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CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR 100-LEVEL (MAJOR) COURSES
Note: Generally all of the listed courses will be offered. However, on rare occasions, insufficient enrollment may lead to the cancellation of a course. Therefore, it is important to list alternate choices for all courses.
  
English Department
110. Literature and Composition I
111. Literature and Composition II
112. Literature and Composition III
Mathematics Department
120. Pre-Algebra
121. Introduction to Algebra
122. Introduction to Geometry
123. Introduction to Algebra II
124. Introduction to Precalculus
Science Department
130. Biology
131. Physical Science
132. Environmental Science
Language Department
140. Introduction to French
141. Intermediate French
142. Introduction to Spanish
143. Intermediate Spanish
144. English as a Second Language
History Department
150. Modern United States History
151. Modern United States History - ESL
Arts Department
160. Studio Art
161. Photography (Traditional and Digital)
162. Clay Workshop - New!
English Department
While several courses of varying levels of complexity are offered, the primary goals of the summer school English program are to teach students to write and speak clearly and to help them to analyze and understand what they read. Small classes allow teachers to evaluate student writing regularly and thus enable each individual to develop the ability to communicate ideas more effectively. The content of the readings is of secondary importance as the aim of our program is the development of techniques that will enable students to better deal with the tasks of writing and analysis in future courses in their schools.
International students: Placement in the appropriate English program is determined by the scores on a placement test and through a writing sample provided by each student on the first day of classes.
110. Literature and Composition I
Intended for students entering the seventh and eighth grades, this course focuses on building fundamental reading and writing skills. Most classes combine a consideration of the principles of clear written expression with the close, critical reading of narrative and dramatic fiction. A review of grammatical principles lays the foundation for studying expression at the level of the sentence, and particular attention is paid to effective use of coordination and subordination and to correcting common sentence faults. Concurrently, students learn to write focused, purposefully developed expository paragraphs, and during the last week, they compose a complete essay. Significant time is spent approaching systematically the various steps of the writing process, including brainstorming to generate ideas, selecting appropriate organizational strategies, outlining, and revising and editing a rough draft in order to produce a polished expression.
Students read a selection of short stories and either a short novel or a play. Seminar-style class discussions stress the critical approach to literature; in these discussions students learn about the elements of fiction as they learn to read closely and carefully. To complement this endeavor, students regularly write short paragraphs in which they closely analyze passages from the reading. Those who take this course can expect to enter the ninth grade having become more disciplined and more confident readers and writers.
111. Literature and Composition II
Designed for students entering the ninth and tenth grades, this course strives to make students more disciplined, effective writers and more careful, thoughtful readers. Students devote half of their time in and out of class to mastering the skills necessary to write clearly and purposefully; they spend the remainder of their time learning to read and analyze challenging literature.
The writing instruction is designed to enhance students' command of written expression. They learn to compose grammatically sound, controlled sentences by reviewing the principles of grammar, paying particular attention to common sentence faults and to effective coordination and subordination. Concurrently, students are instructed in the fundamentals of paragraph construction: they learn to compose effective topic sentences and to employ a variety of strategies to develop those topic sentences in a unified and coherent fashion. Finally, as they write papers on specific topics, students are systematically exposed to the various stages of the writing process. The course reviews the techniques of brainstorming, organization (outlining and "mapping"), and editing, and it stresses the importance of detail to clear expression. Throughout the session, students prepare a number of papers—paragraphs at the outset and complete essays in the last two weeks—on topics ranging from personal narratives to literary analysis.
Students become more skilled readers by considering a selection of short stories and a novel. Class discussions, focused on the close reading of specific passages, teach the students to read carefully and critically. Their analytical skills become more finely tuned as they learn about the elements of fiction and about specific literary devices. This critical approach is complemented by regular short written exercises in which students learn to express clearly their reactions to what they read.
112. Literature and Composition III
This course, designed for students entering the eleventh and twelfth grades, resembles Literature and Composition II in that it also stresses the development of students' abilities to write clearly and to read critically. However, it is much more ambitious and sophisticated in its approach to both goals.
