Sports & Society 2 quarters 1 credit
A semester course examining the role that sports and the athletes who play them both shape and are shaped by the time, place, and cultural moment in which they live. Students use literary analysis and historical contextualization skills to become evaluators of the narratives which surround the portrayal of athletes in America through the consumption of some of the most celebrated American “sports films” of Hollywood, documentary film, and news & social media. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to contribute to the debates surrounding some of the most contentious issues facing the world of athletics. Coursework will require students to learn about current issues in the world of athletics, and engage with research and assigned readings to supplement their preexisting knowledge.
AP Seminar B6000AP 4 quarters 2.4 credits
The first year is the AP Seminar. Students will read articles, research studies and foundational and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts and personal accounts; and experience artistic and literary works to gain a rich appreciation and understanding of issues. In May, the students will take the AP Seminar exam.
AP Research B6001AP 4 quarters 2.4 credits
The second year the students will design, plan and conduct a yearlong research based investigation on a topic of individual interest. Through this inquiry and investigation, students will demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world problems and issues. At the end of the course the students will be assessed through an academic thesis paper (5000 words) with a defined structure and public presentation, performance or exhibition and oral defense of research and presentation. This part of the Capstone Course would take place during Senior Year.
AP African American Studies 4 quarters 2.4 credits
An interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with rich and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. AP African American Studies is organized by four thematic units that follow a chronological flow across the course. Throughout each unit, students build interdisciplinary analytical skills through deep encounters with a wide range of texts and sources. Unit 1: Origins of the African Diaspora (~900 BCE–16th century) Unit 2: Freedom, Enslavement, and Resistance (16th century–1865) Unit 3: The Practice of Freedom (1865–1940s) Unit 4: Movements and Debates (1940s–2000s)
Psychology B0419FC 2 quarters 1 credit
Psychology, a one semester course, will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and the cognitive processes of human beings. Students will study psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the following fields of psychology: Differential, Research, Educational, Comparative, Developmental, Industrial, Learning, Physiological, Research, Social and Sports. Theorists examined, but not limited to, will include Dewey, Freud, Piaget, Horney, Skinner, Duckworth, Erikson, and Gardner. Students will also learn the methods that psychologists use in their research and practice. Open to juniors and seniors.
AP Psychology B0430FA 4 quarters 2.4 credits
The AP Psychology course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study the science of behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals. The course begins with a study of scientific methods, theoretical perspectives, and biological bases of behavior. As we progress throughout the course, aspects of human development, behavior, learning, and personality are covered. Contemporary topics in abnormal psychology, health, social psychology, and alternative therapies are included. Class assignments and discussions will cover topics relevant to Psychology based on the text, additional handouts, and student research. The content of the course will help you to understand human behavior and mental processes, as well as help you prepare for future study in Psychology and other fields. The curriculum follows the course outline of the College Board for an Advanced Placement Psychology program, and serves as preparation for the AP Psychology Exam (which is required of all students).
Introduction to Education B0425FC 2 quarters 1 credit
In this class we explore the basics of a career in education. We learn about what it takes to be a classroom teacher, a school social worker, an administrator, or a guidance counselor. We dive into the current trends in American education and discuss how those programs impact teachers and their students, we identify the big problems in our educational system and propose solutions, and we learn how to plan lessons for all ages that accommodate the needs of diverse learners.
Women in History 1 semester 1 credit
This course will explore the role of women throughout history, as well as studying their portrayal in major literary works. Students will focus on the political, economic, and social roles of women in various cultures and conclude with the Enlightenment. Major themes will include the balance between oppression and power, revolutionary ideals, and changing roles. Along with poetry and tales from many cultures, students will read the works of such writers as Sophocles, Euripides, Murasaki Shikibu, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, and Rousseau. Emphasis will be placed on the impact of both common women and women of status such as Hatshepsut, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, and Isabella d’Este. This course is open to juniors and seniors.
Sociology 1 semester 1 credit
Sociology is the study of group behavior and how our interactions with one another influence our lives. Students in this course will take an active part in investigating the role of societal forces in shaping our world and the constantly evolving patterns of interaction among its people. Sources of cooperation and conflict in society will be highlighted throughout the course. Topics of study include the sociological perspective and methods, culture and subcultures, the life cycle from birth to death, family, social status, wealth and poverty, political power, race and ethnicity, education, religion, media, sports, entertainment, and language.
