Curriculum

Introduction to Literature and Composition (Honors)
The first part of this course focuses on genre studies (poetry, drama, short fiction) as students learn the jargon of literary analysis. The second part introduces students to the origins of Western literature, including world mythology, Homer’s Odyssey, and Dante’s Inferno.

American Literature and Composition(Honors)
This course traces the evolution of the American literary tradition from the colonial period to the present, examining major authors and the movements to which they belong. The component units emphasize close critical reading and analysis, as well as the process of writing a research paper using Modern Language Association Style.

English Literature and Composition (Honors or AP)
This course studies selected works of English literature from Beowulf to the twentieth century, introducing students to the canonical works of the English-speaking culture, including the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton, as well as the Romantics, the Victorians, and the Modernists. AP sections prepare for the English Literature exam.

AP Language & Composition with World Literature
This course focuses on developing college level writing with a special emphasis on world literature as described below. Skills in argumentation and critical analysis are reinforced in order to best prepare students for the AP Examination.

Honors World Literature
This course focuses on discovering how various cultures and authors have sought to map the human experience through literature. The reading will investigate canonical authors that have influenced civilization, as well as contemporary voices that explore cultures often underrepresented.

Advanced Topics Literature Seminars
These semester-long, seminar-style courses offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of a major author, literary movement, genre, or time period selected for the semester by the instructor. Through extensive class discussion and frequent writing assignments, students are encouraged to explore the essential issues of the human condition. (See The Meadows School Upper School Course Catalog for specific information about each seminar.) Classes taught as Advanced Topics Seminars include:

• Myth & Magic
• Chaos & Creativity in Literature
• Literature and Society

Creative Writing

Publications I: Journalism

Publications II: Yearbook

Geometry (Honors)
In this course, students study logical mathematical systems through a rigorous, deductive development of Euclidean geometry.

• Congruence/similarity
• Series of rigid transformations/constructions
• Proofs/logic
• Right triangles/trig
• Conic sections
• Circles and angles
• Three-dimensional measurement
• Coordinate geometry in 2 and 3 dimensions

• Variables, Exponents, and Expressions
• Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Systems of Equations and Inequalities
• Polynomials and Factoring
• Quadratic Equations
• Radical Expressions and Equations
• Rational Expressions and Equations
• Problem Solving and Logical Reasoning

• Operations of complex numbers
• Composition of functions
• Polynomial and rational functions and their inequalities
• Inverse functions
• Logarithmic and exponential functions
• Conic sections
• Matrix operations
• Sequences and series

Algebra II/Trigonometry (Honors)
This course provides an in-depth review of Algebra I concepts while introducing several new advanced algebra concepts outlined above. Trigonometry consists of the study of trigonometric and circular functions.

• Finding values of trigonometric functions
• Graphing trigonometric functions
• Finding values of inverse trigonometric functions
• Solving trigonometric equations
• Proving trigonometric identities
• Finding missing parts of both right and oblique triangles

College Algebra with Trigonometry (Honors)
This course provides an in-depth review of Algebra II while adding on additional concepts.

• Complex matrix operations
• Operations with vectors
• Extended study of solving systems of equations
• Finding values of trigonometric functions
• Graphing trigonometric functions
• Finding values of inverse trigonometric functions
• Solving trigonometric equations
• Proving trigonometric identities
• Finding missing parts of both right and oblique triangles

• Limits
• Continuity
• Differentiation and applications
• Integration
• Applications of the definite integral
• Separable differential equations
• Areas between two curves
• Volumes: by revolution or cross-sectional area

• Differentiating vector-based functions
• Integrating vector-based functions
• Sequences and series
• Associated tests for convergence
• Differential equations

• Vector calculus
• Cylindrical and spherical coordinates
• Partial differentiation
• Directional derivatives and the gradient
• Multiple integration
• Line and surface integrals
• Green’s and Stokes’ Theorem
• Divergence

• Descriptive statistics
• Experimental design
• Probability
• Inferential statistics
• Linear regression
• The normal distribution

• Top-down and bottom-up design
• Object-oriented design
• Flow of control
• Scope
• Recursion
• Basic data structures
• Sorting
• Searching
• Graphics

• Drones:
  • Drone hardware components
  • Drone assembly
  • Drone software configuration
  • Drone safety and piloting
• Coding:
  • Variables
  • Loops
  • Conditionals
  • Object-oriented programming
  • Graphics
  • Event handling

Modern Algebra (Advanced Topics)
This course provides students with an introduction to linear algebra in the first semester and an introduction to abstract algebra in the second semester.

