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Upper School Curriculum
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Brookfield Academy students begin their Upper School career with a clear goal in sight: to be accepted by the college of their choice after graduation. One hundred percent of our graduates enter a four-year college or university program. Brookfield Academy's traditional liberal arts curriculum prepares students to pursue a wide range of options once in college.
Each year a student is required to take five subjects and has the option to take a sixth. All subjects are taught at an "honors" level. A number of AP (AP) classes provide the opportunity for college credit. Elective offerings further enrich a student's intellectual outlook and breadth of knowledge.
English
- Freshman English
This course prepares students for mature writing, reading,
and thinking. During the year, students write seven different kinds of papers, modeled on college and real-world requirements.
- American Literature
This survey course encourages sophomore students to discover,
through a variety of genres, how the experience of those who inhabited, explored, settled, built, fought, and wrote resulted in
a distinctly American voice and established our heritage.
- Junior English
Juniors follow their previous year's survey of American Literature with a yearlong look at some of the highlights of the imporant works of the western tradition, from Homer to Shakespeare and then on to the modern novel.
- Senior English
Primarily a writing class, Senior English reviews and provides
practice in each phase of the writing process, from planning to editing. Attention is given to improving skills at the sentence,
paragraph, and essay level.
- AP English
This course is designed to be equivalent to a college freshman
introduction to literature class. As such, it is demanding. Students are expected to read a great deal and must apply well-developed
analytical skills.
- Shakespeare
This one-semester elective course examines a concentrated collection
of the Bard's plays and poetry. Ordinarily, eight to ten plays are covered, drawn from comedy, history, tragedy, and romance.
- Journalism
This introductory course covers journalism's vocaulary, history, various media and techniques, as well as providing students an opportunity to practice the various forms of journalistic writing. Students in this course are encouraged to contribute to school publications.
- Creative Writing
Students experiment with poetry, drama, and fiction writing forms in this one-semester elective
open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
History
- Freedom Philosophy
This half-credit required course, taken by freshmen and juniors, explores the
philosophical thought and writings on liberty and freedom which are the foundations for American political thought and practice.
- Western Civilization
In this study of ancient, classical, medieval, and early modern European history,
students acquire historical knowledge and develop the skills to understand and use history.
- Western Civilization II
In this study of modern European history during the 19th and 20th centuries,
sophomores acquire historical knowledge and build on the skills introduced in Western Civilization I.
- Microeconomics
Economics, a required course for juniors in the history cycle, describes how the
world of impersonal affairs works; it introduces students to concepts such as supply, demand, marginality, and profit. Students
focus their study on basic economic theories and they apply them to real world examples.
- United States History and Government
Seniors begin the year reading the U.S. Constitution, developing an understanding of
checks and balances and separation of powers as working principles of our government. They also study the Bill of Rights and major Supreme
Court cases involving the exercise of these fundamental liberties.
- AP U.S. History
This course follows the demanding college-level curriculum outlined by the College Board.
Students cover all the material in the United States survey course, but do so in more detail and at a higher level.
- AP European History
This course introduces students to intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social, and economic developments in the Western world since 1450. Special attention is given to analysis and college-level writing skills.
- AP Macroeconomics
This class is an elective intended for seniors who have already studied microeconomics.
It examines national economics, inflation, unemployment, economic growth, fiscal and monetary policies, international economics, and
business cycles.
- Asian History
This is a study of China, India, and Japan. Students acquire historical knowledge and cultural context. They become familiar with the geography,
religions, and cultures of these different regions, along with the issues that divide and unite Asia.
- Middle Eastern History
In their study of the Middle East, students acquire historical knowledge and cultural context. They become familiar with the geography, religions, and cultures of this region, along with the issues that divide and unite the countries of the Middle East.
- Late 20th Century History
Starting with the conflict in Vietnam, this course examines U.S. foreign policy from the mid-20th century up to the present day.
- Military History
Through the study of primary and secondary sources, students will come to understand our military past and how it relates to the larger historical picture.
Languages
- Latin
- Latin I & II
These two courses, each a year in length, help students read Latin with confidence.
They develop an awareness of Roman culture, its historical significance and its contemporary relevance. Additionally, the class helps
to enhance general language learning techniques and aptitude, including a greater facility in English.
- Intermediate Latin
This course is designed for students who have studied Latin successfully for two or more years in the Middle School. The first half covers the basics of Latin grammar and syntax, and the second half introduces reading Latin authors in the original text.
- Latin III
This course introduces the passive voice of all tenses, deponent verbs, adjective
and adverb comparisons, and subordinate constructions. The relationship of Latin to English and to the Romance languages is emphasized.