The course resembles a college seminar in that its focal point is reading and writing about literature. The first two weeks are devoted to a study of the elements of fiction—character, conflict, setting, and theme—as they are developed in several short stories. During the final three weeks, students study a play and a novel. In order to appreciate more fully the possibilities of language, students spend one class per week systematically considering a selection of poems. As they consider this variety of literature, students study various literary devices and are introduced to a variety of critical terms.
Students write in or out of class almost every day. Generally, writing assignments are of two types: short, detailed analyses of passages from the work being studied, and longer paragraphs and essays analyzing a broader idea or element in the work. As students undertake the longer papers, they review such fundamentals of composition as effective topic sentences and thesis statements, unity of expression, and logical transitions between sentences and ideas. And although the course does not include a formal review of grammar, students do discuss common grammatical errors in class and in conferences with their teachers. Evaluation of students' written work is based on its precision of expression, the logic and effectiveness of its organization, and the originality, validity and documentation of its ideas.
Mathematics Department
120. Pre-Algebra
The Pre-Algebra course is designed to prepare students for an elementary algebra course by reinforcing the skills necessary for success in secondary school mathematics. In addition to an intensive review, the course previews topics from Algebra I, including operations with numbers and variables, powers and exponents, order of operation and solutions of first degree equations. Other topics will be included as time permits.
121. Introduction to Algebra
This course is designed for those who need to strengthen their command of numerical techniques, arithmetic, and number systems before beginning a formal study of algebra. Some of the most important topics from a first course in algebra are also introduced to give the student a firm foundation for later work. Linear equations and word problems are studied to give training in the skills needed for a thorough understanding of algebra.
122. Introduction to Geometry
This course prepares students to take a course in geometry by introducing the more important aspects of the studies of shape and logic. Many of the important properties of geometric figures are studied so that they will be better understood when encountered in the more formal structure of Euclidean proof. These topics include symmetry, angle, length, proportion, and parallelism. The fundamentals of logic and proof are presented to give a foundation in the skills of writing proofs.
123. Introduction to Algebra II
The first half of this course reviews many of the topics of a first course in algebra, including graphing, solution of equations, word problems, fractional expressions, and radicals. The second half of the course expands on these topics and presents some of the new topics of the early chapters of a course in second year algebra. This course is designed to give students greater facility in the skills of algebra by requiring them to work on those techniques which improve with practice.
124. Introduction to Precalculus
Designed for students who have already completed Geometry and Algebra II, this course affords an opportunity to explore many of the functions important to the continued study of mathematics leading up to the calculus. Topics for study may include, but are not limited to, linear, quadratic and polynomial functions; rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. There will be an emphasis on in-depth study of the selected topics through applications and models. To that end, students enrolled in this course are required to have a graphing calculator. The Mathematics Department at Taft currently uses the TI-83Plus.
Science Department
130. Biology
This course is an introduction to the study of modern biology, centering on concepts of evolution, genetics, and cell theory crucial to understanding the development of life and science of biology. This course aims to provide the student with some comprehension of the visible world, with an appreciation of the connections and interrelatedness of all scientific learning. Readings are chosen from a variety of sources; laboratory work, films, and occasional field work are features of the course.
131. Physical Science
The Physical Science program is designed to integrate both introductory chemistry and physics fundamentals into a five-week class that will enable the student to have a solid grasp of beginning topics. The material covered will include a crash course into math basics such as scientific notation, significant figures, and the use of exponents. Other topics are Atomic Theory and Structure, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Enthalphy changes in Chemical Reactions, Nomenclature, and Reaction Types. The course will stress the interaction of matter on the atomic and molecular levels and as we look into the structure of the atom and how the subatomic particles interact within the atom and between molecules.
132.
Environmental Science
This course examines environmental issues from the scientist’s perspective. Local field excursions will allow students to examine a series of environmental issues and ecological processes including interspecific interactions, community dynamics, and biodiversity (including methods of inventorying, identifying and studying plants and animals) while investigating how these factors also affect the major biomes of the world. Topics such as global warming, population growth, conservation, energy production, food production, and pollution will be related to those basic ecological processes. While some background in earth science, biology and chemistry might be helpful, it is but no means necessary, and students without substantial background in sciences are encouraged to consider this course.
Language Department
140. Introduction to French
This course is designed for a student with little or no experience in French who intends to pursue French at the secondary level. The basic skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are taught. The students work in the Language Learning Center, a state-of-the-art audio, video, and computer facility.