• Linear transformations
• Linear independence
• Determinants
• Eigenvalues
• Eigenvectors
• Diagonalization

• Groups
• Rings
• Fields
• Homomorphisms
• Isomorphism theorems

• Biology (Honors)
• Secondary Health
• AP Biology (Elective)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (Honors Elective)
• AT Science Research (Elective)

• Chemistry (Honors)
• AP Chemistry (Elective)
• AT Environmental Chemistry (Elective)

• Physics (Honors)
• AP Physics I
• AP Physics C (Elective)
• Engineering (Honors Elective)
• Intro to Robotics
• Advanced Robotics
• AT Modern Physics: Concepts and Philosophy (Elective)

• Intro to Robotics (Elective)
• Advanced Robotics (Elective)

World History (Honors)
This Honors survey course traces the evolution of political, social, religious, technological, and economic institutions from Neolithic Revolution to modern times. The emphasis is on Europe, Asia, African, Latin America, the Middle East, and Western civilizations.

U.S. History (Honors or AP)
This course examines the significant events, trends, issues, and problems encountered in the American experience. Politics, economics, and an examination of the development of American culture are key facets of the course.

Economics and Personal Finance I (Honors)
This semester-long course in economics and personal finance can be taken separately for 0.5 credit with the option of continuing on into the second semester. The first semester meets the new Nevada state requirements for graduation and must be taken before graduation. The first semester introduces the essentials of both micro and macroeconomics before the topic of personal finance.

Economics and Personal Finance II (Honors)
This second-semester course is an elective for students who want to experience beyond the basics and have the opportunity to delve more deeply into the application of the concepts covered in semester one.

European History (Honors or AP)
This course focuses on European history since 1450. It introduces students to the cultural, social, and political developments that have significantly shaped the world in which they live.

U.S. Government (Honors or AP)
This course, both year-long and semester-long, examines the nature of the American political system, its development over the past 200 years, and how it functions today. The principles, processes, and institutions through which the political system operates are examined.

• Psychology (AP)
• Economics - Micro/Macro (AP)
• Religion and Philosophy (Honors)
• Economics - Micro/Macro (AP)
• Student Government
• Introduction to Law (Honors)
• Politics of Terrorism (Honors)

Chinese I (Honors)
This course is designed to develop students’ fundamental understanding and communication skills in Mandarin Chinese, including listening, comprehension, reading, and basic conversation. This introductory Chinese course will cover Hanyu Pinyin (Chinese pronunciation system), Hanzi (Chinese writing system), and Chinese typing. It also presents general aspects of Chinese daily life and culture.

Chinese II (Honors)
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed a rigorous one-year Chinese I course in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese, or its equivalent. This second-year course continues to develop an overview of the Chinese language and culture through authentic and intensive listening, speaking, reading, and writing. At the end of the course, students will be able to comprehend and produce paragraph-level Chinese.

Chinese III (Honors)
This course is designed for students who have completed two years of Chinese courses. This course elevates students' understanding of more complex Chinese syntax and grammatical concepts through rigorous practice of spoken and written Chinese. Students will be provided with opportunities to focus on fine-tuning pronunciation, expanding vocabulary, and internalizing more complex grammatical constructions.

AP Chinese Language and Culture
AP Chinese is a full-year course that covers the equivalent of the fourth semester of a college Chinese course. This course aims to provide students with ongoing and varied opportunities to further develop their proficiency across the full range of language skills while learning about Chinese culture and society. The course engages students in an exploration of both contemporary and historical Chinese culture. AP courses reflect interests in the arts, current events, literature, and sports shared by the students and teacher. It is expected that all students enrolled in this course take the AP exam in May.

French I (Honors)
This course includes beginning conversation, oral proficiency of basic concepts, aural comprehension, mastery of basic grammar, and an introduction to culture. Emphasis is placed on conversation and correct pronunciation.

French II (Honors)
This course emphasizes written French as well as spoken French (i.e. essays, presentations). Focus on increased vocabulary and reading proficiency.

French III (Honors)
French III focuses on complex conversation and composition supported with excerpts from Francophone literature and realia.

French IV (Honors)
French IV focuses on increasing student proficiency through a more intense study and assessment of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.