- Latin IV
This course aims to prepare students for AP Latin, emphasizing careful textual analysis, including recognition of grammatical constructions and literary devices and accurate translation. Authors include Ceasar, Cicero, and Vergil.
- AP Latin
In this course, students learn additional grammar through reading lessons that are
selected from the works of ancient Roman authors, including Cicero, Pliny, and Livy. Grammar study includes the gerund, gerundive,
passive periphrastic, dative of agent, and sentence as well as clauses using the subjunctive.
- Advanced Readings in Latin
For students who have completed AP Latin, this course offers further opportunity to read Latin authors. The particular authors and works vary from year to year and are chosen by mutual agreement between the teacher and the students.
- Spanish
- Spanish I
The Spanish I course introduces students to the vocabulary and grammatical
structures needed to acquire basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish.
- Spanish II
Spanish II continues to develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading,
and writing. Vocabulary and grammatical structure are presented in a variety of contexts, and are practiced in functional ways.
- Spanish III
The Spanish III course requires students to integrate the components of language to express themselves orally and in writing at a more complex level. Students learn abstract vocabulary and expressions; review and learn the conjugations and the use of a variety of verb tenses, including some subjunctive mood tenses; and extend patterns of sentence structure. A Pre-AP section covers similar topics, employing advanced vocabulary and grammar.
- Spanish IV
In this course, students encounter a review of selected grammatical structures, and an introduction to the finer points of grammar. Students use contextualized exercises, related to unit topics, to practice vocabulary and language forms, and thereby learning to speak and write Spanish with greater proficiency. A Pre-AP section covers similar topics, with an increased emphasis on authentic Hispanic literature and the cultures of Spain and Latin America.
- AP Spanish
The AP course refines and enhances basic skills to prepare students to understand and
communicate effectively with native speakers. Practice exercises prepare students for the AP Spanish Language exam. To further develop
reading comprehension skills, students read a variety of Hispanic literature.
- French
- French I
French I students begin to develop proficiency in the language skills of listening to,
speaking, reading, and writing French.
- French II
The French II course focuses on further development of language skills.
Active participation requires students to use essential structures and vocabulary to express themselves creatively in both spoken
and written French.
- French III
In this course, students learn to integrate the various components of language in
order to express themselves on a more complex level. Fluency, control, and idiomatic use of the language are the goals of the
course. They begin to study and analyze literary texts.
- French IV
French IV provides extensive oral and written practice through intensive grammar
review and vocabulary enrichment. The course integrates listening, reading, writing, and culture. History, the arts, Francophone
customs, and literary samples from the French-speaking world are among the topics studied.
- AP French
This advanced course focuses on preparing students for both the SAT II French
Achievement Test with Listening and the AP French Language Exam.
- German
- German I
This course provides an introduction to the basic grammar and the syntax of the
German tongue. Students also make an acquaintance with German culture, geography, and history.
- German II
Students in German II continue their study of grammar and syntax, adding to their
vocabulary and increasing oral proficiency. A greater familiarity with the language involves knowledge of more complex verb tenses
and advanced word order.
- German III
In German III, students are introduced to folk literature and light reading by mans
of a graded reader, which increases reading comprehension and build vocabulary. They continue to practice speaking in discussions of
the text and in presentations of oral summaries.
- AP German
This course focuses on preparing students for the AP German language exam. The goal is proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Those skills are applied to a collection of authentic materials (newspaper articles, poems, novels) that are presented thematically.
Math
- Algebra
The primary objective of this course is mastery of basic algebra skills. Topics include graphing,
solving equations, simplification of exponents, and factoring.
- Geometry
In this course, students concentrate on learning Euclidean geometry and the process of mathematical reasoning. They learn how to use
inductive reasoning to form a conjecture, then transform the conjecture into a theorem using deductive reasoning.
- Advanced Algebra
This course emphasizes facility with algebraic expressions and forms, powers and roots, and the functions based on these concepts. Students study logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, polynominal, and other special functions.
- Pre-Calculus (AB and BC)
These sequel courses to the second year of algebra are designed to prepare the way for successful study in AP Calculus, either at the AB or the BC level. Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions are covered in depth. The graphing calculator is used.
- Discrete Mathematics
In this course, students study topics that have many applications. Discrete mathematics often deals with consecutive elements (such as integers) whereas calculus deals with sets (such as the set of real numbers). Algebra I, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, and Pre-Calculus are prerequisites to this course.
- AP Calculus (AB and BC)
These courses are designed to prepare students for the to take the AP Calculus Exam, at either the AB or the BC level. Besides functions and their applications, topics covered include limits, the derivative, and the integral.