141. Intermediate French
This course is an intensive review offered to students who have completed one or two years of French, but is flexible in structure and is easily adaptable to the specific needs of those enrolled. The course is designed to improve each student's ability to read, write and converse in French. Depending upon the needs of the student, a first or second year text is used with a variety of supplementary materials.
Because the classes are small and often taught by two teachers, each student receives a great deal of individual attention.
142. Introduction to Spanish
This course is designed for a student with little or no experience in Spanish who intends to pursue Spanish at the secondary level. The basic skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are taught. The students work in the Language Learning Center, a state-of-the-art audio, video, and computer facility.
143. Intermediate Spanish
This course is an intensive review of Spanish offered to students who have completed one or two years of the language, but is flexible in structure and is easily adaptable to the specific needs of those enrolled. The course is designed to improve each student's ability to read, write and converse in Spanish. Depending upon the needs of the student, a first or second year text is used with a variety of supplementary materials.
Because the classes are small and often taught by two teachers, each student receives a great deal of individual attention.
144. English as a Second Language
The ESL Program is divided into different levels. Each student is enrolled in the level most appropriate to his or her abilities. Placement is determined by the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency) test which is administered the first day of the session. Students determined to need more instruction in ESL are placed in a tutorial in addition to the ESL class.
Writing assignments stress organization and grammar. Students write compositions frequently, and they are expected to develop a clear and organized writing style, free of slang and awkward construction.
During the course, students read from a variety of sources. They are exposed to unedited journalistic prose, and at each level students read short stories and a novel. A grammar and vocabulary book supplement the readings. In class, students are required to speak only English.
All ESL students have the option to take the Institutional Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), an unofficial test designed to familiarize the students with the TOEFL exam. Prior to the test, students take practice exercises in class.
Enrollment in the ESL Program is limited. Early application and enrollment are advisable.
History Department
150. Modern United States History
This course reviews American political, social, and cultural history from the colonial period of the 18th century to WW II. Students will examine major aspects of the American Revolution and the creation of the Republic, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Quizzes, tests, and a paper will be the evaluation methods. Daily reflective reading of primary and secondary sources prior to each class and direct engagement in class discussion will be expected.
151. Modern United States History - ESL
This course is identical to History 150, but reading and writing assignments are designed for students for whom English is a second language.
Arts Department
160. Studio Art
This rigorous course focuses on exploration in the studio. Students with limited experience are welcome, but should expect to be challenged. Students enrolled in the studio art course assemble cohesive portfolios through a series of projects that require creative thinking, problem solving, and attention to aesthetics. Innovative studio art projects concentrate on the elements of art and principles of design through drawing, painting, printmaking, assemblage, installation, and even flipbook animation. There is an emphasis on the development of personal style through the exploration of both traditional and non-traditional media and a variety of subject matter. Art history forms the base of many assignments and students are asked to conduct independent research as well. The course includes instruction in framing and matting in preparation for a gallery exhibit at the end of the term.
161. Photography (Traditional and Digital)
Specially designed and offered for the first time, this course will combine traditional darkroom ‘wet’ practices with the digital ‘dry’ process. Open for enrollment to both beginner and advanced students, this course will address technical and aesthetic aspects of photography. Students will learn to develop black-and-white film and print from negatives. In addition, they will learn the fundamentals of digital image adjustment, including matching the printed output to the image. Picture making values and ideas will be discussed throughout the course. Students will have an opportunity to display their work at a gallery exhibit at the end of the term.
This course requires both, a 35mm camera and a digital camera. Enrollment is limited to ten participants.
162. Clay Workshop
Explore the exciting versatility of clay. Use the power of hands and imagination to create sculptures and pottery. Devoted to personal attention, this course is for the student with no previous experience or for those seeking further development of hand building, throwing, and glazing skills. Many hand-building methods will be explored; slab, coil, dowel, mold, pinch, trapped air and the use of textures. Basic throwing, as well as more advanced techniques, will also be taught. Students work at their own pace and experimentation and personal goals will be encouraged. Students will be able to combine throwing and hand building techniques to enhance their ability to build more individualized pieces. Various artists will be introduced to inspire creative thinking.
Students will have an opportunity to display their work at a gallery exhibit at the end of the term.
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