French Pre-AP
This course prepares students for the AP French Language and Culture class. It increases proficiency in interpersonal and presentational reading, writing, and speaking while comparing American and Francophone multicultural communities.

AP French Language and Culture
This course provides an intensive review and application of grammar geared toward conversational and written fluency in preparation for the College Board AP Examination.

French Contemporary Topics (Honors)
This course examines current events and how they are interpreted in the Francophone world. Topics include pop music, climate change, refugee status around the world, and world politics. The course also looks at contemporary films and blogs as a window into French and Francophone culture. This course is an option for students who want to have an additional year of French.

Latin I (Honors)
Introduction to basic grammar and vocabulary, derivatives, Roman history, culture, and mythology. Emphasis is placed on mastery through the recognition and application of patterns (morphology) and grammatical rules (syntax).

Latin II (Honors)
Continued acquisition of derivatives and vocabulary begun in Latin I (Honors) or Middle School Latin I; further inquiry into Roman history, culture, and mythology; completion of advanced grammar/syntax with the goal of reading longer passages of unadapted prose by the year’s end.

Latin III (Honors)
Review of the principles of advanced Latin grammar, followed by the reading of authentic Latin literature, including both prose and poetry. Authors include Aulus Gellius, Ovid and Catullus. Introduction to multiple meters (dactylic hexameter, elegiac couplets, and hendecasyllables), as well as rhetorical and poetic devices.

AP Latin (Vergil/Caesar)
Preparation for the College Board AP Examination, covering selections from Caesar’s Gallic Wars and Vergil’s Aeneid. In-depth literary and historical analysis are honed through the cultivation of the skills necessary to navigate the multiple types of assessment encountered on the exam: multiple-choice and short-answer questions; translation both seen and at sight; and expository essay writing.

Latin Literature (Advanced Topics)
Continuation of the survey of Latin authors explored in Latin IV (Honors) and/or AP Latin through the reading of authentic Latin literature. Authors include the orator Cicero and the poet Horace. Special emphasis is placed on sight-reading and on the continued exploration of new meters and rhetorical and poetic devices, all while cultivating a more in-depth appreciation for the genre.

Spanish I (Honors)
This course includes beginning conversation, oral proficiency of basic concepts, aural comprehension, mastery of basic grammar, and an introduction to culture. Emphasis is placed on conversation and correct pronunciation.

Spanish II (Honors)
In Spanish II, speaking and listening skills continue to be developed at an intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on cultural topics and country studies. Grammar topics include the past tense and the subjunctive.

Spanish III (Honors)
In this course, advanced grammar topics are studied with an increase in vocabulary acquisition. Hispanic artists are explored. Students also compare and contrast their experiences with those of teenagers in Latin American countries.

Spanish IV (Honors)
In this course, listening, reading, speaking and writing skills continue to develop at an advanced level. The use of Google Apps, podcasts, Spanish websites and web based games reinforces grammatical structures and provides vocabulary practice.

Spanish Pre-AP (Honors)
The course focuses on communication, incorporating further understanding of Hispanic cultures, connecting with other disciplines, comparing the student's native language to Spanish and participating in multicultural communities. An intense grammar review prepares students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture class.

AP Spanish Language and Culture
This course focuses on preparation for the College Board AP Examination and covers vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies and cultural awareness. This course is an immersion experience for both the student and the teacher.

AP Spanish Literature and Culture
This course focuses on preparation for the College Board AP Examination covering Spanish and Latin American authors and their works, from the medieval era to the present day.

Spanish Film and Conversation (Honors)
This course focuses on contemporary and traditional themes. The student will develop organizational skills for effective writing and speaking at the advanced level. Prerequisites for this class are Spanish Pre-AP, Spanish IV or AP Spanish Language and Culture.

Spanish Seminar (Advanced Topics)

• Sight Reading
• Performance Skills
• Musical Skills Development
• Form and Structure in Music Understanding
• Composing and Arranging
• Music Technology Knowledge
• Stage Presence

• Music Pieces for Upcoming Concerts
• A Structured Warm-up for Developing a Fundamental Based Routine:
  • Rehearsal Behavior
  • Characteristic Sound on the Horn
  • Breathing Routine for Focus and Timing
  • Embouchure and Vowel Shapes
  • Articulation and Release

• Reading/playing from a Grand Staff
• Key Signatures
• Circle of 5ths
• Playing Intermediate-level Piano Literature

Students that demonstrate a high level of proficiency by the end of the year will be invited to sign-up for Advanced Placement Music Theory during the following year.

