Course Description for MIA: The course follows two tracks with the purpose of preparing students to excel in critical thinking and research. The first track is a seminar-style discourse on current events. Due to the variability of modern international affairs, the curriculum will change to cover international issues as they occur. In order to build skills to understand complicated international events students will be instructed in media literacy. Students will also use international news sources to examine events with diverse critical tools ranging from scholarly journals to books. The second track of the class works on developing research skills in order to write a college-level term paper. Students will choose their own international issues and write a policy analysis and proposal on that topic. During the semester, students will be instructed on research strategies and build skills to best leverage diverse resources. The end result of this track is a deeply researched original piece of scholarship. This class prepares students for the expectations of a seminar style class in college in addition to providing students with the experience of writing a college-level term paper.

Course Description for MIT: H-MIT is a seminar-style discourse on complex ongoing international topics and philosophical questions with the objective of preparing students to excel in critical thinking and research. The content of the class will flex but will focus on multidisciplinary areas of ongoing debate over issues of the human condition, economic conduct and ethics. For example, students will engage in a deep dive into the practical and ethical questions about affirmative action, merit and defining intelligence. In order to build skills to understand complicated multidisciplinary issues, students will be instructed in epistemological systems and how to understand and test justified beliefs. Students will interact with diverse sources from scholarly journals to podcasts and learn critical philosophical tools from skepticism to casuistry. The class will also develop research skills in order to write brief argumentative college-level papers.

Prerequisites: Completion of grade 11 history requirement and departmental approval. UC approved.

Interview with: Mr. Halback

Produced by: Evan Cheng

The unique characteristic of this course is that it is in a mini-MBA format consisting of four separate modules to be touched upon throughout the year: marketing, accounting & finance, entrepreneurship, and strategy & management. The focus of the course is to deliver a broad-stroke approach to the students, providing essential concepts and principles that are brought into action through a capstone project and competitive event that each module requires. Once these concepts have been mastered and applied for each module, we will delve deeper into each subject through the research and discussion of Harvard Case Studies. Students will apply their learning and live the mantra “learn by doing” as they simulate roles of CEO, consultant, CFO, etc., to bring solutions to complex and extraordinary issues that companies and entrepreneurs often face.

This episode discusses Principles of Business in addition to briefly discussing DECA and other business opportunities for students at the Upper School.

Interview with: Mr. Acheatel

Produced by: Evan Cheng

This year-long course provides students with an immersive exploration of the tools, techniques and terminologies used in the world of production. With an eye to history we will explore the practical considerations that have shaped the performance space and the evolution of production resources (scenery, lighting, costume, sound and properties). Students will learn how to use tools safely for scenic construction, foundations of costume research and design, light board programming and operation, and sound reinforcement and engineering. The applications of production in all aspects of performance will also be explored, with attention to how the demands of dance, choral music, orchestral music and opera have shaped and expanded the role of “tech” in presentations.

This episode discusses Study of Theater in addition to the opportunities for students interested in technical theater at the Upper School.

Interview with: Mr. Larsen

Produced by: Evan Cheng

Intended to prepare students for the AP examination in psychology, this course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students become familiar with the various branches of psychology and the methodologies used by psychologists. Physiological, psychodynamic and behavioral schools of thought are all addressed. Key topics include personality theory, developmental psychology, psychopathology and treatment, theories of motivation, emotion and learning, and social psychology. Students are evaluated on a variety of assignments including projects, quizzes and tests and are introduced to psychological research.

Interview with: Dr. Turchin

Produced by: Vedant Kenkare

Study of Visual Arts focuses on artistic contributions produced in the past as a foundation for an exploration and understanding of contemporary art. Students explore the relationship of visual sensibilities and the artistic process as seen in Asian, African, Egyptian, Greek, French and Spanish art. Through lectures and related hands-on projects, they explore the development of art as a worldwide expression of life issues.

This episode discusses Study of Visual Arts in addition to the opportunities for students interested in the visual arts at the Upper School.

Interview with: Mr. Martinez

Produced by: Evan Cheng

A blend of traditional chorus and training ground, Bel Canto explores choral technique and music theory, and many musical genres, including African-American spirituals, traditional Latin, modern choral, non-English folk songs, pop and jazz music. Students may remain in Bel Canto multiple years, taking advantage of the changing repertoire and varied genres in order to maximize their choral music education and prepare them for whatever type of ensemble they will choose in college or as an adult. Others participate in Bel Canto a year or two before choosing to specialize by requesting Camerata or auditioning for Cantilena or Downbeat, and indeed a year in Bel Canto is required before joining one of these other groups.

This episode discusses Bel Canto in addition to briefly discussing other opportunities for vocal music such as Cantilena, Camerata, and Downbeat.

Interview with: Ms. Sandusky

Produced by: Evan Cheng

Study of Theater gives students an understanding of theater as it exists today and provides a common vocabulary covering all aspects of modern stage performance, production and history. Through individual exploration, group discussion and practical experience, students will examine the forces throughout history that have shaped the evolution of acting, directing, technical theater and musical theater. By examining theater from many regions and styles, students gain an appreciation of the skills employed by theater artists today and those artists whose works endure.

This episode discusses Study of Theater in addition to the opportunities for students interested in theater at the Upper School.

Interview with: Mr. Draper

Produced by: Evan Cheng

In Study of Music, the language of music is examined, including musical symbols and notation, the tonalities of different musical instruments, harmonization, arrangement and composition. The history of music is explored through listening, reading assignments, class discussion and written work. An appreciation of music from various cultures is fostered. The historical, cultural and personal circumstances surrounding the creation of famous musical works is also discussed.

This episode discusses Study of Music in addition to the various opportunities for musically-inclined students at the Upper School.

Interview with: Ms. Sandusky

Produced by: Evan Cheng

Study of Dance builds problem-solving and creative thinking skills. As students focus on perceiving, comprehending, imagining and evaluating, they develop strong interpretive, analytical and critical thinking skills. By learning to make choices within structure, dance students learn to develop individual and group solutions to complex problems. Dance curricula provide many opportunities for students to articulate complex problems and to practice divergent and nonlinear thinking in order to generate solutions. The process of exploring the art of dance allows students to develop their communication skills and acquire new symbolic literacy. Students will also develop dance skills, choreography knowledge and a historical perspective of dance. Note that Study of Dance is an academic course and, unlike the after- school dance courses, it does not satisfy the P.E. requirement.

This episode discusses Study of Dance in addition to opportunities for dance at the Upper School.

Interview with: Mr. Kuehn

Produced by: Evan Cheng

The speech and debate department provides students with a breadth of opportunities in debate (policy, congressional, public forum and Lincoln-Douglas formats) and individual speech events. The lifelong value of written and oral communication skills are emphasized within an environment that encourages students to participate in local, regional and national tournament competitions. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, research, argumentation and presentation. Travel fees apply for tournament competitions.