Electives (2024-25)

In this semesterlong elective, students get to come face-to-face with the physical remains of the past and use them to help solve the puzzles of history. Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains. The field of archaeology lies at the intersection of STEM and the humanities. Archaeological scientists use cutting-edge technology to extract the tracest clues from the material remains of the past. Archaeologists then piece together these faint and fragmentary hints and create dynamic interpretations that answer research questions and provide a window into past human lives. Ancient texts and long-accepted narratives are tested against the physical evidence left by past people. Beyond the texts, archaeology provides a powerful leveling tool for the examination of history, providing evidence that allows scholars to tell the stories of the poor, underprivileged, women, and oppressed groups who are often absent from written historical narratives. The difficult questions raised by the history of archaeology and the global antiquities trade touch on colonialism, cultural representation, and international relations. In this course, students will become familiar with the basics of field archaeology, as well as the underlying theory and basic history of the discipline. Students will also develop their ability to synthesize different types of evidence into coherent narratives, learn how to form research questions, and acquire a hands-on understanding of how science and the humanities work symbiotically in a vibrant and active academic discipline.

 

History of archaeology

Major archaeological sites

Archaeological theory and methods

Experimental archaeology

Archaeological ethics

Archaeological illustration

The antiquities trade and colonialism, international antiquities law

Technology in archaeology

Pseudo-archeology and its perils

Cultural and historical resource management

Archaeological fieldwork (survey and/or excavation)

Grades 9-12

0.5 credit

Design Thinking spends the first quarter in an academic exploration of technology systems, the design process, and resource/material management. The second quarter will provide a foundation for students to use 3-D printing, CAD software, and explore communications necessary for innovation and design technology. The overall goal is for students to develop technical vocabulary while immersing themselves in the design process to solve a practical problem. Students will be expected to draw conceptual sketches and use an Engineering Notebook. By the end of Design Thinking, students will be able to use the design process to innovate a product and personalize a brand onto the product. Students will be able to showcase their process and iterations through the use of an Engineering Notebook and prototype through AutoCAD.

Units of Study
Introduction to Design Thinking
Marketing and Design
Drafting and Engineering
The Design Process
Resource and Product Management
Prototyping and 3D Printing/CAD
Innovation and Production

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

Additional Fee:  Possible ticket fee if we attend performances

Elements of Theatre is a semester course in which students are introduced to the art and craft of theatre-making and theatre performance through participatory exercises and projects in mime, theatre games, improvisation, and rudimentary scene work as well as lecture/demonstrations on basic theatre terminology, direction, design, and production. The course seeks to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of the many elements that comprise a theatrical production and to develop the ability to analyze and evaluate these elements as both participant and spectator. This work culminates with each student creating a Production Notebook of their own. In addition, students develop creativity, collaborative skills, and comfort in presenting and/or performing for others. Consistent, active engagement and participation in the exercises, scenes, and projects and respect for peers are the key components for success in the course.

Units of Study
Tell Me a Story
Talking Theatre
Theatre Practice
Putting It Together - Theatre Making
Improv – Fake It Until You Make It?
Your Mind's Eyes and Ears - Production Notebook

Grades 10-12
0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre or instructor permission

Additional Fee:  Possible ticket fee if we attend performances, events, or conferences

Light, or its absence, plays a major role in shaping our perception of the world around us. This is especially true in the managed environments of entertainment. From theatrical productions to dance, opera, architecture, concerts, spectacles and more, the intentional manipulation of light is a cornerstone in the process shaping the spectator’s experience. This course provides students the opportunity to learn, research, analyze, and apply the properties, theories, and technologies of light and lighting in order to serve and enrich various forms of entertainment. Students will study and apply the processes of creating and implementing a lighting design and develop the artistic, collaborative, and technical skills required for the successful realization of the design. Upon completion of the core units, each student will choose a track specific to their individual interest--Design or Technology--and develop and implement their collaborative thesis project within their chosen track. 10 Practical lab hours required.

This course may be repeated for credit with instructor permission.

Introduction to Entertainment Lighting: Storytelling & Environments

What does what U C say 2 U?

Qualities, Characteristics, and Functions of Light 

Color

Projection & Media

Design Basics

Design Process

Welcome to the “Real World” - Design Application

Don’t get ZAPPED: Electrical Theory and Practice

Hardware: don’t BE a tool – KNOW your tools.

But what’ll it look like? - Communicating the Design Idea

Makin’ it REAL: Communicating the Design Realization

Lighting Production Team: Organization and Responsibilities

Getting Along: Collaboration

Bits, Bytes, and Blackouts: Programming

Just do it! Thesis Project Tracks:

• Designer

• Electrician

• Programmer