphing, linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, radicals, and rational expressions.
Algebra II extends and builds upon concepts learned in Algebra 1 in order to improve problem-solving skills. Algebra 2 continues the study of algebra with a focus on the analysis of functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Emphasis will be made on solving, graphing, transforming, and modeling these functions.
Honors Algebra 2 continues the rigorous study of algebra at an advanced pace with a focus on the analysis of functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Emphasis is made on solving, graphing, transforming, and modeling these functions.
Geometry introduces students to the basic principles of Euclidean geometry. Students will learn key definitions, symbols, notations, theorems, and properties of geometric figures which serve as the foundation for the course. Emphasis is placed on developing deductive reasoning and logical thinking skills through the use of geometric proof. Topics explored include: basic definitions, lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, polygons, solids, congruence, similarity, ratio and proportion, transformations, elementary trigonometry, and formulas for perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.
Honors Geometry is designed to meet the needs of students who are capable of studying geometry in greater depth and at a faster pace. The course focuses on plane and solid geometry. Students will develop deductive reasoning skills to solve problems and write complex proofs, will learn a logical approach to problem solving, and will improve their ability to communicate both concrete and abstract ideas. Topics explored include: basic definitions, lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, polygons, solids, congruence, similarity, proportion, trigonometry, fractals, three-dimensional coordinates, transformations, and formulas for perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.
Postcolonial literature introduces students to the relationship between the “Self” and the “Other” borne from the hegemonic history that indelibly connects Europe and Africa. Specifically, how imperial powers sought to represent the “Other,” and how the power of representation was used to justify and engender the subjugation of peoples and cultures. With the use of critical essays and Victorian and Modern novels, we will examine the complexities of representation and the ways in which literature can serve to either propagate or deconstruct the binaries that dominated colonial attitudes.
Shakespeare as Literature and Drama aims to help students gain an introductory understanding of Shakespeare's work and how it fits into the context of his life and times. Other goals for the course include the following: to learn to write about Shakespeare's work; to learn how to read and analyze Shakespeare’s plays and their significance linguistically, historically, politically, socially, and culturally; to do close readings of text, noting the integration of literary devices and textual directives for performance; and to develop a methodology for approaching antiquated texts for academic reading, pleasure reading, and performance.
Myth and Hero introduces students to mythic stories and heroes from around the world and investigates the underlying psychological need—both culturally and personally—to construct these tales. After a short introduction to mythic and heroic structure, the course examines different heroes from various cultures, drawing connections and shared needs between different peoples and time. More modern works will then be considered with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of heroic tales to understand the overall shift from epic to tragic, perfect to flawed, divine to sublime, and archetypal to individual in the heroic tradition.
Literature and the Comedic Form is designed to investigate central questions about humor while introducing students to numerous facets of comedy in literature. What is laughter? What is funny? How are these two both very different—one physical the other mental—and related? Although the comedic is something experienced on any given day, we rarely stop to rationalize why our bodies are convulsing uncontrollably. Students will explore various conventions in comedy, specifically, the mechanics of jokes, the experience of laughter, Greek comedic structure, hyperbole, satire, parody, black humor, and irony, in order to understand how each works, both emotionally and intellectually, on an individual level and in works of literature.
Chicago literature explores literature inspired by and about Chicago in an attempt to make sense of its disparate peoples and their experiences throughout history. Chicago has many names: The Windy City, City of Big Shoulders, The Second City, Paris of the Midwest, a City of Neighborhoods, a City on the Make, The Jungle, and so on; each of these names helps characterize aspects of Chicago, but none fully encapsulate its many sides. This course seeks to delve into a number of Chicago’s sides through their portrayal in various works of both fiction and non-fiction. Course materials will investigate the growth of Chicago from a swamp to a metropolis, and look at the diversity of experiences that helped build and continue to shape the city.
Literature of World War I is a survey course that introduces students to literature written in response to and in reflection upon the Great War. Through novels and poetry the course will examine the historic, sociopolitical, and cultural forces shaped by this event. Following World War One, Europe confronted itself and its previously unquestioned conventions. After the war, Europeans began to rethink their culture, resulting in modernist art forms, psychology, existentialism, and the like.