American Presidency B0474QC 1 quarter .5 credit
This course involves the study of the American Presidency and will include an overview of major presidential accomplishments and challenges. The focal point will be on the modern presidency and its evolution over the past hundred years. Students will utilize their previous knowledge of former presidents and compare and contrast issues, presidential decisions and their eventual impact on the country. In addition, the expansion of presidential power and responsibility, the election process, and an introduction to the concept of leadership will dominate class discussions and student readings. For students who arrive after grade 9, successful completion of the American Presidency/American Supreme Court will fulfill the US History I graduation requirement.
American Supreme Court B0475QC 1 quarter .5 credit
Today it is essential to understand the rights granted to each of us in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Throughout our country's history people have struggled to maintain rights such as freedom of speech, the right to privacy, and protection against unreasonable search and seizure. This course will examine major Supreme Court cases and discuss the impact the rulings have had upon American history and our society.
History Alive: Exploring Local History 2 quarters 1 credit
A semester course which explores topics of American history, including the cities of Boston and Revere, through a local lens. As a group of historians, we will investigate how our region shaped our local and national identity, as well as how our region transformed over the years. Students will engage in project based, experiential learning, including field trips, books, film, student presentations and current events to dig deeper into topics of student interest. Students will be asked to think critically, ask questions of one another, and practice perspective taking to better understand our local history. As historians we will use oral history and storytelling to go beyond just learning about history, but to actually create a historical record of our own.
AP European History B0405FA 4 quarters 2.4 credits
Students who elect Advanced Placement European History will demonstrate knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, that is, from the High Renaissance to the recent past. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the Advanced Placement Program in European History are to develop: (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence, and (c) an ability to analyze and to express historical understanding in writing. The major themes of the course are (1) Intellectual and Cultural History, (2) Political and Diplomatic History, and (3) Social and Economic History. Students must take the AP Exam. The course will prepare the student for the AP Exam and scores of 3 and above will receive college credit. Students will meet with the AP Teacher in June and will be expected to complete a summer assignment. This course is open to juniors and seniors.
AP United States Government & Politics B0421FA 4 quarters 2.4 credits
Conforming to College Board requirements, this course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Students will analyze the Constitutional underpinnings of the US government and its institutions, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, public policy, civil rights and liberties, and the influence of the mass media on government. Students must take the AP exam.
Introduction to Philosophy 1 semester 1 credit
The study of Philosophy offers the opportunity to ask the BIG QUESTIONS. Humans have wondered what is true, why the world operates as it does, who we are and how we should live for as long as we have had the opportunity to think about ourselves and our surroundings. Students in Introduction to Philosophy will consider some of the answers of well-known theorists as they explore their own understandings of these issues and draw their own conclusions. Examples from the ancients, contemporary popular culture and our own lives will be explored to illustrate key concepts.
Public Speaking B0455QC 1 quarter .5 credit
Students in Public Speaking will develop the skills and comfort level necessary for engaging an audience through oral presentations of various sorts. Through class exercises, students will hone their ability to present information in a clear, organized and logical fashion, to convince others of their knowledge and expertise, and to entertain by developing scenes with compelling characters, settings and emotional resonance through their vocal abilities and body language. Students in Public Speaking should come ready to actively engage in class on a daily basis.
Financial Literacy B0354QC 1 quarter .5 credit
This quarter-long elective will address key concepts of financial literacy. This course will introduce students to topics such as savings, credit, loans, debt, income, and benefits. This course will highlight fundamental concepts of personal finance that all students will need after high school. This elective course will also be a good introduction for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the areas of accounting, business or economics.This course is a graduation requirement for the class of 2023 and beyond. Intro to Business, Intro to Marketing, Accounting, Business Law, Micro/Macro also fulfill this requirement. In addition to the courses listed here that meet this requirement, a student may present external coursework to the Director of Humanities for approval.
Law and Legal Reasoning B00943FC 2 quarter 1 credit
This course will help introduce students to our legal system. Students will learn more about how our court system works, and identify and discuss what rights they have as students, and citizens. This course will also cover the basics of criminal, family, tort and housing law, as well as laws against discrimination, and other areas of student interest. Students will have the opportunity to visit courtrooms and interview different types of practicing lawyers, ask them questions about their respective fields of law, and learn more about different types of criminal justice jobs they may be interested in pursuing after high school. The course will go over a few important Supreme Court cases that affect our world today, and will use law as a lens to discuss religious freedom, hate speech, gun control, and immigration. Students will strengthen their ability to reason, write, and think.