- AP Statistics
This course is designed to prepare students to take the AP Statistics Exam. Descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential
statistics are primary areas of study.
Science
- Physics
This course encompasses the study of motion, collision, energy, waves, electromagnetism, light,
relativity, and the quantum nature of the universe. Freshman students learn about the physical world that surrounds us using the
mathematical skills they possess at this level.
- Honors Physics
Through laboratory analysis, mathematical formula derivations, and applications, students learn to understand and appreciate the rules of nature. Completion of an introductory algebra course is prerequisite.
- Chemistry
Typically a sophomore-level course, chemistry is a full-year immersion into the microscopic
world of molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles that constitute our bodies and the world around us. Students begin by learning
the language of chemistry, and then employ these basic elements to explain increasingly complicated chemical phenomena.
- Honors Chemistry
A focus on logical thinking and skeptical evaluation permeates the laboratory and classsroom work in the is full-year immersion into the world of molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles.
Students employ the basic elements of chemistry to describe increasingly complicated chemical phenomena including gas behavior, reaction rates, equilibrium systems, electrochemistry, nulcear reactions, and organic chemistry.
- Biology
This is a broad-based course designed to help junior students become biologically literate.
Content progresses from molecular to the cellular level, then from systems of single organisms to multiple species ecosystems. A
substantial lab component helps students anchor their understanding in the real world.
- Honors Biology
This broad-spectrum course is designed to help students become biologically literate. Content progresses from molecular to the cellular level, then from systems of single organisms to multiple species ecosystems. A substantial lab component, along with rigorous conceptual development, helps students anchor their understanding in the real world.
- Advanced Science Topics
This is a survey course of material not explicitly covered in biology, chemistry, or physics courses. This course delves into the more specific areas of environmental science, geology, oceanography, and astronomy.
- AP Chemistry
This class is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course in chemistry.
Students may take the AP Chemistry Exam at the end of the year.
- AP Biology
This class is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course in biology. The year's
study culminates in the AP Biology Exam.
- AP Physics (B)
This class is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course in physics. Taking the AP Physics Exam at the B level is an option for students.
- Science & Math Video
Fine Arts
- Studio Art
This is the most basic of instructional levels in art and provides the beginning student with the
essentials of the visual arts. Areas of study include: perspective, vanishing point, negative space, proportions, colors, texture,
and three-dimensions.
- Advanced Art I
This course brings the beginning artist to a higher level of development. Main areas include: drawing,
painting, and sculpture.
- Advanced Art II
In this course students have greater freedom to develop their artwork. The curriculum calls for six
major art works, of the students choosing, be produced. Student can choose to do their projects in oils, acrylic, watercolor, or sculpture.
- Advanced Art III
This course allows complete freedom of direction in art study. Six major art works will be produced,
in a variety of media.
- AP Art
This is the most demanding of the art courses, requiring students to create an extensive portfolio of
a variety of art projects, which may be submitted for judging in the AP program. This class is reserved for the most serious art students and
is by invitation only.
- History of Art
This required course presents an overview of Western art through the ages, from the earliest cave
drawings through the medieval and Gothic periods, the Renaissance, Picasso, all the way to modern photo realism.
- Choral Music
This course meets five times a week, preparing students for two major performances showcasing their
vocal talents. Tryouts are not required.
- Music History
This course introduces the history of Western music, from the Baroque period through contemporary
music. The emphasis is on listening.
- American Musical Theater
In this performance class, students stage classic scenes from great American musicals. Singing,
dancing, and acting are incorporated. An audition is required.
- Elements of Drama
This elective course explores the history, essence, and origins of drama through theater games and other experiences. Open to all students.
Computers
- Computer Resources for Learning
This half-credit elective course covers basic computer applications, such as PowerPoint, Excel,
and Word.
- Advanced Computer Concepts
The first semester of this course covers structured programming concepts. Topics in the second sememster focus on selected applications, such as advanced spreadsheet and database concepts, Web page design, and multimedia presentation design.
- AP Computer Science (A)
This AP-level course in Java programming prepares students to take the AP Computer Science exam.
- C++ Programming
This college-level course is offered via on-line instruction.
Resource Center
- Staffed by Upper School faculty members, the resource center provides academic enrichment and study skills development.
College Placement
- Freshmen and sophomores meet periodically with the Director of College Counseling to begin the process of developing the
strengths and interests that will make them attractive candidates to colleges. In the junior year, students begin the college
search in earnest, guided during a weekly class meeting the second semester of the junior year. Senior students continue to meet
weekly with the Director of College Counseling as they proceed through the application process.
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