Sophomore

Classical Languages

Latin II

In the first semester students review first-year material and learn several new grammatical constructions as they practice reading simple Latin based on the early legends and history of Rome. In the second semester, students read the authentic Latin of Livy, Caesar, and Ovid. Supplementary reading in mythology and ancient politics give students a wider understanding of the Roman world. Students continue to hone their linguistic skills as they encounter more difficult Latin passages. Students demonstrate their ability to comprehend the Latin through translation, paraphrase, and interrogation in Latin. Frequent reading at sight leads to a mastery of reading and comprehension in Latin.

ENGLISH

ENGLISH II

In Sophomore English, world literature and writing are the main areas of study. This study advances four key objectives to analyze literature; to read, think, and evaluate critically the selected works; to understand and appreciate language, and to refine the skill of writing. Sophomore literature focuses on world masterpieces. Students read selections ranging from the ancient Sumerian epic Gilgamesh to the poems and short stories of modern third-world writers. These works introduce students to the masters of world culture and thought and enrich them with an excellent foundation in literature, religion, and philosophy. During the year, sophomores continue to explore the complexities of human relationships through their study of novels, two Shakespearean plays, and Oedipus the King. Students’ interpretive skills of analysis and synthesis are developed by a lengthy reading list, class discussion, and essays. In their second year of the core program, students continue to develop and refine their own writing style as they explore topics critically and reflectively about their reading and the values represented in these readings. Students are encouraged to develop their own style as they explore their topics in narrative, analytical, persuasive, and interpretive essays. Students use the MLA format and documentation for their essays. Development of verbal skills is an important aspect of the sophomore year as students prepare for the PSATs and SATs. Vocabulary selected from their reading allows students to study the word in context, to appreciate the author skilled usage of the word, and to become more articulate in their own self-expression.

MATHEMATICS

After completing Algebra I or Intermediate Algebra, students will advance to a year in Geometry. Students in the Algebra II Accelerated will continue to Accelerated Geometry. Rising sophomores may qualify for the accelerated program based on their school records at the conclusion of their freshman year. To remain in the accelerated program, students must maintain a sound academic record.

GEOMETRY

In this course the aims begun in Algebra are continued and carried out to a greater degree. This is accomplished through the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres. The students power of spatial visualization is developed through the integration of space geometry with plane geometry throughout the course.

ACCELERATED GEOMETRY

Students in Accelerated Geometry cover the same topics as Geometry but with greater depth and rigor and with a greater emphasis on theory. Students also study the early basics of Trigonometry.

THEOLOGY

THEOLOGY II: CHRISTOLOGY, CHURCH, AND SACRAMENTS

A contemporary theological view of Christ, the Jesus of history and of faith, is presented. Using a careful blend of sacred scripture, history, tradition, and human development, Christian students will be offered the opportunity to engage in a commitment to Christ; non-Christian students will be exposed to the Jesus of history with the opportunity to understand Christian beliefs. Through a study of the Christian Community of faith from the time of Jesus to the present, students will be exposed to the origins, development and traditions of the Church; they will examine how this vision of the Christian Community is reflected in the post-Vatican II sacramental life of the Church.

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

The biology program offers a balance between textual and investigative material. The textual areas include a study of cells, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and a survey of both plant and animal life, with stress on the human life form as a whole organism. These will be coupled with the investigation into a vastly changing field, including recombinant DNA technology, virology, immunology, and CRISPR research.

SOCIAL STUDIES

AMERICAN CULTURES

The American Cultures course provides sophomores with a survey of the history and cultural development of the United States using a multi-cultural approach. With an emphasis on the major events which helped shape our nation, this course attempts to engender in the students an understanding and appreciation of America and all its people. In the process, students learn and use a variety of techniques meant to enhance the critical thinking skills necessary for understanding and participating in our pluralistic society.

A.P. U.S. History

A.P. U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In A.P. U.S. History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; making historical comparisons; utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time; and developing historical arguments. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places. Students successfully mastering this course material may earn college credit by passing the annually administered A.P. US History exam; the individual college or university determines how many, or if, any credits will be granted for the A.P. exam score. In accordance with school policy, the A.P. exam is mandatory for all students.

WORLD LANGUAGES

FRENCH I

The French I student will master some of the fundamentals of French grammar and pronunciation, as well as some of the fine points. There is an introduction to the geography and culture of France. Frequent testing, both oral and written, coupled with basic readings and dictations, serve as a means to evaluate progress.

GERMAN I

The student is required to master the fundamentals and some of the refinement of the grammar in the German language. This is done on the basis of frequent oral and written exercises and tests. There is an emphasis on German history, geography, and culture.

SPANISH I

Elementary vocabulary and grammar build a strong foundation for listening, speaking, writing and reading skills in this course. Pronunciation, paired-group activities and short conversations help the student develop strong verbal skills. Sentences, dialogues, compositions, and translations form the basis for writing and reading. History, geography, culture, and current events of the Spanish Americas and, in particular, Spain, are included in the curriculum.