African American Literature is a survey course that introduces students to literary works from the 19th century to present by writers of African and African American heritage. This course will examine a number of authors, issues, genres, styles, and themes; furthermore, it will analyze the historic, sociopolitical, and cultural forces that helped to shape the African American experience. The class will also emphasize the intersection of race, gender, and class perspectives, whenever applicable, as they inform literary analysis.
Latin American Literature is a survey course that introduces students to a selection of work written by Latin American authors and that significantly advances students' critical thinking skills through the analysis and deconstruction of challenging texts. Emphasizing analysis through the perspectives offered by Octavio Paz, students will explore works through his thematic lens. Additionally, students will be introduced to the literary concept of ‘magical realism.’ Using novels and essays, which reflect a more cyclical approach to perception and storytelling, students will be instructed in the understanding of non-Eurocentric modes of literary art and will earn an appreciation of Latin American literary and cultural values.
Native American Literature is a survey course that introduces students to the historical and contemporary Native American experience though readings from biographies and regarded literature by indigenous authors. Issues of language, cultural identity, historical witness, and current sociopolitical experiences are reflected in these works and analyzed through discussion and composition of complex literary analysis essays.
AP Literature and Composition is an intensive course designed to introduce students to college-level analysis, discussion, and comprehension of writing from a broad range of literature, drama, and poetry. The course challenges and develops the student’s ability to think critically, synthesize literature, and write effectively. Although this course explores a number of works from different genres, the concept of identity – how we understand it, create it, question it, destroy it, live without it – connects them all. As students delve into these topics, many others will emerge and aid us in forming a language and approach to literature.
In Art History, students explore the nature of art: its uses, its meanings, and peoples' response to it. This course’s inquiry revolves around investigating art as reflection and as engine of culture and society from prehistory to the present. From diverse global perspectives and through a cross-disciplinary approach to the analysis, interpretation of works of art and art movements, this course emphasizes the interconnectedness of art-making to societal and political shifts throughout history. Students will learn and discuss the fundamental issues and theories surrounding art production, distribution and reception and will develop an understanding of artwork in these contexts, which include issues such as gender, politics, religion, ethnicity and patronage. This course offers students the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of the history of art through readings, research, slides, videos, and museum visits. Writing skills will be important in the description, analysis, and comparison of these works. When taken as an AP course, preparation for the AP Art History Exam will also be incorporated into the curriculum.
World History examines the origins, development, and legacies of civilizations that have shaped the world. Students begin by looking at the origins of humankind in Africa, then follow the development of people, places, and cultures in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Over two semesters, students will explore key concepts such as culture, religion, science and technology, government and politics, economics and geography in order to fully understand the drama and meaning of the human experience. This course requires students to engage in historical thinking by evaluating evidence, raising questions, and marshaling evidence to support answers. Students will develop key skills such as chronological thinking, historical comprehension, analysis and interpretation, research, and decision making.
With as much chronology and detail as possible, this class on United States history looks at how the nation evolved from a European colony to a world power. There is no flinching in its presentation of events, from the uncomfortable truths that brought this evolution about. This survey of America’s past involves neither undue celebration nor condemnation, and it makes every effort to avoid elevating into myth or demonizing into infamy any of the principal figures who contributed to America’s current stature. All students are welcome to their individual ideologies and political convictions, but it is preferable that their thinking not be fixed upon them. The goal for this class is not to tell students what to think but to expose them to and perhaps even get them to relish the complexities of American history, so that each student leaves this course with enduring curiosities rather than comfortable certainties about the past.
Freshman English provides the foundations for analyzing literature though writing, reading, and speaking and through an exploration of various texts, genres, forms, and styles throughout Western civilization. The course serves to establish the relationship between themes and devices and provides a comprehensive overview of literary conventions including, but not limited to: symbolism, diction, sensory detail, narrative point of view, and irony. Students learn the best practices for close reading and annotating as well as the literary analysis essay format and execution. Students also strengthen their writing through various revision strategies and peer workshops.