• Four-part Choral Writing and Arranging
• Visual Score Analysis, Harmonic, and Formal Analysis
• Rhythmic, Melodic, and Harmonic Dictation
• Realization of Figured Bass Lines
• Rudimentary Keyboard Skills
• Sight Singing and Ear Training

• The Stage and Backstage Spaces
• Design Elements and Research
• Properties, Costumes, and Set Construction and Fabrication
• Theatre History: Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Italian Commedia del’ Arte, and more
• Collaboration and Creativity

• Stage Presence, Public Speaking, and Audition Techniques
• Script and Character Analysis
• Ensemble Work and Collaboration
• Improvisation
• Problem Solving Skills
• Individual Creativity and Expression
• Basic Technical Knowledge
• Design Elements

• Motivating Movement
• Styles of Dance
• Performance Aspects of Dance and Musical Theatre
• Building a Musical Theatre Repertoire
• Audition Techniques

• Puppetry
• Prosthetics and Wigs
• Mask Fabrication
• Close-up Magic
• Juggling and Kinetic Juggling

• Voice Dynamics
• Body Understanding and Movement
• Mind Connection with Characters
• Memorization
• Various Performance Styles
• Historical Study
• Monologues and Small Scene Work
• Shakespeare

• Audition Reel
• Headshots and Resume
• Build Performance Repertoire
• Various “Theatrical Schools of Thought” in Practice and Theory
• Historical Study
• Multiple Performance Opportunities

• Basics of Camera Operations
• Digital and 35mm Black and White Photography
• Individual Creativity
• Visual Problem Solving
• Craftsmanship of Photoshop Basics
• Artistic Appreciation
• Beginning a Portfolio

• Composition and Exposure
• Lighting Variables
• Basics of Graphic Design
• Digital Manipulation
• Photo Journalism
• Portraiture
• Portfolio Collection

• Advanced Digital Manipulation
• Scanning and Design
• Studio Lighting
• Portraits
• Presentation Portfolios
• Critiquing Photographs
• School Spirit and Yearbook
• Portfolio Development

• In-depth Exploration of a Particular Design
• Coherent Development of an Idea
• Artistic Success and Statement
• Showing a Range of Experimentation and Experience in 2-D Design
• Finished Portfolio

• Documentaries
• Horror
• Foreign
• Syfy/Fantasy
• AFI top 100
• Academy Award Winners

• Policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate skills and practices
• Public Speaking skills and Individual Events speeches
• Research collection, organization, and presentation
• Extensive coverage of current and future interscholastic debate topics

• Tournament preparation and scouting
• Advanced public speaking
• Original, independent research
• Extensive coverage of the high school policy debate resolution
• Strategies for competitive success at regional and national policy debate tournaments

• Tournament preparation and scouting
• Advanced public speaking
• Original, independent research
• Extensive coverage of current and future high school Lincoln-Douglas debate resolutions
• Strategies for competitive success at regional and national policy debate tournaments

• Extemporaneous speaking
• Original oratory
• Congressional debate
• Humorous interpretation
• Dramatic interpretation
• Duet acting

One sport season is equivalent to 0.5 credit toward the graduation requirement. A maximum of 1.0 credit may be accumulated each year. Sport-season credits may be combined with PE credits to satisfy the two-year PE requirement.

This course focuses on athletic performance as well as the fundamental principles of fitness. Students interested in athletic performance will be introduced to speed, strength, flexibility, and conditioning tailored for athletes. Students who are interested in personal fitness are introduced to wellness related concepts and activities for the purpose of gaining knowledge and the skills necessary to evaluate their personal fitness level and to develop a personal lifelong fitness program. Activities include, but are not limited to: weight training, aerobics, and team games such as volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball, and soccer.

This course teaches students the basic anatomy of the most commonly injured body parts. The class will review anatomy of such body parts and include taping and wrapping techniques along with beginning rehabilitation routines. Upon completion of this class students will have earned First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications from the American Red Cross.

The Nevada Department of Education requires one semester of Health for graduation. Students who attended Middle School at The Meadows meet the requirement. Students new to The Meadows must complete a one semester program for graduation.

PE credits do not count toward the minimum 23 credits required for graduation although a combination of PE/Interscholastic Athletics credits equivalent to 2 credits is required to graduate.