Sophomore Curriculum

English

Literature Class

Literature Class

Poetry: Iliad, Odyssey, Bible, 19th century Romantics. Rhythm and meter in epic, dramatic and lyric poetry from early Greeks to ballads and sonnets. Grapes of Wrath, short stories.

Prose: short story, essay, novels.

Grammar, Vocabulary, and Writing: longer essays and full-length stories. Research paper with bibliography and footnoting.

Math

Algebra: synthetic division, exponents, roots, logarithms, coordinate geometry, conics, complex numbers, matrix theory, and solving systems of equations through graphing and substitution.

Trigonometry: the six basic relationships are developed and applied to practical problems; laws of sines and cosines, area formulas.

Geometry: Euclidean geometry continues.

Social Studies

Ancient History: explored through archaeology and literature; ancient India, Persia, Sumer, Babylon, Egypt and the Hebrews. Study of the development of democracy and philosophy in Greece.

American History: Federalism versus Republicanism. Jefferson, Jackson, The Civil War. Development of American Law and court system.

The Far East: China and Japan during the 19th and 20th centuries.

History Through the Word: development of language; history of English.

Geography: environmental consequences of water systems on earth. Cultural importance of water for transportation, irrigation and domestic use.

Computer Lab

Computer Lab

Science

Physics: mechanics: simple machines, motion, free fall, Galileo, inclined plane, velocity, acceleration, Newton, kinematics and gravitation.

Chemistry: salts, acids, bases—the solid state and crystals, the limestone cycle, constant and multiple proportions and valences.

Biology: human anatomy and physiology; digestive and excretory systems, endocrine system, hormones, reproduction, fertilization, embryology; brain physiology. Issues of friendship, love, marriage, sex, and birth control in relation to the developing adolescent.

Additional Subjects

Artistry: the interplay of light and shadow in drawing; weaving, dying, textiles, basketry, pottery, gardening, metal work, power tools, furniture making.

Music: vocal and instrumental music continues.

Languages: Spanish.

Eurythmy: tone eurythmy continues; speech eurythmy adds dramatic and epic poetry.

Physical Education: Bothmer gymnastics and a variety of games; interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities after school hours.